Category: Local News

Sri Lanka distributes disaster grants as Cyclone Ditwah triggers over 1,200 landslides

The National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) of the Ministry of Defence has announced that a Rs. 50,000 grant for obtaining kitchen equipment for families affected by the disaster has been fully disbursed to 3,665 families.



Sri Lanka to give Rs. 500,000 per house for disaster damage without assessments

The Government of Sri Lanka will provide Rs. 500,000 to each household affected by disaster-related housing damage without conducting individual assessments, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala said.



Fake bomb threat email triggers security search at Kandy District Secretariat

An email claiming that bombs had been hidden at five locations within the Kandy District Secretariat premises led to a full day security search yesterday (December 26), but no explosive materials were found.



Hikkaduwa Police Lifeguards rescue four foreign nationals from strong sea currents

Two separate sea rescue operations were carried out by the Hikkaduwa Police Lifeguard Unit on December 26, 2025, saving four foreign nationals, including a mother and her 14 year old son, after they were caught in strong sea currents while swimming at beaches in the Hikkaduwa Police Division.



Former Minister Douglas Devananda arrested by CID

Former Minister Douglas Devananda has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (December 26) in connection with an investigation conducted by its Homicide Investigation Division.



Sri Lanka’s expressways earn Rs. 54 Million on Christmas Day

Revenue of Rs. 54 million was recorded from Sri Lanka’s expressways on Christmas Day (December 25).



Doctor of Walana hospital dies in Mirissa drowning

A 49-year-old doctor, the Chief Medical Officer of Walana Hospital in Weligama, drowned while swimming in the sea at Mirissa yesterday afternoon (December 25).



Suspect in 2022 Mulleriyawa shooting arrested with ICE and fake passport

A suspect linked to the 2022 shooting death of a former Deputy Chairman of the Kotikawatta–Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested on the morning of December 25, 2025, in the Thalahena area of Malabe.



Today marks 21 years since the 2004 tsunami disaster

A two-minute silence will be observed across Sri Lanka today (December 26) from 9:25 a.m. to 9:27 a.m. as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the tsunami disaster that struck the coastal belt of Sri Lanka on December 26, 2004.



Gampaha Police OIC arrested for alleged bribery

The Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Crimes Division attached to the Gampaha Police Station has been arrested in connection with an alleged bribery incident.



Rs. 1,001 Million relief paid to 7,515 Trincomalee farmers after Cyclone Ditwah

A total of Rs. 1,001 million was paid on December 24 to 7,515 farmers in the Trincomalee District as financial assistance for crop damage caused by flooding linked to Cyclone Ditwah, at a rate of Rs. 150,000 per hectare.



Sri Lanka Prime Minister calls for unity and compassion in 2025 Christmas message

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her 2025 Christmas message, called on all communities to unite with compassion and shared responsibility as the country faces the impact of a devastating natural disaster.



Sri Lanka President calls for unity and compassion in 2025 Christmas message

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his 2025 Christmas message, called on Sri Lankans to face recent national hardships with unity, compassion and courage, following the severe natural disaster that affected the country.



Sri Lanka begins digitalization of Excise Department

Sri Lanka today (December 24) launched the digitalization of the Excise Department, signing agreements with relevant institutions as part of a wider government program to digitalize state institutions.



Sampath Manamperi detained for another 90 days

The Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court today (December 24) ordered a further 90 day detention of Sampath Manamperi, who is being held by the Western Province (North) Crime Division in connection with the possession of chemical substances allegedly used to manufacture the drug ICE, also known as crystal methamphetamine.



MP Ramanathan Archchuna arrested

Member of Parliament Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna was arrested after surrendering to the Fort Police today (December 24).