Category: Local News

The Government of Sri Lanka is planning a new system to allow private sector employees to receive their Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) as a monthly pension instead of a one-time payment, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe told Parliament today (January 06).

Five people have died in the Thambaravila area of Wennappuwa after consuming liquor suspected to be illicit alcohol.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that, within the prevailing financial constraints, budgetary allocations for 2026 have been made by identifying national priorities, and emphasized that it is the responsibility of all Ministry Secretaries and public officials to utilize these funds with maximum efficiency for the benefit of the people.

The Government of Sri Lanka has expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Venezuela, stressing the need for a peaceful resolution, respect for international law, and the safety and well-being of the Venezuelan people, according to a statement issued on January 05, 2026.

Fuel prices in Sri Lanka have been revised, effective January 5, 2026.

Former Minister Johnston Fernando and his younger son, Gerome Kenneth Fernando, who were arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today (January 5), have been remanded until January 9, 2026, after being produced before the Wattala Magistrate’s Court.

An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Nuwara Eliya and a female Police Sergeant in Kalmunai were arrested today (January 5) by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over bribery charges.

Former Minister Johnston Fernando and his younger son, Gerome Kenneth Fernando, were arrested a short while ago by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).

Disciplinary action has been taken against nearly 500 police officers in Sri Lanka in connection with drug related offences, Sri Lanka’s Inspector General of Police, Attorney at Law Priyantha Weerasooriya, said.

A 37-year-old man from Oluvil 01 went missing after being dragged away by a crocodile while swimming in the Gal Oya River in the Periyapallakadu area of the Akkaraipattu Police Division on the afternoon of yesterday (January 4), prompting an immediate search operation.

Former Minister Johnston Fernando arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning (January 05) in connection with an investigation into alleged financial losses to the government over the misuse of a Lanka Sathosa lorry.

India’s Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi will arrive in Sri Lanka on January 07, 2026 for a two day official visit aimed at strengthening defence cooperation, military training ties and regional security engagement, the Indian Defence Ministry announced.

The internal committee appointed to investigate the controversial Grade 6 English language module that contained a reference to an inappropriate website has submitted its report, Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed today (January 04).

The former Transport Manager of Lanka Sathosa, Indika Ratnamalala, has been arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) over the alleged misuse of a state-owned lorry.

Sri Lanka’s Education Ministry has decided to re examine all Grade 6 modules after a controversy over an unsuitable website reference found in a newly printed Grade 6 English language module, which also led to a complaint being lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The process of providing a grant of Rs. 5 million to families in Sri Lanka who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah will begin within the first ten days of January 2026.