Category: Local News

IMF Chief reaffirms strong support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reaffirmed its continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery during a meeting between IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in Davos, Switzerland.



Over 61kg of ICE seized in Nittambuwa STF raid

An individual has been arrested in Nittambuwa with over 61 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ICE, worth around Rs. 900 million, during a Police Special Task Force (STF) operation.



Sri Lanka Prime Minister Harini meets ADB President at World Economic Forum

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda in Switzerland yesterday January 20 on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.



Government Radiologic Technologists in Sri Lanka launch 24 hour islandwide strike

The Government Radiological Technologists’ Association says a 24 hour token strike will begin at all hospitals across Sri Lanka from 8:00 AM today (January 21), causing a complete suspension of radiation related examination services.



Sri Lanka introduces digital fuel card system for government vehicles

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has introduced a new digital fuel card system to make the supply of fuel to government vehicles more efficient and to ensure transparency.



Sri Lanka raises private sector minimum wage to Rs. 30,000

The minimum wage of private sector employees in Sri Lanka has been increased by Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 30,000 with effect from January 01, 2026.



Man arrested with Rs. 283.3 Million, vehicles seized

A 40 year old man was arrested yesterday (January 19) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act after police seized Rs. 283.3 million in cash and two vehicles suspected to have been illegally acquired.



Five arrested over Jinthupitiya shooting that killed one and injured two children

Sri Lanka Police have arrested five suspects, including a 49 year old woman, in connection with a shooting in the Jinthupitiya area that killed one person and injured two children.



NIE Deputy Director General sent on compulsory leave over Grade 6 textbook

Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education (NIE) Darshana Samaraweera has been sent on compulsory leave over the controversial Grade 6 English module, while two other NIE officials have been interdicted.



Sri Lanka reviews digital economy projects with strong push for cashless payments

A high level discussion on Sri Lanka’s digital economy projects, with a strong focus on promoting a cashless economy and new plans for 2026, was held this morning (January 19) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.



Baladaksha Mawatha flyover opens in Colombo

The Baladaksha Mawatha flyover was opened to the public in Colombo today (January 19) to reduce heavy traffic congestion in a key part of the city.



Sri Lanka Police destroy over 22,000 cannabis plants in forest reserve raids

Sri Lanka Police destroyed two large cannabis cultivations in forest reserve areas in Hambegamuwa and Ethimale yesterday (January 18) after raids that uncovered more than 22,000 cannabis plants.



Sri Lanka PM Harini Amarasuriya heads to Davos for World Economic Forum 2026

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed Sri Lanka this morning (January 19) to participate in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23, 2026.



Prime Minister Harini emphasises equal access to education as Government policy

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that it is the government’s policy to ensure equal and continuous access to education for all students, regardless of their social or economic background.



Sri Lanka to issue 500,000 delayed driving licenses in March 2026

Around 500,000 driving licenses that were delayed due to a shortage of cards will be issued within March 2026, Sri Lanka’s Department of Motor Traffic announced.



Nandana Gunathilake passes away

Former Member of Parliament Nandana Gunathilake passed away in the early hours of this morning (January 18) at the age of 63 while receiving treatment at the Ragama Hospital.