Anusha Palpita arrested by Bribery Commission

Former Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and former Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), Anusha Palpita, was arrested today (January 23) by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).



Johnston Fernando, two sons and others further remanded until January 30, 2026

Five suspects, including former minister Johnston Fernando and his two sons, have been ordered to be further remanded until January 30, 2026.



Paranthan Chemical Factory reconstruction begins after four decades

The foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Paranthan Chemical Factory, closed since 1985 due to the conflict in the Northern Province, was laid on January 21, 2026 at the Paranthan Chemical Industrial Zone.



Sri Lanka hospitals affected as GMOA starts 48 hour strike

A 48-hour island-wide symbolic strike by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) began at 8:00 AM today (January 23), disrupting general hospital services in Sri Lanka due to the failure to implement agreements given by the Health Minister.



Sri Lanka, China hold talks to boost agriculture and address environmental issues

A high level discussion on strengthening Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector with Chinese support and addressing related environmental issues was held yesterday morning (January 22) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.



Arjuna Ranatunga, brother indicted over CEYPETCO loss

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (January 22) told court that indictments have been filed against former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and his brother Dhammika Ranatunga over a nearly Rs. 800 million loss to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.



GMOA announces 48 hour nationwide hospital strike

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) says it will engage in a 48 hour token strike at hospitals across Sri Lanka starting from 8:00 AM tomorrow (January 23).



Nuwara Eliya records 3.5°C as Sri Lanka sees sharp temperature drop

Sri Lanka recorded a sharp drop in temperatures today (January 22) with Nuwara Eliya reporting a low of 3.5°C the coldest recorded in recent times according to the Department of Meteorology.



CEB trade unions warn of action from February 01 over unresolved issues

Trade unions of the Ceylon Electricity Board have warned that trade union action will begin from February 01, 2026, over unresolved issues linked to the proposed restructuring of the institution.



IMF delegation arrives in Sri Lanka to assess Cyclone Ditwa impact

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation is arriving in Sri Lanka today (January 22) to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwa and hold discussions with relevant authorities.



Sri Lanka moves to restore Central Highlands after Cyclone Ditwah landslides

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said nearly 4,000 landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah have severely damaged Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, prompting urgent action to rebuild and protect the region.



Sri Lanka launches ICC T20 World Cup 2026 trophy tour in Colombo

The official tour of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy, ahead of the 2026 tournament jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and India, was inaugurated today (January 21) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.



Motorcycle mechanic arrested for Rs. 50,000 bribe attempt at Bemmulla Police Station

A motorcycle mechanic from Kalagedihena was arrested today (January 21) while allegedly attempting to bribe a police officer with Rs. 50,000 to secure the release of an illegally used motorcycle without court action.



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.