Upcountry Rail Service Resumes Between Badulla & Ambewela
Train services on the Badulla–Ambewela section of Sri Lanka’s upcountry railway resumed Saturday, 23 days after the line was disrupted by the Ditwa disaster, officials said. A special Udarata Menike service (SPL 1016), operated with a Class S14 power set,…
Toll Collection Suspended at Kerawalapitiya Interchange
Sri Lanka has suspended toll collection at the Kerawalapitiya Interchange on the Katunayake Expressway through an extraordinary gazette notification, the government said. Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Ratnayake said authorities observed that tolling at the interchange was unnecessary and…
CMC Christmas light-up reflects “Lights of Hope” message
The Colombo Municipal Council held its Christmas service at the council premises this week, with religious and provincial leaders in attendance, as the city scaled back festive activities amid recent national circumstances. The service was attended by His Eminence Malcolm…
Police probe suspected death in Narahenpita
Police have launched an investigation into a suspected death after a man was found dead inside his residence in the Narahenpita area of Colombo on Friday. Police said the incident was reported on the afternoon of December 19 from Kirula…
Massage centre fronting brothel: 9 Thai women arrested in Colombo
Sri Lankan police raided a brothel allegedly operating under the guise of a massage centre in Colombo on Friday night, arresting a suspect and nine foreign women, police said. The raid was carried out on December 19 in the Kollupitiya…
Foreign tourist dies after being caught in strong current at Hikkaduwa
A foreign national drowned while swimming off the Hikkaduwa coast on Friday, while police also rescued a foreign woman from the sea in a separate incident later the same day. Police said the drowning occurred on the morning of December…
SriLankan Airlines Launches Operations at Terminal 1, Velana International Airport
SriLankan Airlines officially transitioned its operations to Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, Malé, effective 17 December 2025. To commemorate the move, Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL) hosted a ceremonial welcome for passengers arriving on UL101 at Terminal 1, as…
World Bank approves $50 million project to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation
The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved a $50 million project to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation. The project will promote innovation and investment in Sri Lanka’s digital sector, modernize government services, and make them easier to access…
President AKD speaks to UAE President, thanks him for swift humanitarian assistance
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed Sri Lanka’s deep appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for its swift humanitarian assistance to communities affected by recent floods and heavy rainfall across the country. The President conveyed his gratitude during a telephone conversation…
IMF Approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a disbursement of SDR150.5 million (about US$206 million, equivalent to 26 percent of quota) for Sri Lanka under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). This emergency support will help address urgent…