IMF team to visit Sri Lanka to assess Cyclone Ditwah damage and recovery needs

The Criminal Investigation Department today (January 16) extradited three wanted suspects from Dubai, including two suspected hitmen linked to organized criminal gangs and a woman wanted for financial misappropriation.

The All Ceylon Canteen and Restaurant Owners’ Association announced that the price of a cup of milk tea has been reduced by Rs. 10 with effect from today (January 16), following a reduction in the price of imported milk powder.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Government aims to build a prosperous Sri Lanka free of racism and united as one nation where all citizens can live with dignity regardless of language or religion.

The 20 megawatt Windscape Mannar wind power plant built by CEYLEX Renewables was officially connected to the national grid today (January 15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as part of Sri Lanka’s goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Construction of a 50-megawatt wind power project developed by Hayleys Fentons Limited in Mannar commenced today (January 15) under the patronage of Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in line with the government’s policy to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Veteran Sri Lankan singer and musician Raju Bandara passed away today (January 15) at the age of 65, according to family sources.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said developing digital infrastructure in schools is a key focus of Sri Lanka’s education reforms, as an education digitalization programme supported by a Chinese grant was launched yesterday (January 14).

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Thai Pongal Day message, called on all Sri Lankans to unite with courage and determination to rebuild the country following the recent natural disaster, while drawing inspiration from the festival’s values of gratitude, prosperity and harmony with nature.

Powdered milk importers in Sri Lanka have agreed to reduce the price of milk powder packets starting January 16, 2026, the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, announced.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided not to revise electricity tariffs for the first quarter of 2026 after the Ceylon Electricity Board failed to submit a valid tariff revision proposal within the required time frame.

Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), highlighted the national importance of the “Ratama Ekata” programme and praised the Navy for continuing the initiative despite its heavy involvement in rescue and relief work during the recent national disaster emergency.

The Colombo High Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa and ordered that he be produced before court after he failed to appear in a case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of unlawfully acquiring assets worth more than Rs. 75 million.

A retired Navy medical assistant was arrested yesterday (January 13), on allegations of demanding a Rs. 300,000 bribe to arrange the admission of a child to Grade One at Visakha Vidyalaya in Colombo for the 2026 school year.

The 13th Defence Services Games 2024/2025 concluded successfully with a colourful closing ceremony at the Army Cantonment in Panagoda on 12 January 2026, where the Sri Lanka Army emerged overall champions and the Sri Lanka Air Force finished as runners-up.

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education says steps will be taken to swiftly recruit 23,344 graduates to the teaching service, following recent Cabinet approval, with two competitive examinations to be held for the recruitment process.