In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, more than 177,000 people are currently living in the homes of relatives and friends, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
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The Ministry of Health and Mass Media will conduct an Arogya mobile health clinic for the Colombo Nattami Community and their family members on January 10, 2026. The clinic will be held from 8.00 am at the premises of the Colombo Fort Grand Mosque and will focus on screening for non-communicable diseases. A total of 10 clinics, including blood tests, dental and eye examinations, will be in operation on the day. The programme is being implemented under the concept of Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. (Newswire) The post Arogya Mobile Clinic to be conducted for Colombo Nattami Community appeared first on…
Iran was plunged into a nationwide internet blackout Thursday evening as mass anti-government protests spread around the country, with Iranians shouting slogans against the ruling theocratic regime as anger mounts over economic turmoil and security crackdowns.
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 309.00/30 to the US dollar in the spot market Friday, stronger from 309.10/50 the previous day, having depreciated in recent weeks, dealers said, while bond yields closed broadly steady. A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 closed at 8.45/50 percent, down from 8.45/55 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2028 closed at 9.20/24 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 closed at 9.64/68 percent, from 9.63/66 percent. A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 closed at 9.72/75 percent, down from 9.70/75 percent. A bond maturing on 01.10.2032 closed at 10.33/36 percent, up from 10.28/33 percent. A bond maturing on…
ECONOMYNEXT – Diversified financials and selected conglomerate shares advanced the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Price Index (ASPI) to close 0.54 percent higher from Thursday, data on its site showed. Market rose 3.45 percent from a week ago. The broader All Share Price Index closed 127.17 points up at 23,654.30 while the S&P SL20 gained 0.70 percent, or 44.99 points to close at 6,503.02 on Friday. The All Share Total Return Index (ASTRI) rose 4.02 percent while the S&P SL20 Total Return Index increased to 4.88 percent in the session. Banks and retail shares gained investor interest in the…
In a significant move to strengthen Sri Lanka’s printing industry, the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and the Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP) recently held discussions to develop industry-focused training programs aimed at producing a future-ready workforce.
ECONOMYNEXT – Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Turkey, has upgraded its Istanbul – Colombo route flight to long-range, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner A350-900 aircraft, from the earlier A330-300 aircraft, the state-run Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) said. The move comes with the start of peak tourism season last month. “We are delighted to announce that Turkish Airlines has upgraded the Istanbul – Colombo route with the introduction of the new A350-900 aircraft,” the BIA said in its social media platforms. Turkish Airlines has operated nonstop flights to Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) from Istanbul Airport (IST) since 2012, serving…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka Expo 2026 with 750 exporters and investor forum is targeting 1,500 foreign participants including buyers, investor and the media, Export Development Board Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe said. Expo Sri Lanka is aiming to showcase exporters, promote Sri Lanka has as a investment hub, build confidence among global investors to boost Sri Lanka’s exports to 36 billion dollars by 2030. Sri Lanka is estimated to have earned 17 billion US dollars from goods and services exports, Wijesinghe said. Exporters will display products across 24 product and service categories. There will also be thematic pavilions targeting areas like sustainable…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has sold 10,000 million rupees of treasury bills offered on tap at average rates of 7.88 percent and 8.47 percent, the public debt management office said, bringing the total of bills sold this week to 110 billion rupees. The debt office sold 3-month bills at 7.88 percent. The debt office sold 12-month bills at 8.47 percent. On Wednesday (7) the debt office raised 100 billion rupees of 3, 6 and 12 month bills. Read more Sri Lanka Treasury bill yields rise, 6-month up 17bp Settlement date is January 9. (Colombo/Jan9/2026)
Photo courtesy of The Island The government enters its second year with mixed reviews. While gaining points for action on the anti-corruption front and turning away from the elite old political guard, it has earned brickbats for inaction on human rights issues and addressing the concerns of minority communities. There are no concrete moves to deal with the causes that led to the 26 year civil war nor to bring justice to victims of war related crimes. The country is awaiting a firm date for Provincial Council elections. The dreaded Prevention of Terrorism Act and the repressive Online Safety Act…
ECONOMYNEXT – Parakrama Dissanayake, an industry veteran has been appointed advisor to Sri Lanka President Anura Dissanayake’s on Maritime, Ports and Logistics, his media office said. Dissanayake, a professional who has headed Aitken Spence since 2019, had earlier been Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, former Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority. He has been elected International President of the Institute of Chartered (2016-2018) Shipbrokers UK. (Colombo/Jan08/2026)
The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has announced that updated forecasts from the Department of Meteorology show a shift in the deep depression’s movement in the Bay of Bengal. Per the latest forecast issued at 08.00 am today, the anticipated heavy rainfall in the previously warned Central Highlands divisions has eased. Residents in those areas are advised that evacuation is not required under the current advisory. The NBRO added that it will continue to closely monitor weather developments and issue guidance as needed. The public is urged to remain alert and follow the latest weather updates. (Newswire) The post Shift…
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has launched ‘CMC Apparel’, a new workspace designed to support young women entering employment after completing the year-long NVQ course, helping them on their path toward economic stability. According to a statement by CMC Mayor Vraîe Cally Balthazaar, at the launch on Thursday (08 Jan), students from both current and past batches demonstrated their skills in pattern making, pattern grading, and design, showcasing the talent and dedication fostered through the programme. “In the past, members of the council have donated sewing machines to women across the city. Unfortunately, many of these machines were underutilized and,…
An elephant calf has been reported dead in an accident in the Galgamuwa area this morning (09 Jan). According to reports, a lorry had collided with the elephant calf, resulting in its death. The accident is reported to have occurred at the Elephant Pass in the Ambanpola Kasikote area of Galgamuwa. (Newswire/ Image – Accident1st) The post Elephant calf killed in Galgamuwa lorry collision appeared first on Newswire.
It has been decided to close all schools in the Uva Province at 11:30 am today (09 Jan), due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. The Uva Provincial Director of Education stated that, as such, all 892 schools will be closed. It was further said that, depending on the situation, full authority has been vested in all principals to make future decisions. Previously, instructions were issued to close all schools in the Badulla District at or before 11.00 am, taking into consideration the prevailing weather conditions. According to a notice issued by the Uva Provincial Director of Education, it was…
Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake says the Inspector General of Police has been instructed to take action against the driver of a container who was seen recklessly driving and harassing the driver of a bus on the expressway. Video footage shows the container forcing the bus out of its lane and driving dangerously close, pushing the vehicle toward the railings. Addressing the issue in Parliament, Minister Ratnayake pointed out that several accidents are a cause of the reckless behaviour of drivers, including drugs and alcohol consumption, racing, and sleeplessness. “Even recently, we saw a container edge a bus out of…
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly criticised U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump and urged the world not to let the world order disintegrate into a “den of robbers” where the unscrupulous take what they want. In unusually strong remarks, which appeared to refer to actions such as the ousting of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro at the weekend, the former foreign minister said global democracy was being attacked as never before. Although the German president’s role is largely ceremonial, his words carry some weight and he has more freedom to express views than politicians. Describing Russia’s annexation of Crimea…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee opened at 309.15/30 to the US dollar in the spot market Friday, relatively flat from 309.10/50 the previous day, having depreciated in recent weeks, dealers said, while bond yields opened higher. A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.64/67 percent, up from 9.63/66 percent. A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 was quoted at 9.71/75 percent, up from 9.70/75 percent. A bond maturing on 01.10.2032 was quoted flat at 10.28/33 percent. The telegraphic transfer rates for the dollar were 305.8500 buying, 312.8500 selling; the British pound was 409.7568 buying, and 421.1186 selling, and the euro was…
A person by the name of Thilini Ranasinghe says she has requested information from the Police under the country’s Right to Information law regarding a visit by officers to an English university linked to an ongoing case involving a former president. Speaking to reporters outside the Police, Ranasinghe said she visited the Sri Lanka Police to confirm facts related to reports that officers travelled to England in connection with a case involving the imprisonment of Sri Lanka’s eighth executive president. She added that she has formally requested details about the visit under the Right to Information Act, No. 12 of…
Astrophysicist and academic leader Ray Jayawardhana has been appointed the tenth president of the California Institute of Technology, the institute announced Tuesday. Jayawardhana, who currently serves as provost of Johns Hopkins University, will assume his new role on July 1. He will succeed Thomas F. Rosenbaum, who has served as Caltech’s president since 2014. The appointment was made by Caltech’s Board of Trustees following an international search. University officials said Jayawardhana was selected for his combined experience as a leading researcher, senior academic administrator and science communicator. “I am deeply honored to have been selected as Caltech’s tenth president and…