News

The Department of Meteorology has forecast intermittent rainfall across the Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces, as well as in the Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts over the coming period.

According to the Met Department, some locations in the Uva and Eastern provinces, along with Hambantota, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts, may experience fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 millimeters. Similar rainfall levels are also expected in parts of Ratnapura, Kalutara, Galle, and Matara.

The Northern Province and the Anuradhapura district are likely to see several rounds of showers throughout the day. Meanwhile, other areas of the island may experience showers or thundershowers after 2.00 p.m.

Fairly strong winds, reaching speeds of around 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, are expected at times in the Northern and North-Western provinces and in the districts of Matale, Trincomalee, and Anuradhapura.

In addition, misty conditions are anticipated during the early morning hours in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central provinces, as well as in Galle, Matara, and Badulla districts.

The general public has been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to reduce potential damage from temporary strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers

Renowned actor Hemal Ranasinghe surrendered to Wellawatte Police this morning over an alleged assault dating back to January 8 at Havelock City.

Police confirmed that Ranasinghe had been repeatedly summoned to provide a statement regarding the complaint but failed to comply. His eventual surrender marks a significant development in a case that has drawn public attention due to the actor’s celebrity status.

Following his surrender, Ranasinghe was taken into custody and is scheduled to be produced before the Mount Lavinia Court.

(Source - Dailymirror)

Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day will be commemorated today (February 4) with a state ceremony at Independence Square in Colombo, centred on the national theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka.”

Proceedings are set to begin at 7.30 a.m., with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presiding over the main event. The celebration pays tribute to the men and women whose sacrifices secured the country’s freedom from British colonial rule in 1948.

The ceremony will see the participation of more than 4,500 members of the Tri-Forces and Police, alongside approximately 400 invited guests, including members of the diplomatic corps.

To facilitate the event, authorities have introduced a comprehensive security and traffic management plan. Over 2,000 police officers have been deployed across Colombo to maintain public safety and minimise disruptions to traffic during the celebrations.

China has reacted angrily to an unlikely winner at the Grammys - the Dalai Lama - saying it opposes art awards being used for “anti-China political manipulation”.

The Buddhist spiritual leader was recognised in the audiobook category for Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama said he accepted the award with “gratitude and humility”.

The 90-year-old has lived in exile from his Tibetan homeland since 1959 and is condemned as a rebel and separatist by Beijing.

China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference: “We firmly oppose relevant parties using art awards as a tool for anti-China political manipulation, and this position is consistent and clear.”

The spiritual leader, who lives in Dharamshala in India, left China in fear of his life after Chinese troops crushed an uprising. He has campaigned for more autonomy for Tibet, but Beijing considers it an integral part of China.

In a message on social media the Dalai Lama, who is also a Nobel peace laureate, said: “I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility.

“I don’t see it as something personal, but as a recognition of our shared universal responsibility.”

The award was collected on his behalf by musician Rufus Wainwright, who was among the artists to feature on the audiobook.

Last year the Dalai Lama confirmed plans to name a successor, which has caused further friction with China.

According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after death - a process deeply rooted in spiritual customs, not political authority.

He has previously said his reincarnation will take place in the “free world”, meaning outside of atheist and communist China but Beijing swiftly rejected his authority to determine a successor.

Chinese officials insist that any succession must follow Chinese laws, religious rituals and historical conventions - and ultimately be approved by the government in Beijing.

The announcement has reignited fears among Tibetans in exile that China will attempt to name a successor to tighten control over Tibet, the region it occupied in 1950 and has ruled ever since.

(Source - BBC )

Sri Lanka’s renowned open-air art fair, Kala Pola, is set to bring alive the streets of Colombo with colour, creativity, and conversation as Kala Pola returns for its 33rd edition on Sunday, 8th February, along Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (Green Path), Colombo 07.

Conceptualised and introduced by The George Keyt Foundation in 1993, and sponsored and co-presented by the John Keells Group through an unbroken patronage since 1994,  Kala Pola has grown into a cultural landmark that continues to reshape how visual art is showcased and experienced in Sri Lanka. Remaining true to its founding philosophy, the event is proudly uncurated, providing participating artists and sculptors with the opportunity to showcase their talent, connect with art enthusiasts, learn from and network with other artists, and expand their clientele.   

Kala Pola displays a broad variety of forms and styles, ranging from intricate sculptures, humorous caricatures, and abstract paintings to modern and traditional Sri Lankan art. Attracting art lovers, collectors, connoisseurs, and students from all parts of the country and tourists from various parts of the world, the event creates a vibrant, welcoming, and wholesome atmosphere spurred by music, camaraderie, art discussions, children’s art workshops, and an array of cultural performances.   

As a longstanding and iconic visual art flagship amidst Sri Lanka’s vibrant calendar of arts and cultural events, Kala Pola continues to stand as a unique open-air platform for visual expression. By bringing together both established and emerging artists in an inclusive, uncurated setting in the heart of Colombo, the event fosters meaningful connections between creators and audiences, offering accessibility, diversity, discourse and a shared appreciation for art among a wide cross-section of the public, while spurring the creative economy of the country. Nations Trust Bank (NTB) also supports Kala Pola as its official banking partner.

Arts falls within the focus area of Social Health and Cohesion which is one of the four focus areas of John Keells Foundation (JKF) - the CSR entity of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate in the Colombo Stock Exchange operating over 80+ companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. With a history of over 150 years, John Keells Group provides employment to over 18,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka's 'Most Respected Entity' for 20 Years by LMD Magazine. Whilst being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a Participant of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of “Empowering the Nation for tomorrow” through JKF.

(Source - Adaderana)

The police have reported that six people have lost their lives in separate road accidents across the island.

Early today (February 3), on the Dambulla–Habarana road near the Inamaluwa junction, a motorcycle heading toward Swiss Junction went out of control and crashed into an electric pole. The rider, a 22-year-old resident of Rotawawa, was taken to Dambulla Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Yesterday (February 2), around midday, a motorcycle traveling toward Colombo collided with a private bus coming from the opposite direction near the Narampitigoda junction. The 19-year-old rider from Gigula was admitted to Mawanella Hospital but succumbed to injuries. The bus driver involved has been taken into police custody, and Mawanella Police are conducting further investigations.

Also yesterday, on the Wariyapola–Halawatha road in Bandarakeswatta, a motorcycle heading toward Wariyapola collided with a three-wheeler coming in the opposite direction. The 25-year-old rider from Yahalatenna was admitted to Wariyapola Hospital but died from injuries. The three-wheeler driver has been detained, and the Wariyapola Police continue their investigations.

In another incident yesterday morning, on the Puttalam–Trincomalee road near Mathale junction, a motorcycle heading toward Anuradhapura struck a pedestrian woman. The motorcyclist’s passenger was also injured. The pedestrian, a 65-year-old resident of Ambanpola, was taken to Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital but died there.

Yesterday evening, on the Ratnapura–Panadura road near Munasinghapura, a three-wheeler traveling toward Ratnapura lost control and collided with a fuel tanker coming from the opposite direction. A 20-year-old woman from Ayagama, who was traveling in the three-wheeler, was thrown onto the road and crushed under the tanker, dying instantly. The three-wheeler driver and three passengers were injured and admitted to Ratnapura Teaching Hospital. The fuel tanker driver has been taken into custody, and Kiribathgoda Police are investigating.

Additionally, yesterday around midday, on the Kankasanturai–Pedurutalawa road near Uranai junction, an army truck heading toward Kankasanturai collided with a bicycle coming from the opposite direction. The cyclist, a 62-year-old woman, was admitted to Telippala Hospital but died from her injuries.

Ms. L. S. I. Jayaratne, who currently serves as the Senior Deputy Auditor General, has received approval yesterday (03) for appointment to the post of Auditor General.

The approval was granted at the meeting of the Constitutional Council held yesterday.

Accordingly, the Constitutional Council has unanimously approved the nomination of Ms. L. S. I. Jayaratne for the position.

The bus strike affecting luxury and regular private bus services on the Horana–Colombo route continues into its second day today (03).

The action began yesterday morning (02) in protest against the issuance of a new transport permit for a bus operating from Kahatuduwa on the 120 bus route to Fort, disrupting services along the corridor.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and MP Namal Rajapaksa visited the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today to give a statement regarding ongoing investigations involving “Kehelbaddara Padme,” a suspected figure in an organized crime network.

According to police sources, his statement forms part of inquiries into the individual’s activities and connections, who is reportedly linked to multiple criminal operations.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a cautionary advisory regarding heavy rainfall.

According to the alert, the advisory is in effect for the Sabaragamuwa Province as well as the Kalutara, Galle, and Matara districts until 11:00 PM today (February 3).

The Meteorology Department has urged residents in these areas to remain vigilant, as some regions may experience thunderstorms accompanied by heavy showers.

Additionally, during periods of intense rainfall, temporary strong winds may occur in affected locations, the department warns.

Shiranthi Rajapaksa, spouse of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, visited the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today to provide a statement concerning alleged financial irregularities connected to the Siriliya funds.

She had initially been scheduled to appear before the FCID on 27 January 2026. Through her legal representatives, she requested a two-week postponement, citing her inability to attend on the original date.