Newspaper
The Island
Foreign Minister defends India pacts, sidesteps transparency demand
In a press conference marked by both clarity and pointed omission, Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, yesterday offered a robust defence of two controversial bilateral agreements with India but conspicuously avoided committing to tabling their full texts in Parliament.
2 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
Broad support emerges for Faiszer’s sweeping proposals on long-delayed divorce and personal law reforms
Clear break with hide-bound traditions
2 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
Not taking responsibility, lack of accountability
While agreeing wholeheartedly with most of the sentiments expressed by Dr Geewananda Gunawardhana in his piece “Pharmaceuticals, deaths, and work ethics” (The Island, 5th January), I must take exception to what he stated regarding corruption: “Enough has been said about corruption, and fortunately, the present government is making an effort to curb it.
3 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
Maxi Rozairo... What a voice! What a legend!
Noeline Honter, the renowned Sri Lankan singer, TV presenter and English trainer, who is now based in Australia, sent us the following, describing her memories with the late Maxi Rozairo, who passed away on 27th December, 2025, age 77.
3 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
Sporty Spice performs at ABC's NYE25 concert in Sydney
Melanie C (Sporty Spice of Spice Girls fame) spiced up everyone's life as the British pop singer helped usher in 2026, in Australia, with a Spice Girls medley.
1 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
US intervened 469 times in over 80 countries in 228 years!
Trump's capture of Maduro will have far-reaching consequences
6 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
Navy takes nine Indian fishers into custody for poaching in SL waters
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 02 January, the Navy took into custody two Indian fishing boats along with nine Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Lankan waters, off Kovilam of Kareinagar, Jaffna.
1 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
New IPS Publication: Empirical evidence on Sexual and Gender-based Violence faced by migrant female domestic workers
A new study by the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) has revealed the extent and nature of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) experienced by Sri Lankan female migrant domestic workers in the Middle East.
1 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
India does not condemn US action; wants all concerned parties to resolve issues through dialogue
India on Sunday said recent developments in Venezuela were a “matter of deep concern” and that it was closely monitoring the situation, after the US abducted Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro and his wife
1 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
Cops, mandarins and shirkers' motto
The scourge of narcotics has eaten into the vitals of many institutions.
3 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
Baking relief
Baking may seem like a simple way to make cookies or bread, but many people find it offers something deeper on dark emotional days.
2 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
National organisations here warn UN over its failure to deal with US for criminal behaviour in Venezuela
The Patriotic National Movement (PNM) and Bolivarian Solidarity of Sri Lanka, in a joint letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, has warned that the failure on the part of the UN to decisively act may set a dangerous precedent, encourage unilateral actions and weaken the collective security framework upon which global stability depends.
2 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
'Singlish' mashup
Even though the season here was somewhat shaken up, due to Cyclone Ditwah, Rajiv Sebastian says he couldn't just keep away from the seasonal feeling.
1 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
Interception of SL fishing craft by Seychelles: Trawler owners demand international investigation
All Ceylon Multi-day Trawler Owners' Association has urged relevant international organisations and the government to probe the recent destruction of a multi-day fishing trawler and the arrest of six fishermen by the Seychelles security authorities.
1 min |
January 06, 2026
The Island
PUCSL and Treasury under IMF spotlight as CEB seeks 11.5% power tariff hike
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) and the Treasury are facing heightened scrutiny as the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) presses for an 11.5 percent electricity tariff increase, a move closely tied to IMF-driven state-owned enterprise (SOE) reforms aimed at curbing losses and easing fiscal pressure on the State.
2 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
After capturing Venezuela's Maduro, Trump says “Something has to be done” about Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia, too
Following US airstrikes on Venezuela and the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would temporarily “run” the country.
1 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Protection of the state from terrorism act: a critique of the current proposal
The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979, (PTA), has been vigorously assailed for 45 years as the anchor of a legislative regime which is destructive of basic political and civil rights.
10+ min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Russia doubles oil discount to $8 a barrel for Indian refiners
Russian crude suppliers are now offering Indian refiners a higher discount of up to $8 a barrel, doubling since October after sanctions were announced on Rosneft and Lukoil, according to three people aware of the development.
2 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
NPP govt. asked to reveal stance on capture of Maduro
The Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL) yesterday urged the NPP government to condemn the US intervention in Venezuela.
2 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Bellana says Rs 900 mn fraud at NHSL cannot be suppressed by moving CID against him
Massive waste, corruption, irregularities and mismanagement at laboratories of the country’s premier hospital, revealed by the National Audit Office (NAO), couldn't be suppressed by sacking or accusing him of issuing death threats to Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, recently sacked Director of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) Dr. Rukshan Bellana told The Island.
1 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Ghost sightings
Reports of ghost sightings persist around the world, blending folklore, personal testimony, and scientific inquiry into a complex and often contentious field.
2 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
India sold $31.98 billion to defend its Rupee in Jan-Oct 2025
Aimed at stabilising the Indian rupee amid persistent global and domestic pressures, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sold dollars to the tune of $31.98 billion on a net basis during the first 10 months of 2025.
2 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Grade 6 module controversy: SLPP asks PM to resign
The SLPP has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya over a controversial Grade 6 English module, noting that a Ministry official should not be scapegoated.
1 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Sri Lanka's recovery: A boon for banks, a burden for many
As Sri Lanka's economy charts a fragile path toward recovery in 2026, the latest corporate earnings data reveals a stark and widening divide.
1 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Hotel Supplier recognised at CNCI Awards 2025 for industrial excellence
Ranyan Industries (Pvt) Ltd., the creators of the Amami brand, was honored with the Sliver Award and Top Achiever Award in the Small Category at the CNCI Achievers Awards 2025, organized by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.
1 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Australian skier Brown, 15, earns historic win
Australian teen sensation Indra Brown announced herself as one of the potential stars of next month's Winter Olympics as she continued a remarkable start to her World Cup career with a maiden victory in the women's freeski halfpipe.
1 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Chamod, Amasha clinch sprint titles
Printers Chamod Yodasinghe and Amasha de Silva claimed the 60m titles as the likes of Nimali Liyanarachchi and Lakshika Sugandi remained unchallenged in their respective pet events at the season opening National Short Track Championship held at the Sugathadasa Stadium 200metres track on Saturday.
1 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Beyond blame: The systemic crisis in Sri Lanka's medicine regulation
The recent suspension of ten Indian-manufactured injections by Sri Lanka's medicines regulator has done more than ignite a fresh “substandard medicines” scare.
3 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Tips for great sleep
Although children can sleep well, most adults have trouble getting a good night's sleep.
4 min |
January 05, 2026
The Island
Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation records highest-ever revenue in 2025
The Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation (SLADC) has recorded its highest annual revenue since inception, earning Rs. 1,688 million in 2025, marking a historic milestone for the stateowned institution.
1 min |