The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a consignment of drugs weighing approximately 81 kilograms during a special operation in the coastal area of Kusumanthurai area in Madagal, Jaffna.
The Navy said the haul included more than 45 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as "ice," and over 35 kilograms of heroin.
A suspect was apprehended in connection with the drug seizure.
A vessel suspected of being used in an attempt to smuggle the drugs was also taken into the custody of Navy.
The Navy is conducting further investigations into the seized drugs and the suspected smuggling operation.
- The biggest show in Sri Lanka, The Voice Teens Sri Lanka Season 3 Grand Finale is all set to take place tonight (27) at 7.30 p.m. at Stein Studios in Ratmalana.
Four exceptionally talented young performers will compete for the international title.
Thousands of Sri Lanka's brand-new Alpha Generation, aged between 13 and 18, took part in the auditions for The Voice Teens Sri Lanka S3.
Around 160 contestants were selected for the Blind Auditions.
Over the past eight months, the young talents competed through a series of internationally standardised rounds, including the Battles, Knockouts, Super Knockouts and Live Shows.
Today, just four outstanding contestants remain to claim the International Title.
Representing Team Yasas, Seniru Dilmith from Avissawella will compete as Contestant No. 1 in The Voice Teens Sri Lanka Season 3 Grand Finale.
Contestant No. 2, Janiru Kavinda from Delgoda, will compete representing Team Sanka.
Competing as Contestant No. 3 is Thasindu Nimesh from Godakawela, representing Team Yohani.
And competing for the international Voice Teens title as Contestant No. 4 is Shrinath Pathum from Tissamaharama, representing Team Raini.
- Flood warnings issued for the Nilwala and Gin Rivers have been extended for another 24 hours.
The Department of Irrigation said minor flood levels continue to be reported along the Gin River in the Baddegama area, the Nilwala River in Thalgahagoda, and the Kuda Ganga, a tributary of the Kalu River, in Millakanda.
The Department of Meteorology says several spells of rain are expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, as well as the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several locations in the Uva and Eastern Provinces, and in the Polonnaruwa, Mullaitivu and Hambantota districts after 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, Red evacuation warnings for landslides have been issued for the Udapalatha, Pasbage Korale, Doluwa and Ganga Ihala Korale Divisional Secretariat divisions in Kandy District.
Similar red evacuation warnings have been issued for the Kotmale East and West, Ambagamuwa and Nuwara Eliya Divisional Secretariat divisions in Nuwara Eliya District.
The National Building Research Organisation said Level One and Level Two landslide warnings remain in effect for several Divisional Secretariat divisions in the Galle, Kandy, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Colombo, Kalutara and Matara districts.
- An internal investigation committee has been appointed to probe the explosion that occurred in the hospital kitchen premises of the National Nephrology Hospital in Polonnaruwa yesterday.
The director of the Hospital said the five-member committee has already commenced its investigation.
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also said a ministry-level investigation has been launched into the incident.
Two police teams have also been assigned to investigate the explosion, while the Government Analyst's Department has commenced its own investigation.
One hospital employee who sustained serious injuries in the explosion has died, while six others were injured.
The deceased was a 36-year-old resident of Habarana.
The injured have been admitted to the Polonnaruwa Teaching Hospital for treatment.
A hospital spokesperson said one of the injured remains in critical condition.
Several patients who were receiving residential treatment at the hospital were also transferred to the Polonnaruwa General Hospital.
Police said the explosion was caused by a gas leak.
The explosion occurred at around 4 a.m. yesterday in the kitchen premises of the National Nephrology Hospital in Polonnaruwa.
The blast caused extensive damage to the hospital's main kitchen and several surrounding buildings.
- The National Dengue Control Unit says dengue cases have increased amid the prevailing rainy weather.
Consultant Community Physician Dr. Prasheela Samaraweera said 1,276 dengue cases have been reported this week.
1,156 cases were reported last week.
A total of 77 people have died from dengue so far this year.
99,634 dengue cases have been reported.
The highest number of cases has been reported from Gampaha District, with 21,136 cases.
Dr. Prasheela Samaraweera urged the public to keep their surroundings clean amid the prevailing rainy weather.
- A suspect was arrested with 2.8 kilograms of heroin in the Tangalle-Dikwella area.
The drugs were discovered at a house during a raid.
The raid was conducted by the Western Province North Crime Division.
- Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka says 1,513 megawatts of solar power have been added to the national grid from last year till last month of 2026.
He said 1,141.1 megawatts of this capacity was generated through rooftop solar panels.
This includes 938.8 megawatts added to the national grid through rooftop solar panels last year and a further 202.3 megawatts added up to August this year.
Meanwhile, 370 megawatts have been added to the national grid through ground-mounted solar panels.
Of this, 177.2 megawatts were added last year, while a further 193.4 megawatts were added up to August this year.
In what environmentalists are likely to view as one of the most significant conservation milestones in recent years, Sri Lanka today (26) granted protected status to 20 forests, strengthening the country's efforts to safeguard biodiversity, water resources, wildlife habitats and ecologically sensitive landscapes for future generations.
The latest gazette notifications cover a combined land area of 9,538.68 hectares, adding to a broader conservation initiative that has seen approximately 65,000 hectares of forest land declared as reserves over the past two years.
Among the most significant forests to receive protected status today is the Algin Forest in Talawakelle, Nuwara Eliya, which spans 1,419.45 hectares. Situated in Sri Lanka's central highlands, the forest forms part of an environmentally sensitive landscape that plays a vital role in watershed protection and biodiversity conservation.
A further nineteen forests were also gazetted as reserves across several districts, expanding the country's protected forest network.
In the Kegalle District, the Balalgala Forest covering 73.22 hectares, the Bathalegala Forest spanning 27.3 hectares, and the Rahalagala Forest covering 157.77 hectares were granted protected status.
In the Ampara District, the Lahugala Shastrawela Aliyakanda Mangrove Mixed Forest, covering 101.07 hectares, and the Lahugala Sengamuwa Forest, extending over 758.2 hectares, were also included among the newly protected forests.
In the Badulla District, protected status was granted to the Mahiyanganaya Moopalana Forest, which spans 29.79 hectares, and the Mahiyanganaya Heerussagala Forest, covering 168.09 hectares.
Several large forest blocks in the Vavuniya region were also brought under protection, including Karungalikulam 02 with 2,537.4 hectares, Nedunkeni Chamalankulam 02 with 580.28 hectares, Periyakattikulam 02 with 1,301.07 hectares, Periyamadu 02 with 800.86 hectares, Puliyankulam 02 with 135.51 hectares, Puthukulam 02 covering 186.97 hectares, and Vannivilankulam 02, which spans 922.49 hectares.
Meanwhile, in the Anuradhapura District, five forests were gazetted as reserves, including Thambuttegama Habarawatta covering 43.99 hectares, Kandulegama spanning 46.32 hectares, a 40.78-hectare forest area in Medawachchiya, Musnawa covering 17.84 hectares, and the Naegama Forest, which extends across 190.28 hectares.
Forest conservation today is about far more than protecting trees. These ecosystems serve as natural water towers, carbon sinks, climate regulators and critical habitats for countless species, while also helping reduce soil erosion and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi said the declaration of these reserves is intended to deliver long-term environmental, ecological and social benefits.
"Through the declaration of these reserves, we aim to protect Sri Lanka's biodiversity, safeguard water sources and watershed areas, conserve forest cover in regions above 5,000 feet, create opportunities for eco-tourism, and preserve areas of archaeological importance found within these forests. We also seek to support elephant conservation and reduce human-elephant conflict. Our objective is to protect biodiversity, environmentally sensitive zones and wildlife habitats, including those of elephants, through active public participation and community involvement."
The conservation milestone comes at a time when ecosystems worldwide are facing increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change and human activity. Expanding legally protected forest areas remains one of the most effective ways to preserve biodiversity while ensuring water security and environmental resilience.
Complementing the forest conservation programme, authorities also opened a Forest Conservation Museum today at the Sandathenna Forestry Institute in Nuwara Eliya, creating a new platform to promote environmental education, forest research and public awareness.
For a nation whose forests have shaped its rivers, sheltered its wildlife and sustained communities for centuries, today's gazetting of 20 new reserves represents more than a policy decision. It is a commitment to protecting some of Sri Lanka's most valuable natural treasures before they are lost forever.
Officials from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption visited Welikada Prison today to record a statement from Namal Rajapaksa, who is currently in remand custody.
The move relates to an alleged Rs. 70 million bribe received from the Krrish company.
Investigations have revealed that the alleged bribe was obtained through an individual named Nimal Perera, who currently resides in Australia.
Janaki Siriwardena , former Executive Officer and Director of Krrish Group, allegedly linked to the case, was recently arrested and remanded after being produced before court.
The body of a 21-year-old youth was discovered in an abandoned well in the Ihala Kumbukkollewa area of Horowpothana.
Police stated that signs of injuries suspected to have been caused by an assault were observed on the body.
The deceased was a resident of the same area.
The body has been taken to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Further investigations into the incident are underway by the Horowpothana Police.
The Sri Lanka Navy says narcotics worth approximately Rs. 55 billion have been seized during operations conducted so far this year.
Navy Media Director Commander Chaminda Walakuluge disclosed this at a media briefing held at the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak.
He further stated that 1,080 kilograms of heroin have been seized so far this year.
The University of Peradeniya has been ranked 200th among the world's most eco-friendly universities.
This is according to the 2026 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.
The University of Peradeniya secured this position out of 2,016 universities across 110 countries.
Meanwhile, the University of Kelaniya ranked 237th, and the University of Colombo was ranked 276th among the world's most eco-friendly universities.
According to the index, the University of Peradeniya has been recognized as Sri Lanka's most eco-friendly university.
Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka says the government is considering a subsidy of Rs. 80 to Rs. 100 per litre of diesel from the end of this month.
The Minister said data on the losses incurred by fuel retailers, including the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), from fuel sales has been requested.
He added that the exact subsidy amount will be determined after analyzing the data.
Fuel prices are due to be revised at the end of this month, with the government focused on maintaining current prices and avoiding an increase in the price of diesel.
Meanwhile, crude oil is trading at around US$92.41 per barrel in the US WTI market and US$104.03 in the British Brent market.
The Ministry of Environment states that 20 forests will be gazetted as reserves today.
The Ministry mentioned that this will take place under the auspices of Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi at the Sri Lanka Forestry Institute in Sandathenna, Nuwara Eliya, in line with the "Vanaspathi" national program aimed at reserving and protecting the island's forest system for future generations.
Accordingly, 20 forests located in the Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Ampara, Badulla, Vavuniya, and Anuradhapura districts will be declared as reserves via gazette, covering an area of nearly 9,538 hectares.
To date, the Ministry of Environment has gazetted 93 forests as reserves and with the reserves being gazetted today, their total land area will reach nearly 65,000 hectares.
The Ministry of Environment noted that through this national program, which commenced on World Environment Day 2025, it has been possible to protect 86 forests as reserves within a year.
Among these are tropical wet evergreen forests, montane and sub-montane forests, tropical dry mixed evergreen forests, intermediate zone semi-evergreen forests, and coastal and mangrove forests.
Seven people have been injured after a gas cylinder exploded at the National Nephrology Hospital Hospital in Polonnaruwa.
Police said the explosion occurred at around 4:30 a.m. today, injuring several hospital employees.
The injured have been admitted to the Polonnaruwa Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Police say a gas pipe leak caused the explosion.
The injured are currently receiving treatment at the Polonnaruwa Teaching Hospital, while a hospital spokesperson said two of them are in critical condition.
The explosion also caused damage to a building at the hospital.
Two police teams have been appointed to investigate the explosion at the National Nephrology Hospital in Polonnaruwa.
Police said a gas pipe leak is suspected to have caused the explosion at the Hospital in Polonnaruwa.
The blast, which occurred in the hospital kitchen at around 4 a.m. today, injured seven hospital employees.
The injured were admitted to the Polonnaruwa Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The hospital spokesperson said that one person has died, while another remains in critical condition.
The deceased was a 36-year-old resident of Habarana.
The explosion caused extensive damage to the hospital's main kitchen and several surrounding buildings.
Following the explosion, a number of patients receiving treatment at the hospital, were transferred to the Polonnaruwa General Hospital.
Although hospital operations were disrupted by the explosion, arrangements have been made to continue services as normal in part of the hospital.
Two suspects arrested in Bokundara, Piliyandala, with drugs valued at Rs. 300 million are being investigated under seven-day detention orders.
Police said that a female suspect arrested in connection with the raid has been remanded.
The suspects were apprehended during a raid conducted by officers of the Western Province North Crime Division.
During the operation, officers seized over 11 kilograms of heroin and more than 6 kilograms of ICE (Crystal Meth).
The 24-year-old Asian Games record held by Sri Lanka's Susanthika Jayasinghe in the women's 100 metres has been broken at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
China's 17-year-old sprinter Chen Yujie set the new Games record in the women's 100 metres final, clocking 11.06 seconds.
The previous record of 11.15 seconds was set by Susanthika Jayasinghe at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) states that registration with the Bureau has been made mandatory for Sri Lankans departing for employment in Japan and Romania for the first time.
The Bureau mentioned that a migrant training course has been initiated for workers departing for jobs in Japan and Romania.
Bureau registration will not be granted to workers who have not completed this training.
Accordingly, completing the relevant course is also mandatory.
A two-day training program will be provided for individuals seeking employment in Japan.
The training course duration for individuals going for jobs in Romania is three days.
Registration for this mandatory training course can be completed at all branch offices of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
According to the National Disaster Relief Services Centre, 2,865 people across 15 districts have been affected by the heavy rainfall.
This includes 768 families across 90 Divisional Secretariat divisions.
Due to disasters caused by the rainy weather, two people have died and two others have sustained injuries.
One person is reported missing.
The National Disaster Relief Services Centre stated that 77 people belonging to 21 families have been accommodated in three safe centers.
Meanwhile The Department of Irrigation states that the Kalu, Gin, and Nilwala rivers remain at a minor flood level.
The Kuda River, a tributary of the Kalu River, is at a minor flood level in the Millakanda area.
The Kalu River is also at a flood risk level in the Ratnapura and Magura areas.
The Gin River has reached a minor flood level in the Baddegama area.
The Nilwala River remains at a minor flood level in the Panadugama and Thalgahagoda areas.
The Department of Irrigation advises residents living in the surrounding low-lying areas to remain highly vigilant.
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