Sri Lanka

Paddy and rice for animal feed production, sale, use are now allowed; the Consumer Affairs Authority issued an Extraordinary Gazette notification to formally cancel the previous restrictions

Unprecedented visitors' arrivals have been registered in 2026, marking a strong recovery in numbers; However, the tourism boom has not translated into higher earnings, as shorter stays and lower spending per visitor have led to declining dollar revenues

People are calling on all five members of the Hajj Committee to accept full responsibility of what has been dubbed 'the Mina disaster' and resign immediately: 3500 pilgrims paid for top-tier service, experienced bottom-tier tents, poor sanitary conditions

Heavy rains triggered flooding in parts of Sri Lanka, particularly in the district of Gampaha, after a persistent low-pressure system brought widespread showers across several provinces disrupting transports

The strike launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association GMOA over the appointment system for doctors who have completed their internship has no basis for discussion, Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa said

Digital marketplace LilyLanka has been launched to connect small and medium enterprises with customers; the platform includes products, online sales and delivery services and aims to digitalize local trade, expand market access and support SMEs recovery

Sri Lanka Tourism organized a special luncheon for foreign tourists stuck in the country due to disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis; Many visitors have been unable to return home following flight cancellations and airport closures

Government doctors launched protests and strikes over pay and conditions, as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake rejected increases, citing IMF limits; Critics warn reforms risk undermining the country’s free public healthcare system

World Wetlands Day was marked with a number of initiatives; Daily Mirror dedicated to the celebration a selection of pictures of the 372 hectares Bellanwila-Attidiya Wetland, a protected urban ecosystem thriving in biodiversity despite industrial waste

Tourism industry has recorded a robust start to 2026, welcoming 194.553 international visitors during the first 22 days of January, +9,7 percent on the corresponding period in 2025 and a key sign of resilience after the impact of floods

At the People’s Pinnacle 2025 Awards Night in Colombo, Lankadeepa newspaper was honoured as the Most Popular Newspaper of the Year, News 1st and Sirasa TV won multiple awards