Sri Lanka has bolstered its judicial framework with the swearing-in of four new Supreme Court justices, marking a significant step toward enhancing the country’s legal system. The ceremony, held at the Presidential Secretariat, was officiated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 12, 2025.

Former Minister Indradasa Hettiarachchi has passed away at the age of 94. The veteran politician and statesman died at his residence in Colombo on January 12, 2025.

The upcountry train service in Sri Lanka has been temporarily disrupted due to a landslide near the Rosella railway station, according to railway officials. The landslide occurred on January 12, 2025, and has blocked the railway tracks, halting operations on this crucial route.

Sri Lanka has grappled with a concerning suicide rate for decades. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (1990-2013) published in The Lancet, suicide ranks as the second most common cause of death in the country. Mental health issues, although not always directly linked to suicide, are undeniably a critical factor in self-harm and suicide cases. The question remains: is Sri Lanka adequately addressing this pressing issue?

A Russian vessel described as a "shadow ship" has been immobilized in the Baltic Sea, according to German authorities. The ship, believed to be part of Russia’s surveillance operations, remains stuck amid heightened regional tensions.

Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed to oversee federal investigations into former President Donald Trump, has resigned from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). His departure follows the completion of his final report on the investigations.

Ukraine has reportedly captured two North Korean soldiers injured during combat on Russian soil, according to statements from Ukrainian officials. The alleged incident adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, raising questions about North Korea's role in the war.

A teenage girl lost her life after falling from the 12th floor of a residential building in Borella, Colombo. The tragic incident occurred under circumstances that are still under investigation.

The Sri Lankan government has announced the reinstatement of excise duty on vehicle imports, effective immediately. The decision marks a significant shift in the country’s import policy, with authorities aiming to manage fiscal challenges and regulate the inflow of foreign vehicles.

Sri Lanka has witnessed a significant increase in road traffic fatalities over the past five years, with over 12,000 lives lost due to road accidents. This concerning trend highlights the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and public awareness campaigns.

Sri Lanka continues to grapple with transboundary air pollution, significantly impacting air quality levels across the nation. This issue arises from pollutants originating in neighboring countries, notably India and China, which are transported to Sri Lanka during specific monsoon periods.

Sri Lanka has witnessed a concerning surge in organized crime-related shootings, resulting in 66 fatalities across more than 100 incidents since January 2024. Notably, 13 of these deaths have occurred in the past three months, underscoring an escalating trend.

The Elephant Pass saltern, a decades-old salt production facility in northern Sri Lanka, is set to resume full-scale operations to address the country's growing salt shortage. This initiative marks a significant step in revitalizing local production and reducing reliance on imports.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has issued an administrative stay, temporarily halting the plea proceedings of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 attacks. This decision comes in response to the Biden administration's efforts to block a plea deal that would have allowed Mohammed to avoid the death penalty in exchange for a guilty plea and life imprisonment without parole.

As of January 11, 2025, Los Angeles County is grappling with multiple wildfires that have collectively scorched over 35,000 acres, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and the destruction of more than 10,000 structures.

The Sri Lankan government has announced the completion of its rice import initiative, with 167,000 metric tonnes (MT) imported by the set deadline. The program was launched to address the nation’s rice shortage and stabilize market prices amid ongoing challenges in the agricultural sector.

Benin’s armed forces endured significant losses in a deadly attack near its northern border with Niger and Burkina Faso, regions troubled by insurgency. Colonel Faizou Gomina, the national guard’s chief of staff, described the assault on one of the country’s best-equipped military positions as a "hard blow."

Donald Trump has announced that plans are underway for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though no specific timeline has been disclosed. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump stated, "He wants to meet and we are setting it up," emphasizing the urgency of resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Severe smog and dense fog have brought travel to a standstill in Delhi, with visibility in some areas dropping to zero on Friday morning. Over 150 flights were delayed, and dozens of trains are running behind schedule, as road, rail, and air transport grapple with hazardous conditions caused by the weather and pollution. The disruptions have left passengers frustrated, with many taking to social media to voice complaints about the chaos at Delhi airport.

Galagodaatte Gnanasara, a prominent and controversial Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka, has been sentenced to nine months in prison for making derogatory remarks against Islam. The Colombo Magistrate's Court handed down the sentence on Thursday, marking a rare conviction of a Buddhist monk in the country. Gnanasara, a leader of a Sinhalese Buddhist nationalist group and a close ally of ousted former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was convicted for remarks he made in 2016 during a media conference. The court emphasized that the Constitution guarantees freedom of belief to all citizens, irrespective of religion.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 attacks, is scheduled to enter a guilty plea today at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This development follows over two decades of legal proceedings and negotiations. The plea agreement, negotiated over two years, would spare Mohammed and two co defendants from the death penalty in exchange for their cooperation in answering lingering questions from victims' families.

Los Angeles is currently grappling with a series of devastating wildfires that have led to significant loss of life and property. The most severe among these, the Palisades Fire, has consumed nearly 27 square miles, destroying hundreds of structures and prompting widespread evacuations. Similarly, the Eaton Fire in the Altadena area has resulted in five fatalities, burned over 16 square miles, and destroyed almost 1,000 structures.

Sri Lanka is bracing for a significant wave of illegal immigration, with intelligence reports warning that over 100,000 undocumented migrants could attempt to enter the country in the coming days. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has confirmed these developments, underscoring the government's heightened focus on border security and human trafficking prevention.

Earlier today, Magav (Border Police) mista'arvim (undercover operatives) from Jerusalem, together with Magav canine units and IDF forces, carried out the arrest of a wanted individual involved in terrorist activity in the Deheisheh refugee camp, within the Etzion Regional Brigade area, guided by precise intelligence from the General Security Service (Shin Bet).

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe illness in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. First identified in 2001, HMPV has been a subject of medical research due to its impact on respiratory health.

Private bus associations decided to call off the planned island-wide union action after a discussion with Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya today (08 January).