Sri Lanka
Coverage of Sri Lanka in the Nexus archive.
- Keralite’s death in Sri Lanka riots leaves his native village searching for answers
A man from Alappuzha, Sarathchandran Unnithan, arrived in Sri Lanka on March 2, was arrested for allegedly possessing ganja, and died in Negombo prison during riots. His native village is seeking answers about his death.
- Islamabad, Beijing agree to boost counterterrorism cooperation as Naqvi meets Chinese counterpart
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Chinese counterpart Ling Zhifeng and Sri Lankan Minister Ananda Wijepala to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, border management, narcotics control, and police training. The meetings focused on joint measures to combat terrorism, illegal immigration, and drug trafficking, including potential memorandums and joint working groups.
- Massive brawl at Sri Lanka prison leaves at least 26 dead, 77 hospitalized
A massive brawl at a prison in Sri Lanka resulted in at least 26 deaths, including seven prison officials and 19 inmates, with 77 others hospitalized.
- Death toll in Sri Lanka’s prison clash rises to 26, with another 77 in hospital
A prison clash in Negombo, Sri Lanka, resulted in 26 deaths (7 officials, 19 inmates) and 77 injuries (23 officials, 54 inmates). The violence, triggered by rival gangs linked to illegal drug trade, led to heightened security and three government investigations into security lapses and prison congestion.
- Sri Lanka probes prison riot as death toll rises to 27
Sri Lanka is investigating a deadly prison riot in Negombo where rival drug gangs clashed, resulting in 27 deaths and over 100 injuries. Authorities have tightened security around the prison but have not sent armed police or commandos inside.
- Death toll in Sri Lanka’s prison clash rises to 26, with another 77 in hospital
A prison clash in Sri Lanka's Negombo prison resulted in 26 deaths, including seven officials and 19 inmates, with 77 others hospitalized. The violence, sparked by rival gangs linked to the illegal drug trade, led to three investigations and heightened security. Overcrowding in Sri Lankan prisons, which hold over 39,000 inmates in a system designed for 10,000, is highlighted as a contributing factor.
- Death toll in Sri Lanka’s prison clash rises to 26, with another 77 in hospital
The death toll in Sri Lanka’s prison clash has increased to 26, with seven prison officials and 19 inmates killed. An additional 77 individuals are hospitalized following the incident.
- Sri Lanka prison riot kills 26, with more than 100 others wounded
A prison riot in Sri Lanka resulted in 26 deaths, including seven guards, and over 100 injuries after clashes between prisoners from two drug gangs. Victims with cuts and gunshot injuries were taken to Negombo hospital following the overnight fighting.
- Clashes in Sri Lankan prison leave at least 25 dead, mostly inmates
Clashes at Negombo prison in Sri Lanka killed at least 25 people, mostly inmates, with over 100 injured. The violence, sparked by rival gangs linked to the illegal drug trade, led to transfers of involved inmates and army deployment. Sri Lankan prisons are overcrowded, housing 39,000 inmates in a system designed for 10,000.
- Sri Lanka prison riot kills 23, wounds more than 100
A prison riot at Negombo Prison in Sri Lanka killed 23 people, including six guards, and injured over 100 during clashes between two drug gangs. Authorities are separating rival gangs and relocating inmates to other facilities, with victims treated at Negombo Hospital and Colombo National Hospital.
- Clashes in Sri Lankan prison leave at least 25 dead and over 100 injured
Clashes at a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, killed at least 25 people and injured over 100. The violence, which began among inmates and escalated when guards intervened, resulted in deaths and injuries among both prisoners and officials. Sri Lankan prisons are described as highly congested, with over 39,000 inmates in a system designed for 10,000.
- Sri Lanka prison clashes leave dozens dead
A violent dispute between different prison populations in Negombo, Sri Lanka, resulted in over two dozen deaths and more than 100 injuries.
- Deadly clashes break out at prison in Sri Lanka
Deadly clashes broke out at a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, resulting in 25 deaths and over 100 injuries among inmates and officials. The cause of the unrest remains unknown, and local hospitals reported admitting more than 100 injured individuals. Sri Lankan prisons are described as highly congested, with over 39,000 inmates in a system designed for 10,000.
- Sri Lanka prison riot kills 23, wounds more than 100
A prison riot in Sri Lanka killed at least 23 people, including four guards, and injured over 100 during clashes between inmates from two drug gangs. The injured were taken to Negombo hospital, as reported by officials on Monday.
- Deadly clashes break out at prison in Sri Lanka
Deadly clashes broke out at a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, resulting in 20 deaths and over 100 injuries. The unrest, which began on Sunday and continued into Monday, involved both inmates and prison officials. The cause of the clashes remains unknown.
- Deadly clashes break out at prison in Sri Lanka
Officials in Sri Lanka reported deadly clashes at a prison on the outskirts of the capital, Colombo. The incident occurred at a prison near the city.
- At least 19 people killed in Sri Lanka prison clashes
At least 19 people were killed and over 100 injured in prison clashes in Sri Lanka. The violence began on Sunday and continued into Monday.
- Deadly clashes break out at prison in Sri Lanka
Deadly clashes occurred at a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, resulting in 20 deaths and over 100 injuries. The unrest began on Sunday and continued into Monday, with victims including inmates and prison officials. The cause of the clash remains unknown.
- Pakistan leads global progress in ‘bridging mobile gender gap’
Pakistan has made the most significant progress in narrowing the mobile ownership gender gap, reducing it from 37% in 2024 to 27% in 2025. The country also saw a dramatic drop in the mobile internet gender gap, from 25% to 8%, with personal device ownership playing a critical role in enabling women's digital access.
- Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India calls on CM Vijay
The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India met with CM Vijay. The visit signifies diplomatic engagement between the two regions.
- Kerala govt. seeks feedback from depts. over regularisation of 248 temporary workers at Kulathupuzha RPL
The Kerala government is seeking feedback from departments regarding the regularization of 248 temporary workers at Kulathupuzha RPL. Rehabilitation Plantations Limited was established to employ and rehabilitate Indian-origin individuals returning from Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka battles severe dengue fever outbreak, with over 44K cases and 28 deaths this year
Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe dengue fever outbreak with over 44,000 cases and 28 deaths this year. Authorities attribute the worsened situation to unplanned urbanization and damage from Cyclone Ditwah, which struck in late November.
- Dubai free zone looks to expand with focus on food security
Dubai's largest free zone, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), is expanding with a focus on food security, developing new hubs for cacao, meat, honey, and saffron. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DMCC's executive chairman and CEO, highlighted opportunities to deepen ties with Africa, India, and Sri Lanka, while also noting Fujairah's potential growth and the UAE's aim to reduce dependency on the Strait of Hormuz.
- Ganja smuggling racket with international links busted in Anakapalli; 213 kg seized, five held
A ganja smuggling ring with international links was busted in Anakapalli, resulting in the seizure of 213 kg of the drug and the arrest of five individuals. The key accused had a 2022 drug conviction in Sri Lanka and entered India illegally by sea after his release on bail.
- Sri Lanka arrests son of ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa for corruption
Sri Lanka arrested Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa, on corruption charges. He is accused of misusing state funds for overseas training and advancing in the navy without proper qualifications.
- Fast bowlers Joseph and Joseph are back in the West Indies squad for Sri Lanka test series
Fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph have returned from injuries and been named in the West Indies' 15-man test squad for a two-match series against Sri Lanka. The series, part of the World Test Championship, begins June 25 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Both players missed recent tours due to lower back and shoulder injuries but return with Shamar Joseph having recently performed well in the T20 series against Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia
Sri Lanka is experiencing an alarming rise in cybercrime as transnational scam networks, particularly Chinese-run operations, relocate from Southeast Asia. Experts attribute this to the ease of obtaining tourist visas and limited regulation on SIM cards and internet connections, with police noting an increase in cybercrimes by tourists setting up scams.
- INS Sharda concludes Colombo visit, strengthens India-Sri Lanka maritime co-operation
The Indian Navy ship INS Sharda concluded its visit to Colombo, focusing on strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka through professional, training, and sporting engagements with the Sri Lankan Navy.
- Could India’s viral Cockroach Janta Party spark South Asia’s next youth uprising?
India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical movement aiming to channel young Indians from online protests into politics, has gained viral attention. Political analysts suggest it reflects youth anger but doubt it will become a mass movement like recent uprisings in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal due to current limitations.
- Kenyan export levy may raise tea prices
Kenya's proposed 0.8% tea export levy may increase prices in Pakistan, prompting traders to warn of economic challenges and potential shifts to alternative markets. Pakistan imports 36% of Kenya's annual tea production, and the levy could raise consumer costs, reduce consumption, and disrupt supply chains.
- Foreign leaders congratulate Modi on becoming longest-serving elected PM of India
Foreign leaders from Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, and Trinidad and Tobago congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected PM, praising his transformative governance, advocacy for the Global South, and vision for an inclusive, economically dynamic India.
- UN food agency says millions are being pushed into hunger by Iran war
The UN World Food Program (WFP) reports that 6.1 million people in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka are facing acute hunger due to the Iran war's impact on food and fuel prices. WFP warns 45 million more could become food insecure by June, amid disruptions from the Mideast crisis and funding cuts.
- Survivors from a burned Sri Lankan nursing home relocate, in photos
A fire at a nursing home for people with mental health conditions in western Sri Lanka killed over a dozen individuals, and survivors have been relocated to another facility nearby.
- Sri Lanka nursing home worker says a ‘chained’ patient was among 13 fire victims
A fire at an unregistered nursing home in western Sri Lanka killed 13 residents, including a patient who had been chained, according to a staff member. The facility, overcrowded with 71 residents in a space designed for 15, was found to have violated regulations, leading to the arrest of its director on negligence charges.
- Unregistered Sri Lankan nursing home lies in ruins as toll from deadly fire rises to 13
A deadly fire at an unregistered nursing home in Anguruwatota, Western Sri Lanka, killed 13 people, including those with mental illnesses. The fire, suspected to be caused by an electric short circuit in a water pump wire, led to the arrest of the facility's director for negligence. The overcrowded nursing home, meant for 15 residents but housing 71, had previously been warned to follow legal guidelines.
- Unregistered Sri Lankan nursing home lies in ruins as toll from deadly fire rises to 13
A fire at an unregistered nursing home in Western Sri Lanka killed 13 people, including 10 who died immediately and three later in the hospital. The facility, which housed 71 people with mental illnesses, was overcrowded and lacked proper registration. The director has been arrested for suspected negligence, and the fire is believed to have started from an electric short circuit in a water pump wire.
- Unregistered Sri Lankan nursing home lies in ruins as toll from deadly fire rises to 13
A fire at an unregistered nursing home in western Sri Lanka has caused the death toll to rise to 13. The nursing home lies in ruins following the incident.
- A fire at a nursing home in Sri Lanka kills 12 people
A fire at an unregistered nursing home in Anguruwatota, Sri Lanka, killed 12 residents and injured eight others. The facility was overcrowded, with 71 people in a space designed for 15, and the director was arrested for suspected negligence. Government officials had previously warned the home to follow laws and guidelines.
- A fire at a nursing home in Sri Lanka kills 12 people
A fire at an unregistered nursing home in Anguruwatota town, western Sri Lanka, killed 12 residents and injured eight others. The facility, overcrowded with 71 people in a space meant for 15, led to the director's arrest for suspected negligence. Government officials had previously warned the management to follow laws and guidelines.
- Sri Lanka nursing home fire kills 12
A fire at a nursing home in Anguruwatota, Sri Lanka, killed 12 people and hospitalized eight others. The director of the establishment has been arrested, and 51 individuals were rescued and are being cared for by military and public officials.