A 3,563-carat purple star sapphire, claimed to be the world’s largest of its kind, was unveiled on Saturday in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The owners say they’re willing to sell, with the gem valued at roughly $300 million or more. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117251
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed President Donald Trump for weeks of protests following a violent crackdown by security forces that rights groups say claimed thousands of lives. The remarks frame the unrest as incited by Trump, tying U.S. actions to the demonstrations. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117250
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reaffirmed that the ongoing education reform process will proceed without hindrance, stating the government has not retreated from implementing transformative changes in the sector. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117249
Sri Lanka’s demerit points system for traffic offences will be implemented by the end of July, according to Deputy Inspector General W. P. J. Senadheera, head of Traffic Control and Road Safety. AdaDerana RSS reported the plan on January 17, 2026. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117248
An Indonesian ATR 42-500 carrying 11 people vanished near Makassar, with flight-tracking data and local media confirming loss of contact. Social-media videos allegedly show debris on a mountain near the missing aircraft’s search area, prompting authorities to launch investigations into the disappearance. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117247
Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, accompanied by Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni, visited the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and received their blessings. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117246
Seven people were killed by gunmen in a township outside Cape Town early Saturday, in an attack police believe was extortion-related. The incident is under investigation as authorities search for suspects. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117245
The Department of Examinations of Sri Lanka issued a special announcement about the Home Economics practical examination for the G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) 2025. The notice, shared via AdaDerana RSS, signals important details for candidates; readers are encouraged to view the linked source for full information. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117243
Former Speaker and National People’s Power MP Asoka Ranwala’s wife has been hospitalized after a car accident, according to Biyagama Police. The report, carried by AdaDerana RSS, states the incident involved a vehicle. Date: January 17, 2026. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117241
Sri Lanka’s Railway Department will resume several train services, including night mail routes from Colombo Fort to Trincomalee and Batticaloa, which were suspended due to Cyclone Ditwah. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117240
