The India-US trade deal, with an 18% reciprocal tariff, is to be signed by mid-March. It entails the United States cutting tariffs to 18%, India halting oil purchases from Russia, and India buying about US$500 billion in U.S. energy and tech products, per Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=118072
A seven-year-old boy died after a section of cement plaster detached from the outer wall of an apartment complex and fell on him in the Madampitiya area of Modara, Colombo. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=118071
Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Auditor General, Samudika Jayarathna, took the oath of secrecy before Parliament Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament on February 5, 2026. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=118070
Tomorrow, the President will inaugurate a relief program in the Kandy District for Cyclone Ditwah victims, including compensation distribution and the construction of new houses. The event will also launch several development projects aimed at recovery for families whose homes were destroyed or damaged. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=118069
Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody told Parliament that electricity tariffs will be cut by 30% within three years, aligning with the government’s promise. The pledge, reiterated today, aims to reduce consumer costs and meet the party’s stated targets. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=118068
South Korea’s Jindo County Governor Kim Hee-soo sparked controversy by proposing importing foreign brides from Sri Lanka or Vietnam to address population decline, drawing strong criticism and triggering debates on immigration and demographic policy. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=118066
With the expiration of the last US-Russia nuclear weapons control treaty, fears of a renewed arms race have grown. Analysts warn that the loss of binding constraints could prompt accelerated development of missiles and warheads on both sides. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=118065
Hundreds of devotees are flocking to Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya to pay homage to the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha, brought from Gujarat, India. The pilgrimage began earlier today, as worshippers gather to view the relics and participate in ceremonies reported by Ada Derana RSS on February 5, 2026. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=118064
National school teachers and non-academic staff nationwide staged a protest near the Presidential Secretariat, opposing the suspension of children’s enrollment privileges. The demonstration today underscores widespread educator concerns about access to enrollment. Reported by AdaDerana RSS on February 5, 2026. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=118060
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, urges the government to take immediate action against unauthorized constructions threatening the Muthurajawela wetlands by establishing the Muthurajawela Development Authority to oversee protection. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=118059