Private bus operators expect fare hikes in coming months despite a marginal fuel price drop, says LPBOA president Gemunu Wijeratne, citing rising operational costs. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117872
Development Officers striking outside the Presidential Secretariat enter their seventh day of protest today, ongoing as of February 1, 2026. The action, organized against the Secretariat, continues with demonstrators stationed opposite the building, as reported by Ada Derana via RSS. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117871
India’s government announced a record 12.2 trillion rupees (~$133 billion) infrastructure budget for FY 2026-27, starting April 1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman disclosed the figure during the annual budget presentation, marking the highest infrastructure outlay to date. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117869
Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 32 Palestinians, according to local authorities. The Saturday attacks marked a widespread wave of strikes across Gaza. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117868
Sri Lanka has extended the State of Public Emergency. The extension was reported by Ada Derana RSS on February 1, 2026, indicating continued emergency measures in the country. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117867
Police in Bentota arrested two individuals during a special operation for possessing more than five kilograms of heroin (5 kg 105 grams). The seizure targets narcotics trafficking and is part of ongoing enforcement. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117866
A 22-year-old man was arrested near Aluthgama Railway Station by the Kalutara Crimes Division after behaving suspiciously; police recovered nearly 500 grams of methamphetamine (Ice). source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117865
Traders owning stalls at major economic centres told the Minister of Trade, Wasantha Samarasinghe, that they strongly oppose the government’s plan to transfer five leading economic centres from their current administration to a newly established entity. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117864
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi, reiterating India’s continued support for the Palestinians and backing U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117863
Two suspects were arrested by the Western Province South Crime Division for aiding and abetting two shootings in Dehiwala and Kohuwala. Police say the arrests relate to the incidents, which occurred in those areas. Investigation ongoing. Reported by AdaDerana RSS, February 1, 2026. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=117862