Largest city in Sri Lanka; executive and judicial capital; commercial hub
A fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel in New Delhi has killed at least 21 people and injured many more. Eight fire engines responded, with authorities investigating a possible link to a restaurant on the ground floor. Foreign nationals were among the victims and more than 40 people were rescued.
Experts warn Sri Lanka is emerging as a global hub for transnational cybercrime after a Southeast Asian crackdown. Chinese-led networks are relocating here amid lax visa rules, with scams ranging from romance fraud to crypto fraud, and hundreds deported or arrested this year.
Violence has erupted at Negombo prison, north of Colombo, with clashes between inmates and detainees. Authorities are clearing the facility as the military stands by to assist police; initial casualty reports vary but indicate multiple deaths and hundreds injured. The incident underscores severe prison overcrowding and ongoing security strain.