[2026-02-17 13:47 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: Daily News

Title: Over 75mm rainfall expected today - DailyNews

Snippet: Showery condition is expected to enhance in Northern, Northcentral, Central, Uva and Eastern provinces in next few days from today.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/17/local/952802/over-75mm-rainfall-expected-today/

[2026-02-17 12:41 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Australia rules out repatriating citizens from Syrian camp

Snippet: Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his ‌government wouldn't ⁠repatriate Australian citizens held for years in a Syrian camp.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/australia-rules-out-repatriating-citizens-from-syrian-camp/a-75997548

[2026-02-17 12:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Okinawa voters shift away from concerns over US military presence

Snippet: Analysts point to a shift in priorities among younger Okinawans as a possible factor in the alliance’s bruising defeat in the election

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3343763/what-next-okinawas-anti-base-alliance-after-japan-election-loss

[2026-02-17 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: ‘Heroic era’: why North Korea’s Kim is lauding Ukraine war sacrifices

Snippet: The new homes for families of fallen soldiers are part of a push to showcase tangible achievements before the party congress, analysts say

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3343750/why-north-koreas-kim-lauding-ukraine-war-sacrifices-key-party-congress-looms

[2026-02-17 07:22 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Israeli government approves new West Bank land policy

Snippet: To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/israeli-government-approves-new-west-bank-land-policy/video-75997045

[2026-02-17 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Bangladesh election affirms democratic Islamist governance in South Asia - DailyNews

Snippet: The retreating Western power bloc, as it ravages West Asia, may continue to demonise Islam but the planet’s most populous region, South Asia, seems to be democratically affirming the youngest of the four major religions in both its societal and political dimensions. Bangladesh’s national elections last Thursday, one of its freest in decades, has given a landslide to a liberal Islamist political party while also establishing a conservative Islamist movement as the main legislative opposition.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/17/general-opinion/952411/bangladesh-election-affirms-democratic-islamist-governance-in-south-asia/

[2026-02-17 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Post poll Bangladesh faces many challenges but rapprochement with India is a silver lining - DailyNews

Snippet: The new government of Bangladesh headed by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has a range of issues facing it as it assumes office on Tuesday.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/17/features/952451/post-poll-bangladesh-faces-many-challenges-but-rapprochement-with-india-is-a-silver-lining/

[2026-02-17 06:54 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: ‘Govt can distinguish between GMOA’s genuine grievances and political motives’ - DailyNews

Snippet: Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni said yesterday that the Government possesses the political maturity to distinguish between the genuine grievances of doctors and the political agendas of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/17/local/952687/govt-can-distinguish-between-gmoas-genuine-grievances-and-political-motives/

[2026-02-17 06:47 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Daily News

Title: La Bamba, let’s Samba! - DailyNews

Snippet: “What a beautiful world this will be What a glorious time to be free” – I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/17/features/952569/la-bamba-lets-samba/

[2026-02-17 06:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: A safe haven in Pinnawala for elephants in musth - DailyNews

Snippet: The Free Elephant Sanctuary, an enclosure to house adult male elephants during the rutting or musth period, was opened yesterday at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/17/local/952546/a-safe-haven-in-pinnawala-for-elephants-in-musth/

[2026-02-17 06:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Mt. Lavinia railway track clean-up begins - DailyNews

Snippet: The first phase of cleaning the railway track from the rear end of St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia to the end of the Berjaya Hotel was done on February 7.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/17/local/952606/mt-lavinia-railway-track-clean-up-begins/

[2026-02-17 06:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Medihelp enters Southern Province - DailyNews

Snippet: Medihelp Hospitals, officially inaugurated its 20th facility in Ambalangoda on January 29, 2026. This milestone marks the organization’s first entry into the Southern Province as part of its national expansion journey.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/17/business/952562/medihelp-enters-southern-province/

[2026-02-17 05:05 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Niemcy krytykują Francję: wydaje za mało na obronność

Snippet: Minister spraw zagranicznych Niemiec wezwał europejskich partnerów z NATO do podjęcia większych wysiłków w zakresie wydatków na obronność, krytykując w szczególności wydatki Francji jako niewystarczające.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/pl/niemcy-krytykuj%C4%85-francj%C4%99-wydaje-za-ma%C5%82o-na-obronno%C5%9B%C4%87/a-75988072

[2026-02-17 02:19 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: UK targets all AI chatbots after Grok uproar

Snippet: The UK government on Monday said providers of AI chatbots will be held responsible for preventing their technology from generating illegal or harmful content.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/uk-targets-all-ai-chatbots-after-grok-uproar/a-75993297

[2026-02-17 00:18 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: ICC naming of Duterte’s allies sharpens Philippines’ political fault lines

Snippet: Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Christopher Go named as alleged ‘co-perpetrators’ in the former president’s crimes against humanity case

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3343761/icc-naming-dutertes-allies-sharpens-philippines-political-fault-lines

[2026-02-16 23:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Steve Durst – the US citizen space diplomat who reached out to China

Snippet: Durst, who has died aged 82, bridged a political divide for the ‘shared excitement of exploring the cosmos’

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3343571/steve-durst-us-citizen-space-diplomat-who-reached-out-china

[2026-02-16 21:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage inaugurates new care facility for young elephants on 51st anniversary - DailyNews

Snippet: The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage today (16) celebrated its 51st anniversary by inaugurating a new “Free-Roaming Area for Elephants”, allowing adult male elephants to roam freely in a controlled and safe environment.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/breaking-news/952220/pinnawala-elephant-orphanage-inaugurates-new-care-facility-for-young-elephants-on-51st-anniversary/

[2026-02-16 21:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Chinese journalists who accused a party official of corruption released

Snippet: Case in Sichuan province raises fresh concerns about abuse of power and the shrinking space for media oversight and public expression

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3343751/chinese-journalists-who-accused-communist-party-official-corruption-released-bail

[2026-02-16 21:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Bangladesh’s outreach to India ‘a good beginning’ for easing strained ties

Snippet: Dhaka’s invitation to attend the swearing-in and Modi’s message of support show both sides are ready to turn the page, analysts say

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3343731/bangladeshs-outreach-india-good-beginning-easing-strained-ties

[2026-02-16 21:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Delfin Lorenzana

Snippet: 'If Duterte has his Davao Boys with blood on their hands, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also has his own Ilocano cronies who were showered with fat government contracts'

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/topic/delfin-lorenzana/

[2026-02-16 21:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Salvador Medialdea

Snippet: 'If Duterte has his Davao Boys with blood on their hands, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also has his own Ilocano cronies who were showered with fat government contracts'

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/topic/salvador-medialdea/

[2026-02-16 20:59 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Govt. announces minimum purchase prices for paddy - DailyNews

Snippet: The Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) has officially launched its procurement program for the 2025/2026 Maha season, setting guaranteed minimum purchase prices for local farmers.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/952209/govt-announces-minimum-purchase-prices-for-paddy/

[2026-02-16 20:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: PAnalysis by Patricia Karvelas

Snippet: Patricia Karvelas is the presenter of Afternoon Briefing at 4pm weekdays on ABC News channel and an ABC News columnist. She is also the co-host of the weekly Party Room podcast with Fran Kelly and the host of ABC's daily politics and news podcast Politics Now. Previously she was a presenter at Radio National for a decade, anchoring both RN Drive for seven years and RN Breakfast for three years.

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/patricia-karvelas/6086082

[2026-02-16 20:11 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Prabath Chandrakeerthi appointed Chief of Staff to the President - DailyNews

Snippet: Prabath Chandrakeerthi has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/952188/prabath-chandrakeerthi-appointed-chief-of-staff-to-the-president/

[2026-02-16 19:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Probe into anti-corruption chief revives doubts about Malaysia’s reform drive

Snippet: The government has ordered an investigation as critics question whether oversight mechanisms are strong enough

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3343734/who-watches-malaysias-watchdog-controversy-over-anti-corruption-chief-strains-reform-agenda

[2026-02-16 18:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong court orders Christian Zheng Sheng Association to be liquidated

Snippet: Judge rules in government’s favour after charity failed to repay HK$61 million to public fund in the wake of a fraud scandal in 2024

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343727/hong-kong-court-orders-scandal-hit-christian-zheng-sheng-association-be-liquidated

[2026-02-16 17:39 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong court to rule on appeals of 12 jailed activists on February 23

Snippet: Court will also rule on one acquitted defendant in city’s largest national security trial of 47 opposition figures over illegal ‘primary’ election

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343713/hong-kong-court-announce-verdict-appeals-12-jailed-activists-february-23

[2026-02-16 16:18 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: ‘Move with agility, steadiness’ in Year of the Horse, John Lee tells Hongkongers

Snippet: In his Lunar New Year message, city leader describes the horse as an animal that ‘boldly charges ahead’, a symbol of ‘speed and stamina’

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343698/move-agility-and-steadiness-year-horse-john-lee-tells-hongkongers

[2026-02-16 15:16 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Nepal starts campaign for first election since deadly anti-corruption protests

Snippet: Nearly 19 million people have registered to vote, including 800,000 taking part for the first time

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3343687/campaigning-starts-nepals-first-election-deadly-anti-corruption-protests

[2026-02-16 15:16 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: 8 dead in fireworks shop blast at start of China’s Lunar New Year holiday

Snippet: Urgent call for all regions to step up safety checks on pyrotechnics, which are at their most popular at this time of year

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3343684/8-dead-fireworks-shop-blast-start-chinas-lunar-new-year-holiday

[2026-02-16 14:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Letters | Pets or no pets, may different lifestyles coexist calmly

Snippet: Readers discuss dog-friendly restaurants, the government’s announcement of a five-year plan, and bus seat belts

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3343475/pets-or-no-pets-may-different-lifestyles-coexist-calmly

[2026-02-16 13:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Average South Korean YouTuber earnings jump 25% in 4 years to US$49,000 annually

Snippet: Growth accelerated after a surge in political broadcasts following 2024’s martial law decree, prompting calls for stricter tax oversight

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3343671/average-south-korean-youtuber-earnings-jump-25-4-years-us49000-annually

[2026-02-16 13:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: Daily News

Title: Showers expected across several provinces - DailyNews

Snippet: Several spells of showers will occur in Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Hambantota districts.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/952048/showers-expected-across-several-provinces-3/

[2026-02-16 12:53 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: Four Corners

Snippet: Angus Taylor says he will unite the Liberal Party, but a deeper rift is forming between those who want to overhaul the party's direction and those who believe doing so would mean political death.

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/4corners/

[2026-02-16 11:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: ‘Enough is enough’: Malaysians rally to demand arrest of anti-corruption head

Snippet: The protest against Azam is the biggest since Malaysians rallied in October to demand government action against Israel over the Gaza war

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3343661/hundreds-malaysians-rally-demand-arrest-anti-corruption-head-enough-enough

[2026-02-16 11:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Exclusive | Epstein funded AI pioneer, helped get him Hong Kong government grants

Snippet: US government documents show financier’s funding support for Ben Goertzel, who once led AI and robotics projects in city

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343645/epstein-funded-ai-pioneer-helped-him-get-hk89-million-hong-kong-government-grants

[2026-02-16 09:20 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva for second round of talks with US

Snippet: Talks will centre on Iran’s controversial nuclear programme, as the US deploys a second aircraft carrier to the region

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3343656/irans-top-diplomat-attend-indirect-talks-us-geneva-state-news-says

[2026-02-16 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Equal treatment after half a century - DailyNews

Snippet: Low floor buses are a long standing need for Sri Lanka. During the past several decades Sri Lankan differently able people, elderly, sick and pregnant mothers travelled in ordinary passenger buses with severe difficulties because they could not get on to those buses and they climbed to the buses with the assistance of other passengers.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/general-opinion/951631/equal-treatment-after-half-a-century/

[2026-02-16 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Exporters urged to maintain 10% annual growth rate to achieve USD 36Bn target - DailyNews

Snippet: One of the main victories the government achieved was in the export category with the country recording the highest export revenue in 2025 and that was possible due to the dedication and determination of the award winning exporters present at the occasion, Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development told the 33rd National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) Export Awards ceremony held in Colombo on Friday (13).

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/business/951732/exporters-urged-to-maintain-10-annual-growth-rate-to-achieve-usd-36bn-target/

[2026-02-16 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Sri Lanka turns more optimistic amidst strong Government approval - DailyNews

Snippet: The approval rating of the Government polled at 65% in early-February 2026, in the latest round of the Gallup style “Mood of the Nation” poll by Verité Research.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/951917/sri-lanka-turns-more-optimistic-amidst-strong-government-approval/

[2026-02-16 06:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: 'Government committed supporting eco-friendly tourism initiatives' - DailyNews

Snippet: Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting eco-friendly and resource-efficient enterprises aligned with national development goals, with a particular focus on sustainable tourism initiatives. Addressing the inauguration of the Dutch Empire Tourist Hotel project by Pitch Capital Pvt. Ltd at Devundara, Matara on Saturday (14), the Minister said the Government stands ready to provide all necessary facilities and backing for environmentally responsible tourism ventures.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/business/951735/government-committed-supporting-eco-friendly-tourism-initiatives/

[2026-02-16 06:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Daily News

Title: Area Police OICs must act to wipe out drugs - IGP - DailyNews

Snippet: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya stated drug traffickers have expanded their presence to many sectors including certain Government Institutions as well the Police Department.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/951941/area-police-oics-must-act-to-wipe-out-drugs-igp/

[2026-02-16 06:48 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: President’s Fund to fund more heart, eye and bone surgeries - DailyNews

Snippet: The Government hopes to reduce the long queues for heart, eye and bone surgeries in hospitals, using money from the President’s Fund to perform the relevant surgeries in the currently unused operating theatres of Government, semi-government and private sector hospitals.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/951957/presidents-fund-to-fund-more-heart-eye-and-bone-surgeries/

[2026-02-16 06:44 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: O/L Exam begins tomorrow - DailyNews

Snippet: The GCE Ordinary Level 2025 (2026) Examination will commence from tomorrow (17) at 3545 centres across the country, Examinations Commissioner General Indika Liyanage said.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/951979/o-l-exam-begins-tomorrow/

[2026-02-16 06:35 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Deputy Minister stresses Govt’s commitment to health sector reform at SLCOMM sessions - DailyNews

Snippet: The Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine (SLCOMM) has emerged as a cornerstone institution within the defence medical framework. Its steadfast commitment to continuous professional development, research, training and policy contribution has played a decisive role in strengthening the medical preparedness of the Tri Forces.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/951782/deputy-minister-stresses-govts-commitment-to-health-sector-reform-at-slcomm-sessions/

[2026-02-16 06:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Asgiriya Mahanayake Thera commends exposition of Devni Mori Relics - DailyNews

Snippet: Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya granted a special audience to a monastic delegation from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) at the Asgiriya Mahaviharaya recently, in a significant gesture of spiritual diplomacy.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/951766/asgiriya-mahanayake-thera-commends-exposition-of-devni-mori-relics/

[2026-02-16 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Protecting vulnerable children - DailyNews

Snippet: Children are the future generation of any country. Therefore, the child community of any country in the world needs to be protected at any cost. It is the same for Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, it is close family members or well-known individuals who abuse children more than strangers. The current National People’s Power (NPP) Government is trying its best to protect the Sri Lankan child community.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/editorial/951650/protecting-vulnerable-children/

[2026-02-16 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Inflation projected to move towards 5% target by 2H-2026 - DailyNews

Snippet: Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stability continued to strengthen in 2025, alongside notable progress in implementing critical structural and policy reforms. Although the year was marked by both severe domestic and global shocks, the economy demonstrated resilience, underscoring the effectiveness of decisive measures to strengthen policy buffers and the meaningful progress achieved in restoring stability and reinforcing economic fundamentals Central Bank of Sri Lanka Monetary Policy Report – February 2026 said.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/business/951772/inflation-projected-to-move-towards-5-target-by-2h-2026/

[2026-02-16 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Sri Lankans overseas to benefit from e-BMD initiative - DailyNews

Snippet: The Government’s digital transformation drive has achieved a significant milestone with the successful implementation of the Electronic Birth, Marriage and Death (e-BMD) system across Sri Lanka’s overseas missions, enabling thousands of citizens living abroad to obtain vital civil documents swiftly and efficiently.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/02/16/local/951809/sri-lankans-overseas-to-benefit-from-e-bmd-initiative/

[2026-02-16 05:26 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Israel launches new West Bank land policy seen as a ‘mega land grab’

Snippet: West Bank land registration will force anyone who has a claim to land to prove ownership, a move decried by Palestinians

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3343652/israel-will-begin-contentious-west-bank-land-registration-new-step-deepen-control