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Pakistan sends new Iranian peace proposal to US
Pakistan sends new Iranian peace proposal to US
Iran sent a new peace proposal to the United States with terms that appeared similar to offers Washington has previously rejected, although a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday (May 18) that the US had softened its position on some issues. MORE..
US$ 600 million spent on vehicle imports in first three months of 2026
US$ 600 million spent on vehicle imports in first three months of 2026
Sri Lanka is likely to spend more foreign exchange on vehicle imports in 2026 than initially anticipated, according to the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe. MORE..
Sri Lanka launches digital compensation management system for disaster-affected communities
Sri Lanka launches digital compensation management system for disaster-affected communities
The National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), operating under the Ministry of Defence, officially launched a new digital compensation management system and community feedback mechanism aimed at supporting communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..
US Treasury, India’s Adani Enterprises settle alleged Iran sanctions violations
US Treasury, India’s Adani Enterprises settle alleged Iran sanctions violations
The US government said on Monday India’s Adani Enterprises agreed to pay $275 million to settle alleged sanctions violations involving Iran, as the Trump administration moved to resolve several cases involving Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. MORE..
Foreign Ministry launches unified platform for overseas missions
Foreign Ministry launches unified platform for overseas missions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism today (18) launched its revamped official website together with a newly introduced Common Website Platform for Sri Lanka Missions and Posts Abroad. MORE..
UN demands Israel prevent ‘genocide’ in Gaza
UN demands Israel prevent ‘genocide’ in Gaza
The United Nations demanded on Monday (May 18) that Israel take measures to prevent acts of “genocide” in Gaza, and decried indications of “ethnic cleansing” in the Palestinian territory and in the occupied West Bank. MORE..
J’pura political science academics file HRCSL complaint over administrative crisis
J’pura political science academics file HRCSL complaint over administrative crisis
Professors, lecturers and senior academic staff of the Department of Political Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura have lodged an official complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) over a series of administrative and professional issues within the department. MORE..
No invitation yet for Mahinda Rajapaksa to attend War Heroes’ Commemoration event – Media Secretary
No invitation yet for Mahinda Rajapaksa to attend War Heroes’ Commemoration event – Media Secretary
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not yet received any invitation to attend the National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day event scheduled for tomorrow (19), according to his Media Secretary, Attorney Manoj Gamage. MORE..
US agrees to suspend sanctions against Iranian oil during negotiations: Report
US agrees to suspend sanctions against Iranian oil during negotiations: Report
The United States has agreed to suspend sanctions on Iranian oil exports during ongoing negotiations with Iran, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Monday, citing a source familiar with the talks.
President reviews new UDA projects
President reviews new UDA projects
A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior officials of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) was held this afternoon (18) at the Presidential Secretariat. MORE..
Bodies of four Italian divers found after Maldives accident
Bodies of four Italian divers found after Maldives accident
The bodies of four Italians who drowned during a diving accident in the Maldives have been found but not yet brought to the surface, Italy’s foreign ministry and the Maldivan military said on Monday (May 18). MORE..
Ministry to import 104 new Metro buses to upgrade public transport
Ministry to import 104 new Metro buses to upgrade public transport
The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has announced that 104 new metro buses are scheduled to be imported in August to improve the efficiency of the country’s public transportation system. MORE..
Police to take legal action against Wimal Weerawansa over alleged disruption of War Heroes’ Commemoration Event rehearsal
Police to take legal action against Wimal Weerawansa over alleged disruption of War Heroes’ Commemoration Event rehearsal
Legal action will be taken against a group, including the leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF), former Member of Parliament Wimal Weerawansa over allegations of obstructing rehearsal activities held today (18) ahead of the National War Heroes’ Day Commemoration Day, police stated. MORE..
Petition filed in Appeals Court to halt use of rice and sugar in beer production in Sri Lanka
Petition filed in Appeals Court to halt use of rice and sugar in beer production in Sri Lanka
A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an order directing the Commissioner General of Excise and others not to grant approval for the use of rice and sugar as primary raw materials in beer production. MORE..
Rupee depreciation driven by global oil price surge and external economic pressures: CBSL Governor
Rupee depreciation driven by global oil price surge and external economic pressures: CBSL Governor
The depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee during this year has been primarily driven by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the resulting increase in global oil prices, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has stated. MORE..
Oil stocks declining ‘very fast’, IEA chief warns
Oil stocks declining ‘very fast’, IEA chief warns
Commercial oil stocks are falling “very fast” as Gulf supplies remain disrupted by the Middle East war, even with the release of strategic reserves by governments worldwide, the head of the International Energy Agency (IAE) said on Monday (May 18). MORE..
Malwana property to be transferred to UGC for higher education development – PM Harini
Malwana property to be transferred to UGC for higher education development – PM Harini
The Malwana property, which has recently been the subject of public discussion, will be transferred to the University Grants Commission (UGC), Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced. MORE..
Buddhist Affairs Dept. directs use of yellow flags for dansal promotions under new circular
Buddhist Affairs Dept. directs use of yellow flags for dansal promotions under new circular
Yellow flags should be used instead of Buddhist flags to direct people toward ‘dansal’ food distribution events in future, the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs (Development) Asela Madusanka stated. MORE..
Sri Lanka’s 5% economic growth forecast uncertain amid global instability: CBSL Chief
Sri Lanka’s 5% economic growth forecast uncertain amid global instability: CBSL Chief
Although Sri Lanka had initially expected an economic growth rate of around 5% for 2026, recent changes in global economic conditions after March have made it difficult to provide an accurate forecast, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has said. MORE..
Economist calls for policy to allow vehicle imports based on necessity
Economist calls for policy to allow vehicle imports based on necessity
Future policies on vehicle imports should be formulated in a way that allows imports only based on necessity, according to Professor in Economics at the Department of Economics, Priyanga Dunusinghe of the University of Colombo. MORE..
Iran officially announces new body to manage Strait of Hormuz: Top security council
Iran officially announces new body to manage Strait of Hormuz: Top security council
Iran’s top security body announced on Monday (May 18) the formation of a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively closed and wants to charge ships to traverse. MORE..
5,289 Tri-Service personnel promoted in view of National War Heroes’ Day
5,289 Tri-Service personnel promoted in view of National War Heroes’ Day
A total of 5,289 Tri-Service personnel have been promoted to their respective next ranks in view of the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls tomorrow (19). MORE..
US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 334
US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 334
The selling rate of the US dollar has exceeded Rs. 334, according to the latest daily exchange rates issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (18). MORE..
Modi allies push for bigger families despite India’s 1.4-billion population
Modi allies push for bigger families despite India’s 1.4-billion population
India may be the world’s most populous country, with 1.42 billion people and challenges like high youth unemployment, but powerful allies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are championing larger families to counter a declining fertility rate. MORE..
Court temporarily lifts foreign travel ban on MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake
Court temporarily lifts foreign travel ban on MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake
The Colombo High Court has ordered the temporary lifting of the overseas travel ban imposed on Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who is facing corruption-related charges. MORE..