News Archive

Police freeze assets of couple over alleged drug trafficking via instant money transfers

Police have frozen assets belonging to a married couple accused of trafficking narcotics through instant money transfer systems. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  8:41 am

US charges Cuba’s Raúl Castro with murder over 1996 downing of two planes

The US has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy to kill US nationals and other crimes over the 1996 downing of two planes between Cuba and Florida. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  5:05 am

Police issue guidelines on action to take after mobile phone loss or theft

Sri Lanka Police say complaints regarding lost, misplaced and stolen mobile phones are reported daily to police stations across the country, warning that such devices can be misused if they fall into the wrong hands. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  2:22 pm

Harsha raises alarm over potential rate hike and economic impact

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) may raise interest rates by at least 50 to 100 basis points next week, equivalent to an increase of 0.5% to 1%, Samagi Jana Balawegaya Member of Parliament Harsha de Silva told Parliament today (21). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  8:01 pm

Ebola case confirmed in rebel-held Congo area far from outbreak’s epicenter

A case of Ebola has been confirmed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province, hundreds of kilometres from the outbreak’s epicentre, the rebel alliance that controls the area said on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  10:08 pm

PM Harini meets Sri Lankans residing in London

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, has met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London, yesterday (20), and engaged in cordial discussions. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  4:36 pm

Govt. will not seek electricity tariff hike until September — Minister

The government will not request an increase in electricity tariffs from the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) until September, according to the Minister of Energy, Anura Karunathilaka. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  12:40 pm

Sri Lanka’s inflation climbs to 4.7% in April

The overall inflation rate in Sri Lanka, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, increased to 4.7% in April 2026 from 2.4% recorded in March 2026, according to the Department of Census and Statistics. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  3:48 pm

Trump says he will speak to Taiwan’s president in break from protocol

US President Donald Trump says he will talk to Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te about a possible arms sale, in what would be a sharp departure from diplomatic tradition. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:03 am

More than Rs. 1 trillion in tax revenue collected - IRD

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced that it has collected over Rs. 1 trillion in tax revenue as of May 18, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  4:38 pm

128 wild elephant deaths reported so far this year

A total of 128 wild elephant deaths have been reported so far this year, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  6:52 am

PM Harini hold talks British Foreign Secretary

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has held a bilateral meeting with Yvette Cooper MP, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:45 am

BTS to make special appearance at 2026 American Music Awards

K-pop superstars BTS will make a “special appearance” at the 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs), organisers CBS and Dick Clark Productions announced on Wednesday (May 20). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  12:56 pm

Govt. to give special attention to rural roads, drinking water supply and waste management in next budget

Special attention will be given in the forthcoming Budget towards the development of rural roads, the provision of drinking water and resolving waste management issues, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  6:07 am

SC issues ruling against Secretary of Transport Ministry over fundamental rights case

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Professor Kapila Perera, violated the fundamental human rights of Additional Secretary W.S. Sathyananda by declaring that his services were no longer required and subjecting him to humiliation and mental distress. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  12:52 pm

UN votes to support strong action on climate change despite US efforts to thwart the effort

The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to support strong action to limit climate change despite recent diplomatic efforts by the United States to have the measure withdrawn. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  2:04 pm

Record 274 climbers scale Mount Everest in a single day from Nepali side

A record number of 274 climbers scaled Mount Everest on Wednesday, a hiking official said, the highest number ever to reach the world’s tallest peak on the same day from the Nepali side. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  7:50 pm

Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay expands his Cabinet

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay expanded his Cabinet today with the induction of 23 MLAs in the Council of Ministers. 21 MLAs from Vijay’s TVK party and 2 from the ally Congress took oath as ministers in the new government. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:22 am

Trump says willing to wait for a few days to get ‘right answer’ on Iran peace deal

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (May 20) said the United States was ready to proceed with further attacks on Tehran if Iran did not agree to a peace deal, but suggested Washington could wait a few days to “get the right answers”. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  7:07 am

Two killed in separate incidents in Seeduwa and Grandpass

Police have launched investigations into two separate murder incidents reported in Seeduwa and Grandpass, in which two individuals have died. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  7:40 am

RDA engineers launch indefinite trade union action over unmet demands

The Engineers’ Association of the Road Development Authority (RDA) has announced that it has launched an indefinite trade union action from today (21), citing two key demands including a salary anomaly issue. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  6:34 am

Police to implement special security program during Vesak Week

A special island-wide security program will be implemented during the Vesak week to ensure devotees can observe religious activities in a peaceful and secure environment, the Police headquarters has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  2:05 pm

UNP raises concerns over rupee depreciation, questions govt’s economic approach

The United National Party (UNP) has raised concerns over what it described as the “uncontrolled depreciation” of the Sri Lankan rupee, questioning the government’s economic approach and warning of rising pressure on the public due to the increasing cost of living. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  5:11 pm

Govt. expects US$700 million IMF tranche on May 27 — Deputy Minister

The government is hopeful of receiving US$700 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on May 27, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, (Prof.) Anil Jayantha Fernando has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:54 am

Ebola vaccine could take nine months as death toll rises further, WHO warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) says it could take up to nine months before a vaccine against this particular species of Ebola is ready. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  8:02 am

Sri Lanka expresses concern over treatment of “Global Sumud Flotilla” detainees

The Government of Sri Lanka has expressed deep concern over footage posted by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which appears to depict the dehumanizing treatment of detainees linked to the “Global Sumud Flotilla.” MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  2:20 pm

Luxury cruise ship makes maiden call at Colombo Port carrying over 2,300 tourists

A luxury passenger cruise ship named ‘‘Mein Schiff 6’’, carrying 2,380 tourists, has arrived at the Colombo Port and docked at the East Container Terminal Stage (ECT). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:46 am

Finance Ministry rejects claims of 4,000 vehicle import LCs opened before tax hike

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha today told Parliament that reports claiming 4,000 Letters of Credit (LCs) were opened on May 15, a day before the government imposed a new 50% surcharge on customs import duties for imported vehicles, are completely false. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  10:40 pm

Kylie Minogue battled cancer for a second time in secret

Kylie Minogue battled cancer for a second time in secret after being diagnosed in 2021. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  9:30 am

Cardinal Ranjith hits out at politicians over hypocrisy, broken promises and moral decline

The Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, says he is deeply disappointed by the conduct of politicians in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  4:22 pm

Individual arrested with 39kg of ICE in Dematagoda

A suspect has been arrested in the Dematagoda area by the Western Province North Crimes Division while allegedly in possession of 39 kilograms of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) narcotics and 5 kilograms of Kerala ganja, according to Sri Lanka Police.

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  9:07 pm

Harry Styles tour ‘actively working’ on staging after fan complaints

Harry Styles’ world tour is set to review its staging following complaints from fans over obstructed views. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  1:29 pm

India-Africa Forum Summit postponed in wake of Ebola virus outbreak

The Ebola public health emergency in Africa cast its shadow on India’s diplomatic calendar with the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (May 21, 2026) announcing postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit-IV that was scheduled for May 28-31. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  6:26 pm

Sports Minister approves new selection committee for Sri Lanka Cricket

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports says that it has approved the members nominated for the new Selection Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  7:36 pm

UK eases sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended Wednesday (May 20) a contentious move to ease sanctions on imports of Russian jet fuel and diesel as the Middle East war causes prices to spiral. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  9:03 am

42 antique paintings missing from National Art Gallery — Minister

A total of 42 antique paintings from the National Art Gallery have been reported missing, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi told Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  10:14 am

US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 350

The Sri Lankan Rupee continues to weaken against the US Dollar amidst multiple factors including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:09 am

Iran’s Supreme Leader says enriched uranium must stay in Iran – report

Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive that the country’s near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad, two senior Iranian sources said, hardening Tehran’s stance on one of the main U.S. demands at peace talks. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  4:49 pm

Sajith calls for All Party Conference amid economic downturn

The Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa has called for an All Party Conference in order to discuss the ongoing economic downturn including the rapid depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  10:32 pm

Anti-drug youth summit scheduled for June under “A Nation United” programme

Plans have been made to conduct an anti-drug youth summit on June 26 in line with the “A Nation United” national programme aimed at eradicating the drug menace, according to a statement issued by the President’s Media Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  9:21 pm

CAA announces estimated price ranges for several essential food items

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced the estimated retail price ranges for several essential food items for the week from May 18 to May 24, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  2:40 pm

Sri Lanka to elevate its engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath held productive discussions with the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  5:24 am

79-year-old woman found murdered, body concealed in suitcase in Seeduwa

The body of a 79-year-old woman, who is suspected to have been gruesomely murdered, has been discovered stuffed inside a suitcase at her residence in the Seeduwa Police area. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  6:41 pm

One in three Sri Lankans suffers from high blood pressure — Health Ministry

One in every three people in Sri Lanka is suffering from high blood pressure, the Ministry of Health has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  1:09 pm

South-west monsoon brings heavy rain and strong winds across Sri Lanka

The South-West monsoon is gradually establishing over the island, bringing showers and strong winds to several parts of the country, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  5:34 am

Sri Lankan Rupee slumps as Asia’s worst-performing currency this month

The Sri Lankan rupee has been identified as the worst-performing currency in Asia this month, according to a report published by a leading global business news platform. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  7:18 am

One in three Japan firms using or considering AI robots: Reuters poll

One-third of Japanese companies are already using or considering deploying AI-powered robots, with automakers and other transportation equipment manufacturers leading the way, a Reuters survey showed on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  10:05 am

Subcommittee appointed to probe environmental impact of Norochcholai Power Plant

A subcommittee has been appointed by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability to investigate the environmental impact caused by the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant and to submit recommendations. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  7:47 pm

India mulls all options, including rate hike, as rupee slumps

The Reserve Bank of India is considering all of its available options to stabilise the rupee, including an interest rate hike, more currency swaps and raising dollars from investors overseas, according to people familiar with the matter. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  10:40 am

Fairly heavy rainfall above 50 mm expected in some parts of the island

The south-west monsoon is gradually getting established over the island, the Department of Meteorology has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  5:03 am