News Archive

‘Some progress made,’ says top US diplomat on Iran talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday that “some progress (was) made” in peace talks with Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  8:58 pm

Severed human head washes ashore in Moragalla

A severed human head has washed ashore on the beach located behind a popular tourist hotel in Moragalla, Aluthgama. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  10:08 am

Gaza flotilla activists allege abuse by Israeli forces while detained

Pro-Palestinian activists who were deported after their Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces have alleged they were subjected to abuse while held in detention. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  7:57 am

Death toll rises to 82 in north China coal mine accident

The death toll from a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China’s Shanxi province has jumped to at least 82, state media reported on Saturday (May 23), with nine still missing. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  11:19 am

Over 2,300 Vesak ‘Dansal’ registered islandwide so far: PHIU

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) states that a total of 2,388 ‘Dansals’ across the island have been registered so far to be held in view of the upcoming Vesak festival. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  11:48 am

Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson get married in Florida

Donald Trump Jr., the president’s oldest son, married socialite Bettina Anderson on Thursday in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to Palm Beach County records. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  11:03 am

US Embassy denies reports claiming ‘FBI team’ arrived in Sri Lanka

The US Embassy in Colombo has rejected certain local media reports which claim that a “team” from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrived in Sri Lanka to support the investigation into the USD 2.5 million cyber fraud involving Treasury funds. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  7:24 pm

Trump administration to force foreigners in the US to apply for a green card abroad

Foreigners in the U.S. who want a green card will need to leave and apply in their home country, the Trump administration announced Friday, in a surprise change to a longstanding policy that sowed confusion and concern among aid groups, immigration lawyers and immigrants. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  12:04 pm

Early landslide warnings issued to residents in several districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide early warnings for six districts due to the prevailing heavy rainfall across the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  9:16 am

After 19-year trial, five sentenced to death over assault homicide

The Balapitiya High Court sentenced five accused to death after a 19-year trial, finding them guilty of assaulting and murdering an individual using poles and clubs. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  4:21 pm

Minor flood warning issued for Kalu Ganga Basin amid heavy rainfall

According to the Department of Irrigation, there is a possibility of a minor flood situation occurring in low-lying areas of the Kalu Ganga basin within the next 24 hours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  10:03 am

Israeli strikes kill six Lebanese medics in 24 hours, health ministry says

Six Lebanese paramedics were killed in two Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon in the span of 24 hours, Lebanon’s health ministry said on Friday, condemning the attacks as violations of international law. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  7:04 am

Police arrest suspect over Dikoya double murder

Police said that the suspect wanted in connection with the recent double murder of an elderly couple inside a shop located in the Dikoya Town in Hatton, has been arrested this evening (23). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  8:00 pm

Police warn public over rising online financial fraud and cybercrime incidents

Sri Lanka Police have urged the public to remain vigilant regarding financial fraud and cybercrimes committed through the internet and social media platforms. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  3:00 pm

AI used to fake evidence that ended Korean actor’s career, say police

South Korean police are seeking an arrest warrant for a YouTuber who allegedly faked evidence that defamed actor Kim Soo-hyun and fuelled a scandal which ended his career. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  8:15 am

Flood warning for Attanagalu Oya basin extended by 48 hours

The Department of Irrigation says the flood warning issued for the Attanagalu Oya basin under at 5.30 a.m. yesterday (22) has been extended for the next 48 hours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  7:35 am

One fatality reported amid ongoing severe weather in Sri Lanka - DMC

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has reported one fatality due to the adverse weather conditions currently affecting parts of Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  9:23 am

PM Harini returns after concluding official visit to UK

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island on Saturday (23) after concluding a successful official visit to the United Kingdom from 18 to 22 May, the PM’s Office said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  6:18 pm

Gabbard resigns as Trump’s top US intelligence official

Tulsi Gabbard said on Friday she was resigning from her job as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence, saying her husband had been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and she was leaving her role to help him. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  7:15 am

Police uncover more details on 21 Sri Lankan suspects deported from Dubai

Sri Lanka Police have uncovered further details regarding the 21 suspects who were brought back to the island last morning (22) following their deportation from Dubai. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  4:38 pm

Heavy showers expected in several parts of the island today

South-West monsoon is gradually getting established over the island, the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  6:48 am

12 families evacuated as landslide reportedly reactivates in Udakalagama

A landslide has been reported to have reactivated in the Udakalagama area of the Gallella Grama Niladhari Division within the Ratnapura Divisional Secretariat Division, amid the prevailing adverse weather conditions affecting the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  11:20 am

Over 27,000 people affected by adverse weather across Sri Lanka

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) states that more than 27,000 individuals across the island have been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  9:46 pm

Police seek public assistance to arrest suspect over Dikoya double murder

Hatton Police have released CCTV footage of the suspect allegedly involved in the murder of a couple in Dikoya, Hatton, and are seeking public assistance to locate and arrest the suspect. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  2:18 pm

‘Don’t call me dumb. Call me a brilliant tyrant dictator’: Trump

US President Donald Trump has a qualm with critics. He said that the insult he hates most is being called “dumb”. However, he has no objection to being called a “brilliant tyrant dictator”. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  10:22 pm

Indian retailers raise fuel prices for a third time amid Iran war

Indian state-owned fuel retailers raised petrol and diesel prices for the third time this month, dealers said on Saturday, as the companies look to recoup losses caused by elevated crude oil prices amid the Iran war. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  11:09 am

Special committee to be appointed to protect lands in Eastern Province: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that a special committee, headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, will be established to protect lands in the Eastern Province. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 23, 2026  10:36 am

US House Republicans cancel Iran war powers vote

Republican leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives unexpectedly canceled a vote on Thursday on a resolution seeking to end the Iran war unless President Donald Trump obtains Congress’ authorization, two days after a similar ‌measure advanced in the U.S. Senate. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  5:39 am

Pambegama records highest rainfall of 336.5 mm in 24 hours – Met. Dept

The Department of Meteorology reports that the highest rainfall of 336.5 mm, recorded between 8.30 a.m. yesterday and 8.30 a.m. today, was observed in Pambegama in the Kegalle District.

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:41 am

Several BIA-bound aircraft diverted to Mattala amid heavy rainfall

Several aircraft scheduled to land at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake were diverted to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport due to adverse weather conditions prevailing in the area. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  8:48 am

Floodwaters submerge sections of Colombo–Avissawella road; multiple areas affected

Due to heavy rainfall experienced in several areas within the Kelani River Basin, flooding has been reported at multiple locations between Avissawella and Hanwella. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  9:26 am

MP Dilith Jayaweera engages in discussions with Australian politicians

Leader of the Sarvajana Balaya and Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera has shared details of an official engagement with several prominent Australian politicians, highlighting a recent interaction at the Parliament of Victoria, Australia. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  2:46 pm

Malaysia to introduce new rules to protect youth on online platforms

Malaysia will introduce new measures from June 1 to protect children and reduce their exposure to harmful content on online platforms, its communications regulator said on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  1:40 pm

Over 300 mm rainfall recorded in some areas - Met. Dept

The Department of Meteorology has revealed that several regions across the island have recorded rainfall exceeding 300 mm due to the relentless torrential downpours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  10:51 am

Three wards at Chilaw General Hospital inundated amid heavy rainfall

It is reported that, due to prevailing heavy rainfall, three wards at the Chilaw General Hospital have been inundated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  10:41 am

Advisory issued to residents along Attanagalu Oya amid heavy rainfall

The Department of Irrigation states that, in view of the prevailing heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka, a minor flood situation could develop in areas surrounding the Attanagalu Oya. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:04 am

Landslide early warnings issued to areas in three districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a landslide early warning for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) in three districts due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions affecting parts of the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  7:27 am

Six schools in Dehiowita Edu. Zone closed due to bad weather

Due to the prevailing rainy weather conditions, steps have been taken to close six schools in the Dehiowita Education Zone today (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:37 am

DMT urges vehicle owners to collect unclaimed number plates before June 30

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has issued a special notice urging vehicle owners to collect their printed but unclaimed vehicle number plates issued during the years 2023 and 2024 before June 30, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:58 am

Arrest warrant issued for ex-Minister Basil Rajapaksa

The Matara Magistrate’s Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, said Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  12:43 pm

21 Sri Lankan criminal suspects deported from Dubai arrive at Mattala

Twenty-one wanted criminal suspects, including alleged underworld figures “Mahawatta Chamara” and “Kudu Duminda,” who were deported from Dubai, have arrived at the Mattala International Airport early this morning (22), according to Sri Lanka Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:40 am

Kirindiwela records highest rainfall of 244 mm in 24 hours

The Department of Meteorology has reported that the highest rainfall of 244 mm was recorded in the Kirindiwela area of the Gampaha District in the last 24 hours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  7:35 am

Minor flood warnings issued for several areas of Kalu Ganga basin

The Department of Irrigation has warned that there is a risk of minor flooding in several areas along the Kalu Ganga basin during the next 24 hours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  9:19 am

Very heavy rains above 200 mm likely in some areas today: Met. Dept

According to the Department of Meteorology, the South-West monsoon is gradually establishing over the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  7:24 am

Major development projects in Ampara launched under President’s patronage

The Ampara District Special Coordinating Committee meeting will be held this afternoon (22) at the auditorium of the Ampara District Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  12:34 pm

IMF Executive Board to consider Sri Lanka’s combined reviews next week

Sri Lanka’s reform program continues to move forward, with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board set to consider the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews under the Extended Fund Facility on Wednesday (May 27). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  7:33 am

Jailed Vietnamese tycoon’s Birkin bags sell for more than $550K

Two luxury handbags confiscated from jailed Vietnamese businesswoman Truong My Lan have sold for more than $535,000 (£399,000) in a government auction. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:15 am

Minor flood warning issued for Kelani River Basin following heavy rainfall

A significant rainfall of approximately 300 mm has been recorded in the upper catchment areas of the Kelani River Basin, according to the Irrigation Department. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  8:46 am

Landslide ‘Red’ warnings issued to residents of several areas in two districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued Level 3 (Red) landslide early warnings for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) across two districts due to prevailing heavy rainfall. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  9:39 am

Slight decline observed in US Dollar’s selling price

According to the daily exchange rate official chart released today (22) by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the buying rate of the US Dollar is recorded at Rs. 342.67, while the selling rate is Rs. 353.17. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  12:07 pm