News Archive

Sri Lanka, Australia seek to expand trade and tourism ties

High-level discussions have been held to expand trade and tourism ties between Sri Lanka and Australia. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  3:02 pm

LIOC and Sinopec also increase fuel prices

Lanka IOC (LIOC) and Sinopec Energy Lanka have also increased fuel prices following the decision by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to revise fuel prices, effective midnight yesterday (30). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  9:53 am

Derana’s 24-hour ‘Vesak Dansala’ successfully concludes

Sri Lanka’s largest 24-hour ‘Vesak Dansala’, organized by the Derana Media Network, successfully concluded at 7.00 p.m. today (31) after serving tens of thousands of devotees and visitors. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  7:13 pm

Two schoolchildren confirmed dead after drowning incident in Hungama

The bodies of two schoolchildren who went missing while bathing in the sea at Kalametiya, Hungama yesterday (30) have been recovered this morning (31). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  10:44 am

Single-use plastic water bottles banned in all state institutions

The use and purchase of single-use plastic water bottles in all government institutions has been banned with effect from today (31), under a directive issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  9:47 pm

Advisory issued for strong winds and rough seas

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for rough sea conditions and strong winds for the sea areas extending from Mullaitivu to Chilaw via Kankesanthurai, Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  5:11 pm

KSI quits Sidemen collective after 13 years

Social media star and Britain’s Got Talent judge KSI has announced he is leaving the YouTube collective Sidemen after 13 years. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  10:32 pm

Three-wheeler fares to increase following fuel price hike?

The National Joint Three-Wheeler Drivers and Industrial Workers’ Association (NJTWDIWA) has announced that it expects three-wheeler fares to be increased in response to the fuel price revision that came into effect from midnight on May 30. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  9:52 am

PHIs identify 148 Vesak dansals violating health guidelines

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have identified 148 Vesak dansals operating in violation of health and safety guidelines during a special island-wide inspection programme conducted over the past three days. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  7:55 pm

Woman killed in train accident near Wellawatte Railway Station

A woman has been killed after being struck by a train near the Wellawatte Railway Station, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  1:47 pm

Trump to headline 250th anniversary fair opening after performers drop out

U.S. President Donald Trump will headline an event commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary on the National Mall next month, organizers said on Saturday, after several musical performers scheduled to appear in the celebration canceled, citing concerns about its association with him. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  7:08 am

WHO urges countries to reconsider travel restrictions amid Ebola outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-GeneralTedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called on countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures imposed in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  6:03 pm

Bodies of all 3 children recovered after drowning incident in Hungama

The bodies of all three schoolchildren who went missing while bathing in the sea at Kalametiya, Hungama, yesterday (30) have now been recovered. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  12:06 pm

Woman killed in bus accident on Galle–Matara main road

A 65-year-old woman has died after being hit by a private bus on the Galle–Matara main road in Kapparathota, Weligama. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  5:38 pm

Israel troops capture Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon push against Hezbollah

Israeli troops have seized the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and its strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, the military said on Sunday, a major advance against Iran-backed Hezbollah despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  4:26 pm

Ebola spread in DR Congo ‘deeply alarming’, MSF warns

The rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has created a ‘‘deeply alarming’’ situation, the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  8:21 am

Japan provides US$1.33 million grant to revive livelihoods of Eastern fishermen

Japan has extended a financial grant of US$1.33 million to Sri Lanka to assist inland fishermen in the Eastern Province whose livelihoods were affected by the Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  2:02 pm

UNP calls for formal process and consultation with Maha Sangha on monastic discipline issues

The United National Party (UNP) has stressed the need to follow established procedures when addressing matters concerning Buddhist monastic discipline. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  2:35 pm

Hundreds arrested in France after wild Champions League celebrations

Clashes between football fans and police across France have led to more than 400 arrests following the victory of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League final against Arsenal. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  12:40 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, today (31), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  7:01 am

Over 200 injured after Champions League riots in France

A total of 219 people have been injured in clashes between football fans and police across France after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the Champions League final against Arsenal. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  6:43 pm

Sathara Publishers Founder Chandrasoma Perera passes away

Chandrasoma Perera, the founder of Sathara Group and a senior editor of Sathara Publishers, has passed away at the age of 82. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  4:43 pm

Trump boasts "extreme intelligence" after release of medical results

US President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed ‘extreme intelligence’ after his medical test results arrived. Sharing that he got a perfect score in the cognitive test, Trump urged people who would be running for the coveted positions of President and Vice-President to take the test. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  2:59 pm

Man dies after earth mound collapses in Maskeliya

A man has reportedly died after a mound of earth collapsed in the Glantilwatta area of Maskeliya. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  10:40 am

Sri Pada pilgrimage season concludes

This year’s Sri Pada pilgrimage season has officially concluded at midnight yesterday (30), according to the Chief Custodian of Sri Pada Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thero. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  7:06 am

Special traffic plan in place for Nugegoda Sri Dharmaramaya Vesak Perahera today

Sri Lanka Police says a special traffic management plan has been implemented as a large number of devotees and spectators are expected to gather to witness the Perahera organized by Nugegoda Sri Dharmaramaya Temple today (31) in celebration of the Vesak Festival.MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  10:43 am

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon exceeds 3,400

At least 41 people died and 140 more were injured after Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon during the past day, despite the ceasefire that has been in force since April 17, the country’s health ministry said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  9:58 pm

Man arrested in Wellawatta over illegal sale of liquor

An individual has been arrested in Wellawatta for allegedly being in possession of and selling liquor illegally. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  6:18 pm

Five new Mammography machines added to hospital network

Steps have been taken to add five advanced mammography machines to major hospitals across the country, in a bid to enhance diagnostic and treatment services, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  3:57 pm

Belavia to resume flights to Sri Lanka from October 27

Belavia has announced the resumption of flights to Sri Lanka starting October 27. The route will be operated on Tuesdays using a wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  9:55 am

Qatar opposes permanent Hormuz shipping tolls but says temporary fees are ‘‘negotiable’‘

Permanent transit tariffs in the Strait of Hormuz will ultimately inflate prices for global buyers and must be opposed, Qatar has cautioned. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  8:29 am

No revision of bus fares despite diesel price hike – NTC

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that there will be no revision of bus fares despite the recent increase in diesel prices.

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  11:19 am

Donald Trump says Iran has agreed to no nuclear weapons

United States President Donald Trump said he had secured guarantees from Iran that it would not develop nuclear weapons, as reports emerged he had sent a tougher peace proposal back to Tehran. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  2:19 pm

Private bus operators call for 5% fare hike following fuel price increase

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has requested the National Transport Commission (NTC) to implement an interim revision of bus fares following the recent increase in fuel prices. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 31, 2026  11:42 am

Police warn public over fake messages circulating on traffic fine payments

Sri Lanka Police state that complaints have recently been received regarding social media messages falsely circulating as official communications from the Police Department concerning the payment of traffic violation fines. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  11:47 am

Rooftop solar owners requested to temporarily switch off systems

The National System Operator (Private) Limited states that, in order to ensure the reliability and stable operation of the national grid during the Vesak festival period, rooftop solar panel owners are kindly requested to voluntarily switch off their solar power systems until 3:00 p.m. today. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  11:44 am

Trump says he will soon decide on Iran deal, demands reopening of Hormuz Strait

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he would soon decide on a proposed deal to extend the ceasefire with Iran, though the two countries still appeared to differ on significant issues that have been central to the conflict. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  8:15 am

President calls for peace, reconciliation and compassion in Vesak message

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Vesak message, emphasized the enduring relevance of Buddhist teachings in fostering peace, coexistence, and reconciliation in contemporary society, urging people to embrace the values of non-violence, compassion, and loving-kindness in their lives. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  7:44 am

“Deranabhivandana” Vesak Poya programme broadcast live from Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

The “Deranabhivandana” live Vesak Poya programme, commemorating the three pivotal milestones in the life of Gautama Buddha, is being broadcast throughout the day today (30) from the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  9:13 am

PM urges society to embrace compassion, kindness and wisdom in Vesak message

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her Vesak Day message, called on the public to use the sacred Vesak season as an opportunity to illuminate their hearts with compassion, kindness, and wisdom, while dispelling the roots of greed, hatred, and delusion. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  7:51 am

Electricity supply temporarily disrupted in several areas due to system imbalance – Minister

Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka states that the electricity supply has been temporarily interrupted across several parts of the island, including Colombo, due to an unexpected system imbalance within the power grid. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  12:55 pm

Sri Lanka’s largest Dansala, “Derana’s 24-hour Vesak Dansala,” to begin at Independence Square today

Sri Lanka’s largest dansala, organized by the Derana Media Network and operating continuously for 24 hours, will be held today (30) at the Independence Square premises in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  11:28 am

Pentagon chief says U.S. ready to restart strikes on Iran if no deal

The U.S. is ready to restart attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday, as negotiators from Washington and Tehran worked to bridge major differences blocking an agreement. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  12:17 pm

Showers expected in several provinces after 1pm today

Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  6:48 am

Suspect arrested for aiding and abetting Galle shooting; ‘Ice’ seized during arrest

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the shooting and killing of an individual on May 12 in the Dangedara area within the Galle Police Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  11:16 am

MP Dilith Jayaweera urges reflection on Dhamma amid challenges to the Buddha Sasana in Vesak Message

Leader of the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ and Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera, in his Vesak Day message, highlighted the spiritual significance of the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and urged Buddhists to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  8:53 am

3 astronauts from China return to Earth after nearly 7 months in space, a record for a Chinese crew

Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Friday after spending nearly seven months in space, setting a record for the longest on-orbit stay by a Chinese crew. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  12:40 pm

First of five men found alive in flooded Laos cave rescued

The first of five men found alive after spending more than a week trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos has been freed. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  8:29 am

Opposition Leader Sajith highlights equality and human values in Vesak Message

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has extended Vesak Day greetings to the people of Sri Lanka and the world, highlighting Buddhist teachings on equality, self-reliance, and the value of human life. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  8:58 am

18 passengers arrested with foreign-made cigarettes worth over Rs. 31 mln at BIA

Eighteen Chinese and Sri Lankan passengers have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a stock of foreign-manufactured cigarettes valued at Rs. 31.38 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  2:11 pm