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..
- President reviews new UDA projects
- US agrees to suspend sanctions against Iranian oil during negotiations: Report
- No invitation yet for Mahinda Rajapaksa to attend War Heroes’ Commemoration event – Media Secretary
- J’pura political science academics file HRCSL complaint over administrative crisis
- UN demands Israel prevent ‘genocide’ in Gaza
- Foreign Ministry launches unified platform for overseas missions
- US Treasury, India’s Adani Enterprises settle alleged Iran sanctions violations
- Sri Lanka launches digital compensation management system for disaster-affected communities
- US$ 600 million spent on vehicle imports in first three months of 2026
- Pakistan sends new Iranian peace proposal to US
Hot News
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..
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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..
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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..
Latest TV News Bulletin
Video of the Day
Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin
Video of the Day
Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin
Video Story
Sri Lanka’s 5% economic growth forecast uncertain amid global instability: CBSL Governor (English)
Technology
Scientists dig up Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur in Thailand
Along a meandering river in a warm and arid region that is now Thailand roughly 113 million years ago, a plant-eating behemoth almost 90 feet (27 meters) long browsed on the treetops without much fear of predators due to its sheer size. MORE..
AI researchers achieve landmark breakthrough in Sinhala AI with publication in prestigious IEEE Access journal
AI researchers achieve landmark breakthrough in Sinhala AI with publication in prestigious IEEE Access journal
While global tech giants spend billions training artificial intelligence that still struggles in Sinhala, a Sri Lankan research team has quietly built a model that does it properly — using just two GPUs. MORE..
Meta to launch ‘Incognito Chat’ for private AI conversations on WhatsApp
Meta to launch ‘Incognito Chat’ for private AI conversations on WhatsApp
Meta Platforms is rolling out a new “Incognito Chat” feature for its artificial intelligence assistant on WhatsApp messaging service, the company said on Wednesday, as it looks to address data privacy concerns. MORE..
EU considering social media ‘delay’ for children
EU considering social media ‘delay’ for children
The European Union should explore limiting children’s access to social media with possible new rules proposed within months, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday (May 12). MORE..
Entertainment
Bulgaria wins Eurovision Song Contest, Israel comes second again
Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time on Saturday in a final overshadowed by five countries’ boycott over Gaza, claiming a dramatic victory despite another big public vote for Israel that again secured it second place. MORE..
‘Sonic 4’ wraps shooting; first look at metal sonic revealed
‘Sonic 4’ wraps shooting; first look at metal sonic revealed
Director Jeff Fowler has wrapped filming on “Sonic the Hedgehog 4.” MORE..
John Travolta surprised with Cannes award ahead of directorial debut
John Travolta surprised with Cannes award ahead of directorial debut
US screen legend John Travolta, star of hits such as “Pulp Fiction” and “Grease,” was surprised on Friday with an honorary Palme d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival, before the premiere of his directorial debut “Propeller One-Way Night Coach.” MORE..
Beckham becomes UK’s first billionaire sportsman
Beckham becomes UK’s first billionaire sportsman
Former England captain Sir David Beckham has become the UK’s first billionaire sportsman in the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. MORE..
Exchange Rates
Country |
Buying |
Selling |
|---|---|---|
USA
U.S.Dollar |
326.7405 | 334.2668 |
UK
Sterling Pound |
433.3080 | 446.7806 |
Europe
Euro |
377.7937 | 390.1227 |
Switzerland
Swiss Franc |
411.7908 | 427.9981 |
Canada
Canadian Dollar |
236.1180 | 244.4004 |
Australia
Australian Dollar |
230.4401 | 240.5498 |
Singapore
Singapore Dollar |
253.1104 | 262.7627 |
Japan
Japanese Yen |
2.0476 | 2.1155 |
Country |
Currency |
Rate |
|---|---|---|
Bahrain
|
Dinar | 863.3721 |
Kuwait
|
Dinar | 1,055.8392 |
Oman
|
Rial | 845.7463 |
Qatar
|
Riyal | 89.3091 |
Saudi Arabia
|
Riyal | 86.7697 |
UAE
|
Dirham | 88.6525 |
Sports
Sri Lanka-India Test series to be played in August
The Sri Lanka-India Test series will be played in the second half of August. The exact dates for the two Tests have not yet been finalised, but Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has identified a two-week window for the matches, which are part of the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. MORE..
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins second straight NBA MVP award
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for a second straight season on Sunday, the league confirmed. MORE..
Top ICC team meets President
Two representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Imran Khwaja and Devajit Saikia, who are currently on a visit to the country, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (17). MORE..
CASA 7s Rugby Tournament: Sri Lanka Women’s clinches Championship in Tashkent
Sri Lanka defeated Kazakhstan 27-00 in the Women’s final to win the inaugural CASA 7s Rugby Tournament in Tashkent, a short while ago.
Sri Lanka Men’s team crowned Champions at inaugural CASA 7s Rugby Tournament
Sri Lanka thrashed India 31-10 in the Men’s final to clinch the Cup Championship at the inaugural Central and South Asia (CASA) 7s Rugby Tournament in Tashkent, a short while ago. MORE..
