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..
- 79-year-old woman found murdered, body concealed in suitcase in Seeduwa
- Sports Minister approves new selection committee for Sri Lanka Cricket
- Subcommittee appointed to probe environmental impact of Norochcholai Power Plant
- Record 274 climbers scale Mount Everest in a single day from Nepali side
- Harsha raises alarm over potential rate hike and economic impact
- Individual arrested with 39kg of ICE in Dematagoda
- Anti-drug youth summit scheduled for June under “A Nation United” programme
- Ebola case confirmed in rebel-held Congo area far from outbreak’s epicenter
- Sajith calls for All Party Conference amid economic downturn
- Finance Ministry rejects claims of 4,000 vehicle import LCs opened before tax hike
Hot News
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..
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..
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..
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.
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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May 21, 2026 4:22 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..
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..
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.
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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Prices of imported items could rise by 25% amid rupee depreciation: CLA (English)
Technology
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..
Google announces slew of AI advances, including a personal assistant coming soon
Google announces slew of AI advances, including a personal assistant coming soon
Google will soon unleash a wealth of new artificial intelligence-powered tools and systems, including an AI assistant that will help users by proactively performing tasks on their behalf. MORE..
Samsung Elec set to face major strike on Thursday after talks with union collapse
Samsung Elec set to face major strike on Thursday after talks with union collapse
Samsung Electronics’ union plans for 48,000 workers to walk off the job on Thursday after efforts to clinch a deal on bonus payments fell through, threatening the health of South Korea’s economy and denting the global supply of semiconductors. MORE..
Google unveils smart glasses, taking on Meta
Google unveils smart glasses, taking on Meta
Google on Tuesday (May 19) unveiled the design of new smart glasses, returning to a market the tech giant tried – and failed – to crack more than a decade ago. MORE..
Entertainment
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..
BTS to make special appearance at 2026 American Music Awards
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..
Kylie Minogue battled cancer for a second time in secret
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..
Taiwan Travelogue: Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and translator Lin King win the International Booker Prize
Taiwan Travelogue: Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and translator Lin King win the International Booker Prize
The 2026 International Booker Prize has been won by Taiwanese writer Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and translator Lin King for “Taiwan Travelogue”, a historical romance judges praised for succeeding as “both a romance and an incisive postcolonial novel.” MORE..
Exchange Rates
Country |
Buying |
Selling |
|---|---|---|
USA
U.S.Dollar |
342.6353 | 354.0350 |
UK
Sterling Pound |
459.1241 | 476.4684 |
Europe
Euro |
396.7046 | 412.1364 |
Switzerland
Swiss Franc |
434.8379 | 452.5924 |
Canada
Canadian Dollar |
248.8208 | 258.4942 |
Australia
Australian Dollar |
242.3040 | 253.8498 |
Singapore
Singapore Dollar |
266.7040 | 277.9299 |
Japan
Japanese Yen |
2.1495 | 2.2344 |
Country |
Currency |
Rate |
|---|---|---|
Bahrain
|
Dinar | 874.0665 |
Kuwait
|
Dinar | 1,065.9230 |
Oman
|
Rial | 856.1992 |
Qatar
|
Riyal | 90.4155 |
Saudi Arabia
|
Riyal | 87.8422 |
UAE
|
Dirham | 89.7459 |
Sports
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..
DR Congo cancels World Cup training camp over Ebola outbreak
The Democratic Republic of Congo has cancelled its pre-World Cup training camp in the capital, Kinshasa, because of an Ebola outbreak in the east of the country. MORE..
Mohamed Salah set to captain Egypt at World Cup
Mohamed Salah is set to captain Egypt at the World Cup this summer after being named in their preliminary 27-man squad. MORE..
Aston Villa win Europa League to end 30-year trophy drought
Aston Villa ended their 30-year trophy drought in style as spectacular goals from Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia inspired a 3-0 win against Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday (May 20). MORE..
Bangladesh move above India in WTC standings after Pakistan whitewash
Bangladesh have made a significant jump in the ICC World Test Championship standings after sealing a historic home series win over Pakistan. MORE..
