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81 forests declared as reserves under ‘Vanaspathi’ programme so far with more to be gazetted
81 forests declared as reserves under ‘Vanaspathi’ programme so far with more to be gazetted
Under the ‘Vanaspathi’ Programme launched in 2025, a total of 81 forests have so far been declared as forest reserves through gazette notifications. MORE..
114th ILO conference begins in Geneva with Sri Lankan delegation in attendance
114th ILO conference begins in Geneva with Sri Lankan delegation in attendance
The 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILO) commenced today (01) in Geneva, Switzerland. MORE..
QR-based fuel quota system to be strictly enforced in future – Minister
QR-based fuel quota system to be strictly enforced in future – Minister
The Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation, and Energy, Anura Karunathilaka, stated that the QR code-based fuel quota system currently in place is expected to be strictly enforced in the future. MORE..
| June 1, 2026 12:09 pm
US says it struck Iranian military sites, Tehran responds with air base attack
US says it struck Iranian military sites, Tehran responds with air base attack
The U.S. said it struck Iranian military sites at the weekend and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Monday it had targeted a U.S. base in response, the latest exchange of attacks amid negotiations to end the three-month-old war. MORE..
US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 335
US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 335
The selling rate of the US dollar has surpassed the Rs. 335 mark, according to the latest daily exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). MORE..
Plans to establish 100 ‘Samurdhi Suwa Bojun Hala’ within this year
Plans to establish 100 ‘Samurdhi Suwa Bojun Hala’ within this year
The Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannila, stated that the Department of Samurdhi Development is playing a significant role in eradicating rural poverty and should be further strengthened to continue its work effectively. MORE..
Trump seeking edits to US-Iran deal, US media report
Trump seeking edits to US-Iran deal, US media report
President Donald Trump has requested that edits be made to the US-Iran deal aimed at bringing an end to fighting that began earlier this year, US media reported. MORE..
PM calls for transformative education reforms to tackle inequality and AI challenges
PM calls for transformative education reforms to tackle inequality and AI challenges
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has delivered the Bishop Cyril Abeynayake Memorial Lecture at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, addressing a distinguished gathering on the theme, ‘‘Shaping the Future of Education in 21st Century Sri Lanka and Beyond.’’ MORE..
Driver arrested over fatal Meegoda accident found to be under the influence of alcohol
Driver arrested over fatal Meegoda accident found to be under the influence of alcohol
Police have confirmed that the driver of the cab involved in the accident where six persons, including three females, were reported dead after a vehicle crashed into a crowd of people near a Vesak Dansala in the Meegoda Junction, had been under the influence of alcohol. MORE..
| June 1, 2026 8:14 am
Oil prices rise more than 2% as Israel steps up incursion into Lebanon
Oil prices rise more than 2% as Israel steps up incursion into Lebanon
Oil prices rose more than 2% in early trading on Monday after Israel ordered troops to move further into Lebanon in the battle with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago. MORE..
Police reveal more details on fatal Vesak Dansala accident in Meegoda
Police reveal more details on fatal Vesak Dansala accident in Meegoda
Six persons, including three females, were reported dead while several others were injured after a vehicle crashed into a crowd of people near a Vesak Dansala in the Meegoda Junction, last night (31). MORE..
| June 1, 2026 7:11 am
Netanyahu orders deeper Israeli incursion into Lebanon to hit Hezbollah
Netanyahu orders deeper Israeli incursion into Lebanon to hit Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered troops to move further into Lebanon in the battle against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, he said on Sunday, despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago.MORE..
Showers expected in several provinces after 1pm today
Showers expected in several provinces after 1pm today
Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, today (01), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..
6 dead after vehicle crashes into crowd near Vesak Dansala in Meegoda
6 dead after vehicle crashes into crowd near Vesak Dansala in Meegoda
Six persons, including three females, are reported dead while several others are injured after a vehicle crashed into a crowd of people near a Vesak Dansala in the Meegoda Junction. MORE..
Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon exceeds 3,400
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..
Single-use plastic water bottles banned in all state institutions
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..
PHIs identify 148 Vesak dansals violating health guidelines
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..
Derana’s 24-hour ‘Vesak Dansala’ successfully concludes
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..
Over 200 injured after Champions League riots in France
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..
Man arrested in Wellawatta over illegal sale of liquor
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..
WHO urges countries to reconsider travel restrictions amid Ebola outbreak
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..
Woman killed in bus accident on Galle–Matara main road
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..
Advisory issued for strong winds and rough seas
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..
Sathara Publishers Founder Chandrasoma Perera passes away
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..
Israel troops capture Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon push against Hezbollah
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..