Vietnam’s low-cost airline Vietjet Air has commenced direct flight operations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, with its inaugural flight arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (18).

A 22-year-old individual has been arrested with approximately 18.672 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’), during a police raid in Maswila, Bandaragama, police stated.

The August installment of the Aswesuma welfare benefit is scheduled to be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts today (19), according to the Welfare Benefits Board.

The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (Aug 19) accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles at shipping in the Gulf, an allegation later denied by Tehran.

Several spells of showers are expected in several parts of the country, while mainly dry weather will prevail across the rest of the island, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Mahishini Colonne has emphasised the need to deepen Sri Lanka–India relations while safeguarding Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and strategic autonomy.

Land values in the Colombo District increased at a moderate pace during the first half of 2026, with the overall Land Valuation Indicator (LVI) rising 5.9% year-on-year, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

A total of 113,307 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka during the first 16 days of August, according to the latest figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

The first Kumbal Perahera of the 2026 Kandy Esala Festival commenced at the auspicious time of 6:52 p.m. today (18), with the historic procession making its way through the streets of Kandy.

A World Health Organization official said on Tuesday (Aug 18) it was still possible to bring under control an Ebola outbreak that is outpacing containment efforts and has become the second-deadliest on record.

Six petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which was presented to Parliament today (18).

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Aug 18) posted a map on his Truth Social platform showing the Strait of Hormuz as "NEW US Territory", pressing his threat to claim sovereignty over the vital waterway.

The government has secured a US$200 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support the country’s Trade, Investment and Industry Development Programme.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned that Sri Lanka could face another serious economic crisis after 2028 unless the country takes urgent steps to increase its foreign reserves and strengthen foreign exchange earnings.

Former Chairman of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation Mahil Senaratne, who was granted bail after being arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), has been remanded after failing to fulfil the bail conditions.

The government has launched a programme to purchase quality paddy from farmers through small and medium-scale rice mill owners and cooperative societies as part of the 2026 Yala season paddy purchasing programme.

The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando has commended 14 civilians from Angulana for their assistance in rescuing 11 naval personnel following an emergency involving Navy Fast Attack Craft P 4447 off the western coast on August 15.

Claims circulating on social media that an LTTE terrorist training camp is operating inside the Pallai forest reserve are completely false, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa asserted today (18).