News Archive

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, today (18), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  6:01 am

Hantavirus-hit cruise ship due to arrive at Rotterdam port as final destination

The hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius was due to dock in Rotterdam on Monday morning for disinfection, with Dutch authorities preparing quarantine arrangements for the 25 crew members and two medical staff remaining on board. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  6:19 am

Oil touches 2-week high after drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant

Oil prices extended gains on Monday as efforts to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates came under attack and as U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  6:08 am

Trump warns ‘clock is ticking’ for Iran as peace progress stalls

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran the "clock is ticking" as talks to bring the war to an end have stalled. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  9:21 am

‘National Victory Day Commemoration Ceremony’ to be held tomorrow under the patronage of President

The ‘‘National Victory Day Commemoration Ceremony,’’ marking 17 years since the defeat of terrorism, is scheduled to be held tomorrow (19) as in previous years. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  9:11 am

Chinese national arrested with stock of foreign cigarettes in Kollupitiya

A foreign national has been arrested in Kollupitiya, near Nimalka Gardens, with 540 sticks of foreign cigarettes allegedly brought into Sri Lanka illegally. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  8:03 am

Sri Lanka marks 17 years since the defeat of three-decade terrorism

Today (18) marks 17 years since the defeat of the brutal LTTE terrorism that plagued Sri Lanka for more than three decades. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  6:58 am

Nepali Sherpa scales Mount Everest for a record 32nd time

A renowned Nepali Sherpa guide scaled Mount Everest for the 32nd time on Sunday, an official said, smashing his own record set last year. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  8:14 am

Rainfall decreases across major river basins – Irrigation Dpt.

The Department of Irrigation says a decrease in rainfall was observed yesterday (16) in areas surrounding the Kalu, Kelani, and Attanagalu Oya river basins. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  8:30 am

Tragedy at Victoria Reservoir: Two youths drown, one still missing

Two youths have died after a group of four went swimming in the Victoria Reservoir near the Bambaragala Temple area in the Teldeniya Police Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  5:13 pm

Indian worker among four killed as Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow in over a year

Four people were killed in overnight Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia, authorities have said – in what appears to be the largest attack on Moscow in over a year. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  7:17 pm

Residents allege corruption in Monaragala disaster relief payments; officials accused of taking commissions

Residents in several parts of Monaragala have accused several officials attached to the Monaragala Divisional Secretariat of allegedly engaging in fraudulent practices during the distribution of disaster compensation funds. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  2:13 pm

Death toll in Victoria Reservoir tragedy increases to three

The body of another individual missing after a group of four youths went to bathe in the Victoria Reservoir today (17), has been found.

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  6:09 pm

Wanawasala train derailment: Police reveals removed railway track parts sold for Rs. 3,000

Police have revealed that parts removed from the railway line where a train derailment occurred have been sold for Rs. 3,000, and the individual who purchased the items has also been arrested after his identity was traced, Western Province North Deputy Inspector General of Police Kalinga Jayasinghe said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  12:03 pm

All document attestation services at Foreign Ministry Consular Division suspended

All document attestation services at the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been temporarily suspended until further notice due to an unexpected technical failure of the Electronic Document Attestation System (e-DAS). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  9:48 pm

Popular hotel in Batticaloa sealed for two weeks after health violations

A popular hotel in Batticaloa city has been sealed under an order issued by the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  1:35 pm

India, other oil importers to bilaterally negotiate transit corridors with Iran: Moody’s

India and other oil importing nations are likely to negotiate bilaterally to secure energy supplies, potentially through coordinated transit corridors, but a return to pre-war traffic volumes is unlikely in 2026, Moody’s Ratings has said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  2:51 pm

Stock markets fall in Middle East after US and Iran deal doubts

Stock markets in the Middle East closed lower on Sunday after both US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Foreign Minister threw doubt on a deal to end the tension in the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  8:45 pm

Railway union calls for urgent restoration of night patrols following Wanawasala train derailment

The Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union has stated that the Railway Department’s night patrol services are currently not being properly carried out and has called for the immediate reinstatement of these services. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  2:39 pm

Sri Lanka backs Commonwealth cancer plan at Geneva health talks

The Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has attended the Commonwealth Health Coordination Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  3:59 pm

Duo arrested with leopard skin, firearms, and ammunition in Wanathawilluwa

Two individuals have been arrested by officers attached to the Department of Wildlife Conservation Wanathawilluwa sub-office for possessing a leopard skin, several firearms and ammunition inside a house located on a coconut estate. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  1:30 pm

Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with Donald Trump about Iran war

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President Donald Trump minutes ago about the war with Iran before convening a limited security discussion this evening, Netanyahu’s office confirms to The Times of Israel. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  10:20 pm

Man drives car into pedestrians in Italy, injuring eight

A man has driven his car into pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena, injuring eight people, four seriously, officials say. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  6:46 am

Two brothers drown in abandoned quarry in Kekirawa

Two brothers drowned this afternoon (17) while swimming in an abandoned quarry in Samagigama, Kekirawa, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  9:19 pm

Monaragala Disaster Relief Officer suspended over allegations of Ditwah compensation irregularities

A Disaster Relief Services Officer in the Monaragala District, who is accused of irregularities in connection with Ditwah compensation payments, has been suspended from duty. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  4:23 pm

Govt. gazettes bill to abolish Chief of Defence Staff position and repeal 2009 Act

A bill to repeal the Chief of Defence Staff Act No. 35 of 2009 has been published through an official gazette notification. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  1:49 pm

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..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  6:56 am

Drone strike starts fire outside UAE nuclear plant

A drone strike triggered a fire near a nuclear power station in the emirate of Abu Dhabi on Sunday (May 17), authorities said, reporting no injuries or impact on radiation levels. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  4:44 pm

Election Commission urges public to verify 2026 voter registration details before upcoming enrollment process

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has issued a notice regarding registration for the 2026 electoral register. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  1:39 pm

IMF Executive Board to consider Sri Lanka’s combined reviews on May 27

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has scheduled May 27, 2026 for its Executive Board to decide on the Fifth and Sixth reviews of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  9:57 am

Hanif Yusoof informs President of decision to step down as Western Province Governor

The Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusoof says he has notified President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of his desire to resign from the post. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  6:40 pm

Two injured in collision involving NPP MP’s vehicle; Driver arrested

A cab carrying National People’s Power (NPP) Galle District Member of Parliament T.K. Jayasundara was involved in a collision with a three-wheeler in Dunghena, Galle, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  3:33 pm

Long-delayed police promotions to be expedited - Minister

The Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, says that long-overdue promotions for police officers, which had not been granted for over five years, are now being expedited. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  9:29 am

54-year-old found dead under suspicious circumstances in Mt. Lavinia

Police have launched an investigation following a report received by the Mount Lavinia Police regarding a suspicious death inside a residence in the Badovita area of Mount Lavinia. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  10:47 am

PM to hold talks on concerns of uni students occupying Malwana residence

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has turned her attention to a group of university students who have been forcibly occupying for several days a property located in Malwana and administered by the Dompe Divisional Secretariat. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  12:52 pm

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo, Uganda an emergency of international concern

The World Health Organization on Sunday declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a ‘‘public health emergency of international concern." MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  8:12 am

Sri Lanka, Belarus agree to expand bilateral ties

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath has concluded his official visit to the Republic of Belarus. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  5:46 pm

Over 5,200 affected by adverse weather conditions across Sri Lanka

More than 5,200 individuals have been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions across Sri Lanka, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  7:12 am

Two remanded over railway track component theft linked to Wanawasala derailment

The individual suspected of removing sections of the railway line between Wanawasala and Kelaniya, along with the individual alleged to have purchased the removed railway materials, has been remanded in custody until May 29, authorities said.

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  3:13 pm

Muslims in Sri Lanka to celebrate Haj festival on May 28

Muslims in Sri Lanka will celebrate the Haj festival (Eid al-Adha) on 28 May, the Colombo Grand Mosque has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  8:14 pm

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

The low-pressure area located to the north of Sri Lanka is gradually weakening, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  6:30 am

Putin to visit Chinese leader Xi Jinping days after Trump’s trip to Beijing

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on a two-day trip to Beijing next week, the Kremlin said Saturday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  10:46 am

Farmers warn of large-scale protests to Colombo over fertilizer crisis and falling paddy prices

Farmers have warned the government that they will stage large-scale protest marches to Colombo if their legitimate demands are not addressed without delay. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 17, 2026  11:41 am

12 injured after train derails between Kelaniya and Wanawasala

Twelve passengers were injured after a train travelling from Polgahawela to Colombo derailed, causing one carriage to overturn on the railway line between Kelaniya and Wanawasala railway stations this morning (16). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 16, 2026  7:30 am

Fairly heavy showers expected in several parts of the island today

The Department of Meteorology stated that, according to today’s latest weather analysis, the low-pressure area located northeast of Sri Lanka continues to persist. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 16, 2026  6:40 am

141 houses partially damaged across Sri Lanka due to bad weather: DMC

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) states that a total of 141 houses have been partially damaged across Sri Lanka due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 16, 2026  9:06 am

Gradual recession of river water levels amid reduced rainfall: Irrigation Dept.

The Department of Irrigation states that river water levels, which had risen previously, are gradually receding following a slight reduction in rainfall. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 16, 2026  8:52 am

Oil prices climb more than 3% on fears of new US-Iran combat

Oil prices gained more than 3% on Friday, after comments by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister further dented hopes of a deal to end ship attacks and seizures around the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 16, 2026  7:29 am

More details emerge on Wanawasala train derailment

More details have emerged regarding the incident in which a train derailed and a carriage overturned on the railway line between Kelaniya and Wanawasala railway stations. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 16, 2026  8:59 am

Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire by 45 days as Washington talks conclude

Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 45-day extension of a ceasefire that has tamped down the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, as two days of talks facilitated by Washington concluded on Friday with an agreement to hold further meetings in the coming weeks. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 16, 2026  7:03 am