News Archive

Romanian government collapses after no-confidence vote

Romanian lawmakers toppled the pro-European government of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in a no-confidence vote on Tuesday, private television station Digi24 reported citing sources, putting at risk the country’s sovereign debt ratings, its access to EU funds and the stability of its currency. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  5:17 pm

Namal congratulates Vijay, calls for a more positive relationship with Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa, extended his congratulations to Indian actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar on what he described as a “resounding victory” in the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  11:57 am

M.K. Stalin resigns as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

DMK president M.K. Stalin has resigned as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. A communication in this regard was sent to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Monday (May 4, 2026) night. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  1:25 pm

UAE says its air defenses are responding to missiles from Iran

The United Arab Emirates said that its air defenses are “currently dealing with a missile threat” from Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  8:01 pm

IMF Chief says Iran war fallout would take 3-4 months even if fighting ends today

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva says the economic fallout from the war with Iran would take at least three to four months to ease, even if the fighting were to stop immediately. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  10:22 pm

Ammunition, leopard skin seized in joint raid in Puttalam

A joint operation by the Police Special Task Force (STF) and wildlife officials has led to the recovery of ammunition and protected animal skins during a raid in Attawilluwa, Puttalam, at a property reportedly linked to a former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  8:52 pm

Sri Lanka and Maldives will continue to remain close friends: President

A special state banquet hosted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in honour of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who is on a state visit to Sri Lanka, was held at the President’s House in Colombo Fort. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  3:10 pm

UAE partial airspace closure to remain in place till May 11

The United Arab Emirates has partially closed its airspace after Iran fired missiles and drones toward the country for the first time since the ceasefire began in early April. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  5:40 pm

Cabinet nod given to ink several MoUs with Vietnam

The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Tô Lâm is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on May 7, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  2:33 pm

Over Rs. 40 million in assets linked to drug network seized in Panadura

The Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has today (05) imposed restrictions on properties worth over Rs. 40 million, believed to have been acquired through a drug trafficking network linked to an associate of a major drug trafficker known as “Panadura Kudu Salindu”. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  7:00 pm

Stars shine at Met Gala, fashion’s biggest night

The brightest stars in Hollywood, music, sports and style - led by Beyonce, Madonna and Nicole Kidman - hit the red carpet for the Met Gala, the Manhattan charity ball that doubles as fashion’s biggest night. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  4:44 pm

Vietnam President’s upcoming visit carries strategic significance – Envoy

Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Trinh Thi Tam spotlighted the outlook for Vietnam – Sri Lanka ties ahead of a May 7-8 state visit to the South Asian nation by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  4:07 pm

Govt clarifies complaint source in US$2.5 million cyber heist; warns of legal action over statements

The complaint related to the alleged US$2.5 million loss was not made by late Ranga Rajapaksha, but by the Director General of the External Resources Department, according to Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:09 pm

Colombo HC issues arrest warrant for witness in case against Johnston Fernando

The Colombo High Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of a witness in a case filed against three defendants, including former Minister Johnston Fernando. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  3:41 pm

Former SriLankan CEO Kapila Chandrasena granted bail

Former SriLankan Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kapila Chandrasena, who was arrested in connection with an incident involving the alleged acceptance of bribes during the purchase of Airbus aircraft for the airline, has been granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  12:01 pm

No need to remove Treasury Secretary over US$2.5 million cyber heist – Cabinet Spokesman

There is no requirement to remove the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Harshana Suriyapperuma from office in connection with the reported incident involving US$2.5 million intended for external debt repayment but allegedly diverted to another party, the Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  5:22 pm

Evacuations planned as suspected hantavirus outbreak traps 150 on cruise ship off Cape Verde

Medics were working on Monday (May 4) to evacuate two people with symptoms of the deadly hantavirus after a suspected outbreak on a luxury cruise ship held off West Africa carrying mostly British, American and Spanish passengers, officials said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  10:22 am

Rainfall expected to increase over the island after tomorrow

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge) affects the island’s weather, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:02 am

US-Iran ceasefire is ‘not over’ despite attacks in Strait of Hormuz: US Defense Secretary

Asked if the ceasefire was over following Monday’s hostilities, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said: “No, the ceasefire is not over.” MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:11 pm

WJC 2026: Global media leaders convene in South Korea to chart the future of journalism and AI

Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the 2026 World Journalists Conference (WJC 2026) concluded successfully in South Korea, marking a significant milestone in international media collaboration. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  4:14 pm

Police constable arrested for accepting Rs. 200,000 bribe to release drug suspect

A police constable attached to the Peliyagoda Police Headquarters has been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs. 200,000. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  11:19 am

Govt. defends appointment of Eran as Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Chairman

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says the appointment of former Member of Parliament Eran Wickramaratne as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee is a correct decision. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  3:57 pm

Joint opposition to hold public rally against govt in Matara on May 10

The next rally in a series of public rallies organised by the Joint Opposition against the incumbent government is scheduled to be held on May 10 in Matara. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  10:19 am

Tourist arrivals drop by 22%

The number of tourist arrivals in the month of April has declined by 22.3% in comparison to April, 2025, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  4:56 pm

Young Europeans turn to AI chatbots for emotional support, survey shows

Nearly one in two young people in Europe have used AI chatbots to discuss intimate or personal matters, as the technology increasingly serves as a source of emotional support, an Ipsos BVA survey showed on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  5:56 pm

Cannabis cultivation raided in Hambegamuwa; one arrested

Officers attached to the Hambegamuwa Police Station in Thanamalwila raided a cannabis cultivation in the Karapinchalanda area of Hambegamuwa and arrested a suspect in connection with the operation. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  11:48 am

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, Uva, North-Central provinces and in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  1:18 pm

Wimal Liyanagama named new Customs Director General

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to appoint Wimal Liyanagama, a Special Grade officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service and the current Director General of the Department of Management Services, as the new Director General of Sri Lanka Customs. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:02 pm

South Korea reviewing US proposal to join operation in Strait of Hormuz

South Korea is evaluating whether to join US efforts to guide merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s foreign ministry said in a statement Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  4:15 pm

Court allows CCD to record statement from ‘Dematagoda Chaminda’ over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (05) has granted permission to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) to record a statement from the notorious underworld figure, Chaminda Ravi Jayanath, also known as ‘‘Dematagoda Chaminda..." MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  1:10 pm

Australia rejects 38% of Sri Lanka student visa applications as integrity rules tighten

Australia has begun a crackdown on visa approvals, rejecting visas for international students at record rates since the beginning of 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  8:29 pm

Opposition urges Govt. to halt remarks targeting judiciary

A group of opposition Members of Parliament have called on the government to immediately cease statements aimed at the judiciary, warning that such remarks threaten judicial independence. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  2:45 pm

Public consultation on proposed electricity tariff revision to be held tomorrow

A public consultation on the proposed electricity tariff revision for 2026 will be held tomorrow (06), the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  9:52 pm

Trump warns Iran forces will be ‘blown off the face of the Earth’ if they target US ships

President Donald Trump warned [Iranian forces that they would be ‘‘blown off the face of the Earth’‘ if they attempted to target US ships in the Strait of Hormuz or Persian Gulf. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:11 am

Human to human hantavirus transmission suspected on cruise but risk to public low, WHO says

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that it suspects some rare human to human transmission took place between close contacts on board a luxury cruise ship hit by seven confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  5:05 pm

Parliament to convene today for first sitting after New Year celebrations

Parliament is scheduled to convene today (05) for the first time following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  7:38 am

First phase of VRS compensation for ex-CEB employees by May 15 – Minister

Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka said compensation for Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) employees who applied for retirement under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) following the dissolution of the CEB is expected to be paid in two phases. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  12:12 pm

Russian Health Minister concludes visit to Sri Lanka

The Minister of Health of Russia, Mikhail Murashko and his delegation have concluded a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  1:48 pm

BASL expresses grave concern over President’s remarks on judiciary

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed grave concern at a statement made by the President at the recent May Day Rally referring to a Judicial decision due to be delivered on May 25 stating that the audience would be able to applaud the decision when delivered. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:39 pm

Low-level atmospheric disturbance likely to develop near Sri Lanka

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), along with an associated low-level atmospheric disturbance, is likely to develop in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  4:46 pm

Sri Lanka, Maldives push for stronger economic partnership at Colombo business forum

Sri Lanka and the Maldives reaffirmed their long-standing friendship and commitment to deeper economic cooperation at the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum in Colombo, with leaders from both countries highlighting shared resilience, mutual support and growing opportunities for partnership. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  7:44 pm

Trump says US forces must enter Iran to retrieve buried nuclear stockpile

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that American forces would need to conduct a ground mission into Iran to secure enriched uranium that remains trapped beneath the rubble of nuclear facilities destroyed in last year’s joint U.S.-Israeli aerial campaign. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  9:25 pm

Iran’s top negotiator warns Tehran ‘not even started’ in Hormuz standoff

Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with the United States warned on Tuesday (May 5) that his country has “not even started” in its standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  2:13 pm

12-member parliamentary select committee appointed to review election laws

A 12-member Parliamentary Select Committee has been appointed to review and report on election laws, excluding provisions relating to Provincial Council elections. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  11:51 am

37 Chinese nationals deported after detention at Welisara Centre

Thirty-seven Chinese nationals including six women, who were arrested while engaging in illegal activities and detained at the Welisara Detention Centre, have been deported from Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  7:48 am

US strikes Iranian fast boats as Iran attacks UAE oil facility

President Donald Trump says the US has struck seven Iranian “fast boats” in the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington seeks to guide stranded ships out of the Gulf through the largely closed waterway. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:07 am

Iran’s Foreign Minister to visit China today

The Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi is set to travel to China today as part of ongoing diplomatic consultations between Tehran and Beijing, Iran’s semi-official news agency Mehr reported Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  3:25 pm

Dilith Jayaweera hails Vijay and TVK’s victory in Tamil Nadu assembly polls

Sarvajana Balaya leader and Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera, extended his congratulations to Indian actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party following what he described as a victory at the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  11:07 am

Sri Lanka, Thailand move to strengthen defence cooperation

The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, together with the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Vajira Jayakody, met with Air Chief Marshal Sakesan Kantha, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, at the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters...MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  1:38 pm

Indians vote for change in key states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Assembly election results still being tallied in several states in India on May 4 reflect a strong mood for political change and signal monumental shifts in regional politics. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:29 am