News Archive

Govt. to give special attention to rural roads, drinking water supply and waste management in next budget

Special attention will be given in the forthcoming Budget towards the development of rural roads, the provision of drinking water and resolving waste management issues, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  6:07 am

Ebola vaccine could take nine months as death toll rises further, WHO warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) says it could take up to nine months before a vaccine against this particular species of Ebola is ready. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  8:02 am

RDA engineers launch indefinite trade union action over unmet demands

The Engineers’ Association of the Road Development Authority (RDA) has announced that it has launched an indefinite trade union action from today (21), citing two key demands including a salary anomaly issue. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  6:34 am

Two killed in separate incidents in Seeduwa and Grandpass

Police have launched investigations into two separate murder incidents reported in Seeduwa and Grandpass, in which two individuals have died. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  7:40 am

Trump says willing to wait for a few days to get ‘right answer’ on Iran peace deal

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (May 20) said the United States was ready to proceed with further attacks on Tehran if Iran did not agree to a peace deal, but suggested Washington could wait a few days to “get the right answers”. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  7:07 am

Police freeze assets of couple over alleged drug trafficking via instant money transfers

Police have frozen assets belonging to a married couple accused of trafficking narcotics through instant money transfer systems. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  8:41 am

128 wild elephant deaths reported so far this year

A total of 128 wild elephant deaths have been reported so far this year, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  6:52 am

US charges Cuba’s Raúl Castro with murder over 1996 downing of two planes

The US has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy to kill US nationals and other crimes over the 1996 downing of two planes between Cuba and Florida. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  5:05 am

42 antique paintings missing from National Art Gallery — Minister

A total of 42 antique paintings from the National Art Gallery have been reported missing, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi told Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  10:14 am

Govt. to lift energy restrictions for Vesak Week

The government has decided to lift the regulations previously imposed on the use of fuel and electricity in view of the Vesak festival, according to the Office of the Prime Minister. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  9:45 am

Sri Lankan Rupee slumps as Asia’s worst-performing currency this month

The Sri Lankan rupee has been identified as the worst-performing currency in Asia this month, according to a report published by a leading global business news platform. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  7:18 am

South-west monsoon brings heavy rain and strong winds across Sri Lanka

The South-West monsoon is gradually establishing over the island, bringing showers and strong winds to several parts of the country, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  5:34 am

Sri Lanka to elevate its engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath held productive discussions with the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  5:24 am

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..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  9:30 am

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..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  10:05 am

UK eases sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended Wednesday (May 20) a contentious move to ease sanctions on imports of Russian jet fuel and diesel as the Middle East war causes prices to spiral. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  9:03 am

New Batticaloa Public Library vested in the public

The new Public Library Building of the Batticaloa Municipal Council was ceremonially vested in the public this morning (20) in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with former Member of Parliament M.A. Sumanthiran officially declaring the building open. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  4:10 pm

President urges reduced consumption of fuel and imported goods amidst soaring US dollar

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka is currently facing a severe crisis concerning the US Dollar, noting that the strengthening of the US Dollar against other foreign currencies has directly affected the value of the Sri Lankan Rupee. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  5:11 pm

Wimal Weerawansa says ready to face any legal action over War Heroes Memorial incident

Former Member of Parliament Wimal Weerawansa says he is prepared to face any legal proceedings in connection with the recent incident near the National War Heroes’ Memorial. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  11:09 am

Eight bus drivers arrested in Kalutara while being under the influence of narcotics while on duty

Eight bus drivers and one conductor have been arrested in Kalutara after being found allegedly under the influence of narcotics while on duty, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  7:23 am

Sri Lanka launches digital seed production, certification and traceability system

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and the Department of Agriculture, with the technical support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched the CROPIX Seed Production, Certification & Traceability System...MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  3:40 pm

Last two bodies of Italian divers killed in scuba diving accident recovered, Maldives says

The last two bodies of Italian divers killed in a scuba diving accident in the Maldives have been recovered, the media office of the Maldives president said on Wednesday, completing recovery efforts after the island nation’s deadliest diving tragedy. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  1:59 pm

Putin, Xi hail ‘unyielding’ ties in talks after Trump visit

President Xi Jinping hailed China and Russia’s “unyielding” ties in talks with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (May 20), as the pair met to underscore their alliance days after Donald Trump’s visit to the Asian superpower economy. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  11:39 am

Trump approval drops to 35% as Republican support softens, Reuters poll finds

Donald Trump’s presidential approval rating fell to nearly its lowest level since he returned to the White House, hit by a drop in support among Republicans, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  2:05 pm

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..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  12:57 pm

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals exceed 950,000 in 2026

The number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka so far has crossed the 950,000 mark, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  8:21 am

Former SIS Chief Suresh Sallay produced before court

Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Suresh Sallay, who is currently being detained by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), has been produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  2:18 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall above 50 mm expected in some parts of the island

The south-west monsoon is gradually getting established over the island, the Department of Meteorology has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  5:03 am

Sri Lanka reports nearly 30,000 dengue cases and 15 deaths so far in 2026

Nearly 30,000 dengue cases have been reported across the country so far this year, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  5:33 am

Sugar, dhal and rice prices likely to increase, importers warn

The Essential Food Importers’ Association has warned that the prices of several imported goods are likely to increase in the coming weeks due to the continuous depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee and the rising value of the US dollar. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  12:30 pm

UN cuts global growth forecast to 2.5%, blames Middle East crisis

The United Nations on Tuesday cut its forecast for global economic growth, saying the Middle East crisis had reignited inflationary pressures and heightened uncertainty. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  10:23 am

JAAF says rupee depreciation driven by global pressures, not economic decline

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) said the recent depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee must be viewed in the context of wider global pressures, including the conflict in the Middle East, rising global fuel prices and increasing shipping costs. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  3:00 pm

Four including alleged fake sureties in Kapila Chandrasena case granted bail

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the release on bail of two suspects accused of acting as fraudulent sureties to secure bail for the late Kapila Chandrasena, who later died under suspicious circumstances, along with two others alleged to have aided and abetted the said offence. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  3:19 pm

Police open fire at lorry allegedly transporting cattle illegally in Hungama

Police have opened fire on a lorry suspected of illegally transporting cattle in Kattakaduwa, Hungama, resulting in the arrest of four suspects, authorities said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  10:00 am

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit India from May 23-26

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will undertake a four-day visit to India beginning May 23 to further cooperation in the fields of trade, defence and energy. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  6:04 am

Mount Lavinia illegal television transmission station busted; one arrested

An illegally operated television transmission station using unauthorized communication equipment was raided in Mount Lavinia, with police arresting a suspect and seizing a large stock of equipment, authorities said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  6:50 am

Imported powdered milk prices increased

The Milk Powder Importers’ Association has announced an increase in the prices of imported powdered milk, citing prevailing market conditions and exchange rate fluctuations. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  11:55 am

Case against ex-SIS chief Suresh Sallay to be recalled on July 01

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has ordered that the case pertaining to Suresh Sallay, who is being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), be called again on July 01. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  4:12 pm

John Swinney re-elected as Scotland’s first minister

Scottish National Party (SNP) leader John Swinney was re-elected as Scotland’s first minister on Tuesday after three rounds of voting in the Scottish Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  9:03 am

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..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  1:48 pm

Indian Chief of Air Staff Calls on Deputy Minister of Defence

The Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh PVSM, AVSM, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at the Deputy Minister’s Office in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  8:52 am

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..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  8:28 am

Expressway maintenance cost exceeds Rs. 5 billion, Minister reveals in Parliament

The Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake, stated that the annual maintenance cost for Sri Lanka’s entire expressway network, spanning 312.57 kilometers, amounts to Rs. 5,180.90 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  11:41 am

Jimmy Kimmel roasts White House suggestion that Trump could be next James Bond

Jimmy Kimmel has savagely responded to the White House’s suggestion that Donald Trump could be the perfect person to play the next James Bond. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  10:55 am

45–60 children born annually with Thalassemia, Health Ministry reveals

Sri Lanka has reported approximately 2,500 thalassemia patients, while between 45 and 60 children are born annually with major thalassemia, health officials revealed. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  1:08 pm

Speaker orders removal of MP Chamara Sampath from Parliament Chamber

The Speaker of House, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has ordered Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath Dassanayake to be removed from the Parliament Chamber. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  12:08 pm

‘Had no knowledge’: Gulf leaders on Trump’s claim of stopping Iran attack

A day after US President Donald Trump claimed that Gulf leaders had urged him to avoid fresh military action against Iran, officials from some of those countries said they were unaware of any such operation, according to The Wall Street Journal. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  4:56 am

Three Chinese nationals arrested at BIA with 87 mobile phones

Three Chinese nationals have been arrested by Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), after being found in possession of a large consignment of mobile phones and batteries allegedly smuggled into the country, officials said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  7:51 am

Xi Jinping, Putin to meet in Beijing today for tea diplomacy after Trump visit

China and Russia’s leaders are set to meet for a summit in Beijing on Wednesday featuring discussions on bilateral and international issues, capped by an intimate tete-a-tete between “old friends” over tea. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  6:21 am

US Dollar selling rate climbs above Rs. 342

The selling rate of the US dollar has risen above Rs. 342, according to the latest daily exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today (20). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 20, 2026  11:10 am