News Archive

Pentagon chief says U.S. ready to restart strikes on Iran if no deal

The U.S. is ready to restart attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday, as negotiators from Washington and Tehran worked to bridge major differences blocking an agreement. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  12:17 pm

US judge temporarily blocks Trump’s $1.8 billion ‘weaponization’ fund

A U.S. judge on Friday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from setting up a nearly $1.8 billion fund to compensate victims of what Trump has called government “weaponization.” MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  4:15 pm

Electricity supply restored following temporary disruptions across the island - NSO

The National System Operator (Private) Limited (NSO) states that the electricity supply to several areas, including Colombo, which was disrupted due to an imbalance in the national grid, has now been restored. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  2:56 pm

Health authorities warn of possible rise in accidents during long weekend

Health authorities have warned that road accidents and drowning incidents are likely to increase during the upcoming long weekend coinciding with the Vesak festival. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  2:29 pm

24-hour ‘Dansala’ organized by Derana commences

Sri Lanka’s largest 24-hour ‘Dansala’, organized by Derana Media Network, officially commenced at 7.00 p.m. at Independence Square in Colombo, drawing large crowds. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  7:57 pm

Italy bans Kanye West, Travis Scott concerts over security concerns

Italy has banned two concerts involving U.S. rappers Kanye West and Travis Scott due to take place in July in the northern city of Reggio Emilia, authorities said on Saturday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  2:49 pm

MP Dilith Jayaweera urges reflection on Dhamma amid challenges to the Buddha Sasana in Vesak Message

Leader of the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ and Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera, in his Vesak Day message, highlighted the spiritual significance of the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and urged Buddhists to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  8:53 am

Suspect arrested for aiding and abetting Galle shooting; ‘Ice’ seized during arrest

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the shooting and killing of an individual on May 12 in the Dangedara area within the Galle Police Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  11:16 am

Showers expected in several provinces after 1pm today

Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  6:48 am

Electricity supply temporarily disrupted in several areas due to system imbalance – Minister

Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka states that the electricity supply has been temporarily interrupted across several parts of the island, including Colombo, due to an unexpected system imbalance within the power grid. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  12:55 pm

Three children reported missing while sea bathing in Kalametiya

Three children aged between 12 to 18 years have been reported missing while bathing in the sea area off Kalametiya, Hungama with their parents. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  6:25 pm

Suspect arrested in Kottawa for possession of illegally assembled jeep

An individual has been arrested in the Kottawa area for the possession of an illegally assembled jeep, according to police. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  3:02 pm

Rooftop solar owners requested to temporarily switch off systems

The National System Operator (Private) Limited states that, in order to ensure the reliability and stable operation of the national grid during the Vesak festival period, rooftop solar panel owners are kindly requested to voluntarily switch off their solar power systems until 3:00 p.m. today. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  11:44 am

Sri Lanka’s largest Dansala, “Derana’s 24-hour Vesak Dansala,” to begin at Independence Square today

Sri Lanka’s largest dansala, organized by the Derana Media Network and operating continuously for 24 hours, will be held today (30) at the Independence Square premises in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  11:28 am

New Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army appointed

Major General Nilantha Premaratne of the Sri Lanka Artillery has been appointed as the 69th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  7:56 am

18 passengers arrested with foreign-made cigarettes worth over Rs. 31 mln at BIA

Eighteen Chinese and Sri Lankan passengers have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a stock of foreign-manufactured cigarettes valued at Rs. 31.38 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  2:11 pm

Opposition Leader Sajith highlights equality and human values in Vesak Message

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has extended Vesak Day greetings to the people of Sri Lanka and the world, highlighting Buddhist teachings on equality, self-reliance, and the value of human life. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  8:58 am

Trump says he will soon decide on Iran deal, demands reopening of Hormuz Strait

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he would soon decide on a proposed deal to extend the ceasefire with Iran, though the two countries still appeared to differ on significant issues that have been central to the conflict. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  8:15 am

First of five men found alive in flooded Laos cave rescued

The first of five men found alive after spending more than a week trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos has been freed. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  8:29 am

US says it disabled another commercial ship trying to breach blockade and reach Iran

The U.S. military has stopped another merchant vessel trying to break through the American blockade of Iranian ports, a U.S. official with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Saturday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  9:38 pm

3 astronauts from China return to Earth after nearly 7 months in space, a record for a Chinese crew

Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Friday after spending nearly seven months in space, setting a record for the longest on-orbit stay by a Chinese crew. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  12:40 pm

President calls for peace, reconciliation and compassion in Vesak message

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Vesak message, emphasized the enduring relevance of Buddhist teachings in fostering peace, coexistence, and reconciliation in contemporary society, urging people to embrace the values of non-violence, compassion, and loving-kindness in their lives. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  7:44 am

Rooftop solar owners requested to temporarily switch off systems tomorrow as well

Rooftop solar panel owners are requested to voluntarily switch off their solar power systems tomorrow (31) from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., the National System Operator (Private) Limited states. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  2:38 pm

“Deranabhivandana” Vesak Poya programme broadcast live from Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

The “Deranabhivandana” live Vesak Poya programme, commemorating the three pivotal milestones in the life of Gautama Buddha, is being broadcast throughout the day today (30) from the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  9:13 am

Rescuers pull four people trapped in flooded cave in Laos, Thai rescuers say

Rescuers pulled four people trapped in a flooded cave in Laos, Thai rescuers said on Saturday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  3:03 pm

Police warn public over fake messages circulating on traffic fine payments

Sri Lanka Police state that complaints have recently been received regarding social media messages falsely circulating as official communications from the Police Department concerning the payment of traffic violation fines. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  11:47 am

Ven. Ethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thero appointed Acting Atamasthanadhipathi

Malwatu Mahaviharaya in Kandy, has announced the temporary appointment of Ven. Eathalawetunawewae Gnānathilaka Thero to perform the duties of Atamasthanadhipathi until the court delivers its verdict in the case concerning allegations against Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  3:46 pm

PM urges society to embrace compassion, kindness and wisdom in Vesak message

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her Vesak Day message, called on the public to use the sacred Vesak season as an opportunity to illuminate their hearts with compassion, kindness, and wisdom, while dispelling the roots of greed, hatred, and delusion. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 30, 2026  7:51 am

Kapila Perera steps down as Transport Ministry Secretary: sources

The Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Prof. Kapila Perera, has tendered his resignation, according to sources. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  8:40 am

Iran intercepts American ‘aircraft’, state media say

Iran has intercepted a US drone around Bushehr, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reports, citing a military source. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  5:42 am

Magnitude 5 earthquake hits China’s Xinjiang

A magnitude 5 earthquake hit near Turpan City, in ⁠the east of China’s Xinjiang region at 2.55pm local time (06:55 GMT), the ⁠China Earthquake Networks Center reported on ⁠Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  1:38 pm

Global temperatures likely to remain at record levels in 2026-2030, UN says

Global average temperatures are likely to continue at or near record levels this year and for the next four years afterwards, the United Nations warned Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  1:42 pm

Humanoid robots ‘the future’ of car making, says BMW

For the first time, BMW will use humanoid robots for car manufacturing in Europe. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  10:00 am

Sri Lanka inaugurates new High Commission in New Zealand

The new High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Wellington, New Zealand, has been officially inaugurated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  12:19 pm

Suspect in Taylor Swift Vienna concert attack plot convicted and sentenced to 15 years

An Austrian court on Thursday convicted a man of planning to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna nearly two years ago. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  9:42 am

Rambukkana–Galagedara section of Central Expressway construction to begin today under President’s patronage

The construction work on the section from Rambukkana to Galagedara, under Stage II of Phase III of the Central Expressway project, is scheduled to commence today (29) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  10:06 am

Police launch special island-wide security and traffic plan for Vesak Week

During the Vesak season, a special island-wide security programme is being implemented, according to Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  9:05 am

US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 334

The selling rate of the US dollar has exceeded the Rs. 334 mark, according to the latest daily exchange rates issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  12:25 pm

WHO identifies Ebola treatments, vaccines be tested in trials amid outbreak

The World Health Organization recommended prioritizing three experimental treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, including Mapp Biopharmaceutical’s MBP134, Regeneron’s maftivimab and Gilead Sciences’ antiviral remdesivir. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  9:50 am

Ceylon Chamber welcomes IMF review approval, urges continued reform momentum amid external pressures

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has issued a statement welcoming and commending the Government of Sri Lanka on the successful completion and approval of the 5th and 6th reviews under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  11:46 am

65-year-old dies in Grandpass after sustaining injuries in alleged attack

A resident of the Henamulla Camp area in the Grandpass Police Division has succumbed to injuries at the Colombo National Hospital, according to hospital police. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  11:03 am

Father arrested over deaths of two children in Batticaloa hotel room fire

Batticaloa Police have uncovered alleged fraudulent activities linked to the tragic deaths of two children from the same family who died after inhaling smoke from a fire inside a hotel room in Batticaloa. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  11:44 am

No fuel price reduction expected in next revision - CPC

The Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Mayura Neththikumarage, stated that a reduction in domestic fuel prices cannot be expected in the upcoming price revision, based on current global market trends. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  11:37 am

Police seize over 3kg of ‘Ice’ in Baduraliya

Acting on information received, officers of the Baduraliya Police conducted a search operation in the Thumbagalla Kanda area and seized a stock of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) weighing more than 3 kilograms. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  9:07 am

Showers expected in several provinces after 1pm today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  10:15 am

Fresh iPhone 18 Pro leaks reveal stunning ‘dark cherry’ and ‘sky blue’ colours before launch

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup may bring fresh colours and subtle design refinements, according to leaks surfacing ahead of the expected September launch. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  10:41 am

Decision on summoning counsel in Kapila Chandrasena inquest to be announced on June 2

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court ruled today (29) that the decision on whether or not to summon President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne and Attorney-at-Law Udara Muhandiramge to give evidence...MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  11:54 am

Minor flood warning issued for Kalu Ganga and Maguru Ganga basins

According to the Department of Irrigation, there is a possibility of minor flooding in low-lying areas of the Kuda Ganga and Maguru Ganga basins within the next 48 hours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  11:43 am

US and Iran ‘very close’ to deal but ‘not there yet’, Vance says

The US and Iran still need to work out several sticking points before an agreement on the war can be reached, Vice-President JD Vance has said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  5:34 am

Blue Origin rocket explodes during test, setback for bid to catch Musk’s SpaceX

An uncrewed Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded on the launchpad during a test on Thursday, in a major setback for Jeff Bezos’ space venture as it seeks to narrow the gap with Elon Musk’s IPO-bound SpaceX. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 29, 2026  11:12 am