News Archive

Minor flood warning for low-lying areas of Kelani River Valley within 48 hours

The Department of Irrigation has warned that there is a risk of minor flooding in several areas along the Kelani River Basin within the next 48 hours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  10:49 am

Six schools in Dehiowita Edu. Zone closed due to bad weather

Due to the prevailing rainy weather conditions, steps have been taken to close six schools in the Dehiowita Education Zone today (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:37 am

DMT urges vehicle owners to collect unclaimed number plates before June 30

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has issued a special notice urging vehicle owners to collect their printed but unclaimed vehicle number plates issued during the years 2023 and 2024 before June 30, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:58 am

21 Sri Lankan criminal suspects deported from Dubai arrive at Mattala

Twenty-one wanted criminal suspects, including alleged underworld figures “Mahawatta Chamara” and “Kudu Duminda,” who were deported from Dubai, have arrived at the Mattala International Airport early this morning (22), according to Sri Lanka Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:40 am

Kirindiwela records highest rainfall of 244 mm in 24 hours

The Department of Meteorology has reported that the highest rainfall of 244 mm was recorded in the Kirindiwela area of the Gampaha District in the last 24 hours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  7:35 am

Minor flood warnings issued for several areas of Kalu Ganga basin

The Department of Irrigation has warned that there is a risk of minor flooding in several areas along the Kalu Ganga basin during the next 24 hours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  9:19 am

Very heavy rains above 200 mm likely in some areas today: Met. Dept

According to the Department of Meteorology, the South-West monsoon is gradually establishing over the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  7:24 am

Major development projects in Ampara launched under President’s patronage

The Ampara District Special Coordinating Committee meeting will be held this afternoon (22) at the auditorium of the Ampara District Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  12:34 pm

Jailed Vietnamese tycoon’s Birkin bags sell for more than $550K

Two luxury handbags confiscated from jailed Vietnamese businesswoman Truong My Lan have sold for more than $535,000 (£399,000) in a government auction. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:15 am

Landslide ‘Red’ warnings issued to residents of several areas in two districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued Level 3 (Red) landslide early warnings for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) across two districts due to prevailing heavy rainfall. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  9:39 am

Floodwaters submerge sections of Colombo–Avissawella road; multiple areas affected

Due to heavy rainfall experienced in several areas within the Kelani River Basin, flooding has been reported at multiple locations between Avissawella and Hanwella. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  9:26 am

Slight decline observed in US Dollar’s selling price

According to the daily exchange rate official chart released today (22) by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the buying rate of the US Dollar is recorded at Rs. 342.67, while the selling rate is Rs. 353.17. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  12:07 pm

Minor flood warning issued for Kelani River Basin following heavy rainfall

A significant rainfall of approximately 300 mm has been recorded in the upper catchment areas of the Kelani River Basin, according to the Irrigation Department. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  8:46 am

IMF Executive Board to consider Sri Lanka’s combined reviews next week

Sri Lanka’s reform program continues to move forward, with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board set to consider the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews under the Extended Fund Facility on Wednesday (May 27). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  7:33 am

Arrest warrant issued for ex-Minister Basil Rajapaksa

The Matara Magistrate’s Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, said Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  12:43 pm

Landslide early warnings issued to areas in three districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a landslide early warning for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) in three districts due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions affecting parts of the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  7:27 am

US House Republicans cancel Iran war powers vote

Republican leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives unexpectedly canceled a vote on Thursday on a resolution seeking to end the Iran war unless President Donald Trump obtains Congress’ authorization, two days after a similar ‌measure advanced in the U.S. Senate. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  5:39 am

Pambegama records highest rainfall of 336.5 mm in 24 hours – Met. Dept

The Department of Meteorology reports that the highest rainfall of 336.5 mm, recorded between 8.30 a.m. yesterday and 8.30 a.m. today, was observed in Pambegama in the Kegalle District.

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:41 am

Several BIA-bound aircraft diverted to Mattala amid heavy rainfall

Several aircraft scheduled to land at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake were diverted to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport due to adverse weather conditions prevailing in the area. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  8:48 am

Three wards at Chilaw General Hospital inundated amid heavy rainfall

It is reported that, due to prevailing heavy rainfall, three wards at the Chilaw General Hospital have been inundated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  10:41 am

Advisory issued to residents along Attanagalu Oya amid heavy rainfall

The Department of Irrigation states that, in view of the prevailing heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka, a minor flood situation could develop in areas surrounding the Attanagalu Oya. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  11:04 am

Over 300 mm rainfall recorded in some areas - Met. Dept

The Department of Meteorology has revealed that several regions across the island have recorded rainfall exceeding 300 mm due to the relentless torrential downpours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 22, 2026  10:51 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

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

PM Harini hold talks British Foreign Secretary

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has held a bilateral meeting with Yvette Cooper MP, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:45 am

Govt. expects US$700 million IMF tranche on May 27 — Deputy Minister

The government is hopeful of receiving US$700 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on May 27, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, (Prof.) Anil Jayantha Fernando has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:54 am

BTS to make special appearance at 2026 American Music Awards

K-pop superstars BTS will make a “special appearance” at the 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs), organisers CBS and Dick Clark Productions announced on Wednesday (May 20). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  12:56 pm

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

SC issues ruling against Secretary of Transport Ministry over fundamental rights case

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Professor Kapila Perera, violated the fundamental human rights of Additional Secretary W.S. Sathyananda by declaring that his services were no longer required and subjecting him to humiliation and mental distress. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  12:52 pm

UN votes to support strong action on climate change despite US efforts to thwart the effort

The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to support strong action to limit climate change despite recent diplomatic efforts by the United States to have the measure withdrawn. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  2:04 pm

Police to implement special security program during Vesak Week

A special island-wide security program will be implemented during the Vesak week to ensure devotees can observe religious activities in a peaceful and secure environment, the Police headquarters has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  2:05 pm

Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay expands his Cabinet

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay expanded his Cabinet today with the induction of 23 MLAs in the Council of Ministers. 21 MLAs from Vijay’s TVK party and 2 from the ally Congress took oath as ministers in the new government. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:22 am

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

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

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 he will speak to Taiwan’s president in break from protocol

US President Donald Trump says he will talk to Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te about a possible arms sale, in what would be a sharp departure from diplomatic tradition. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:03 am

Govt. will not seek electricity tariff hike until September — Minister

The government will not request an increase in electricity tariffs from the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) until September, according to the Minister of Energy, Anura Karunathilaka. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  12:40 pm

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

India mulls all options, including rate hike, as rupee slumps

The Reserve Bank of India is considering all of its available options to stabilise the rupee, including an interest rate hike, more currency swaps and raising dollars from investors overseas, according to people familiar with the matter. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  10:40 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

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

One in three Sri Lankans suffers from high blood pressure — Health Ministry

One in every three people in Sri Lanka is suffering from high blood pressure, the Ministry of Health has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  1:09 pm

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

US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 350

The Sri Lankan Rupee continues to weaken against the US Dollar amidst multiple factors including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  11:09 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

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

Harry Styles tour ‘actively working’ on staging after fan complaints

Harry Styles’ world tour is set to review its staging following complaints from fans over obstructed views. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 21, 2026  1:29 pm

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