News Archive

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

Uni students agree to vacate Malwana residence after talks with PM

Following successful discussions with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today (18), a group of university students has agreed to vacate the disputed Malwana residence they had occupied since May 01, according to Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  11:43 am

US agrees to suspend sanctions against Iranian oil during negotiations: Report

The United States has agreed to suspend sanctions on Iranian oil exports during ongoing negotiations with Iran, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Monday, citing a source familiar with the talks.

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  6:53 pm

Fighter jet crews parachute safely after collision at US air show

Four crew members are in stable condition after two fighter jets collided mid-air during a US air show, officials say. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  10:31 am

Sri Lanka tourism earnings drop in April, CBSL reports

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has stated that the total tourism earnings for April 2026 amounted to USD 157.1 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  9:52 am

Economist calls for policy to allow vehicle imports based on necessity

Future policies on vehicle imports should be formulated in a way that allows imports only based on necessity, according to Professor in Economics at the Department of Economics, Priyanga Dunusinghe of the University of Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  4:02 pm

Oil stocks declining ‘very fast’, IEA chief warns

Commercial oil stocks are falling “very fast” as Gulf supplies remain disrupted by the Middle East war, even with the release of strategic reserves by governments worldwide, the head of the International Energy Agency (IAE) said on Monday (May 18). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  5:11 pm

US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 334

The selling rate of the US dollar has exceeded Rs. 334, according to the latest daily exchange rates issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (18). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  3:07 pm

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

Buddhist Affairs Dept. directs use of yellow flags for dansal promotions under new circular

Yellow flags should be used instead of Buddhist flags to direct people toward ‘dansal’ food distribution events in future, the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs (Development) Asela Madusanka stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  4:39 pm

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

Supreme Court to hear Sugar Tax loss petition on June 27

The Supreme Court has ordered that a fundamental rights petition seeking the recovery of Rs. 15.9 billion in losses allegedly incurred by the government due to the reduction of taxes on imported sugar during the administration of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa be taken up on June 27. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  2:17 pm

Petition filed in Appeals Court to halt use of rice and sugar in beer production in Sri Lanka

A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an order directing the Commissioner General of Excise and others not to grant approval for the use of rice and sugar as primary raw materials in beer production. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  5:45 pm

Court temporarily lifts foreign travel ban on MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake

The Colombo High Court has ordered the temporary lifting of the overseas travel ban imposed on Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who is facing corruption-related charges. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  2:49 pm

Three-wheeler buried in Maspanna landslide recovered after 171 days

A three-wheeler buried under a landslide near the Maspanna town in Uva Paranagama during Cyclone Ditwah has been recovered after 171 days. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  2:05 pm

Malwana property to be transferred to UGC for higher education development – PM Harini

The Malwana property, which has recently been the subject of public discussion, will be transferred to the University Grants Commission (UGC), Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  4:51 pm

Bodies of four Italian divers found after Maldives accident

The bodies of four Italians who drowned during a diving accident in the Maldives have been found but not yet brought to the surface, Italy’s foreign ministry and the Maldivan military said on Monday (May 18). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  6:18 pm

Police to take legal action against Wimal Weerawansa over alleged disruption of War Heroes’ Commemoration Event rehearsal

Legal action will be taken against a group, including former Member of Parliament Wimal Weerawansa, over allegations of obstructing activities during a rehearsal held today (18) for the National War Heroes’ Day Commemoration event. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  5:51 pm

Ministry to import 104 new Metro buses to upgrade public transport

The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has announced that 104 new metro buses are scheduled to be imported in August to improve the efficiency of the country’s public transportation system. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  6:08 pm

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

PM Harini departs for UK on official visit

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya left for the United Kingdom this afternoon (18). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  1:52 pm

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

Govt. to provide compensation for weather-damaged crops through Agrarian Insurance Board

Compensation for crop damage caused by the recent adverse weather conditions will be provided through the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Namal Karunaratne has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  2:34 pm

‘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

Sri Lanka’s 5% economic growth forecast uncertain amid global instability: CBSL Chief

Although Sri Lanka had initially expected an economic growth rate of around 5% for 2026, recent changes in global economic conditions after March have made it difficult to provide an accurate forecast, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  4:20 pm

Adverse weather damages 200 houses, affects over 5,200 people across the country

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) says that 200 houses have been partially damaged so far due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  12:45 pm

Suspect sustains gunshot injury after scuffle with police during arrest in Ampara

A shooting incident has been reported in the Ampara Police Division during a police operation to arrest an individual involved in an illicit liquor racket. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  11:05 am

Two Sri Lankan passengers arrested with over 14kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

Two Sri Lankan passengers have been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with a consignment of ‘‘Kush’’ narcotics valued at over Rs. 140 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  1:19 pm

Iran officially announces new body to manage Strait of Hormuz: Top security council

Iran’s top security body announced on Monday (May 18) the formation of a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively closed and wants to charge ships to traverse. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  3:49 pm

5,289 Tri-Service personnel promoted in view of National War Heroes’ Day

A total of 5,289 Tri-Service personnel have been promoted to their respective next ranks in view of the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls tomorrow (19). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  3:25 pm

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

Modi allies push for bigger families despite India’s 1.4-billion population

India may be the world’s most populous country, with 1.42 billion people and challenges like high youth unemployment, but powerful allies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are championing larger families to counter a declining fertility rate. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 18, 2026  2:59 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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