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..
- UAE partial airspace closure to remain in place till May 11
- Young Europeans turn to AI chatbots for emotional support, survey shows
- Wimal Liyanagama named new Customs Director General
- Govt clarifies complaint source in US$2.5 million cyber heist; warns of legal action over statements
- US-Iran ceasefire is ‘not over’ despite attacks in Strait of Hormuz: US Defense Secretary
- BASL expresses grave concern over President’s remarks on judiciary
- Over Rs. 40 million in assets linked to drug network seized in Panadura
- National Fertilizer Secretariat rejects claims of overpriced fertilizer imports
- UAE says its air defenses are responding to missiles from Iran
Hot News
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..
National Fertilizer Secretariat rejects claims of overpriced fertilizer imports
The National Fertilizer Secretariat has issued a clarification rejecting claims made by a representative of the National Farmers’ Collective that the government has procured fertilizer at excessively high prices. MORE..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
National Fertilizer Secretariat rejects claims of overpriced fertilizer imports
The National Fertilizer Secretariat has issued a clarification rejecting claims made by a representative of the National Farmers’ Collective that the government has procured fertilizer at excessively high prices. MORE..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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Technology
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..
WJC 2026: Global media leaders convene in South Korea to chart the future of journalism and AI
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..
India emerging as next major growth market for Swiss watchmakers
India emerging as next major growth market for Swiss watchmakers
Swiss luxury watch brands are opening new retail centres, forging new partnerships and setting ambitious growth targets in India as demand rises among the country’s affluent consumers. MORE..
Apple says iPhone 17 ‘most popular ever’ as sales soar
Apple says iPhone 17 ‘most popular ever’ as sales soar
Apple has seen demand for its iPhone reach new heights with sales growth in China outpacing all other regions. MORE..
Entertainment
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..
Shakira thrills a crowd of 2 million with free concert on Brazil’s Copacabana beach
Shakira thrills a crowd of 2 million with free concert on Brazil’s Copacabana beach
Colombian superstar Shakira gave a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night, an event that the city’s mayor said drew 2 million people to one of the world’s most iconic waterfronts. MORE..
Sri Lanka’s Brief Garden featured in New York Times Style Magazine
Sri Lanka’s Brief Garden featured in New York Times Style Magazine
Brief Garden in Beruwala has been featured in The New York Times Style Magazine’s latest feature titled “Nine Artists on the Gardens They’ll Never Forget.” MORE..
AI actors and writers will be ineligible for Oscars
AI actors and writers will be ineligible for Oscars
Academy Awards organizers issued new rules on Friday to clarify that acting and writing must be performed by humans and not artificial intelligence to be eligible for the movie industry’s highest honors. MORE..
Exchange Rates
Country |
Buying |
Selling |
|---|---|---|
USA
U.S.Dollar |
316.0475 | 323.7445 |
UK
Sterling Pound |
426.0073 | 439.1833 |
Europe
Euro |
367.8945 | 379.7670 |
Switzerland
Swiss Franc |
400.3470 | 416.0385 |
Canada
Canadian Dollar |
230.6937 | 238.9034 |
Australia
Australian Dollar |
224.2010 | 233.9421 |
Singapore
Singapore Dollar |
245.7647 | 255.3169 |
Japan
Japanese Yen |
2.0025 | 2.0694 |
Country |
Currency |
Rate |
|---|---|---|
Bahrain
|
Dinar | 846.1835 |
Kuwait
|
Dinar | 1,036.9613 |
Oman
|
Rial | 829.8330 |
Qatar
|
Riyal | 87.6523 |
Saudi Arabia
|
Riyal | 85.1823 |
UAE
|
Dirham | 86.9889 |
Sports
World Cup viewing in doubt for millions of fans in India and China
Millions of soccer fans in the world’s two most populous nations may not be able to watch the World Cup that starts next month, due to a deadlock over broadcast rights in India and no official decision in China. MORE..
Sri Lanka captain closes in on No.1 ranking ahead of T20WC
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has been rewarded for her excellent recent form by making big gains on the latest ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings. MORE..
Inter Milan win Italian title for third time in six seasons
Inter Milan won their third Serie A title in six seasons on Sunday thanks to a 2-0 victory over Parma that ignited the celebrations at a jubilant San Siro and across the city. MORE..
Former Man United manager Ferguson taken to hospital after health scare at Old Trafford
Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has been taken to hospital after feeling unwell ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match between United and Liverpool, media reported. MORE..
Lakshmi Mittal, Poonawalla-led group to buy IPL franchise Rajasthan for $1.65 billion
A consortium led by steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal and vaccine tycoon Adar Poonawalla has agreed to acquire Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals in a deal valuing the team at $1.65 billion, a statement said. MORE..
