News Archive

Case against Shashi Weerawansa adjourned till July 24

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (25) ordered that the further trial of the case filed against Shashi Weerawansa, the wife of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, over allegations of obtaining a diplomatic passport by submitting forged documents, be taken up on July 24. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  3:04 pm

Sri Lanka to digitize all vehicle insurance documents in future

All insurance-related documents are expected to be digitized in the future under the ongoing vehicle insurance card digitization initiative, according to Dinusha Thilanka, the Chairman of the General Insurance Forum of the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  2:17 pm

Oil slips to 2-week low as US-Iran seen moving closer to peace deal

Oil prices hit two-week lows on Monday on optimism that the U.S. and Iran were moving closer towards a peace deal even though they remained at odds over key issues, including blockades on the Strait of Hormuz that continued to restrict oil supply ⁠from the Middle East. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  9:18 am

China sends astronaut on year-long space mission as it eyes 2030 moon landing

China sent three astronauts to its space station on Sunday, one of whom will stay for a year, a record length for the country, enabling the study of long-duration human physiology in space as Beijing works towards its ambition of a crewed moon landing by 2030. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  8:21 am

Convict sentenced to death in Vidya murder case dies by suicide in custody

It has been reported that a convict sentenced to death and imprisoned in connection with the abduction, gang rape, and murder of 18-year-old schoolgirl Sivaloganathan Vidya in the Jaffna District in 2015 has died by suicide. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  10:20 am

China’s Xi meets Pakistan PM Sharif as Iran war mediation drags on

China’s leader Xi Jinping met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on Monday (May 25), state media reported, as diplomatic efforts by several countries to formally end the Iran war drag on. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  6:37 pm

No government pension? Surekuma Scheme offers alternative retirement benefits, says Social Security Board

The “Surekuma” pension scheme remains open for all individuals aged between 18 and 59 who are not entitled to government pension benefits, the Sri Lanka Social Security Board has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  4:25 pm

Three Chinese nationals arrested with foreign-made cigarettes worth over Rs. 6 mln at BIA

Three foreign passengers have been arrested by airport customs officers, at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) earlier today (25) for allegedly attempting to illegally smuggle a stock of foreign-manufactured cigarettes worth more than Rs. 6 million into the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  8:12 am

Ex- Minister Wimal Weerawansa produced before court

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, who was arrested by the Thalangama Police earlier today (25), has been produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  1:49 pm

Iran “not seeking nuclear weapons,” says President Pezeshkian amid peace talks

President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday said that Iran is prepared to reassure the international community that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons, reiterating Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy and regional stability amid talks with the US...MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  6:24 am

Pope Leo urges world to ‘slow down’ on AI in fervent first manifesto

Pope Leo urged governments to slow down and closely regulate the development of AI systems in his first major document, released on Monday, warning that they spread misinformation, prioritise conflict and risk leading the world down a path of unending war. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  4:58 pm

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa arrested

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been arrested by officers of the Thalangama Police, said Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  12:12 pm

Five forests in Anuradhapura declared as reserves

The government has declared five forests as protected reserves in conjunction with World Environment Day. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  4:31 pm

Sri Lanka’s exports surpass US$ 5.7 billion in first four months of 2026

Sri Lanka’s total exports, comprising both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1,380.93 million in April 2026, recording a year-on-year growth of 6 % compared to April 2025, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  3:43 pm

Vessels carrying Middle East oil, LNG exit Hormuz, head for Pakistan, China

A liquefied natural gas tanker was exiting the Strait of Hormuz and heading to Pakistan on Monday while a supertanker with Iraqi crude for China left the Middle East Gulf on Saturday after being stranded for nearly three months, shipping data showed. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  6:55 am

Indian Govt. donates 134 cabs to police stations in Northern Province

A total of 134 single cabs donated by the government of India under the Indo–Sri Lanka Friendship Programme for Sri Lanka Police have been officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning (25) at the Presidential Secretariat. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  2:03 pm

Iran says conclusions reached on many issues with US but no deal imminent

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that conclusions have been reached on many topics discussed in a potential memorandum of understanding ⁠with the U.S., but this does not mean Tehran is close to signing an agreement. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  2:31 pm

2025 O/L results expected by mid-June - Exams Dpt.

The Department of Examinations says it expects to release the results of the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination by mid-June. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  12:28 pm

Renovated Ridiyagama Butterfly Garden to reopen on June 3

The renovated butterfly garden at the Ridiyagama Safari Park in Hambantota will be reopened to the public from June 3, the Department of National Zoological Gardens has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  3:36 pm

CBSL urges public not to be misled by deceptive claims on money printing

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has urged the general public to remain vigilant and not be misled by deceptive statements pertaining to economic policies and issues. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  3:49 pm

Ex- Minister Wimal Weerawansa granted bail

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, who was arrested by the Thalangama Police earlier today (25), has been granted bail by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  2:42 pm

Select Committee to seek public opinions and feedback on election law review process

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Reviewing Election Laws has met for the first time in Parliament under the chairmanship of the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  5:07 pm

Increase in rainfall expected over Southwestern parts of island in next few days

Southwest Monsoon is gradually establishing across the island, an increase in rainfall over the southwestern parts of the island is expected during the next few days, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  6:20 am

Sri Lanka nears one million tourist arrivals in 2026

The number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country in 2026 is approaching the one million mark, according to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  7:03 pm

CBSL tightens Loan-to-Value ratios for vehicle loans from today

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) states that the decision to limit Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios for motor vehicles has come into effect from today (25). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  9:22 am

Guidelines issued to prevent spread of meningitis

The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health has issued a set of special guidelines to all health authorities and relevant institutions aimed at controlling and preventing the spread of meningitis. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  6:26 pm

Special visits allowed for prison inmates for Hajj and Vesak festivals

The Department of Prisons has announced special arrangements to facilitate family visits for inmates in view of the upcoming Hajj and Vesak festivals. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  6:13 pm

Police launch special island-wide security, traffic plan for Hajj Festival

A special security and traffic management programme will be implemented island-wide for this year’s Hajj festival, which falls on May 28, Sri Lanka Police have announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  3:17 pm

Teacher recruitment exam held island-wide with over 160,000 candidates

More than 160,000 graduates had applied for the competitive examination held to fill Sinhala, Tamil and English medium teacher vacancies in national and provincial schools, the Department of Examinations stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  8:56 am

CBSL introduces maximum loan-to-value limit for gold collateral loans

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has introduced maximum caps on loan-to-value (LTV) applicable for credit facilities secured by gold collateral. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  8:11 am

Rubio says US will find ‘another way’ if Iran talks fail

The United States will either have a good agreement with Iran or deal with the country ‘‘another way,’‘ Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday, as Washington played down hopes for an imminent breakthrough in the three-month-old war. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  11:54 am

Sri Lanka introduces free 30-day ETA for tourists from 40 countries

The Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka has announced that, with effect from 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 specified countries will be eligible to obtain a free-of-charge Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourist purposes, valid for a period of 30 days. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  11:40 am

Health Ministry deploys new Colposcopy units to strengthen women’s cancer care

A total of 12 state-of-the-art colposcopy machines have been introduced to government hospitals to improve the detection and treatment of cervical cancer, which ranks as the fifth most common cancer among women in Sri Lanka, according to the Ministry of Health. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  2:43 pm

Heatstroke kills 16 in India as temperatures climb

At least 16 people have died of heatstroke in southern India so far this summer, officials said Sunday (May 24), as a heatwave grips swathes of the country following official health warnings. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  3:09 pm

Southwest monsoon gradually sets in; Heavy rainfall expected from Tuesday

The southwest monsoon is likely to establish over Sri Lanka around May 26 or 27, bringing increased rainfall to the southwestern parts of the island during that period, the Department of Meteorology has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  2:13 pm

Powerful bomb explosion in Pakistan’s Quetta kills 24, reports say

An explosion on a railway track in Pakistan’s Quetta killed at least 24 people, news outlet Al ⁠Arabiya reported on Sunday, citing officials. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  2:32 pm

Shakira & Burna Boy drop ‘Dai Dai’ video featuring cameos from World Cup winners Messi & Mbappé

On Saturday (May 23), the Colombian superstar released the music video for her 2026 World Cup song with Burna Boy, “Dai Dai.” MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  1:40 pm

Youth arrested over Rs. 8 mln gold chain thefts using stolen motorcycles

A suspect has been arrested by the Western Province South Crimes Division for allegedly robbing gold chains worth around Rs. 8 million using stolen motorcycles. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  12:10 pm

Trio arrested for aiding and abetting murder in Galle shooting case

Two individuals have been arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting a murder committed by shooting in Dangedara, Galle on May 12, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  3:52 pm

Two workers injured after part of six-storey building collapses in Kandy

Two workers have sustained injuries and admitted to the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital after a section of a six-storey building collapsed along the E.L. Senanayake Mawatha in Kandy, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  3:23 pm

Melbourne Sri Lankans pledge support for Dilith Jayaweera’s entrepreneurial vision

The Sri Lankan community in Melbourne has pledged its support to the entrepreneurial vision proposed by the leader of the Sarvajana Balawegaya leader, Parliamentarian Dilith Jayaweera during a community event held in Australia. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  2:14 pm

31,000 in eight districts affected by adverse weather

More than 31,000 people in eight districts have been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  4:35 pm

Over 28,000 people affected by adverse weather across Sri Lanka

More than 28,000 people have been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  8:37 am

22-year-old arrested for aiding and abetting shooting incident

A suspect accused of aiding and abetting a fatal shooting has been arrested by the Galle Divisional Crimes Investigation Bureau. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  10:02 am

Sri Lanka faces risk of financial instability without new IMF agreement – Sajith

The Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa has warned that Sri Lanka could face a renewed risk of bankruptcy and called on the present government to immediately pursue a successor agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), cautioning against what he described as “arrogance” in economic decision-making. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  3:33 pm

Trump says Iran deal ‘largely negotiated’ including reopening Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump says an agreement with Iran has been “largely negotiated” and details will be announced soon. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  7:23 am

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to visit New Zealand and Australia

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, is scheduled to undertake an official visit to New Zealand and Australia from 26 May to 03 June 2026, at the invitation of the two Governments. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  12:13 pm

Suspect in Hatton double murder and gold robbery case undergoes medical examination

A suspect arrested in connection with the murder of a married couple in Dickoya, Hatton and the theft of 18 sovereign pounds of gold jewellery has been referred to the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) at Dickoya Base Hospital for examination, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  5:21 pm

Sri Lankan Rupee rallies most in three years, leads Asia FX – Bloomberg

The Sri Lankan rupee surged against the dollar, snapping a nine-day losing streak to become Asia’s best-performing currency on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  10:45 am

State of Emergency declared over southern California chemical incident

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as crews race to contain a toxic chemical leak at a manufacturing facility in Orange County. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 24, 2026  4:12 pm