News Archive

Nearly 22,000 deaths reported annually due to tobacco use in Sri Lanka: NATA

Nearly 22,000 deaths reported annually due to tobacco use in Sri Lanka: NATA

National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) says nearly 22,000 deaths are reported annually in Sri Lanka due to tobacco use. MORE..

Ex-IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon to be indicted over attack on ‘Aragalaya’ protest

Ex-IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon to be indicted over attack on ‘Aragalaya’ protest

The Attorney General (AG) has informed the Supreme Court that indictments are expected to be filed within one month against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon over investigations into the attack carried out on the ‘Aragalaya’ protest movement in 2022, at the Galle Face Green in Colombo. MORE..

Verdicts in four cases against ex-Dy Minister Sarana Gunawardena due today

Verdicts in four cases against ex-Dy Minister Sarana Gunawardena due today

The judgments in four corruption cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena are scheduled to be delivered today (26). MORE..

Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling funds

Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling funds

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. MORE..

Rescuers race to free seven people trapped in flooded Laos cave

Rescuers race to free seven people trapped in flooded Laos cave

Rescuers are racing against time to free seven people who have been trapped for nearly a week in a flooded cave in Laos. MORE..

22 monks arrested with narcotics at BIA further remanded

22 monks arrested with narcotics at BIA further remanded

The group of 22 Buddhist monks recently arrested at the Katunayake Airport over the smuggling of “Kush” cannabis and “Hashish” from Thailand have been further remanded until June 09 by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

Sri Lanka expected to record highest ever migrant remittances by end of 2026: SLBFE

Sri Lanka expected to record highest ever migrant remittances by end of 2026: SLBFE

The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), Koshala Wickramasinghe, stated that Sri Lanka is expected to record the highest volume of migrant worker remittances in its history by the end of 2026. MORE..

Brent oil gains 2% as US military strikes on Iran add to uncertainty on potential peace deal

Brent oil gains 2% as US military strikes on Iran add to uncertainty on potential peace deal

Brent crude futures rose over 2% in Asian trade on Tuesday after the U.S. military carried out strikes in Iran, keeping markets on edge as a deal to end the war and open up the Strait of Hormuz remained elusive. MORE..

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank raises policy rate

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank raises policy rate

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 100 bps to 8.75%, following its latest Monetary Policy Board meeting held on Monday (25). MORE..

Provincial Council elections can be held after legal framework is finalised: EC

Provincial Council elections can be held after legal framework is finalised: EC

The Election Commission has stated that it is prepared to conduct Provincial Council elections at any time once the necessary legal provisions are enacted by Parliament, based on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee. MORE..

Sri Lankan Rupee appreciates further against US Dollar

Sri Lankan Rupee appreciates further against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan rupee further appreciated against the US dollar today (26), with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) recording a buying rate of Rs. 318.32 and a selling rate of Rs. 328.69, according to the CBSL. MORE..

Decisions on four corruption cases against Sarana Gunawardena postponed to June

Decisions on four corruption cases against Sarana Gunawardena postponed to June

The Colombo High Court has postponed the delivery of judgments in four cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena until June 09. MORE..

BTS crowned ‘Artist of the Year’ at American Music Awards

BTS crowned ‘Artist of the Year’ at American Music Awards

South Korean seven-piece BTS have won Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards (AMAs) for the second consecutive year, cementing their status as one of the world’s biggest bands. MORE..

12-hour water cut announced for Mahara and Gampaha areas

12-hour water cut announced for Mahara and Gampaha areas

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) states that a 12-hour water cut will be imposed in the Mahara and Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha areas tomorrow (27). MORE..

Ferrari unveils first fully electric car

Ferrari unveils first fully electric car

Luxury sports car maker Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric car - the $640,000 (£474,320) Luce. MORE..

No major price hike expected in the near future: CPC

No major price hike expected in the near future: CPC

Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks available until the end of July, according to the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage. MORE..

Court lifts overseas travel ban imposed on ex-Minister Rajitha Senaratne

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has temporarily lifted the overseas travel ban imposed on former Minister of Fisheries Rajitha Senaratne, who is currently out on bail in connection with a corruption-related case. MORE..

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay permits all theatres across state to screen 5 shows per day

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay permits all theatres across state to screen 5 shows per day

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister S Joseph Vijay issued an order to permit all theatres across the state to screen five shows per day for seven days from the date of release of new Tamil films. MORE..

‘Sri Lanka heading toward serious economic risk,’ warns Sajith Premadasa

‘Sri Lanka heading toward serious economic risk,’ warns Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that Sri Lanka is facing a serious economic risk, alleging that the government is misleading the public with “false statistics” instead of revealing the true state of the economy. MORE..

Rubio says Iran deal could take days as US launches fresh strikes

Rubio says Iran deal could take days as US launches fresh strikes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday negotiating a deal with Iran could “take a few days,” quashing hopes for an imminent end to the conflict a day after U.S. forces conducted what Washington called defensive strikes in southern Iran. MORE..

Heavy rainfall expected in some parts of the island today

Heavy rainfall expected in some parts of the island today

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

US military launches new strikes on targets in southern Iran, US Central Command says

US military launches new strikes on targets in southern Iran, US Central Command says

The US military says it has launched new strikes on southern Iran, targeting Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to place mines. MORE..

Ex- Minister Wimal Weerawansa granted bail

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..

Ex- Minister Wimal Weerawansa produced before court

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

Case against Shashi Weerawansa adjourned till July 24

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..

Five forests in Anuradhapura declared as reserves

Five forests in Anuradhapura declared as reserves

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

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

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..

Renovated Ridiyagama Butterfly Garden to reopen on June 3

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..

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

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..

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa arrested

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa arrested

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

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

Sri Lanka to digitize all vehicle insurance documents in future

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

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

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..

Special visits allowed for prison inmates for Hajj and Vesak festivals

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..

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

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..