News Archive

All preschools must be registered before July 1 – Minister

All preschools across the island must be registered before July 1 this year, according to Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  9:14 am

US and UAE report Iran attacks as military pushes to reopen Strait of Hormuz

The US military said it fired on Iranian forces and sank six small boats targeting civilian ships as it moved to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  8:01 am

New three-judge bench to hear Prageeth Ekneligoda abduction case

The High Court Trial-at-Bar in Colombo has decided to recommence the long-stalled trial concerning the abduction and enforced disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, following a formal indictment filed by the Attorney General. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  9:16 am

Blast at fireworks factory in China’s Hunan kills 21, Xi calls for probe, state media says

A blast at a fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province has killed 21 people and injured 61, prompting President Xi Jinping to call for a thorough investigation, state media reported on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  9:28 am

Iran’s assault on UAE oil hub, vessels in Hormuz lifts oil prices 6%

Oil prices surged roughly 6 percent on Monday as Iran intensified attacks on the United Arab Emirates and vessels in the Middle East Gulf over the past 24 hours, marking the most serious escalation since a U.S.-Iran ceasefire took effect in early April. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  8:03 am

Trump warns Iran forces will be ‘blown off the face of the Earth’ if they target US ships

President Donald Trump warned [Iranian forces that they would be ‘‘blown off the face of the Earth’‘ if they attempted to target US ships in the Strait of Hormuz or Persian Gulf. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:11 am

US strikes Iranian fast boats as Iran attacks UAE oil facility

President Donald Trump says the US has struck seven Iranian “fast boats” in the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington seeks to guide stranded ships out of the Gulf through the largely closed waterway. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:07 am

Parliament to convene today for first sitting after New Year celebrations

Parliament is scheduled to convene today (05) for the first time following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  7:38 am

37 Chinese nationals deported after detention at Welisara Centre

Thirty-seven Chinese nationals including six women, who were arrested while engaging in illegal activities and detained at the Welisara Detention Centre, have been deported from Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  7:48 am

Indians vote for change in key states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Assembly election results still being tallied in several states in India on May 4 reflect a strong mood for political change and signal monumental shifts in regional politics. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:29 am

Rainfall expected to increase over the island after tomorrow

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge) affects the island’s weather, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  6:02 am

Three Welikada Prison guards arrested over inmate death - Police

Three prison guards attached to Welikada Prison have been arrested by Sri Lanka Police following the death of an inmate yesterday who was apprehended while attempting to escape, said the Police Spokesman. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  9:32 am

Vijay’s TVK seeks Governor’s appointment over govt formation after big win

Vijay’s TVK emerged as the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with 108 seats, but fell short of a majority. The result has triggered negotiations with Congress, PMK and other parties over support for a TVK-led government. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  8:22 am

Sri Lanka appoints first Ambassador-level Representative to Palestine

For the first time, a new representative from Sri Lanka, equivalent to an Ambassador, has been appointed to Palestine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  5:07 pm

Vietnamese President To Lam to visit Sri Lanka on May 7

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam, together with a high-ranking delegation of the country, is going to pay a state visit to Sri Lanka from May 7 to 8. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  9:07 am

Trump says US and Iran in ‘positive’ talks, unveils plan to escort Hormuz ships

President Donald Trump said on Sunday (May 3) that the United States was conducting “very positive discussions” with Iran, as he outlined a plan for US forces to escort ships through the blocked Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  6:29 am

Two suspects linked to ‘‘Loku Pattie’’ arrested with pistol and drugs in Balapitiya

A suspect has been arrested in the Ambalangoda, Balapitiya area for the possession of a foreign-manufactured pistol, one magazine, 16 live rounds of ammunition, and 11.5 grams of the narcotic substance ‘‘Ice’’ (Crystal Methamphetamine). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  11:32 am

Assembly poll: Vijay’s TVK emerges as single largest in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor Vijay, is making significant gains, overtaking the ruling DMK. Early results show TVK leading in 66 constituencies, with the DMK ahead in 49 and AIADMK in 45. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  10:15 am

Online bus seat reservation fee to be reduced to around Rs. 30 – Minister

Long-distance passengers will in future be required to pay only a nominal fee of around Rs. 30 when reserving seats through the online booking system, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  4:48 pm

Lands allocated in Sri Lanka and Maldives for High Commissions - President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed his gratitude to the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, for undertaking the official visit to Sri Lanka, noting that it was in response to an invitation extended during his own visit to the Maldives in 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  12:53 pm

120 foreign nationals remanded over illegal financial operations in Rajagiriya

The group of foreign nationals arrested, yesterday (03), at a location on Meda Welikada Road in Rajagiriya has been remanded in custody. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  8:06 am

FM Vijitha Herath holds talks with visiting Maldivian President

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath has held discussions with the visiting President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  3:41 pm

Janitorial supervisor of Kandy National Hospital injured in shooting at Katugastota

A janitorial supervisor of the National Hospital in Kandy has been injured and hospitalised following a shooting incident at Gohagoda, in Katugastota, according to police.

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  8:08 am

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, Uva provinces and, Kalutara, Polonnaruwa, Galle and Matara districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  12:18 pm

Trump announces ‘Project Freedom’ to help stranded ships leave Strait of Hormuz

The United States will launch an effort on Monday (May 4, 2026) to “guide” stranded ships from the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said, giving few details about what could be a sweeping effort to help hundreds of vessels and some 20,000 seafarers. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  6:09 am

Sajith Premadasa criticizes planned VAT increases, calls policy “extraction”

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticized the government’s upcoming Value Added Tax (VAT) changes, saying that from July 1 Sri Lanka will widen the VAT net, raise rates, and tighten enforcement simultaneously. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  11:28 am

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..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  4:35 pm

Sri Lanka and Maldives sign seven MoUs to strengthen bilateral cooperation

Seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between Sri Lanka and the Maldives during the state visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  12:11 pm

Oil jumps by 5% after report of US warship being hit by missiles

Oil prices rose about 5% on Monday after Iran’s Fars news agency reported an incident with a U.S. warship in the Strait of Hormuz, sparking concerns over a prolonged disruption in the vital oil transit route. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  4:50 pm

Amsterdam bans public adverts for meat and fossil fuels

Amsterdam has become the world’s first capital city to ban public advertisements for both meat and fossil fuel products. Since 1 May, adverts for burgers, petrol cars and airlines have been stripped from billboards, tram shelters, and metro stations. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  10:05 am

Oil slips after Trump says US will help free ships stranded in Strait of Hormuz

Oil prices eased on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would begin an effort to free up ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, however the lack of a U.S.-Iran peace deal kept prices supported above $100. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  7:44 am

Steps taken for national unity will not be reversed – President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised the need for a country in which Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities live together in harmony and brotherhood and reaffirmed that the strong steps taken towards national unity will not, under any circumstances, be reversed. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  4:28 pm

Free Lawyers call for probe into President’s remarks on pending court ruling

The Free Lawyers Organization has called for an investigation into remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake concerning judicial decisions during a May Day rally. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  1:43 pm

Maldivian President to receive state welcome in Sri Lanka today

The official state reception ceremony for Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who arrived in Sri Lanka, yesterday (04), on a three-day official visit, is scheduled to take place today (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  7:38 am

Official state ceremony held to welcome Maldivian President in Colombo

The official state reception ceremony for Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (04) on a three-day official visit, was held today (05). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  10:30 am

Supreme Court dismisses SLMC leaders petition without consideration

The Supreme Court today (04) decided to dismiss, without hearing, a petition filed by the leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Rauf Hakeem, and its General Secretary, Nizam Kariapper. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  3:07 pm

Iran warns US Navy to stay clear of Hormuz after Trump says US to help stranded ships

Iran’s military warned U.S. forces on Monday not to enter the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump said the United States would start helping to free ships stranded in the Gulf by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  12:52 pm

Three dead in suspected virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship

Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organization (WHO) has told the BBC. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  9:15 am

Modi’s party set to gain big in Indian state elections

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party was on course to win two of four crucial state elections on Monday (May 4), expanding its influence and weakening its key rival half-way into his third term in office. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  3:27 pm

At least 12 wounded after Oklahoma party shooting

At least 12 people are being treated in hospital after a shooting at a party in Oklahoma. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  2:04 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in some parts of the island

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 pm, today (04), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  6:02 am

El Niño conditions expected to develop during Southwest monsoon period – Met. Department

Sri Lanka is expected to face developing El Niño conditions during the upcoming southwest monsoon season, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  2:41 pm

Vesak ‘Dansal’ registration commences as PHIs issue safety guidelines

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) of Sri Lanka has announced that the registration process for Dansal organized in connection with the upcoming Vesak festival has officially commenced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  12:32 pm

12 dengue deaths, including two children, reported in Sri Lanka so far this year

A total of 12 dengue-related deaths have been recorded so far this year, including two children under the age of 12, according to the National Dengue Control Unit. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  4:01 pm

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..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  12:29 pm

US denies Iranian claim it struck American warship

US Central Command (Centcom) denies that one of its warships has been struck by two Iranian missiles. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  4:47 pm

VAT revision from July 1 a Tax simplification move, not increase – Deputy Minister

The Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera has clarified reports surrounding the gazette notification issued to revise Value Added Tax (VAT) with effect from July 1. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  2:20 pm

Sarvajana Balaya condemns alleged unconstitutional remarks against judiciary

The Sarvajana Balaya has strongly condemned what it describes as an unconstitutional attack on the independence of the judiciary by the government. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  5:18 pm

548 suspects arrested as police screen over 26,000 in island-wide raids

Under the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), a large number of individuals were taken into custody during island-wide operations conducted to prevent crime and drug trafficking. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  10:08 am

Iran hits US warship with two missiles near Strait of Hormuz - state media

Iran has said it stopped a US warship from entering the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  3:50 pm