News Archive

Cabinet nod given to ink several MoUs with Vietnam

The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Tô Lâm is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on May 7, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  2:33 pm

Dilith Jayaweera hails Vijay and TVK’s victory in Tamil Nadu assembly polls

Sarvajana Balaya leader and Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera, extended his congratulations to Indian actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party following what he described as a victory at the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  11:07 am

Sri Lanka, Thailand move to strengthen defence cooperation

The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, together with the Defence Attaché, Air Commodore Vajira Jayakody, met with Air Chief Marshal Sakesan Kantha, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, at the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters...MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  1:38 pm

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

Secret Service says it shot a man near the White House who allegedly fired toward officers

The Secret Service said agents shot a man Monday near the White House who is alleged to have opened fire after he was confronted by authorities. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  9:58 am

Namal congratulates Vijay, calls for a more positive relationship with Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa, extended his congratulations to Indian actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar on what he described as a “resounding victory” in the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  11:57 am

M.K. Stalin resigns as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

DMK president M.K. Stalin has resigned as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. A communication in this regard was sent to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Monday (May 4, 2026) night. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  1:25 pm

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

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

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

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..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  3:10 pm

Colombo HC issues arrest warrant for witness in case against Johnston Fernando

The Colombo High Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of a witness in a case filed against three defendants, including former Minister Johnston Fernando. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  3:41 pm

13 schoolchildren injured as van plunges into precipice in Nawalapitiya

A van transporting school children from the Kataboolawa area of Nawalapitiya to Harangala veered off the road and plunged into a precipice near the Thispane Junction in Nawalapitiya at around 7.00 a.m. today (05). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  10:10 am

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..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  4:07 pm

Former SriLankan CEO Kapila Chandrasena granted bail

Former SriLankan Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kapila Chandrasena, who was arrested in connection with an incident involving the alleged acceptance of bribes during the purchase of Airbus aircraft for the airline, has been granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  12:01 pm

Evacuations planned as suspected hantavirus outbreak traps 150 on cruise ship off Cape Verde

Medics were working on Monday (May 4) to evacuate two people with symptoms of the deadly hantavirus after a suspected outbreak on a luxury cruise ship held off West Africa carrying mostly British, American and Spanish passengers, officials said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  10:22 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

Police constable arrested for accepting Rs. 200,000 bribe to release drug suspect

A police constable attached to the Peliyagoda Police Headquarters has been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs. 200,000. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  11:19 am

Govt. defends appointment of Eran as Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Chairman

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says the appointment of former Member of Parliament Eran Wickramaratne as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee is a correct decision. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  3:57 pm

Joint opposition to hold public rally against govt in Matara on May 10

The next rally in a series of public rallies organised by the Joint Opposition against the incumbent government is scheduled to be held on May 10 in Matara. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  10:19 am

Cannabis cultivation raided in Hambegamuwa; one arrested

Officers attached to the Hambegamuwa Police Station in Thanamalwila raided a cannabis cultivation in the Karapinchalanda area of Hambegamuwa and arrested a suspect in connection with the operation. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  11:48 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

Opposition urges Govt. to halt remarks targeting judiciary

A group of opposition Members of Parliament have called on the government to immediately cease statements aimed at the judiciary, warning that such remarks threaten judicial independence. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  2:45 pm

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

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

Court allows CCD to record statement from ‘Dematagoda Chaminda’ over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (05) has granted permission to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) to record a statement from the notorious underworld figure, Chaminda Ravi Jayanath, also known as ‘‘Dematagoda Chaminda..." MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  1:10 pm

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

First phase of VRS compensation for ex-CEB employees by May 15 – Minister

Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka said compensation for Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) employees who applied for retirement under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) following the dissolution of the CEB is expected to be paid in two phases. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  12:12 pm

Russian Health Minister concludes visit to Sri Lanka

The Minister of Health of Russia, Mikhail Murashko and his delegation have concluded a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  1:48 pm

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, North-Central provinces and in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  1:18 pm

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

Iran’s top negotiator warns Tehran ‘not even started’ in Hormuz standoff

Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with the United States warned on Tuesday (May 5) that his country has “not even started” in its standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  2:13 pm

Iran’s Foreign Minister to visit China today

The Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi is set to travel to China today as part of ongoing diplomatic consultations between Tehran and Beijing, Iran’s semi-official news agency Mehr reported Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  3:25 pm

12-member parliamentary select committee appointed to review election laws

A 12-member Parliamentary Select Committee has been appointed to review and report on election laws, excluding provisions relating to Provincial Council elections. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026  11:51 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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