News Archive

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

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

Pakistan facilitates return of Iranian crew from US-seized ship

Pakistan said on Monday (May 4) it had facilitated the transfer of 22 Iranian crew members from a US-seized vessel, describing the move as a “confidence-building measure” amid fragile diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  2:33 pm

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin defeated in Assembly Election

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday (May 4, 2026) was defeated in his Kolathur Assembly constituency, a seat he had represented thrice since 2011. He is the fourth sitting Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu to lose an Assembly election. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  5:38 pm

Welikada inmate dies after escape attempt, probe underway

A prison inmate serving a sentence at Welikada Prison has died after being hospitalised following an incident linked to an attempted escape. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  7:25 pm

Kuwaiti crude oil exports fell to zero in April, with Hormuz effectively shut

Kuwaiti crude oil exports tumbled from more than one million barrels a day to zero in April, according to Iranian media, marking the “first such disruption” since the end of the Gulf War in 1991. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  6:22 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russian Health Minister pledges support to strengthen Sri Lanka’s health system

Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and visiting Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko held talks in Colombo on strengthening Sri Lanka’s primary healthcare system and expanding the use of modern technology, including artificial intelligence in the health sector. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  5:54 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

UAE accuses Iran of attacking ADNOC oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates on Monday accused Iran of attacking an empty crude oil tanker belonging to the Abu Dhabi state oil firm ADNOC with drones as it attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  6:59 pm

Letters of appointment handed over to members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee

The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over today (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage.

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  8:37 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

Citizenship of Finance Ministry Secretary under scrutiny

A letter containing five questions has been submitted by the “Dinana Dakuna” organization, raising concerns over the citizenship status of Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  8:10 pm

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

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

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

Sri Lanka sees surge in alcohol production and consumption

Statistics indicate that alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka is on the rise, according to the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  5:34 pm

PM Harini, Maldivian President Muizzu hold talks to improve bilateral ties

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and visiting President of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu have held cordial discussions in Colombo today. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  6:48 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

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

PM Narendra Modi calls Bengal election verdict ‘unprecedented, historic’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Nitin Nabin addressed the nation to celebrate a landmark electoral performance, following the declaration of results earlier today. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  7:43 pm

Explosion rocks South Korean ship at Strait of Hormuz, officials say

An explosion and fire occurred Monday on a South Korean-linked vessel at the Strait the Hormuz, according to spokesperson from the South Korean Foreign Ministry. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  8:41 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

Three missiles from Iran intercepted - UAE defence ministry

The United Arab Emirates on Monday sent out an alert for potential missile threats throughout the country, the first in just under a month when the United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 4, 2026  8:31 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