News Archive

Sri Lanka signs MoU with Russia to modernise railway sector

Sri Lanka signs MoU with Russia to modernise railway sector

Sri Lanka has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at securing technical expertise and investment cooperation from Russia to modernise the railway service. MORE..

Parliament to reconvene today; Inland Revenue Amendment Bill to take center stage

Parliament to reconvene today; Inland Revenue Amendment Bill to take center stage

Parliament is scheduled to reconvene today (19), with sittings set to continue until May 22, according to the Parliamentary Secretariat. MORE..

Trump says he paused attack on Iran as negotiations continue

Trump says he paused attack on Iran as negotiations continue

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack against Iran to allow for negotiations to take place on a deal to end the U.S.-Israeli war, after Iran sent a new peace proposal to Washington. MORE..

“We will carry the memories of Mullivaikkal in our hearts” - Vijay

“We will carry the memories of Mullivaikkal in our hearts” - Vijay

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK chief C Joseph Vijay on Monday said he will always stand in solidarity for the “rights of our Tamil kin” living in Sri Lanka. MORE..

Farmers to receive compensation up to Rs 100,000 per hectare for crop damage from heavy rains

Farmers to receive compensation up to Rs 100,000 per hectare for crop damage from heavy rains

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that, following assessments of crop damage caused by recent heavy rains across Sri Lanka, steps will be taken to disburse compensation of up to a maximum of Rs. 100,000 per hectare, based on the severity of the damage. MORE..

New circular issued to strengthen solid waste management in state institutions

New circular issued to strengthen solid waste management in state institutions

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has issued a new circular aimed at streamlining solid waste management activities in state institutions. MORE..

No water tariff increase for first half of 2026

No water tariff increase for first half of 2026

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to maintain the current water tariff structure during the first six months of 2026 without any revision. MORE..

Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks sign of our ‘dangerous’ times: WHO

Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks sign of our ‘dangerous’ times: WHO

The deadly hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks are only the latest crises in “dangerous and divisive” times, the World Health Organisation chief said Monday (May 18). MORE..

Police hunt gunman in rifle attacks that killed 6, injured 8 in Turkey

Police hunt gunman in rifle attacks that killed 6, injured 8 in Turkey

A man armed with a rifle carried out a string of attacks in a city in southern Turkey on Monday, killing at least six people and wounding eight others, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. MORE..

Advisory issued for severe lightning

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Uva province and in Batticaloa and Ampara districts. MORE..

‘National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony’ to be held today under the patronage of President

‘National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony’ to be held today under the patronage of President

The ‘‘National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony,’’ marking 17 years since the defeat of terrorism, is scheduled to be held today (19) as in previous years.MORE..

Xi to host ‘old friend’ Putin as China projects stable global role after Trump visit

Xi to host ‘old friend’ Putin as China projects stable global role after Trump visit

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is set to host his “old friend” Vladimir Putin less than a week after Donald Trump’s high-profile visit, as Beijing seeks to project itself as a stable and predictable power in a world shaken by trade tensions, wars and an energy crisis. MORE..

Sri Lanka to formulate National Space Policy

Sri Lanka to formulate National Space Policy

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to formulate a National Space Policy for Sri Lanka. MORE..

US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 338

US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 338

The selling price of the US dollar has exceeded 338 Sri Lankan rupees today. MORE..

Five dead, including two suspects, after shooting at San Diego mosque

Five dead, including two suspects, after shooting at San Diego mosque

Two teenage gunmen opened fire on Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, California, killing three men outside the mosque, one of them a security guard, before the two suspects were found dead, apparently from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said. MORE..

Trump drops IRS lawsuit in exchange for DOJ $1.8 billion ‘weaponization’ fund

Trump drops IRS lawsuit in exchange for DOJ $1.8 billion ‘weaponization’ fund

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday created a nearly $1.8 billion fund to compensate victims of political “weaponization” to settle a lawsuit Trump had filed against his own government over the alleged mishandling of his tax records. MORE..

OpenAI defeats Elon Musk’s lawsuit, removes obstacle to IPO

OpenAI defeats Elon Musk’s lawsuit, removes obstacle to IPO

A U.S. jury on Monday ruled against Elon Musk in his lawsuit against OpenAI, finding the artificial intelligence company not liable to the world’s richest person for having allegedly strayed from its original mission to benefit humanity. MORE..

QR code fuel distribution system to continue – Deputy Minister

QR code fuel distribution system to continue – Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha stated that the QR code system introduced for fuel distribution will continue to be implemented in order to manage fuel consumption. MORE..

Several spells of showers expected in some parts of the island

Several spells of showers expected in some parts of the island

South-West monsoon is gradually getting established over the island, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

Health Minister calls for better quality of life for childhood cancer survivors

Health Minister calls for better quality of life for childhood cancer survivors

Children who survive cancer must be given the opportunity to lead healthy, dignified and productive lives, Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa said. MORE..

Shakira wins €55 million tax battle against Spain

Shakira wins €55 million tax battle against Spain

A Spanish court has ordered the country’s tax authority to refund €55m (£48m, $64m) to singer Shakira after ruling that the money was improperly collected in a dispute over her taxes. MORE..

At least 120 dead in Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, official says

At least 120 dead in Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, official says

At least 120 people have died in an outbreak of a rare strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with hundreds more suspected cases, according to officials. Health authorities say the situation is evolving quickly, and more cases are likely to be detected in the coming weeks. MORE..

Indian Air Force Chief arrives in Sri Lanka on three-day visit

Indian Air Force Chief arrives in Sri Lanka on three-day visit

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, has arrived in Sri Lanka on a three-day official visit. MORE..

Magisterial inquiry into Kapila Chandrasena’s death adjourned

Magisterial inquiry into Kapila Chandrasena’s death adjourned

The further magisterial inquiry into the suspicious death of the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, has been postponed until 22 May. MORE..

Only President, defence officials invited to National War Heroes’ Commemoration; no political invitees, says Minister

The government has confirmed that no political representatives were invited to the ational War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony, to held today (19) in Battaramulla, marking 17 years since the defeat of terrorism in Sri Lanka. MORE..

SC upholds constitutionality of Bill to amend Terrorist Financing law

SC upholds constitutionality of Bill to amend Terrorist Financing law

The Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, informed the House today that the Supreme Court has ruled the Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill is fully consistent with the Constitution of Sri Lanka. MORE..

Special traffic plan for National War Heroes’ Commemoration ceremony

Special traffic plan for National War Heroes’ Commemoration ceremony

The ‘‘National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony,’’ is scheduled to be held today (19) at the Parliamentary Grounds in front of the National War Heroes’ Monument in Battaramulla, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

Oil touches 2-week high after drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant

Oil touches 2-week high after drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant

Oil prices extended gains on Monday as efforts to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates came under attack and as U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran. MORE..

Govt. to provide compensation for weather-damaged crops through Agrarian Insurance Board

Govt. to provide compensation for weather-damaged crops through Agrarian Insurance Board

Compensation for crop damage caused by the recent adverse weather conditions will be provided through the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Namal Karunaratne has stated. MORE..

‘National Victory Day Commemoration Ceremony’ to be held tomorrow under the patronage of President

‘National Victory Day Commemoration Ceremony’ to be held tomorrow under the patronage of President

The ‘‘National Victory Day Commemoration Ceremony,’’ marking 17 years since the defeat of terrorism, is scheduled to be held tomorrow (19) as in previous years. MORE..

Sri Lanka tourism earnings drop in April, CBSL reports

Sri Lanka tourism earnings drop in April, CBSL reports

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has stated that the total tourism earnings for April 2026 amounted to USD 157.1 million. MORE..

Economist calls for policy to allow vehicle imports based on necessity

Economist calls for policy to allow vehicle imports based on necessity

Future policies on vehicle imports should be formulated in a way that allows imports only based on necessity, according to Professor in Economics at the Department of Economics, Priyanga Dunusinghe of the University of Colombo. MORE..

Iran officially announces new body to manage Strait of Hormuz: Top security council

Iran officially announces new body to manage Strait of Hormuz: Top security council

Iran’s top security body announced on Monday (May 18) the formation of a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively closed and wants to charge ships to traverse. MORE..

Adverse weather damages 200 houses, affects over 5,200 people across the country

Adverse weather damages 200 houses, affects over 5,200 people across the country

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) says that 200 houses have been partially damaged so far due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. MORE..

Suspect sustains gunshot injury after scuffle with police during arrest in Ampara

Suspect sustains gunshot injury after scuffle with police during arrest in Ampara

A shooting incident has been reported in the Ampara Police Division during a police operation to arrest an individual involved in an illicit liquor racket. MORE..

Two Sri Lankan passengers arrested with over 14kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

Two Sri Lankan passengers arrested with over 14kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

Two Sri Lankan passengers have been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with a consignment of ‘‘Kush’’ narcotics valued at over Rs. 140 million. MORE..

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, today (18), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

Three-wheeler buried in Maspanna landslide recovered after 171 days

Three-wheeler buried in Maspanna landslide recovered after 171 days

A three-wheeler buried under a landslide near the Maspanna town in Uva Paranagama during Cyclone Ditwah has been recovered after 171 days. MORE..

Court temporarily lifts foreign travel ban on MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake

Court temporarily lifts foreign travel ban on MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake

The Colombo High Court has ordered the temporary lifting of the overseas travel ban imposed on Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who is facing corruption-related charges. MORE..

5,289 Tri-Service personnel promoted in view of National War Heroes’ Day

5,289 Tri-Service personnel promoted in view of National War Heroes’ Day

A total of 5,289 Tri-Service personnel have been promoted to their respective next ranks in view of the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls tomorrow (19). MORE..

Supreme Court to hear Sugar Tax loss petition on June 27

Supreme Court to hear Sugar Tax loss petition on June 27

The Supreme Court has ordered that a fundamental rights petition seeking the recovery of Rs. 15.9 billion in losses allegedly incurred by the government due to the reduction of taxes on imported sugar during the administration of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa be taken up on June 27. MORE..

Chinese national arrested with stock of foreign cigarettes in Kollupitiya

Chinese national arrested with stock of foreign cigarettes in Kollupitiya

A foreign national has been arrested in Kollupitiya, near Nimalka Gardens, with 540 sticks of foreign cigarettes allegedly brought into Sri Lanka illegally. MORE..

Trump warns ‘clock is ticking’ for Iran as peace progress stalls

Trump warns ‘clock is ticking’ for Iran as peace progress stalls

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran the "clock is ticking" as talks to bring the war to an end have stalled. MORE..

Hantavirus-hit cruise ship due to arrive at Rotterdam port as final destination

Hantavirus-hit cruise ship due to arrive at Rotterdam port as final destination

The hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius was due to dock in Rotterdam on Monday morning for disinfection, with Dutch authorities preparing quarantine arrangements for the 25 crew members and two medical staff remaining on board. MORE..

US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 334

US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 334

The selling rate of the US dollar has exceeded Rs. 334, according to the latest daily exchange rates issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (18). MORE..

Sri Lanka marks 17 years since the defeat of three-decade terrorism

Sri Lanka marks 17 years since the defeat of three-decade terrorism

Today (18) marks 17 years since the defeat of the brutal LTTE terrorism that plagued Sri Lanka for more than three decades. MORE..

PM Harini departs for UK on official visit

PM Harini departs for UK on official visit

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya left for the United Kingdom this afternoon (18). MORE..

Nepali Sherpa scales Mount Everest for a record 32nd time

Nepali Sherpa scales Mount Everest for a record 32nd time

A renowned Nepali Sherpa guide scaled Mount Everest for the 32nd time on Sunday, an official said, smashing his own record set last year. MORE..

Fighter jet crews parachute safely after collision at US air show

Fighter jet crews parachute safely after collision at US air show

Four crew members are in stable condition after two fighter jets collided mid-air during a US air show, officials say. MORE..

Modi allies push for bigger families despite India’s 1.4-billion population

Modi allies push for bigger families despite India’s 1.4-billion population

India may be the world’s most populous country, with 1.42 billion people and challenges like high youth unemployment, but powerful allies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are championing larger families to counter a declining fertility rate. MORE..