News Archive

Fire in Kenya girls’ school dorm kills 16

A fire in a girls’ dormitory in Kenya on Thursday (May 28) killed 16 children and hospitalised 79 in the latest deadly blaze to hit a school in the east African country. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  5:07 pm

“Aswesuma” allowance for senior citizens to be credited tomorrow

The Welfare Benefits Board says that arrangements have been made to credit the May payments under the “Aswesuma” welfare benefit scheme for senior citizens aged over 70 to beneficiaries’ bank accounts tomorrow (29). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  11:15 am

Sri Lanka’s vehicle, gold loan curbs support lenders’ risk profiles - Fitch Ratings

Sri Lanka’s tighter macroprudential restrictions on vehicle and gold-backed lending will benefit lenders’ risk profiles, particularly those of finance companies, Fitch Ratings stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  2:17 pm

Rescuers in Laos say more oxygen needed to save 7 divers trapped in cave

The leader of a Thai volunteer group helping to extract seven divers trapped in a cave in Laos said on Thursday that more oxygen tanks would be needed to complete the rescue mission. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  10:34 am

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in some parts of the island today

The prevailing showery condition over the south-western parts of the island is expected to continue, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  6:49 am

Police recover vehicle used in Kalutara shooting

The motor car suspected to have been used by the gunmen involved in the fatal shooting of a man in the Wettumakada area of Kalutara this morning has been discovered abandoned in the Nebada area of Tebuwana, Police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  1:50 pm

Trump says Iran and Oman will not control Strait of Hormuz, deal remains elusive

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (May 27) dismissed a report that Iran and Oman would manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as part of a deal to end the war, in a sign that any agreement remained elusive. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  6:56 am

Nearly 15,000 Vesak ‘Dansal’ registered islandwide so far: PHIU

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) states that nearly 15,000 ‘Dansals’ organised across the country have been registered so far to be held in view of the upcoming Vesak festival. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  2:42 pm

7 Sri Lankans deported from UAE for posting Middle East war footage on social media

Seven Sri Lankan youths who had been detained by security authorities in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), have been deported back to Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  10:00 am

PM Harini urges respect and kindness towards one another in Eid-ul-Adha message

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her Eid-ul-Adha message, extended her felicitations to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and around the world, highlighting the festival’s values of selflessness, unity, and compassion. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  7:37 am

IMF has so far disbursed USD 2.4 billion to Sri Lanka under EFF programme

The IMF Executive Board completed the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Sri Lanka, providing the country with immediate access to SDR 508 million (about US$ 695 million) to support economic policies and reforms. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  1:51 pm

Iran says it targeted US airbase after Bandar Abbas strikes

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday they targeted a U.S. airbase at 4:50 a.m. local time (0120 GMT) after what they described as an early morning U.S. attack near Bandar Abbas airport, Tasnim news agency reported. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  10:04 am

President urges Sri Lankans to embrace peace and brotherhood in Eid al-Adha message

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Eid al-Adha message, highlighted the festival’s significance as a symbol of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  7:39 am

FM Vijitha Herath meets Sri Lankan-origin NZ’s Opposition Foreign Affairs Spokesperson

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath said he had the pleasure of meeting Opposition Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs of the New Zealand Parliament Vanushi Walters. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  4:20 pm

Talks held to expand education opportunities for Sri Lankans in New Zealand

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, Vijitha Herath, has held talks with New Zealand’s Minister of Tertiary Education, Penny Simmonds. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  11:44 am

US carries out new strikes in Iran against military site, official says

The U.S. military carried out new strikes overnight in Iran targeting a military site that officials believed posed a threat to U.S. forces and commercial maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official told Reuters on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  6:52 am

One person dead in shooting incident at Kalutara

One person has been killed in a shooting incident reported in the Wettumakada area of Kalutara, a short while ago. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  10:02 am

Giant Messi statue in India to be removed over safety concerns

A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi erected in India to mark his visit last year is “swaying in the wind” and will be removed, a lawmaker told AFP on Wednesday (May 27). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  4:04 pm

Oil rebounds after US strikes Iran military site

U.S. crude futures rose more than $1 on Thursday to above $90 a barrel after the U.S. ⁠military carried out new strikes on an Iranian military site while peace talks between Washington and Tehran are underway. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  6:53 am

Van suspected to be linked to Kalutara fatal shooting found abandoned in Dodangoda

Police have discovered another vehicle, suspected to have been used by the gunmen involved in the fatal shooting reported in Kalutara South this morning (28), abandoned in the Dodangoda area along the Matugama Road in Kalutara. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  3:28 pm

IMF Executive Board completes Sri Lanka’s combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews of the Extended Fund Facility for Sri Lanka, providing the country with immediate access to SDR508 million (about US$695 million) to support economic policies and reforms. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 28, 2026  7:23 am

Ugandan woman quarantined in India tests negative for Ebola

A Ugandan woman has tested negative for Ebola infection, India’s health ministry said on Wednesday, after she was quarantined in the tech hub of Bengaluru on suspicion of having the virus, but it did not say if she would be released from isolation. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  1:11 pm

UN Security Council condemns attack on UAE nuclear plant

The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday condemned the attack on Barakah Nuclear Plant in the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement, adding that ⁠the attack constituted a violation of international law. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  6:25 am

Canada imposes Ebola-related travel ban, Bahamas to increase screening

Canada said on Tuesday it will temporarily ban residents from three African countries amid an Ebola outbreak. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  6:38 am

Sri Lanka’s new Ambassador to the Holy See presents credentials to Pope Leo

The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake has presented Credentials to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as Sri Lanka’s next Ambassador to the Holy See with Residence in Geneva at the Apostolic Palace, in Vatican City. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  11:09 pm

All liquor stores to remain closed on May 30 and 31

The Department of Excise has announced that all liquor stores across the island will remain closed on May 30 and 31 in view of the 2026 Vesak Festival. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  4:12 pm

A spiritual revival essential in building economic revival within country: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that a spiritual revival is essential in fostering economic revival within the country, and that the best determination people can make on this Vesak Full Moon Poya Day is to properly recognise the responsibility entrusted to all citizens to safeguard the Buddha Sasana... MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  11:00 pm

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay meets PM Modi; seeks action on fishermen arrests

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday and discussed matters concerning the state, including the Mekedatu dam issue, fishermen arrests and the Tamil invocation song row. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  7:45 pm

US Dollar selling rate surpasses Rs. 330

The selling rate of the US dollar has exceeded the Rs. 330 mark against the Sri Lankan rupee, according to the latest daily exchange rates issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  12:07 pm

Two killed, one injured as tipper truck hits three-wheeler

Two youths have died while another has sustained critical injuries following a road accident near Tractor Junction in the Ampara Police Division after a tipper truck collided with a three-wheeler. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  1:39 pm

Dikoya double murder suspect escapes from hospital, re-arrested in Bogawantalawa

Hatton Police said the suspect allegedly involved in the recent double murder of an elderly couple inside a shop in Dikoya, Hatton, had escaped from the custody of prison officers early this morning (27) while receiving treatment at hospital. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  3:33 pm

2019 Easter Attacks: Case against Hemasiri, Pujith to be called on June 12

The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar ordered that the case filed against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundera be called on June 12. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  12:23 pm

Israel says it killed Hamas’ new armed wing chief in Gaza

Israel said on Wednesday it had killed Hamas’s newly appointed armed wing chief in Gaza, days after it killed his predecessor, while intensifying military pressure in Gaza and expanding operations in Lebanon. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  6:19 pm

Two children die from smoke inhalation after fire in hotel room

Two children from the same family have reportedly died today (27) after inhaling smoke from a fire that broke out in a hotel room in Batticaloa. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  8:08 pm

Energy bills in Britain to jump 13% on impact of Iran war

British households will face higher energy bills averaging £1,862 a year from July after regulator Ofgem hiked its price cap by 13% on soaring wholesale gas prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  3:45 pm

12-hour water cut in Gampaha and Mahara areas today

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

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  8:06 am

Uganda orders ‘immediate’ closure of border with Congo as rare Ebola cases surge

Ugandan authorities on Wednesday ordered the closure of the border with Congo “with immediate effect” as suspected cases surge near 1,000 in its neighbor of a rare type of Ebola and as others emerge at home. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  10:44 pm

Meat shops and casinos closed for 3 days during ‘Vesak Week’

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has announced that all meat shops, slaughterhouses, betting centres, casinos, and nightclubs will remain closed for three days in view of the 2026 National Vesak Festival. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  11:24 am

State Vesak Festival to be held today under President’s patronage

A Vesak Week has been declared from today (27 May) until 2 June in conjunction with the 2026 State Vesak Festival, which is being held to commemorate the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  9:09 am

India’s Bengaluru quarantines Uganda woman for suspected Ebola infection, source says

India has quarantined a woman from Uganda in the tech hub of Bengaluru for a suspected Ebola infection, a health ministry source said on Wednesday, in a case that would be the South Asian nation’s first since 2014, if confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  9:59 am

FM Vijitha Herath meets New Zealand’s Foreign Minister

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath has called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters in Wellington this afternoon (27). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  3:11 pm

Welikada OIC arrested after demanding bribes to release passports of Chinese suspects

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Welikada Police has been arrested in Veyangoda by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau over allegations of illegal possession of passports belonging to 19 Chinese nationals, according to police. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  11:41 am

Sri Lanka-Russia defence talks focus on security challenges and training exchanges

Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, who is currently on an official visit to the Russian Federation, met with Russian Deputy Defence Minister Vasily Osmakov in Moscow. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  11:27 am

Nasa unveils next steps to build permanent Moon base

Nasa has released details of robotic landers, hopping drones and vehicles it aims to send to the Moon as part of US plans to build a lunar base. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  6:58 am

Sri Lanka awaits IMF nod today for USD 700 mln tranche

The fifth and sixth combined reviews of Sri Lanka’s programme under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) are scheduled to be considered today (27) by the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  9:20 am

President assures legal amendments to handle disciplinary matters concerning Buddhist monks

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that necessary laws will be enacted promptly to ensure the maintenance of discipline among Buddhist monks. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  4:53 pm

Vijitha Herath becomes first Sri Lankan FM to receive Māori Pōwhiri welcome in New Zealand

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath says he was honoured to receive the traditional Māori “Pōwhiri” welcome at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand this morning. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  10:22 am

Fairly heavy showers expected in some parts of the island today

The south-west monsoon has established over the island, with prevailing showery condition over the south-western parts of the country expected to continue, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 27, 2026  6:15 am

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..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  7:51 am

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..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  6:16 am