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University admission applications for 2025/2026 open until May 19: UGC

Applications for university admission for the 2025/2026 academic year, based on the 2025 General Certificate of Education Advanced Level examination, will be accepted until May 19, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 5:18 am

Public consultation on proposed electricity tariff revision begins today

The public consultation on the proposed electricity tariff revision for 2026 will commence in Colombo today (06), the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 5:03 am

Sri Lanka, Pakistan hold talks to strengthen defence cooperation, training and regional security

The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Major General Nayyar Naseer, HI (M), (Retd), has paid a courtesy call on Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 11:02 am

Oil prices fall a second day as Trump indicates possible Iran peace deal

Oil prices fell for a second day on Wednesday on expectations bottled up supply from the key Middle East producing region could resume flowing after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a possible peace deal may be reached to end the war with Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 6:31 am

Iranian foreign minister arrives in Beijing to discuss “regional and international developments”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beijing early Wednesday for talks with his Chinese counterpart. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 8:01 am

Maldivian President confident of permanent solution to Sri Lanka visa issues

One of the key focuses of the state visit to Sri Lanka is to resolve the visa issues faced by Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated, adding that he is confident a permanent solution will be found soon. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 9:06 am

University admissions for 2025/2026 academic year to begin in Sept.: PM Harini

The admission process for students to government universities for the 2025/2026 academic year is scheduled to commence in the first week of September 2026, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 10:29 am

Australia says 13 citizens linked to alleged IS members returning from Syria

A group of 13 Australians related to alleged Islamic State jihadists is returning home from Syria, Australian authorities said Wednesday (May 6), warning some will face arrest. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 10:08 am

Showers above 100mm expected across Sri Lanka as ITCZ influence strengthens: Met. Dept.

Due to the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, and the development of a low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of the island, an increase in rainfall is expected across the island from today (06) and over the next few days, the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 6:05 am

Tamil Nadu Election: Vijay likely to form government tomorrow

Actor-turned-politician Vijay, who made a memorable debut in politics by breaking the (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) DMK and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (AIADMK) traditional duopoly in the Tamil Nadu state, is likely to form a government as early as May 7, sources said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 9:32 am

Samsung Electronics market value tops US$1 trillion on chip boom

The market value of South Korea’s Samsung Electronics smashed past US$1 trillion for the first time on Wednesday (May 6) as the firm rides an artificial intelligence chip boom that has sent Seoul’s Kospi stock index to record highs. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 8:46 am

Close associate of fugitive underworld figure arrested with ammunition in Katunayake

A close associate of an organized criminal believed to be hiding overseas has been arrested in possession of 54 T-56 firearm bullets and a magazine, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 5:48 am

66-year-old killed in freak accident involving grinder in Katugastota

A man has died after suffering a fatal neck injury from a grinder while carrying out construction work on a security fence in Mawilmada, Katugastota, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 7:27 am

Vietnam President’s state visit set to propel ties with Sri Lanka into new phase, says Deputy FM

An upcoming state visit to Sri Lanka by Việt Nam President Tô Lâm is expected to serve as a pivotal political milestone, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations marked by enhanced political trust and more substantive, wide-ranging cooperation, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Mạnh Cường has said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 6:59 am

Maldivian President Muizzu concludes state visit to Sri Lanka

The President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu has departed the island after successfully concluding his three-day state visit. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 8:29 am

Matthew Perry’s Friends keepsakes and artwork go up for auction

Friends memorabilia, artwork and other valuables from the estate of Matthew Perry are being put up for sale at an auction to benefit the charitable foundation established in the actor’s name soon after his 2023 death. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 8:11 am

Renowned Indian film producer RB Choudary dies in car crash

Veteran film producer RB Choudary died on Tuesday (May 5) following a car crash in Rajasthan, India. According to The Times of India, Choudary was travelling with his nephew at the time of the accident, after attending a relative’s wedding. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 9:52 am

Donald Trump says operation to reopen Strait of Hormuz will be ‘paused’

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (May 5) that the US operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, dubbed “Project Freedom”, will be paused for a short period to see whether an agreement with Iran can be finalised and signed, although a blockade on Iranian ports will remain in force. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 6, 2026 5:24 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

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

Stars shine at Met Gala, fashion’s biggest night

The brightest stars in Hollywood, music, sports and style - led by Beyonce, Madonna and Nicole Kidman - hit the red carpet for the Met Gala, the Manhattan charity ball that doubles as fashion’s biggest night. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 4:44 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

Romanian government collapses after no-confidence vote

Romanian lawmakers toppled the pro-European government of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in a no-confidence vote on Tuesday, private television station Digi24 reported citing sources, putting at risk the country’s sovereign debt ratings, its access to EU funds and the stability of its currency. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 5:17 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

No need to remove Treasury Secretary over US$2.5 million cyber heist – Cabinet Spokesman

There is no requirement to remove the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Harshana Suriyapperuma from office in connection with the reported incident involving US$2.5 million intended for external debt repayment but allegedly diverted to another party, the Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 5:22 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

WJC 2026: Global media leaders convene in South Korea to chart the future of journalism and AI

Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the 2026 World Journalists Conference (WJC 2026) concluded successfully in South Korea, marking a significant milestone in international media collaboration. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 4:14 pm

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

Tourist arrivals drop by 22%

The number of tourist arrivals in the month of April has declined by 22.3% in comparison to April, 2025, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 4:56 pm

Young Europeans turn to AI chatbots for emotional support, survey shows

Nearly one in two young people in Europe have used AI chatbots to discuss intimate or personal matters, as the technology increasingly serves as a source of emotional support, an Ipsos BVA survey showed on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 5:56 pm

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

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

Wimal Liyanagama named new Customs Director General

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to appoint Wimal Liyanagama, a Special Grade officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service and the current Director General of the Department of Management Services, as the new Director General of Sri Lanka Customs. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 6:02 pm

South Korea reviewing US proposal to join operation in Strait of Hormuz

South Korea is evaluating whether to join US efforts to guide merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s foreign ministry said in a statement Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 4:15 pm

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

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

Human to human hantavirus transmission suspected on cruise but risk to public low, WHO says

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that it suspects some rare human to human transmission took place between close contacts on board a luxury cruise ship hit by seven confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 5:05 pm

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

UAE partial airspace closure to remain in place till May 11

The United Arab Emirates has partially closed its airspace after Iran fired missiles and drones toward the country for the first time since the ceasefire began in early April. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 5:40 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

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

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

Low-level atmospheric disturbance likely to develop near Sri Lanka

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), along with an associated low-level atmospheric disturbance, is likely to develop in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 5, 2026 4:46 pm

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

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