News Archive

US military says it intercepted Iranian attacks on 3 Navy ships in Strait of Hormuz

The US military said it intercepted Iranian attacks Thursday on three Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz and “targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking US forces,” highlighting the fragility of the month-old ceasefire between the two countries. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 8, 2026  7:18 am

Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship not start of pandemic, UN health agency says

An outbreak of hantavirus on board a cruise ship is not the start of a pandemic, the UN health agency has said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 8, 2026  6:54 am

Federal court rules against new 10% global tariffs Trump imposed after loss at Supreme Court

A federal court ruled Thursday against the new global tariffs that President Donald Trump imposed after a stinging loss at the Supreme Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 8, 2026  6:38 am

US and Iran exchange fire, but Trump says ceasefire still in effect

The United States and Iran exchanged fire on Thursday in the most serious test yet of their month-long ceasefire, but Iran said the situation returned to normal while the U.S. said it did not want to escalate. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 8, 2026  6:24 am

Heavy rainfall above 100 mm expected in parts of the island

Due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to continue during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 8, 2026  6:12 am

South Korea appeals court cuts jail term for ex-PM Han to 15 years in martial law case

A South Korean appeals court on Thursday cut the jail sentence for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 15 years from 23 years over his role in ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief imposition of martial law in 2024. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  12:11 pm

US fires on Iranian tanker while Trump pushes for peace deal

The US military fired on an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday as US President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Tehran to reach a deal ending the war. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  6:54 am

Rs. 10B in unpaid dues threatens Sri Lanka’s renewable energy industry survival, warns FRED

The Federation of Renewable Energy Developers (FRED) warns that unless the Government steps in to resolve the financial crisis the industry is in due to the payment defaults by the National System Operator (Pvt) Limited (NSO), the domestic renewable energy sector faces a natural death. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  4:52 pm

Hantavirus-hit cruise ship heads to Spain after three people evacuated

A luxury cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak and marooned since Sunday off the coast of Cape Verde left for Spain on Wednesday, a Reuters witness said, after three people, two of them seriously ill, were evacuated. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  6:33 am

Rathugala indigenous leader Suda Wannila Aththo passes away

The indigenous leader of Rathugala, Danigala Maha Bandalage Suda Wannila Aththo, has passed away at the age of 62. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  10:33 am

Bribery Comm. refiles case against ex-CBSL Governor Cabraal

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has once again refiled a case before the Colombo High Court against former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal...MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  2:42 pm

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, North-Central, North-Western, Southern, Western, Eastern provinces and Vavuniya district. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  1:36 pm

Colombo-Hanoi direct flights to be launched during Vietnamese President’s visit

President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka tonight (07) on a state visit. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  6:57 pm

Warm weather advisory for parts of the country

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and Hambantota and Monaragala districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  6:05 pm

Iran reviewing US proposal to end war, though key demands remain unaddressed

Iran said on Wednesday it was reviewing a U.S. peace proposal that sources said would formally end the war while leaving unresolved the key U.S. demands that Iran suspend its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  6:20 am

NPP councillor resigns from Kurunegala Municipal Council

A Municipal Councillor representing the National People’s Power (NPP) in the Kurunegala Municipal Council, B. W. Premachandra, has resigned from his position. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  9:34 am

UNICEF welcomes Sri Lanka’s cabinet approval of Global Charter for Child Care Reforms

UNICEF has welcomed the Cabinet’s recent approval of the Global Charter for Child Care Reforms — a landmark decision that strengthens protection for children and builds momentum for Sri Lanka’s existing Alternative Care Policy. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  6:12 pm

Vietnamese President to arrive in Sri Lanka today

The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee and President of Vietnam, To Lam, is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka tonight (07) for an official visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  7:40 am

Four schools in Deniyaya closed tomorrow due to spread of illness

Four schools in the Deniyaya Educational Zone will remain closed tomorrow (May 08) following the advice of the Governor of the Southern Province, due to the spread of a fever-related illness, says the Zonal Education Director of Deniyaya. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  4:58 pm

Govt. to introduce major higher education reforms aligned with school education changes - PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has planned to introduce relevant changes in the higher education sector in alignment with the new reforms being implemented in the primary and secondary education sectors. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  10:16 am

US and Iran explore short-term deal to end fighting - report

The United States and Iran are edging toward a temporary agreement to halt their war, sources and officials said on Thursday, with Tehran reviewing a proposal that would stop the fighting but leave the most contentious issues unresolved. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  9:55 pm

President says urgent reforms needed to eradicate drug menace in Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to swiftly introduce all necessary reforms, including amendments to existing laws, in order to eliminate the drug menace from the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  9:34 pm

Sri Lanka and Türkiye strengthen bilateral ties at second round of political consultations

The Second Round of Political Consultations between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Türkiye was successfully held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye in Ankara. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  10:23 am

Parliament approves extension of State of Public Emergency

The motion to approve the extension of the State of Public Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance was passed in Parliament today (May 7) by a majority of 139 votes. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  6:25 pm

Israel strikes Beirut for the first time since ceasefire, senior Hezbollah commander killed

Israel struck Beirut on Wednesday (May 6) for the first time since agreeing to a ceasefire with Hezbollah last month, with Israel saying it targeted a commander of the militant group’s elite Radwan force in the city’s southern suburbs. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  1:38 am

Court orders arrest of former SriLankan CEO Kapila Chandrasena

(UPDATED) The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has issued an order to arrest and produce before the court the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, who had been released on bail by the court two days ago. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  2:39 pm

Vietnam President To Lam arrives in Sri Lanka

President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, arrived in Sri Lanka tonight (07) on a state visit. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  11:57 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall above 75 mm expected in some parts of the island

Due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to continue during the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  6:08 am

Prices of multiple food items to increase from midnight today

The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has decided to increase the prices of Fried Rice, Biryani, and Nasi Goreng by Rs. 25 with effect from midnight today (07). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  12:46 pm

Over 70 Vietnamese nationals arrested for alleged financial scams and visa violations

A group of foreign nationals accused of engaging in financial scams while staying in the country in violation of visa conditions has been arrested in separate raids carried out in Colombo and Matara, according to Sri Lanka Police. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  8:54 am

Harry Potter TV series renewed for second season at HBO

The Harry Potter TV series has been renewed for a second season, with filming set to begin in autumn of this year, HBO has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  1:10 pm

Oil prices extend sharp decline as diplomacy hopes cool fears over Hormuz

Oil prices extended losses on Thursday as investors weighed the prospects for a Middle East peace deal that could ease supply concerns and pave the way for the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  4:05 pm

UN warns hunger deepening in Gaza as families survive on one meal a day

The UN on Wednesday warned that hunger remains widespread and severe across the Gaza Strip, with millions struggling to access adequate food despite ongoing humanitarian efforts. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 7, 2026  6:44 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Tō Lām 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 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

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

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