News Archive

Sri Lanka’s banking sector assures stability, equipped to address fraud incidents

Sri Lanka’s banking sector has provided a collective and categorical assurance that it remains stable, resilient, and secure despite a few recent isolated incidents of financial fraud, emphasising that these developments do not pose a threat to the safety of customer deposits or the overall integrity of the financial system. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  2:36 pm

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

Amber advisory issued for high waves and strong winds

The Department of Meteorology has issued an amber advisory warning of high waves and strong winds affecting sea areas around Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  6:19 pm

Brent oil gains 2% as US military strikes on Iran add to uncertainty on potential peace deal

Brent crude futures rose over 2% in Asian trade on Tuesday after the U.S. military carried out strikes in Iran, keeping markets on edge as a deal to end the war and open up the Strait of Hormuz remained elusive. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  10:51 am

Sri Lanka expected to record highest ever migrant remittances by end of 2026: SLBFE

The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), Koshala Wickramasinghe, stated that Sri Lanka is expected to record the highest volume of migrant worker remittances in its history by the end of 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  2:03 pm

22 monks arrested with narcotics at BIA further remanded

The group of 22 Buddhist monks recently arrested at the Katunayake Airport over the smuggling of “Kush” cannabis and “Hashish” from Thailand have been further remanded until June 09 by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  11:46 am

Rescuers race to free seven people trapped in flooded Laos cave

Rescuers are racing against time to free seven people who have been trapped for nearly a week in a flooded cave in Laos. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  12:02 pm

Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling funds

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  9:33 am

Cabinet approves sale of 115,000 MT paddy stocks held by Paddy Marketing Board

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to proceed with the sale of paddy stocks currently held by the Paddy Marketing Board. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  2:48 pm

Verdicts in four cases against ex-Dy Minister Sarana Gunawardena due today

The judgments in four corruption cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena are scheduled to be delivered today (26). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  9:40 am

Ex-IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon to be indicted over attack on ‘Aragalaya’ protest

The Attorney General (AG) has informed the Supreme Court that indictments are expected to be filed within one month against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon over investigations into the attack carried out on the ‘Aragalaya’ protest movement in 2022, at the Galle Face Green in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  8:21 am

Govt. to implement “Surakimu Lanka” national energy security mission

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal presented by the Minister of Energy to implement an integrated programme titled the “Surakimu Lanka” National Energy Security Mission. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  4:48 pm

Broad agreement reached on framework for delayed PC election

A wide-ranging discussion was held in Colombo today (26) between political parties and civil society organisations on the urgent conduct of the long-delayed Provincial Council election and the electoral system to be adopted. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  5:24 pm

School teacher dies after being swept away while swimming in Kirinda Sea

A school teacher has died after drowning while swimming in the sea at Kirinda Beach, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  3:30 pm

Another coal vessel arrives amid ongoing quality dispute

Another vessel carrying coal anchored near the Colombo Port has sparked controversy after concerns were raised regarding its compliance with tender specifications, the Free Lawyers Association said in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  2:45 pm

South-West monsoon establishes over Sri Lanka, increased rainfall expected

The south-west monsoon has established over the island, and an increase in rainfall is expected across the south-western parts of the country, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  3:08 pm

Sri Lankan Rupee appreciates further against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan rupee further appreciated against the US dollar today (26), with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) recording a buying rate of Rs. 318.32 and a selling rate of Rs. 328.69, according to the CBSL. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  11:43 am

Alleged drug trafficker ‘Alto Dharme’ arrested in Dubai

An alleged organised crime figure known as “Alto Dharme” has been arrested by the Dubai Police in connection with drug trafficking activities. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  4:32 pm

“Funds available for PC elections”, Cabinet Spokesman disputes Tilvin Silva’s claim

Necessary financial provisions are available to conduct the Provincial Council election, according to Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  3:51 pm

Bill to introduce anti-defection laws for MPs to be tabled in Parliament soon

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says a bill aimed at revoking the parliamentary seats of Members of Parliament (MPs) who switch political parties after being elected by people’s vote is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the near future. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  5:18 pm

Several people killed as train collides with school bus in Belgium

Several people have been killed after a train collided with a school bus in Belgium. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  3:11 pm

Heavy rainfall expected in some parts of the island today

Southwest Monsoon is gradually establishing across the island, an increase in rainfall over the southwestern parts of the island is expected, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  6:17 am

AMA’s 2026 winners list: BTS, Sabrina Carpenter, KATSEYE among top honorees

The 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs) returned to Las Vegas on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, bringing together a wide mix of global pop favorites, breakout newcomers and genre-defining veterans. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  3:01 pm

Policy rate hike intended to curb excess borrowing: CBSL Governor

The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe says that increasing policy interest rates leads to a rise in market interest rates. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  3:48 pm

12-hour water cut announced for Mahara and Gampaha areas

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

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  12:31 pm

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay permits all theatres across state to screen 5 shows per day

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister S Joseph Vijay issued an order to permit all theatres across the state to screen five shows per day for seven days from the date of release of new Tamil films. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  9:35 am

‘Sri Lanka heading toward serious economic risk,’ warns Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that Sri Lanka is facing a serious economic risk, alleging that the government is misleading the public with “false statistics” instead of revealing the true state of the economy. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  11:59 am

Sugeeshwara Bandara summoned by police over protest near Finance Secretary’s residence

The Talangama Police has summoned a group including leader of the ‘Nava Janatha Peramuna’, Sugeeshwara Bandara to provide statements regarding an incident that took place during a protest near the residence of the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  2:26 pm

Court lifts overseas travel ban imposed on ex-Minister Rajitha Senaratne

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has temporarily lifted the overseas travel ban imposed on former Minister of Fisheries Rajitha Senaratne, who is currently out on bail in connection with a corruption-related case. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  2:04 pm

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

Rubio says Iran deal could take days as US launches fresh strikes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday negotiating a deal with Iran could “take a few days,” quashing hopes for an imminent end to the conflict a day after U.S. forces conducted what Washington called defensive strikes in southern Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  11:16 am

Passenger arrested at BIA with over 8kg ‘Kush’ cannabis

A Sri Lankan passenger attempting to smuggle a consignment of ‘Kush’ cannabis, estimated to be valued at Rs. 83.65 million, into Sri Lanka was arrested by officers of the Sri Lanka Customs Narcotics Control Division at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today (26). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  3:22 pm

Iran condemns US strikes as ‘gross violation’ of ceasefire

Iran says the US has committed a “gross violation” of the ceasefire with new air strikes it launched on the country in the past 48 hours. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  7:27 pm

Youth arrested at BIA with Kush cannabis worth over Rs. 80 million

An individual has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for the possession of a large quantity of Kush cannabis, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  6:53 pm

No major fuel price hike expected in the near future: CPC

Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks available until the end of July, according to the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  1:55 pm

Ferrari unveils first fully electric car

Luxury sports car maker Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric car - the $640,000 (£474,320) Luce. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  10:56 am

Dy Defence Minister inspects lands used by North Western and North Central Naval Commands

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) conducted a field visit to the Mannar District, in order to inspect the lands used by the North Western and North Central Naval Commands of Sri Lanka Navy. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  8:21 pm

BTS crowned ‘Artist of the Year’ at American Music Awards

South Korean seven-piece BTS have won Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards (AMAs) for the second consecutive year, cementing their status as one of the world’s biggest bands. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  12:00 pm

Decisions on four corruption cases against Sarana Gunawardena postponed to June

The Colombo High Court has postponed the delivery of judgments in four cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena until June 09. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  10:03 am

Four dead after train hits school bus in Belgium

A train hit a school minibus killing four people, including two children, in a “horrific accident” in northern Belgium, authorities said on Tuesday (May 26). MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  6:02 pm

Nearly 22,000 deaths reported annually due to tobacco use in Sri Lanka: NATA

National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) says nearly 22,000 deaths are reported annually in Sri Lanka due to tobacco use. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  10:58 am

Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei warns Middle East nations won’t be shields for US bases

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said on Tuesday that regional countries would no longer be shields for US bases, in a written statement carried by state television. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  2:33 pm

Landslide warnings issued to four districts extended

Level 2 landslide warnings have been issued to several areas in the Ratnapura district owing to the prevailing heavy rainfall conditions across the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  5:35 pm

Notorious drug trafficker Shiran Basik arrested in Dubai: Sources

A suspected major drug trafficker identified as Shiran Basik has been arrested in Dubai, according to police sources. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  4:16 pm

Manusha seeks temporary relaxation of overseas travel ban

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (26) directed officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to present their position on a request made by former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara seeking temporary relaxation of his overseas travel ban. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  7:19 pm

Provincial Council elections can be held after legal framework is finalised: EC

The Election Commission has stated that it is prepared to conduct Provincial Council elections at any time once the necessary legal provisions are enacted by Parliament, based on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 26, 2026  11:24 am

Increase in rainfall expected over Southwestern parts of island in next few days

Southwest Monsoon is gradually establishing across the island, an increase in rainfall over the southwestern parts of the island is expected during the next few days, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  6:20 am

Vessels carrying Middle East oil, LNG exit Hormuz, head for Pakistan, China

A liquefied natural gas tanker was exiting the Strait of Hormuz and heading to Pakistan on Monday while a supertanker with Iraqi crude for China left the Middle East Gulf on Saturday after being stranded for nearly three months, shipping data showed. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  6:55 am

CBSL introduces maximum loan-to-value limit for gold collateral loans

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has introduced maximum caps on loan-to-value (LTV) applicable for credit facilities secured by gold collateral. MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  8:11 am

Iran “not seeking nuclear weapons,” says President Pezeshkian amid peace talks

President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday said that Iran is prepared to reassure the international community that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons, reiterating Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy and regional stability amid talks with the US...MORE..

(0)Comments | May 25, 2026  6:24 am