News Archive

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..

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..

No invitation yet for Mahinda Rajapaksa to attend War Heroes’ Commemoration event – Media Secretary

No invitation yet for Mahinda Rajapaksa to attend War Heroes’ Commemoration event – Media Secretary

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not yet received any invitation to attend the National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day event scheduled for tomorrow (19), according to his Media Secretary, Attorney Manoj Gamage. MORE..

Police to take legal action against Wimal Weerawansa over alleged disruption of War Heroes’ Commemoration Event rehearsal

Police to take legal action against Wimal Weerawansa over alleged disruption of War Heroes’ Commemoration Event rehearsal

Legal action will be taken against a group, including the leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF), former Member of Parliament Wimal Weerawansa over allegations of obstructing rehearsal activities held today (18) ahead of the National War Heroes’ Day Commemoration Day, police stated. MORE..

US$ 600 million spent on vehicle imports in first three months of 2026

US$ 600 million spent on vehicle imports in first three months of 2026

Sri Lanka is likely to spend more foreign exchange on vehicle imports in 2026 than initially anticipated, according to the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe. 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..

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..

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..

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..

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..

Rupee depreciation driven by global oil price surge and external economic pressures: CBSL Governor

Rupee depreciation driven by global oil price surge and external economic pressures: CBSL Governor

The depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee during this year has been primarily driven by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the resulting increase in global oil prices, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has stated. 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..

US agrees to suspend sanctions against Iranian oil during negotiations: Report

US agrees to suspend sanctions against Iranian oil during negotiations: Report

The United States has agreed to suspend sanctions on Iranian oil exports during ongoing negotiations with Iran, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Monday, citing a source familiar with the talks.

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..

Ministry to import 104 new Metro buses to upgrade public transport

Ministry to import 104 new Metro buses to upgrade public transport

The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has announced that 104 new metro buses are scheduled to be imported in August to improve the efficiency of the country’s public transportation system. MORE..

Malwana property to be transferred to UGC for higher education development – PM Harini

Malwana property to be transferred to UGC for higher education development – PM Harini

The Malwana property, which has recently been the subject of public discussion, will be transferred to the University Grants Commission (UGC), Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced. MORE..

Sri Lanka launches digital compensation management system for disaster-affected communities

Sri Lanka launches digital compensation management system for disaster-affected communities

The National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), operating under the Ministry of Defence, officially launched a new digital compensation management system and community feedback mechanism aimed at supporting communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

Oil stocks declining ‘very fast’, IEA chief warns

Oil stocks declining ‘very fast’, IEA chief warns

Commercial oil stocks are falling “very fast” as Gulf supplies remain disrupted by the Middle East war, even with the release of strategic reserves by governments worldwide, the head of the International Energy Agency (IAE) said on Monday (May 18). 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..

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..

Bodies of four Italian divers found after Maldives accident

Bodies of four Italian divers found after Maldives accident

The bodies of four Italians who drowned during a diving accident in the Maldives have been found but not yet brought to the surface, Italy’s foreign ministry and the Maldivan military said on Monday (May 18). 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..

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..

Petition filed in Appeals Court to halt use of rice and sugar in beer production in Sri Lanka

Petition filed in Appeals Court to halt use of rice and sugar in beer production in Sri Lanka

A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an order directing the Commissioner General of Excise and others not to grant approval for the use of rice and sugar as primary raw materials in beer production. MORE..

President reviews new UDA projects

President reviews new UDA projects

A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior officials of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) was held this afternoon (18) at the Presidential Secretariat. 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..

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..

Foreign Ministry launches unified platform for overseas missions

Foreign Ministry launches unified platform for overseas missions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism today (18) launched its revamped official website together with a newly introduced Common Website Platform for Sri Lanka Missions and Posts Abroad. 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’s 5% economic growth forecast uncertain amid global instability: CBSL Chief

Sri Lanka’s 5% economic growth forecast uncertain amid global instability: CBSL Chief

Although Sri Lanka had initially expected an economic growth rate of around 5% for 2026, recent changes in global economic conditions after March have made it difficult to provide an accurate forecast, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has said. 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..

US Treasury, India’s Adani Enterprises settle alleged Iran sanctions violations

US Treasury, India’s Adani Enterprises settle alleged Iran sanctions violations

The US government said on Monday India’s Adani Enterprises agreed to pay $275 million to settle alleged sanctions violations involving Iran, as the Trump administration moved to resolve several cases involving Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. MORE..

J’pura political science academics file HRCSL complaint over administrative crisis

J’pura political science academics file HRCSL complaint over administrative crisis

Professors, lecturers and senior academic staff of the Department of Political Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura have lodged an official complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) over a series of administrative and professional issues within the department. 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..

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..

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..

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..

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..

Pakistan sends new Iranian peace proposal to US

Pakistan sends new Iranian peace proposal to US

Iran sent a new peace proposal to the United States with terms that appeared similar to offers Washington has previously rejected, although a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday (May 18) that the US had softened its position on some issues. MORE..

Uni students agree to vacate Malwana residence after talks with PM

Uni students agree to vacate Malwana residence after talks with PM

Following successful discussions with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today (18), a group of university students has agreed to vacate the disputed Malwana residence they had occupied since May 01, according to Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

Buddhist Affairs Dept. directs use of yellow flags for dansal promotions under new circular

Buddhist Affairs Dept. directs use of yellow flags for dansal promotions under new circular

Yellow flags should be used instead of Buddhist flags to direct people toward ‘dansal’ food distribution events in future, the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs (Development) Asela Madusanka stated. MORE..

UN demands Israel prevent ‘genocide’ in Gaza

UN demands Israel prevent ‘genocide’ in Gaza

The United Nations demanded on Monday (May 18) that Israel take measures to prevent acts of “genocide” in Gaza, and decried indications of “ethnic cleansing” in the Palestinian territory and in the occupied West Bank. MORE..

All document attestation services at Foreign Ministry Consular Division suspended

All document attestation services at Foreign Ministry Consular Division suspended

All document attestation services at the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been temporarily suspended until further notice due to an unexpected technical failure of the Electronic Document Attestation System (e-DAS). MORE..

Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with Donald Trump about Iran war

Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with Donald Trump about Iran war

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President Donald Trump minutes ago about the war with Iran before convening a limited security discussion this evening, Netanyahu’s office confirms to The Times of Israel. MORE..

Two brothers drown in abandoned quarry in Kekirawa

Two brothers drown in abandoned quarry in Kekirawa

Two brothers drowned this afternoon (17) while swimming in an abandoned quarry in Samagigama, Kekirawa, police said. MORE..

Muslims in Sri Lanka to celebrate Haj festival on May 28

Muslims in Sri Lanka to celebrate Haj festival on May 28

Muslims in Sri Lanka will celebrate the Haj festival (Eid al-Adha) on 28 May, the Colombo Grand Mosque has announced. MORE..

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

The low-pressure area located to the north of Sri Lanka is gradually weakening, according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..