Unauthorised messages from Water Board SMS portal

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) issued an urgent warning to the public regarding a security breach in its SMS communication system.

Traffic on Hatton-N’Eliya Road restricted to one lane over landslide risk

Vehicular movements on the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya main road has been restricted to a single lane from this morning onwards, owing to a landslide risk.

Discussions initiated with China, Iran, African countries to export sugar: Minister

The government has initiated discussions with China, Iran and several African countries to export locally manufactured brown sugar as a variety of organic sugar, Minister of Industries Sunil Handunnetti said today.

Mongolia PM resigns after losing confidence vote

Mongolian prime minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene has resigned after losing a confidence vote in parliament.

Restriction of KDU Medical faculty for local students a temporary move: Deputy Minister

The restriction imposed on local students entering the medical faculty of the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) is a temporary move, Deputy Minister of Education Madura Seneviratne told Parliament today.

Keheliya, Ramith Rambukwella released on bail

Former Minister of Mass Media, Health, and Environment Keheliya Rambukwella, his son, and coordinating secretary of the former minister were released on bail today over allegations of causing a government loss exceeding Rs. 8 million.

South Koreans vote for president in hope of restoring stability after martial law crisis

South Koreans were voting for a new president on Tuesday to cap six months of turmoil triggered by a shock martial law briefly imposed by former leader Yoon Suk Yeol that marred the country’s reputation as a vibrant, if at times chaotic, democracy.

Medical laboratory fined Rs. 500,000 for overcharging FBC test report

A medical laboratory in Malwana (Biyagama Hospital- Malwana) was fined Rs. 500,000 by the Mahara Magistrate’s Court yesterday (2) for overcharging patients for a Full Blood Count (FBC) test report.

PUCSL commences public consultations on second electricity tariff revision

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) officially announced the commencement of public consultations on the proposed second electricity tariff revision for the six-month period from today.

Bill Gates to give most of his $200bn fortune to Africa

Microsoft founder Bill Gates says that most of his fortune will be spent on improving health and education services in Africa over the next 20 years.

May tourist arrivals top pre-COVID highs

The tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in May 2025 climbed to 132,191, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and reinforcing momentum toward the country’s full-year tourism target of three million visitors and US $ 5 billion in revenue.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister arrives on official visit

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (June 2) for a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka drugged to the hilt

The geographic location of Sri Lanka has invariably positioned the country as a pivotal conduit in the international drug supply chain, linking the East to the West. Illicit drug use in Sri Lanka indicates a significant shift in consumption patterns from cannabis as the predominant drug consumed, particularly by those residing in urban townships to methamphetamine use, according to a study done by Pathfinder Foundation.

President draws red line on tax relief

Sri Lanka’s private sector received a firm directive from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday, who said businesses “must pay fair taxes” and not seek tax revisions for industry development.

Govt. loses over Rs. 200Mn in NCP vehicle sales: MP Jayasekera

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera alleged that the government suffered a loss exceeding Rs. 200 million from the recent sale of vehicles belonging to the North Central Provincial Council (NCP).

Which team will be Crowned IPL 2025 Champion?

IPL to crown a new champion as RCB and PBKS meet in the final.

CSE starts June strong with broad market gains

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a positive note today, marking a strong start to both the new week and the new month. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) maintained its upward momentum throughout the session, ultimately rising by 125.03 points (0.74%) to close at 16,979.89. Similarly, the S&P SL20 Index increased by 53.35 points (1.07%), ending the session at 5,034.92.

Nilgala forest declared a protected forest reserve

Nilgala Forest in Bibila, which, according to legend, was a medicinal park during the reign of King Buddhadasa, was officially declared a protected forest reserve yesterday by Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi. The declaration coincided with International Environment Day.

Iconic tusker ’Bhatiya’ lies ill

The tusker, popularly known as “Bhatiya,” which is considered the only tusker of its generation in the jungles bounded by Nikaweratiya and Ambanpola, has been critically ill and is under the treatment of wildlife veterinary surgeons from Maho.

Not expecting to take part in any other pageants, says Anudi

Anudi Gunasekara, who represented Sri Lanka at the 72nd Miss World Festival Grand Final, said she was not expecting to take part in any other pageants.

Sri Lanka to host Pakistan matches at World Cup

Sri Lanka will host matches at this year’s Women’s World Cup as part of ongoing arrangements surrounding fixtures involving India and Pakistan.

New Covid variant; no evidence of increased severity or complications: Health Ministry

The Covid variant which has been detected in Sri Lanka is not a novel variant and no evidence of increased severity or complications has been reported, the Health Ministry said.

Klaasen announces shock exit from international cricket

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from the international game.

Opposition to nominate Rifki Badurdeen as CMC Mayor

The Opposition is to nominate Sarvajana Balaya party’s Colombo Municipal Councillor Mohideen Rifki Badurdeen as the Council’s Mayor, an informed source said.

Former chairman of Lindula Urban Council remanded

Ashoka Sepala, former Chairman of the Lindula-Talawakelle Urban Council, was ordered to be remanded till June 11 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today, over a financial loss of Rs. 2.38 million allegedly caused to the government during his tenure as Chairman.

Infant dies of Covid in Galle

An infant aged one and half months has died after being infected with the Coronavirus while receaving treatment at the National Hospital, Galle, Hospital Director Ranga Sabapathige said.

SLBFE spends Rs. 1 bn on two programmes without any plans: COPE reveals

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) revealed that the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has spent more than Rs. 1 billion on two programmes that were not included in the annual action plan for 2024 and were implemented without any plans.

SriLankan Airlines’ new Airbus A330-200 set to touch down in Sri Lanka this week

SriLankan Airlines’ new Airbus A330-200 is set to touch down in Sri Lanka on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Chikungunya infected MP calls for action

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Kavinda Jayawardene, who is infected with Chikungunya, called upon all parties for quick and effective action while shedding politics aside to halt the spread of the disease.

President files tax returns, reduces his own expenses

Marking the launch of the Inland Revenue Department’s new online tax platform, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake became the first individual to file tax returns for the 2024–2025 assessment year.