KDU Medical Faulty entry restriction will push Sri Lankan students into wilderness

Restrictions applied to local students to universities other than the state-owned ones will push Sri Lankan students into the wilderness, a former Education Minister said yesterday.

British woman arrested for drug offences in Sri Lanka ’trying her best’ to cope, lawyer says

A 21-year-old woman from South London has appeared in court in Sri Lanka over drug-related offences.

31% of reported power breakdowns restored

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) reports that out of the 55,940 power breakdowns recorded over the past 36 hours, 17,460 have been successfully restored marking a 31% completion rate.

Global warming gotten in the way of salt production in Sri Lanka

Unexpected rainy weather conditions, a phenomenon of global warming, have triggered concerns for salt production in Sri Lanka because at least 40–45 days with uninterrupted sunlight are required for manufacturing and processing, an official said.

IPL 2025 playoffs: RCB qualify for final; PBKS vs MI in Qualifier 2

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians were the four teams to claim the playoff spots.

Rohit stars as Mumbai knock Gujarat out of IPL

Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians’ batting charge with his 81 to knock Gujarat Titans out of the Indian Premier League with a 20-run win in the eliminator on Friday.

Over 50,000 power outages reported nationwide in 24 hours

A total of 50,009 electricity breakdowns were reported across the country within the 24-hour period ending at 8.00 PM today, according to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

Mandatory certification of employment agreements for non-domestic jobs from June 7: SLBFE

All individuals seeking self-employment in non-domestic sector jobs abroad will be required to have their employment agreements certified as a mandatory step in the registration process from June 7, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

Wear a mask if you are unwell: Expert

People who feel unwell should wear a mask and practice regular handwashing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, says a leading health expert.

Independent Councillors accuse NPP of attempted bribery

A group of independent councillors from the Matugama Pradeshiya Sabha, who recently declared their support for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), have accused the National People’s Power (NPP) of attempting to buy their allegiance through financial and political incentives.

Ministry denies reports of Sewanagala Sugar Factory closure

The Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry has firmly denied recent reports claiming the imminent closure of the Sewanagala Sugar Factory.

Inclement weather injures five people in Colombo

Five people have been injured following a series of disasters including tree falling that took place this afternoon in Colombo city and nearby areas.

Train delays due to bad weather conditions

Several trains are expected to run late today due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions across the country, the Railway Department said.

India says over 1,000 nationals deported by US since January

More than a thousand Indians have ’’come back or [been] deported’’ from the United States since January, India’s foreign ministry has said.

Fallen trees block several roads in Colombo

Several roads in Colombo are blocked after strong winds and heavy rain caused trees to fall in many areas.

China trade talks have stalled, US treasury secretary says

Trade talks between the US and China are ’’a bit stalled’’, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said.

Heavy rain, gusty winds forecast for next 36 hours

The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds across several parts of the island over the next 36 hours.

Thusitha Halloluwa remanded

Former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board (NLB), Thusitha Halloluwa, has been remanded until June 2 by the Fort Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Writ petition over lady lawyer’s remand order settled

The writ petition challenging the Puttalam High Court Judge’s decision to remand a lady lawyer was terminated today before the Court of Appeal after the parties agreed to settle the matter.

CEB reports over 29,000 power outages

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has reported a total of 29,015 power outages across Sri Lanka as a result of the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

Government to introduce hub-and-spoke model for transport system: Chaturanga Abeysinghe

The country’s entire transport system will be subject to change in the near future with the introduction of a hub-and-spoke model where private and public buses will operate on a joint time table, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe said.

Credit claiming battle for Aluthgamage’s, Nalin Fernando’s prosecution

A battle to claim credit for the prosecution of former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernanndo seems to be under way with a member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya claiming that it was he who lodged complaints against the Minister before any others.

France to ban smoking on beaches, parks and near schools

France will ban smoking in all outdoor places that can be frequented by children, health and family minister Catherine Vautrin has said.

Weather forces SLC to delay tournaments

The Tournament Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to postpone all ongoing SLC-organized domestic tournaments due to prevailing adverse weather conditions.

Bell helicopter deployed to rescue stranded fishing crew

A Bell 412 helicopter has been deployed by the Sri Lanka Air Force to rescue the crew of a fishing vessel stranded at sea off the coast of Balapitiya.

Surgeries at Udugama Hospital come to a standstill

Medical services at the Base Hospital in Udugama have been severely disrupted following the resignation of the hospital’s only anesthetist, sources said.

Dematagoda Chaminda named suspect in Rs. 27 million money laundering case

The Colombo Financial Crimes Investigation Division has named Dematagoda Chaminda, also known as Chaminda Ravi Jayanath, as a suspect in the ongoing investigations into the allegations that he used a bank account under another person’s name to handle funds amounting to Rs. 27 million believed to be proceeds from heroin and crystal meth trafficking.

Sajith questions restriction of local students to KDU Medical Faculty

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today questioned the government’s decision to restrict local students to the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Medical Faculty and said it is a decision of small minded people.

Sri Lankan woman nabbed at BIA with foreign cigarette stock

A Sri Lankan female passenger was arrested by Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning while attempting to smuggle a stock of foreign-manufactured cigarettes valued at Rs. 345,000.

Thai woman arrested at BIA with Rs. 510 million worth of cocaine hidden in teddy bears

A female passenger from Thailand was arrested early this morning at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a large stock of cocaine concealed inside teddy bears.