FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete Guide for Sri Lankan Fans

Get ready for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with this essential guide on the new 48-team format, groups, and North American venues. We break down the match schedule and IST timings specifically for Sri Lankan fans to help you plan your late-night viewing. From ticket prices to team debuts, find everything you need to follow the world’s biggest football tournament from Sri Lanka.

CLINICAL CLINCH: Patidar Blasts Bengaluru into IPL Final

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the IPL final on Tuesday, crushing Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in a one-sided Qualifier 1 showdown.

Sri Lankan banks move to calm stability fears after fraud incidents

Sri Lanka’s banking industry yesterday moved to contain rising public concern over recent fraud and cyber-related incidents, asserting that the country’s financial system remains stable and sufficiently capitalised to absorb such shocks without jeopardising depositor funds or broader financial stability.

CBSL shifts into macro-stability defence mode with sharp rate hike

The Central Bank yesterday delivered its first monetary tightening in three years, raising rates by a full percentage point as oil shocks linked to the Iran conflict intensified pressure on inflation, the rupee and the country’s still-fragile external sector.

Police warn traffic officers over failure to facilitate GovPay fine payments

Sri Lanka Police has warned that disciplinary action will be taken against traffic police officers who fail to facilitate on-the-spot traffic fine payments through the GovPay system.

U-19 cricketers seek settlement over alleged bathroom video

Four members of the Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team who were arrested over allegations of secretly filming several female doctors who were in the shower inside their room in a Colombo hotel are exploring the possibility of a settlement in the case, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court was informed.

Sri Lanka Cricket trapped by parental invasion

A flood of youth or schoolboy cricket may make matters worse for the new interim set of office bearers of Sri Lanka Cricket who will make no secret of the proliferation of the sport at junior level that is piling up quantity more than quality.

Internet starts coming back in Iran after months-long blackout

Internet access has started to be restored in Iran after being cut off almost three months ago, the country’s first vice-president has said.

Kananathan commends Kenya’s bold duty-free electric vehicle initiative

Kenya’s decision to allow the importation of the first 100,000 electric vehicles completely duty-free has been hailed as a people-centered and visionary policy that places the welfare of citizens at the heart of economic reform.

Youth nabbed at BIA with Kush worth over Rs. 80 million

A 24-year-old man has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) after customs and police officers discovered a large stock of Kush cannabis in his luggage, police said.

Seven deaths in France linked to record-high temperatures

Seven people have died in France in an extreme early-summer heat event that is affecting a swathe of western Europe, as France and the UK set record highs for May and temperatures were forecast to rise further on Tuesday.

Fishermen warned of strong winds and rough seas

Fishermen and naval communities have been urged to remain vigilant as strong winds and rough sea conditions are expected over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea during the next three days.

North Korea fires unidentified projectile, South Korea military says

North Korea ⁠fired an unidentified projectile off the country’s west coast on ‌Tuesday (May 26, 2026), South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff ‌said in a ‌statement.

Cabinet nod for ‘Surakimu Lanka’ National Energy Security Mission

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of the “Surakimu Lanka” National Energy Security Mission aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s energy security and promoting efficient electricity consumption.

Upcountry Hindu Priests’ issues to be addressed through regular talks

A discussion between representatives of the Sri Lanka Upcountry Hindu Priests’ Association and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was held this morning (26) at the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

No shortage of funds to conduct PC polls: Nalinda

Claiming that there is no shortage of funds to conduct the Provincial Council elections, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today the government is ready to hold the PC polls at anytime after resolving the legal berriers through Parliament.

Polonnaruwa Kidney Hospital ready for more pediatric transplants

The Polonnaruwa China–Sri Lanka Friendship Kidney Hospital says it is prepared to continue performing pediatric kidney transplants following the successful completion of its first such surgery, marking a significant milestone in the country’s nephrology services.

FBI assistance sought to unlock former SriLankan Airlines CEO’s phone: CCD tells court

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today that an email has been sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States seeking assistance to unlock the mobile phone of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, who died under suspicious circumstances.

Ambuluwaawa to host first-ever Vesak Cultural Zone

A unique Vesak Zone will be introduced for the first time within the Ambuluwaawa Tourist Destination, as the Ambuluwaawa Religious and Biodiversity Complex prepares to host special celebrations on May 29, 30, and 31 to mark Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and its 30th anniversary.

Iran claims it shot down US’ MQ-9 drone amid peace talks

Iran has claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone and fired at a fighter jet that entered Iranian airspace. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Iranian forces ’’fired upon an RQ-4 drone and an intruding F-35 fighter jet’’, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Drivers using dangerous drugs: raiding continues; 05 found at Nugegoda bus stand

The Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry has intensified a special programme to identify public transport drivers and conductors using dangerous drugs, as part of its ongoing Road Safety Plan aimed at improving passenger safety and service standards.

New Director General appointed to Management Services Department

The Cabinet has approved the appointment of M.K.D.N. Madampe as the new Director General of the Management Services Department with immediate effect.

Cabinet approves PMB paddy sale for Yala purchases

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to sell part of the paddy stocks currently held by the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) in order to create storage space and generate funds for upcoming paddy purchases during the Yala season.

SJB considering street protests : Marikkar

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said today it is considering street protests as the President has turned a deaf ear to its request of calling for an all party conference to discuss the current forex crisis.

Sri Lanka receives first commercial-scale Battery Energy Storage System through Colombo Port

Sri Lanka’s first commercial-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has arrived in the country through the Colombo Port, marking a significant step toward strengthening national grid stability and accelerating renewable energy integration.

No fuel shortage, sufficient stocks until July: CPC

Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks to meet demand until the end of July, Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL), Mayura Nettikumarage, said.

Dozens of drones crash into Sydney harbour after light show glitch

Almost 90 drones fell from the sky over Sydney’s Darling Harbour during a popular winter light show, with footage showing devices splashing into the water, close to crowds.

NHDA conducts first-ever cut-off test for employees to enable promotions

For the first time in its history, the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) has conducted a cut-off test for its employees, paving the way for more than 1,000 staff members to obtain promotions across salary grades from the Primary Salary Group to the HM 1-3 Salary Group.

Prime Minister Harini to visit Pakistan next month

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya is scheduled to visit Pakistan in late June, High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major General Dr. Nayyar Naseer said.

Top Japan baseball manager resigns after assault

Shinnosuke Abe, manager of the Yomiuri Giants, one of Japan’s most popular baseball teams, takes part in a news conference in Tokyo today.