Daily Mirror report on e-passport contract draws Govt. attention

Following the article titled “Poland to complain to EU over alleged fraud in Sri Lanka’s e-passport personalization tender procedure” published exclusively in the Daily Mirror on Monday, May 4th, Immigration Chief Chaminda Pathiraja,

Vehicle prices hike further

The implementation of a 2.5% increase in the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) has triggered a sharp rise in Sri Lanka’s vehicle import sector, with importers warning that prices of all imported vehicles have increased from May 1, adding fresh pressure on already strained consumers.

Romanian government collapses after no-confidence vote

Romanian lawmakers toppled the pro-European Government of prime minister Ilie Bolojan in a no-confidence vote on ‌Tuesday, putting at risk the country’s sovereign debt ratings, its access to EU funds and the stability of ​its currency.

Arsenal reach Champions League final for first time in 20 years

Arsenal reached their first Champions League final for 20 years as Bukayo Saka’s goal was enough to help the Gunners overcome Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate.

Hilton Colombo sale on hold as policy shift stalls IMF-linked divestment 

Uncertainty over the stalled sale of Hotel Developers (Lanka) Ltd is starting to ripple through the company’s operations, as delays in finalising its ownership structure cloud strategic decision-making.

President’s statement on judicial decision erodes public confidence in the Judiciary: BASL

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed grave concern over remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his recent May Day rally, warning that such statements could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

Money for officials, nothing for players

Sri lanka’s boys and girls who skipped Academic Studies Deprived of Competing at Asian Volleyball as Ministry says no funds for the National Sport.

Govt weighs tough curbs on children’s screen time

The government is mulling imposing stricter regulations on children’s use of digital devices and social media amid growing concerns over exploitation, addiction, and behavioural issues linked to unsupervised access, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj said.

’I won’t resign, we haven’t lost’: Mamata Banerjee rejects Bengal verdict

Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she will not resign as West Bengal Chief Minister, asserting that she does not accept the election outcome as a legitimate defeat and will continue her political fight despite the setback.

Action against two non-parliamentary personalities who gave publicity to USD 2.5 million heist

Action will be taken against two non-parliamentary personalities who have caused distress to the family of State official Ranga Rajapaksa who was found dead after the alleged heist of USD 2.5 million was revealed, a senior Minister told Parliament today.

Fertilizer Secretariat denies claims of excessive urea prices

The National Fertilizer Secretariat has rejected allegations that the government procured urea fertilizer at inflated prices, dismissing claims made by a representative of the National Farmers’ Collective.

US says Iran ceasefire holds despite exchange of fire in Gulf

Washington said Iran had not breached a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East ​conflict on Tuesday, following an exchange of fire between the two sides the previous day as U.S. forces attempted to force open the Strait of Hormuz.

Should SLR invest more on 7s?

The Sri Lanka rugby team was once again easily beaten by New Zealand Under 85kg in Kandy last weekend. Sri Lanka was beaten by 27 points to 16 points in the first game and then they were handed a defeat of 25 points to 10 in the second game.

Market retreats amid renewed geopolitical concerns

The Colombo Stock Exchange ended today’s session on a negative note, with both indices closing in red territory as renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. The negative external backdrop led to a gradual decline in confidence, resulting in subdued trading activity throughout the session.

Group of MPs to petition President

Around 25 MPs representing various parties in the opposition is to send in a petition to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake asking him to respect the Judiciary and uphold its independence.

Human-to-human transmission suspected on board hantavirus cruise ship, WHO says

Some human-to-human transmission may have occurred on board the cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak that has left three people dead and several others ill, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday.

PUCSL to review 2026 electricity tariff due to price hike concerns

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is set to hold a stakeholder consultation tomorrow on the proposed Extraordinary Electricity Tariff Review for 2026, amid growing public concern over potential increases in electricity charges.

Namal calls for govt. intervention over attack on Jaffna fisherman

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa today raised a serious concern in Parliament regarding a Sri Lankan fisherman from Palali, Jaffna, who was allegedly assaulted and abducted and is now receiving medical treatment in Chennai, India.

Heavy rain expected islandwide from tomorrow

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge, is expected to significantly influence weather conditions over Sri Lanka, leading to an increase in rainfall from tomorrow (06), the Meteorology Department said.

Government resumes stalled archaeological restoration work: Minister

The current government has resumed restoration work on several archaeological sites that had been previously stalled, Buddhist Studies, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senavi said.

Cabinet clears major contracts to upgrade Southern highway corridor

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved two major contracts under the National Highways Widening and Improvement Programme to rehabilitate key sections of the Colombo–Galle–Hambantota–Wellawaya (A002) Road, aimed at strengthening connectivity along the southern corridor.

Treasury Secretary not a dual citizen, Minister Jayatissa

Dismissing growing speculation, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma was not a dual citizen during his time in public office.

Iranian foreign minister heads to China for talks

Abbas Araghchi will travel to Beijing later today for discussions.

Menzies Aviation wins SriLankan contract at Sydney Airport

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to award the contract for ground handling services for SriLankan Airlines at Sydney Airport in Australia. This decision follows the expiration of the previous service agreement on April 30, 2026.

Ravi K proposes Speaker to use official residence

Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged that Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne is using the Speaker’s official residence and another apartment in the apartment complex belonging to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, despite claims of not using any residences.

PET scan services to resume after shortage of key chemical resolved

PET scan services, which had been suspended since March 27 due to a shortage of the radioactive chemical FDG, are set to resume from tomorrow (May 6).

Middle East truce in doubt as US and Iran fight for control of Strait of Hormuz

A fragile truce in the Middle East was under strain on Tuesday after the U.S. and Iran exchanged fire ​in the Gulf as they wrestled for control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Sri Lanka captain closes in on No.1 ranking ahead of T20WC

Eye-catching gains on the updated T20I rankings for a host of players from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh with just over a month until the T20 World Cup.

Urgent debate in Parliament today on disappearance of USD 2.5 million from Treasury

The government today agreed to grant an urgent debate on the disappearance of USD 2.5 million from the Treasury, following a request by the Opposition.

Namal congratulates Vijay on TN election win

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa has congratulated actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay on his reported victory in the Tamil Nadu elections.