Gampola trader with Rs.7.5 Mn worth illicit cigarettes nabbed at BIA

A local businessman who tried to smuggle in foreign cigarettes worth over Rs. 7.5 million from Dubai was arrested by the Sri Lanka Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning.

Vehicle sale adhered to govt’s open tender procedure; PMD refutes misleading reports

The government today refuted reports regarding the second phase of the vehicle sale conducted through a tender process by the Presidential Secretariat on May 15, claiming that all procedures related to this sale were carried out in accordance with the Asset Management Circular 05/2024.

Ontario court grants extradition of Sri Lankan gang leader arrested in Toronto

An Ontario judge has granted the extradition of a Sri Lankan gang leader arrested in Toronto last year for his alleged role in a deadly attack on a rival gang near Paris in 2022.

Ministry urges public to stop sharing sensitive images of children on social media

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has urged the public to refrain from sharing social media posts containing images of children being circulated via a Facebook account under the name Nuwan Sandakelum.

Sixteen dead after tornadoes tear through US states

At least 16 people are reported to have died after tornadoes tore through parts of two US states.

Vehicle auctioning caused massive losses; Dayasiri to go to Bribery Commission

Claiming that the government has incurred a massive loss through the selling of the state vehicles, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said he will lodge a complaint with the Bribery Commission over the matter.

Police arrest motorcyclist who chased and shot youth in Mt. Lavinia

The rider of the two motorcycle gunmen, who chased after a 19-year-old youth and shot him to death in broad daylight, near Sylvester Road in Mt. Lavinia on May 5 has been arrested yesterday (16), police said.

Salt prices not a matter to be taken with a pinch of salt

Sri Lanka, currently facing a severe salt shortage and salt prices increasing rapidly, 1 kilogram packets of crystal salt reportedly being sold at prices ranging between Rs. 450 and Rs. 500 in some areas are expected to reduce drastically as the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the importation of salt from India, an official said.

CEB seeks 18.3% power tariff increase

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has sought a power tariff increase of 18.3 percent from June to December 2025.

SJB, UNP could have secured CMC if they contested together

The United National Party (UNP) would have secured the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) if both parties, the UNP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) had contested the local government polls together, a CMC opposition candidate said.

Foreign Minister requests Israeli amnesty for Sri Lankan workers facing visa issues

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has requested the Israeli government to grant amnesty to Sri Lankans who have faced various difficulties due to visa expirations over several years and to integrate them into the workforce.

Drug addicts among Homagama Hospital minor employees

Residents of the area expressed concern about the drug addicts among minor employees of Homagama Base Hospital, which affected the efficiency of the services, creating hardship for the patients.

Deputy Defence Minister to grace this year, but not President

Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara, instead of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is to grace the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony on May 19, 2025, at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte

Heavy rains exceeding 100 mm in some areas

The Meteorology Department has issued an advisory for heavy rains exceeding 100 mm at some places in the Northern Province and in the Anuradhapura and Puttalam districts.

Ministry expresses displeasure over sudden train strike

The Transport and Highways Ministry expressed their displeasure over the sudden train strike launched by the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU), which caused inconvenience to the public.

Moody’s cuts America’s pristine credit rating, citing rising debt

Moody’s downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating on Friday due to concerns about the nation’s growing, $36 trillion debt pile, in a move that could complicate President Donald Trump’s efforts to cut taxes and send ripples through global markets.

Govt, opposition in race against time to capture local authorities

The government and the opposition are in a race against time to rope in members to form administrations at the local authorities – Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas- where a single party has been unable to secure 50 per cent or more of membership at the May 6th election.

Canadian court grants extradition of Sri Lankan gang leader arrested in Toronto

An Ontario judge has granted the extradition of a Sri Lankan gang leader arrested in Toronto last year for his alleged role in a deadly attack on a rival gang near Paris in 2022.

Over 100,000 Sri Lankans register for foreign employment this year

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced that the number of Sri Lankans registering for foreign employment has surpassed 100,000 so far this year.

Nine university students, IUSF convener arrested over illegal protest

At least nine university students including the convenor of the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) were arrested by the police for engaging in an illegal protest in front of the Ministry of Health this afternoon.

16th National War Heroes Commemoration ceremony to be held on May 19

The Ministry of Defence said that the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony will be held on May 19, 2025, at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sri Lanka faces surge in dengue, chikungunya and influenza cases

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a significant increase in mosquito borne diseases, notably dengue and chikungunya, alongside a rise in influenza cases among children.

Station masters launch train strike

All Station Masters have launched an islandwide strike, resulting in the cancellation of all night mail trains.

Shooting incident in Kotahena injures two

A man and a woman were injured following a shooting incident in the Kotahena area a short while ago, police said.

Twelve suspects discharged over Easter Sunday bomb attacks

Twelve suspects who were previously arrested and remanded on suspicion of aiding and abetting the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks were discharged today by Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasinghe.

Arrest Warrant issued against Mahindananda

An arrest warrant has been issued against former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage in connection with the ongoing investigation into the importation of Chinese fertilizer.

India-UK agreement major economic setback for Sri Lanka

The recently signed free trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom on May 6 has raised fresh economic concerns for Sri Lanka, particularly at a time when the country is already grappling with hefty US-imposed tariffs, says Ratata Hetak Social Service Programme organiser Sarath Kalugamage.

Railway trade union action within the next 24 hours: Station Masters warn

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union announced today that it will commence immediate trade union action within the next 24 hours, citing the government’s continued failure to address several longstanding issues.

Wildlife Department identifies 142 elephant crossing points near railway stations

The Wildlife Conservation Department has identified 142 railway stations across the country where wild elephants are known to roam, raising concerns over the ongoing human-elephant conflict.

Health Ministry responds to Daily Mirror article on Chickenpox vaccines

The Ministry of Health has responded to a recent article published by the Daily Mirror regarding the availability of Chickenpox vaccines.