Indian airlines to resume full operations to Doha from May 1

India’s leading airlines are preparing to restore full-scale operations at Hamad International Airport from May 1, marking a significant step towards normalisation of air connectivity in the region.

Special traffic plan announced ahead of May Day rallies

The Sri Lanka Police have announced the implementation of a comprehensive traffic and security plan in preparation for May Day rallies and processions scheduled across the country on May 1, 2026, marking International Workers’ Day.

US$ 2.5 mn cyber theft: Sri Lanka wakes up only after Australia alerts

Sri Lankan authorities became aware of a US$ 2.5 million cyber theft only after Australian authorities flagged a delay in a debt servicing payment owed to them, an opposition MP familiar with the process said, raising serious concerns about systemic lapses in financial oversight.

Male teacher sprays red ink on school girls

A male teacher of an International school in Galle who sprayed red ink on the back of school girls dressed in white school uniforms was taken into custody by Galle Police.

NPP insists Rajapaksa’s money will be found

The National People’s Power (NPP) yesterday reiterated that the government is conducting investigations into the money allegedly hidden in foreign countries by leaders during previous governments with the support of those particular countries.

Over 100 Wild Elephant deaths in four months: One death a day

The human–elephant conflict in Sri Lanka has claimed the lives of 143 people and elephants as of April 25 this year, data revealed.

Two U-19 cricketers arrested for secretly filming doctors

Narahenpita Police arrested two members of the Sri Lanka Under-19 National Cricket Team following allegations that they had secretly filmed several female doctors while they were bathing.

Indians lost $25bn to digital fraud in 2025 - now its central bank is fighting back

In February, Alok (name changed), a business analyst based in the western Indian city of Pune, got a text message asking him to pay 1,000 rupees ($10.75; £7.9) as a speeding fine.

Trump welcomes Artemis II astronauts to Oval Office and fields questions on Iran, Comey and UFOs

The Artemis II astronauts’ journey to the moon and back landed them at the White House Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon — standing by while President Donald Trump talked UFOs, the Space Force and the Iran war.

SJB urges Eran to quit party over SLC role

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has requested former MP Eran Wickramaratne to relinquish his party membership following his recent appointment to head Sri Lanka Cricket’s Transformation Committee.

All out: End of an Empire?

Eventually and finally the Empire that was Sri Lanka Cricket came to its long-awaited end yesterday as incumbent president Shammi Silva and his executive committee decided to officially step down, making way for what many believe could be the beginning of a new era for the country’s best-known passion and most marketable brand name.

Transformation Committee to run Sri Lanka Cricket until fresh elections: Minister

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said a “Cricket Transformation Committee” has been appointed to rebuild Sri Lankan cricket and guide it toward a stronger future.

Treasury Secretary informs he will not appear before CoPF tomorrow

Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma has informed the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) that he will not appear before the committee tomorrow.

Two people stabbed in Jewish neighborhood in north London

Two people were stabbed on Wednesday, April 29, in a north London neighborhood with a large Jewish community. A man was arrested after he was seen running with a knife ’’attempting to stab Jewish members of the public,’’ the Shomrim Jewish neighborhood watch said on social media. It said the two people were being treated by Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer ambulance service.

Fatal bus accident in Hatton claims one life, leaves dozens injured

A tragic accident occurred today, when a private passenger bus fell into a 35-foot precipice in the Badalgala area of the Hatton-Dayagama road. The bus was traveling toward Hatton at the time of the incident.

Eran Wickramaratne appointed Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee

Former Member of Parliament Eran Wickramaratne has been appointed as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee, following a sweeping administrative overhaul at Maitland Place.

11 cancers on the rise in young people - scientists find first clue why it’s happening

Eleven cancers are becoming more common in young people in England, a major analysis shows.

Donald Trump renews ’no more Mr Nice Guy’ warning to Iran over nuclear deal

Donald Trump warned of tougher action against Iran as nuclear talks falter, criticising Tehran’s inability to strike a deal and referencing earlier threats linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and recent maritime incidents.

Ranil skips court citing ill health – Court fixes July 8 for final progress report

Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara today ordered that the final progress report of investigations in the case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over the alleged misuse of state funds be called on July 8.

25% of patients report gastritis symptoms, health experts warn

Health experts in Sri Lanka have raised concern over a rising number of gastritis-related cases, estimating that nearly 25% of patients seeking medical attention are now presenting symptoms of the condition.

Rs. 100,000 fine on vendor for overcharging water on Meenagaya train

A vendor operating on the “Meenagaya” train service was fined Rs. 100,000 by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court yesterday (28) after being found guilty of selling bottled drinking water above the maximum retail price.

Russian Health Minister to arrive in Sri Lanka

Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on May 3 for a three-day official visit to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

Electric train project for Colombo suburbs discussed

Plans to introduce electric train services in parallel with the existing railway system were a key focus at a high-level discussion held this morning (29) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Riyan Parag vaping controversy: Violation may lead to imprisonment

Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag was caught on camera allegedly vaping inside the team’s dressing room during their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday night. During the 16th over of Rajasthan’s chase, Parag appeared on the live broadcast holding a vaping device, raising eyebrows. As per BCCI rules, smoking is prohibited in dressing rooms and across stadium premises, though it is permitted in designated areas.

Dambulla eatery fined Rs. 510,000 for selling expired water

A restaurant in Dambulla has been fined Rs. 510,000 by the Dambulla Magistrate’s Court for selling expired bottled water above the maximum retail price.

2026 in a nutshell so far

The coal procurement scandal has centred on allegations of systemic corruption, the delivery of substandard fuel, and major financial losses involving the state-owned Lanka Coal Company (LCC).

Rupee depreciates further against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee continued its downward trend against the US Dollar on Tuesday (29), according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Sports Minister takes over SLC administration after mass resignation

Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry has taken over the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket with immediate effect after Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage accepted the resignation of President Shammi Silva and the Executive Committee.

Former FBI director charged over alleged social media photo threat to Trump

Former FBI Director James Comey has been charged with threatening the life of US President Donald Trump, a formal accusation that stems from an image he briefly shared on social media.

Prima increases wheat flour price by Rs. 5 from today

Prima Company has announced an increase in the price of wheat flour with effect from today (29), citing rising transportation costs.