Tamil Nadu elections: Banners supporting Vijay, Seeman, Stalin displayed in Jaffna

Banners supporting Tamil Nadu political leaders have been displayed across several areas in Jaffna in connection with the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections.

US may run out of missiles if another war breaks out: Report

The US military has “significantly depleted” its stockpile of key missiles during the war in Iran and could face shortages in a future conflict, CNN reported Tuesday.

Three vessels hit, two seized by IRGC, Iranian media say

Iranian media are reporting that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted the three ships hit in the Strait of Hormuz.

Govt approves committee to monitor Easter probe progress

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of a new mechanism to monitor the implementation of recommendations related to the Easter Sunday attacks.

China completes 2026 school uniform donation for over 4.4 million students

Certificates were officially exchanged today (22) confirming the completion of the full provision of school uniforms for 2026, donated by the Republic of China.

Court orders continued detention of former SIS Director Suresh Sallay

Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara today ordered that the detention order issued against former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director, Major General (Rtd.) Suresh Sallay, will remain in effect.

Cabinet clears Rs. 356M consultancy for railway expansion to Ratnapura

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of a consultancy contract for the feasibility study and preparation of detailed plans to extend the Kelani Valley Railway Line from Avissawella to Ratnapura.

Iraj Chaminda Pathiraja appointed acting Immigration Controller General

Approval was granted at the Cabinet meeting held on May 19, 2025 to appoint Mr. Iraj Chaminda Pathiraja, an officer in the Special Grade of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, on a full-time acting basis as the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.

Government approves procurement of 800,000 dialysis solution bags for kidney patients

The government has approved the procurement of 800,000 bags of peritoneal dialysis solutions used in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic kidney failure, on the recommendation of the Health and Mass Media Minister.

Former MP Premalal Jayasekara granted bail

Former Ratnapura District Parliamentarian Premalal Jayasekara, who was arrested by the Nuwara Eliya Police on Monday (21) over allegations of threatening a person with a firearm during an incident in the Nuwara Eliya area, was produced before the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court today (22).

Cabinet approves SriLankan Airlines handling contracts in Dubai

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of contracts for ground and cargo handling services for SriLankan Airlines at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Cabinet approves new methodology for issuing inter-provincial passenger transport permits

The Cabinet Ministers has approved a new methodology for the issuance of inter-provincial passenger transport permits, aimed at restructuring and streamlining the country’s public transport permit system.

Two cargo ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire

Two cargo ships have reportedly come under fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the British maritime agency has said.

South Korean fighter jets collided due to pilots snapping pictures, report finds

South Korean authorities have found that two fighter jets collided mid-air in 2021 because the pilots were taking pictures and videos.

Taiwan president cancels trip after African countries revoke flight permits

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a presidential trip to the southern African nation of Eswatini, accusing Beijing of putting pressure on other countries to bar his aircraft from flying over their territories.

UK moves to ban smoking for everyone born after 2008

Children who do not reach the age of 18 before January 1, 2027 will never be permitted to buy cigarettes or tobacco products in the UK, once a new law that has now completely cleared parliament gets royal assent from King Charles III.

Sri Lanka embassy in Riyadh introduces special consular services

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh has announced the introduction of a Special Weekend Consular Services Programme to assist Sri Lankan expatriates in Saudi Arabia who are unable to access services during regular working days.

Namal questions treasury controls after US$2.5 million fraud loss

The reported loss of US$2.5 million through fraudulent payment instructions is not a minor financial lapse but a serious breakdown in oversight, internal controls and institutional safeguards within the Treasury, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa has said.

LPL 2026 to be held from July 10 to August 5

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 is scheduled to be held from July 10 to August 5, marking the sixth edition of Sri Lanka’s premier domestic T20 competition.

Measles cases reappear despite strong immunisation record

Health authorities have warned of a resurgence in measles cases in Sri Lanka, despite the country’s long-standing and successful immunisation programme spanning more than six decades.

Thirteen killed in second India fireworks blast in three days

At least 13 people have been killed in an explosion at a firecracker factory in India’s southern state of Kerala, officials say.

CID produces former SIS chief Suresh Sallay before court

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) produced former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director, Major General (Rtd.) Suresh Sallay, before the Fort Magistrate’s court today in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

Tornado damages school, dozens of houses in Wariyapola

A tornado that struck Wariyapola last night caused extensive damage to property, including a two-story building at Sri Gnanodaya National School, officials said.

EU mandates replaceable phone batteries by 2027: Major shift for iPhone and Android users

The European Union is set to introduce a major shift in smartphone design. As of February 18, 2027, user-replaceable batteries should be included in all smartphones and tablets sold within the bloc. The relocation is part of a bigger initiative to lessen electronic waste and prolong the lifetime of consumer devices.

Premalal Jayasekara produced before Nuwara Eliya Court over firearm incident

Former Ratnapura District MP Premalal Jayasekara was produced before the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court today (22) following his arrest over an alleged firearm-related incident.

Thundershowers with lightning expected after 1 p.m.

The Meteorology Department has issued a weather advisory warning of thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning in several parts of the country later today.

Airbus probe: Warrant issued on Kapila Chandrasena’s wife

Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara today issued a warrant on Priyanka Nayomali Wijenayake, the wife of former SriLankan Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, over the investigations into the Airbus transaction.

Middle East volatility threatens Sri Lanka’s food security: WFP

Rising instability in the Middle East is posing growing risks to Sri Lanka’s household food security, the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned in a recent report.

Former Health Ministry chief legal officer remanded over bribery allegations

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has arrested a retired Chief Legal Officer of the Ministry of Health on charges of soliciting and accepting a significant bribe related to a government building lease.

Rupee continues to weaken against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan rupee further depreciated against the US dollar across commercial banks on Wednesday (22), with selling rates hovering around the Rs. 320 mark.