Vesak 2026 and Religious Cooperation Between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka

Vesak is one of the most significant religious observances in the Buddhist world, carrying profound spiritual meaning and special importance for Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers across the globe. In both Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, Vesak reflects shared religious values while also embodying the distinct cultural identities and traditional practices of each nation.

Rooftop solar owners asked to switch off systems

The National System Operator (Private) Limited (NSO) has requested rooftop solar panel owners across the country to voluntarily switch off their solar power systems until 3:00 p.m. today to help ensure the reliable and stable operation of the national electricity grid during the Vesak festival period.

No deal announced after Trump meeting to make ’final determination’ on Iran

US President Donald Trump had a meeting with top aides on Friday to make a ’’final determination’’ about a framework for extending the ceasefire with Iran, but it concluded without clarity on the next steps.

President urges public to embrace compassion and reconciliation in Vesak message

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Vesak message, underscored the enduring relevance of Buddhist teachings in fostering peace, coexistence and reconciliation, while calling on the public to embrace the values of non-violence, compassion and loving-kindness in their daily lives.

Sri Lanka Army gets new Chief of Staff

Major General Nilantha Premaratne of the Sri Lanka Artillery has been appointed as the 69th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army with effect from May 29, 2026.

Gill Century Sends Gujarat into IPL Final

Shubman Gill smashed a captain’s century as Gujarat Titans stormed into the IPL 2026 final with a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on Friday, ending teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s dream run despite a brilliant 96.

New network of model cities planned under ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative

A series of policy decisions have been taken to establish a new network of Model Cities across Sri Lanka under the Government’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, with a focus on digital services, environmental sustainability and strong social values

Strong winds to cause very rough seas

The Department of Meteorology has warned that sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota, will be very rough at times due to strong gusty winds

Sri Lanka calls for Indian Ocean to remain zone of peace

Sri Lanka has reiterated the importance of maintaining the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace, cooperation and shared prosperity amid evolving global security challenges

Earnings optimism lifts CSE as ASPI gains over 111 points

The Colombo Stock Exchange closed on a strong positive note on 29th May 2026, supported by renewed investor confidence following the latest round of corporate earnings releases.

Schools alerted as Meningitis spreads across districts

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has issued guidelines to all Provincial Directors of Education on preventive measures against the spread of Enterovirus Meningitis, following instructions from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media

Sri Lanka announce squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu set to lead the side.

Kenya court halts opening of US Ebola quarantine facility in the country

A Kenyan court has suspended US plans to open an Ebola quarantine facility for American citizens in the country that has sparked public concern about cross-border infection risks

Trial in Namal’s Krrish case to commence on July 7

The Colombo High Court today fixed July 7, 2026, for the commencement of the trial in the case filed against Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa over the controversial Krrish transaction.

Rupee falls sharply against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee recorded a sharp depreciation against the US Dollar today (29), with both buying and selling rates increasing by more than Rs. 4 compared to Wednesday’s exchange rates.

Special trains to operate for Vesak pilgrims

The Railway Department has announced the operation of several special train services on May 30 and 31 to facilitate travel during the Vesak Full Moon Poya holidays.

Climate forum launches focus on elephant, leopard protection

The Sri Lanka Parliamentary Forum on Climate has decided to prioritise issues affecting elephants and leopards as part of its efforts to address the impacts of climate change on wildlife, with plans to conduct a comprehensive study and submit recommendations to relevant authorities in the future.

Rural women affected by soaring sanitary product prices due to taxes, crisis

Rural women across the country are facing significant hardship due to the sharp increase in the price of feminine hygiene products, driven by taxation policies and ongoing economic pressures, the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights said.

State of Public Emergency further extended

An Extraordinary Gazette Notification has been issued extending the state of public emergency in Sri Lanka, government sources said.

Sri Lanka–Maldives mutual legal assistance agreement regulation approved by Justice Committee

The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice and National Integration has approved the regulation relating to the agreement between Sri Lanka and the Maldives on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

No fuel price drops expected in upcoming revision: CPC

Sri Lankans should not expect a reduction in fuel prices during the upcoming fuel price revision, Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Mayura Neththikumara said.

CPC releases estimated import pricing for petroleum products for April 2026

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has published its estimated pricing structure for imported refined petroleum products for the period of April 2026, based on data available up to April 30, 2026.

Woman dies after three-wheeler crashes into bus stop in Thambalagamuwa

A woman has died and three others were injured after a three-wheeler veered off the road and crashed into a bus stop along the Kantale–Trincomalee Road in the Thambalagamuwa Police Division yesterday (28).

Will Kapila’s legal team be called to testify? - Court to decide on June 2

Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena ordered that the decision on whether the 19th and 20th witnesses, namely President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne and his junior counsel Udara Muhandiramge, are required to give evidence in relation to the death of Kapila Chandrasena, be delivered on June 2.

Minor flood risk forecast for Kuda Ganga and Maguru Ganga within 48 hours

The Irrigation Department has issued a warning that a minor flood situation may occur within the next 48 hours in low-lying areas of the Kuda Ganga and Maguru Ganga floodplains, following increased rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Kuda Ganga sub-basin of the Kalu Ganga.

Measures planned to prevent flooding on Katunayake airport road

Authorities have decided to take immediate and long-term measures to prevent flooding on the main road from Katunayake Airport to Andiambalam and Minuwangoda following repeated inundation of the area during adverse weather conditions.

New Sri Lankan High Commission inaugurated in Wellington

Strengthening bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the new High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Wellington was officially opened yesterday (28).

Humanoid robots ’the future’ of car making, says BMW

For the first time, BMW will use humanoid robots for car manufacturing in Europe. Two robots, made by Hexagon Robotics, are planned to work in production from the summer.

Netanyahu says he directed Israeli military to take over 70% of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he has directed Israel’s military to take over 70% of Gaza’s territory.

Traffic alert: Special plan for Matara-Hakmana road

A special traffic plan will be implemented today (May 29) on the roads surrounding the Midellawala Purana Viharaya in Thihagoda, Matara, in view of the 2026 State Vesak Festival, police announced.