Netanyahu says Israel will intensify strikes against Hezbollah

The Israeli military says it has begun a wave of strikes across Lebanon following an announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his country will intensify its attacks on Hezbollah.

Badulla Teaching Hospital merges SICU and MICU due to doctor shortage

A shortage of doctors at the Badulla Teaching Hospital has prompted authorities to merge the hospital’s Special Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) units and operate them as a single SICU unit from today, hospital sources said.

Central Bank hikes key interest rates amid rising inflation pressures

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 100 basis points, bringing it to 8.75%. Following this adjustment, the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR)—which are linked to the OPR with predetermined margins of $\pm$ 50 basis points—have been increased to 8.25% and 9.25%, respectively.

SLBFE predicts record remittances in 2026

Sri Lanka is expected to record its highest-ever foreign worker remittances by the end of 2026, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe said.

Female accomplice arrested over Borella double murder

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has arrested a 46-year-old woman accused of helping gunmen involved in the 2025 double murder near the Sirisara Uyana apartment complex in Borella. Police said that she allegedly transported and handed over firearms used in the attack.

Three Chinese held with 25,000 cigarettes at BIA

Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport detected 25,000 foreign-made cigarettes concealed inside six suitcases carried by three Chinese nationals who arrived from Bangkok on Sunday night, officials said.

US military says it has launched new strikes on southern Iran

The US military says it has launched new strikes on southern Iran, targeting Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to place mines.

Ferrari unveils first fully electric car

Luxury sports car maker Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric car - the $640,000 (£474,320) Luce.

Sri Lanka urged to tighten tobacco controls amid rising concerns

Sri Lanka has been urged to strengthen tobacco control measures as health experts warn of rising health and economic costs linked to smoking, while global and local authorities mark World No Tobacco Day.

Exports top US $ 5.7bn in first 4 months

Sri Lanka’s exports surpassed US $ 5.7 billion in the first four months of 2026, with the growth in services, electronics, processed foods and coconut-based products helping offset the continued weakness in apparel and tea exports, amid the softer global demand conditions.

WHO chief says fast-moving Ebola epidemic is outpacing response efforts

The head of ​the World Health Organization said on Monday ‌that the fast-moving Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda was outpacing response efforts, giving the ​latest number of suspected deaths as 220.

Pope, urging AI regulation, warns some weapons now beyond human control

Pope Leo urged governments to slow down and closely regulate the development of AI systems in his first major document, released on Monday, warning that they spread misinformation, prioritise ​conflict and risk leading the world down a path of unending war.

Minister orders fast recruitment at NCPA

Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savitri Paulraj has instructed the Ministry Secretary and the Additional Secretary (Administration) to take immediate steps to recruit the required staff to streamline investigation activities at the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).

Water levels stable in major rivers: Irrigation Department

Water levels in all major rivers across the country remained at normal levels as of 6.00 p.m. today, according to the Irrigation Department’s latest hydrology report.

EasyJet flight diverts to Rome over power bank in luggage

A UK-bound EasyJet flight was diverted to Rome after a power bank was found to be charging in a passenger’s luggage, it has been revealed.

Railway station phone lines restored after Rs.2.9 mn payment

Public telephone lines at railway stations across the country, which were disconnected earlier today due to non-payment of bills, have now been restored after the outstanding payment was settled this evening, the Railways Department said.

Sri Lanka squads announced for West Indies tour; Kusal Mendis named captain for limited overs

Sri Lanka Cricket’s Selection Panel has announced the national squads for the upcoming tour of the West Indies, scheduled to feature matches across all three formats: ODI, T20I, and Test cricket.

No ban on Dansalas, Vesak decorations in Northern Province: Governor refutes social media posts

Northern Province Governor has refuted social media posts which claimed that the Governor of the Northern Province has issued a ban on the offering of ’Dansalas’ and the decoration of premises during the forthcoming Vesak festival season in the Northern Province.

Women Parliamentarians to intervene in Anuradhapura child abuse incident

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has decided to examine the ongoing legal proceedings and matters relating to the protection of the girl involved in the sexual abuse incident reported from the Anuradhapura area.

Market surges on optimism over potential Iran–USA peace deal

The Colombo Stock Exchange concluded today’s session on a strong positive note, with both indices recording significant gains amid improving global sentiment. Investor confidence strengthened following reports of a possible peace agreement between Iran and the USA, which eased geopolitical concerns and boosted risk appetite across global markets.

Health Ministry issues sweeping meningitis directive amid concerns over school spread

A special set of nationwide instructions issued by the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry on the control of enteroviral meningitis has sparked attention, as the disease is reported to be spreading in schools and community settings across the country.

Five forests to be declared reserves for World Environment Day 2026

Five more forest areas will be declared as reserves to mark World Environment Day 2026, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabedi said.

Deal with US not imminent, Iran says

Iran says some progress has been reached in talks with the US, but a deal ’’is not imminent’’.

Central Bank warns against misleading claims on currency printing and exchange rates

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a stern advisory urging the general public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to misleading statements regarding core economic policies, specifically money printing and exchange rate determination.

Wimal Weerawansa granted bail

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been granted bail by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court following his arrest earlier today.

Shashi Weerawansa case over diplomatic passport fixed for July 24

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today ordered that further evidence in the case filed against Shashi Weerawansa, wife of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, over allegations of obtaining an irregular diplomatic passport by submitting forged documents, be taken up on July 24.

Police launch islandwide security Plan for Hajj festival

Sri Lanka Police have implemented a special islandwide security plan in view of the Hajj Festival, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, which falls on May 28, 2026.

Prisons Department allows special visits for Hajj and Vesak festivals

The Prisons Department has announced that special arrangements have been made to allow inmates to meet visitors in connection with the Hajj and Vesak festivals, which fall on May 28 and May 30, respectively.

Railway station communications cut off over unpaid bills

Public telephone lines at all railway stations across the country have been disconnected due to non-payment of bills, causing inconvenience to passengers and station staff.

China launches rocket to send astronaut on year-long space mission as it eyes 2030 moon landing

China launched its Shenzhou-23 mission on Sunday (May 24), which will see a Chinese astronaut spend a full year in orbit for the first time, a crucial step in Beijing’s ambition to send humans to the Moon by 2030.