Suicide car bomb attack on train in Pakistan kills at least 24

A suicide car bomb attack on a train carrying soldiers in Quetta, the capital of the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan, has killed at least 24 people and wounded more than 50 others.

Sri Lanka celebrates International Tea Day in the Hague

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands, together with the Sri Lanka Tea Board, celebrated International Tea Day 2026 with a “Global Ceylon Tea Evening” held at the Embassy premises in The Hague on 21 May.

Suspect arrested for brutal double murder of elderly couple in Hatton

A team of officers from the Hatton Police Station has arrested the main suspect involved in the brutal double murder of an elderly couple inside their home-cum-shop in Dikoya, Hatton. The suspect was arrested along with a haul of stolen gold jewelry that had been plundered during the crime.

Health Ministry to add 18 colposcopy machines to strengthen cervical cancer care

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media will add 18 new colposcopy machines worth Rs. 114 million to the state hospital system this year to strengthen cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment services across Sri Lanka.

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

China will send an astronaut to its space station on Sunday for a year, a record length for the country, ​enabling the study of long-duration human physiology in space as Beijing works towards its ambition of a crewed moon landing by 2030.

US extends Ebola travel ban to Green Card holders

The United States on Friday temporarily banned the entry of lawful permanent residents ​who have been in the Democratic Republic of ‌Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days, citing concerns over Ebola.

US tells foreigners seeking green cards: Return to your countries to apply

Foreigners seeking to adjust their immigration status in the United States to secure green cards will ​have to do so from outside the country via ‌the State Department, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said on Friday, in a move criticized by aid groups.

Vijitha Herath to visit Australia, New Zealand on official tour

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath is scheduled to undertake an official visit to New Zealand and Australia from 26 May to 3 June 2026 at the invitation of the two governments.

Trump says Iran deal ’largely negotiated’ including reopening Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump says an agreement with Iran has been ’’largely negotiated’’ and details will be announced soon.

Video: SpaceX rocket explodes in the Indian Ocean after splashdown

The most powerful SpaceX starship ever launched has exploded in the Indian Ocean after a mostly successful test flight.

Secret Service fatally shoots gunman who fired at White House checkpoint

A man has been shot dead by Secret Service officers after opening fire on a security checkpoint near the White House, with a bystander also wounded in the gunfire.

Dollar selling rate rises to Rs. 353

The Sri Lankan Rupee continued to weaken against the US Dollar today, according to the latest exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

National waste management drive starts in Jaffna

The ‘Clean Cities’ National Waste Management Programme under the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative was launched in Jaffna yesterday (22), with authorities outlining plans for a nationwide waste management drive over the next three years.

LAUGFS power expands with new mini hydro project

LAUGFS Power PLC has strengthened its renewable energy portfolio with the commissioning of the Kehelgamu Oya 2 MW Mini Hydro Power Project in Ginigathhena, further expanding its contribution to Sri Lanka’s clean energy sector.

Police summon Dilum Amunugama over remarks linked to ongoing child abuse case

Sarvajana Balaya National Organiser and Former Minister Dilum Amunugama has been summoned by Police to record a statement over controversial remarks made during a media briefing, following complaints that the comments may have prejudiced a minor linked to an ongoing child abuse case.

Coimbatore minor girl murder: CM Vijay orders fast- track probe, vows strict punishment

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday said he had ordered a swift and intensive investigation into the abduction and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore and assured that those involved in crimes against women and children would face severe punishment under the law.

US issues Ebola screening alert for travelers from Africa

The United States has issued a Worldwide Caution Health Alert dated May 22, 2026, introducing new arrival restrictions and enhanced Ebola screening measures for travelers bound for the U.S. from select African countries.

Stable river levels, minor flood alerts in few areas: Irrigation Dept. reports

The Irrigation Department’s Hydrology and Disaster Management Division has released the latest Islandwide Water Level and Rainfall Situation Report for major river basins as of 3.30 p.m. on 23 May 2026, indicating generally stable conditions across most areas, with a few locations experiencing rising trends and minor flood alerts.

South-West monsoon gradually sets in over Sri Lanka – Met Dept.

The South-West monsoon is gradually establishing itself over the island, the Meteorology Department said.

Minor flood risk warning issued for Kalu Ganga basin areas

A considerable amount of rainfall has been recorded in the catchment areas of the Kalu Ganga basin as of now, the Irrigation Department said.

Thousands evacuated in Southern California due to failing chemical tank

Officials ordered tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes in the Los Angeles ‌suburb of Garden Grove on Friday due to a failing chemical tank that was likely to either leak or explode, possibly releasing toxic vapor into the air, first responders said.

Pope Leo decries ’dizzying’ profits earned by companies that pollute

Pope Leo on Saturday called out companies who seek ’’dizzying’’ profits at the ‌cost of environmental pollution, on a visit to an area in Italy known as a hotbed for illegal dumping of toxic waste.

US government releases UFO sighting reports - ’Orbs swarming in all directions’

The Pentagon has released scores of UFO files, with descriptions of reported sightings of orbs, discs and fireballs spanning 80 years.

Rough seas, strong winds expected around island

Showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas off the coast stretching from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle during the next 24 hours, according to the latest weather forecast issued at 2.00 p.m. today (23).

Avoid phones in first five minutes after waking: Professor Diyanath

The first five minutes after waking up in the morning are extremely important and should be used for reflection rather than immediately reaching for a mobile phone, Professor Diyanath Samarasinghe said.

Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu celebrates International Tea Day 2026

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu celebrated International Tea Day 2026 under the theme “159 Years of Excellence in Ceylon Tea” at the official residence of the Ambassador in Kathmandu.

Police uncover details on 21 deported suspects from Dubai

Lanka Police have uncovered extensive information regarding 21 criminal suspects who were deported from Dubai and brought back to the country early Friday morning (May 22), following coordinated operations with authorities in the United Arab Emirates.

US Embassy responds to FBI presence in Sri Lanka

The United States Embassy in Sri Lanka said today that no special Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) deployment has taken place in Sri Lanka to investigate cyber theft of $2.5 million from Sri Lankan Treasury funds, as well as another US$625,000 intended as payment to the US postal authorities.

Kohli refuses handshake with Head after heated verbal spat during IPL clash

Tempers flared between Virat Kohli and Travis Head in the Indian Premier League, as the ​former Indian captain refused to shake hands with ‌the Australian batter after Head’s Sunrisers Hyderabad handed Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru a crushing 55-run defeat.

Young SL face tough learning curve against HK

Sri Lanka will open their 2026 Asia Rugby Top 3 campaign against Hong Kong China at the Racecourse ground on Sunday (24) May with kick off scheduled for 3 pm.