Indian tourists secure nearly 50% arrivals in 1H May as market shifts to Asia

Sri Lanka welcomed 75,465 tourists during the first 17 days of May 2026, with India dominating the arrivals board, as the local tourism sector leans heavily into Asian markets.

Tea export volumes extend decline in first four months of 2026

Sri Lanka’s tea exports slipped marginally in April 2026, extending the weak start to the year, as the lower shipments of value-added categories such as tea packets and tea bags offset the gains in the bulk tea exports. The tea exports for April stood at 17.97 million kilogrammes, down 0.23 million kilogrammes, from 18.20 million kilogrammes recorded in the same month last year, according to the industry data.

Digital transformation drive launched to modernise Sri Lanka’s tea industry with new Hantana resource centre

​Taking a major step towards digital transformation, Sri Lanka’s traditional tea industry witnessed the inauguration of a digital tea resource centre at the Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka International Training Institute in Hantana.

Bandula shares ride in self-driving taxi in Hollywood

Former Minister Bandula Gunawardena had shared a video on his official Facebook page showcasing his experience riding in a Waymo self-driving vehicle in Hollywood, highlighting the growing use of autonomous transport technology.

Dialog Schools Rugby Isipathana - Trinity Blockbuster at the Park

Two of the leading rugbyplaying schools in the island, defending champions Trinity and highly ranked Isipathana, will take the field to decide who tops Group A of the Dialog Schools Rugby League Tournament when they clash at Havelock Park Sunday, with kick-off set for 4.15 p.m.

Over 1,600 families affected by severe weather across country

A total of 1,651 families, comprising nearly 5,500 individuals, have been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions across the country, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Selective buying lifts market amid low turnover despite strong macro tailwinds

The Colombo Stock Exchange maintained a positive tone throughout today’s session, supported by improving macroeconomic signals, including a sharp decline in the USD/LKR exchange rate and continued easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Investor sentiment remained broadly positive, with the ASPI reaching an intraday high of over 140 points during the day.

JKCG denies prior knowledge of vehicle import surcharge

John Keells CG Auto (JKCG) has denied allegations that it had prior knowledge of the recent temporary surcharge imposed on imported motor vehicles and had established Letters of Credit (LCs) just before the relevant Gazette notification was issued.

Hajj Operators lodge complaint over Rs. 110 million refund dispute

A group of Hajj operators has lodged a formal complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against the Department of Muslim Religious & Cultural Affairs and the Hajj Committee, alleging that more than Rs. 110 million owed to operators has been withheld for over a year without valid justification.

Heavy rains, gusty winds as South-West monsoon strengthens

The Department of Meteorology says the South-West monsoon is gradually establishing over the island, bringing more showers and strong winds to several parts of the country.

There will be no room for another economic crisis like in 2022: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that although certain parties are expressing views that the country may once again face an economic crisis similar to that of 2022, such a situation will by no means arise again.

Almost 1.2 billion people living with mental disorders worldwide as case numbers nearly double since 1990

Globally, mental health disorders have nearly doubled since 1990, with new research finding almost 1.2 billion people worldwide are living with a mental health condition.

Man nabbed over alleged Rs. 10 million Canada job scam

A man accused of defrauding more than Rs. 10 million by posing as a representative of a non-governmental organization (NGO) and promising employment opportunities in Canada has been arrested by special investigation officers of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

Nascar champion Kyle Busch dies aged 41

Two-time Nascar Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has died, aged 41.

Pallegama Hemarathana Thera granted bail in case of abuse of a minor

The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has ordered the release on bail of Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, who is accused of sexual abuse of a minor girl.

Kuwait to gradually resume international flights

The Public Authority of Civil Aviation announced Thursday that Arab and foreign airline flights will resume at Kuwait International Airport on a phased basis starting June 1, following the completion of repair and rehabilitation work at Terminal 1 after damage caused by the Iranian attack on the airport in early March.

Warrant issued for Basil Rajapaksa

Matara Chief Magistrate Chaturanga Eranga Dissanayake has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka invites Vietnamese investors, unveils 30 projects

Sri Lanka has declared itself open for investment, highlighting a reformed and stabilised economy with strong growth prospects and a structured pipeline of investment opportunities across multiple sectors. The message was delivered by Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Acting Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka, at the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Trade, Investment & Tourism Cooperation Forum held on 8 May 2026.

Heavy rains disrupt transport; Colombo–Avissawella Road submerged

Continuous heavy rainfall experienced from Thursday night (21) has disrupted transport and daily life in several areas, with parts of the Colombo–Avissawella High Level Road going under water at Hingurala and Eswatta, causing severe traffic obstruction on Friday morning.

21 alleged underworld members deported from Dubai arrive in Sri Lanka

A group of 21 alleged underworld members who were reportedly deported from Dubai arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (22), according to police sources.

Father of two arrested over alleged sexual abuse of 13-year-old schoolgirl

A 40-year-old father of two has been arrested by the Lidula Police on suspicion of impregnating a 13-year-old schoolgirl, authorities confirmed on Friday morning.

New cyber security law to be introduced soon: Deputy Minister

A new cyber security law will be introduced under which a Cyber Security Regulatory Authority will be introduced soon, Deputy Minister of Digital Infrastructure Eranga Weeraratne told Parliament today.

Heavy rains raise Castlereagh, Maussakelle water levels

Heavy rainfall recorded in the Castlereagh and Maussakelle catchment areas has led to a rise in reservoir water levels, reservoir engineers said.

14 students confirmed with meningitis in Uva Province

Health officials have confirmed that 10 students showing symptoms of meningitis are currently receiving treatment at the Welimada Base Hospital, while a further 18 students with similar symptoms are being treated at the Diyatalawa Base Hospital.

No decision to ban vehicle imports or restrict other imports: Deputy Minister

The government has not taken any decision to ban vehicle imports or restrict other imports, Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha said today.

Handle the economy diligently: Opposition

Few opposition political parties yesterday urged the government to act diligently and manage the sliding of the rupee to save the economy.

144 financial cybercrime cases under investigation this year

A total number of 144 cybercrime cases are under investigation this year, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala revealed in Parliament yesterday.

Mangrove guardian project launched in Chankanai

The Mangrove Guardian Project, funded by ChildFund Sri Lanka and implemented by Save a Life, was officially launched at the Chankanai Divisional Secretariat with the participation of senior government officials, stakeholders, and members of the Arali South community.

Tobacco-Free Generation policies face legal and practical challenges

The concept of creating a ’Tobacco-Free Generation’ (TFG) through legislation that bans tobacco sales to people born after a specified year is facing increasing scrutiny globally, with critics pointing to legal, economic and practical challenges experienced by countries attempting to introduce such measures.

Imposed Customs duty surcharge had favoured brand-new vehicle importers: Importers

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has raised concerns over the impact of the government’s recently imposed 50 percent surcharge on Customs Import Duties for most imported motor vehicles, claiming that the measure might have been abused by brand new vehicle import agents, even though the government has done it in good faith.