PM Harini leaves for UK to attend Commonwealth meeting

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya left for the United Kingdom this afternoon (18) to attend a high-level meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Severe lightning warning issued for several provinces

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for severe lightning and thundershowers expected in several parts of the country after 1.00 p.m. today.

Handunnetti’s FR petition against alleged sugar scam fixed for July 27

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by Minister Sunil Handunnetti, during his tenure as an opposition Parliamentarian, seeking an order to recover Rs. 15.9 billion from those responsible for the alleged sugar fraud that occurred during sugar imports in 2020, was today fixed for support by the Supreme Court.

Evading tax payments due to valid reason cannot be considered a crime: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today that there is a sinister move to amend laws penalising evading the payment of taxes due to a valid reason, while considering it a crime.

Further evidence in case against Wimal Weerawansa, five others fixed for July 13

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that further evidence in the case filed against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa and five others over an alleged protest causing public nuisance by obstructing roads in front of the United Nations office in Colombo in 2016, be taken up on July 13.

LPL 2026 to Begin on July 17, Final Set for August 8

The Lanka Premier League 2026 will begin on July 17 with an opening clash between Jaffna and Galle at the SSC Grounds. The final is scheduled for August 8 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, while matches will also be played in Kandy and Dambulla.

Fighter jet crews parachute safely after collision at US air show

Four crew members are in stable condition after two fighter jets collided mid-air during a US air show, officials say.

Sri Lanka launches digital relief systems for Cyclone Ditwah victims

Sri Lanka on Monday launched two new digital platforms aimed at improving disaster relief services for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with support from the Government of Norway, UNICEF Sri Lanka, and UN Volunteers.

Students agree to vacate disputed Malwana property

A group of university students who had occupied the disputed Malwana residence since May 1 have agreed to vacate the premises following discussions with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today (18).

Over 5,200 people affected by adverse weather

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said that 5,267 people from 1,582 families have been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions across the island.

Delays in licence renewals threaten supply of essential medicines

Hundreds of import licence renewals are currently pending at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), creating serious disruptions to the pharmaceutical supply chain, the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) said.

Trump warns ’clock is ticking’ for Iran as peace progress stalls

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran the ’’clock is ticking’’ as talks to bring the war to an end have stalled.

Middle East war pushes CPC oil bill past US$1bn

The Middle East war has taken its toll on Sri Lanka, with the oil import bill of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) exceeding US$ 1 billion during the first four months of this year, whereas it stood at only US$ 1.5 billion for the whole of 2025, an official said.

Police issue warning over rise in teenage pregnancies

Sri Lanka Police issued an urgent public advisory in response to a reported rise in teenage and underage pregnancies, calling on parents, guardians and children to work together to prevent further incidents and protect children’s welfare.

Vehicle importers announce estimated vehicle price hikes

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has announced the estimated price increases following the Government’s decision to impose a 50% surcharge on vehicle imports.

Animal Welfare Coalition proposes crematoriums for dogs

The Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) has highlighted the need to establish animal crematorium facilities for dogs, arguing that such services would allow pets and stray animals to be treated with dignity after death, similar to humans.

Is the govt. higher up considering inviting Opposition MPs?

Following months of speculation of arguments and rifts within the NPP camp, the Daily Mirror reliably learns that some senior government members have told President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to consider inviting capable parliamentarians from the opposition to join the government in an attempt to take the nation forward.

Scotland rugby great Scott Hastings dead at 61

Scotland great Scott Hastings died at the age of 61 on Sunday after suffering from cancer, the Scottish Rugby Union announced Sunday.

Sri Lanka wins two Bronze medals

Sri Lankan school boxers Amodhya Jayarathna and Himaya Hettiarachchi secured two bronze medals at the Asian Under-15 and Under-17 Boxing Championship 2026, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Victoria Reservoir drowning: three youths dead

Three youths have drowned after an incident at the Victoria Reservoir in the Bambaragala Temple area in Teldeniya, police said.

Muslims in Sri Lanka to mark Eid on May 28

Muslims in Sri Lanka will celebrate the Hajj festival (Eid al-Adha) on May 28, according to an announcement by the Colombo Grand Mosque.

Puvitharan sets new Sri Lankan pole vault record

National athlete Arunthavarasa Puvitharan of the Sri Lanka Army Sports Club created a new Sri Lanka record in the men’s pole vault event.

Veteran journalist D.B.S. Jeyaraj passes away at 72

D.B.S. Jeyaraj, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected veteran journalists and political commentators, has passed away in Canada at the age of 72.

Ukraine drones kill four in Russia, Moscow faces biggest attack in over a year

At least four people were killed, including three in the Moscow region, after Ukraine launched its biggest overnight drone attack on the Russian capital in more ​than a year, local officials said on Sunday.

Western Province Governor to step down after successor is appointed

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof has resigned from his post and will officially step down once a suitable successor is appointed, according to a statement issued by him.

Two Nepali Sherpa climbers break own records on Mount Everest

Two renowned Nepali guides have scaled Mount Everest with one called the “Everest Man” breaking his own record set last year with a 32nd climb and the other, known as the “Mountain Queen”, breaking her own women’s record with an 11th summit.

Colonial-era artefacts are more than museum pieces: Hemachandra

Cultural objects displaced during the colonial period should not be viewed merely as museum possessions, but as part of the living heritage, identity, and historical memory of nations and peoples, Acting Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra said while addressing the inauguration of the “Whose Law?” Research Conference held in Colombo on 13 May 2026.

Low-pressure system North of Sri Lanka weakens; Final weather bulletin issued

The Meteorology Department says the low-pressure area located north of Sri Lanka has weakened, with its impact on the Bay of Bengal and surrounding sea areas gradually reducing.

Mental health safeguards urged in Keheliya drug case as trial nears end

Calls are mounting for the implementation of formal mental health safeguards for suspects involved in the ongoing high-profile pharmaceutical-related case linked to former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukkella, as the lengthy trial approaches its final stage before the Colombo High Court.

IMF to consider Sri Lanka’s fifth, sixth reviews on May 27

The International Monetary Fund’s Executive Board is to review the fifth and sixth reviews of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme on May 27, 2026.