Spill gate opened at Upper Kotmale reservoir

A spill gate of the Upper Kotmale Reservoir was opened this afternoon due to rising water levels, the Nuwara Eliya District Disaster Management Unit confirmed.

US to double tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to 50%, Trump says

President Donald Trump has announced the US will double its current tariff rate on steel and aluminium imports from 25% to 50%, starting on Wednesday.

Government announces list of holidays for 2026

The Government has officially announced the list of Public and Bank Holidays for the year 2026.

Mahela say ’winning mentality’ can deliver record sixth IPL title

A proven ’’winning mentality’’ and seasoned campaigners such as Rohit Sharma can propel five-time champions Mumbai Indians to more IPL glory, head coach Mahela Jayawardene says.

Govt issues gazette revising banned groups, individuals

A gazette extraordinary was issued by the government revising the list of banned organisations and individuals in the country.

Kusal Mendis makes his IPL debut in eliminator for GT; becomes third player to join the rare list

Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter came into the Gujarat Titans’ line-up in place of Jos Buttler, who left for his national duty following the culmination of the league stage of the ongoing IPL season. GT fell 20 runs short of Mumbai Indians’ 228-run total and were knocked out of the competition.

Sri Lanka to fast-track direct procurement of medicines from foreign governments

Plans are afoot to obtain direct assistance from foreign governments to secure essential medicines, until present issues within the medicine supply chain are resolved and disruptions are minimised, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media said.

SLMA urges govt. to implement tobacco ban for those born after 2010

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) in a press release said that a policy on banning tobacco consumption for those born after 2010 is presented to the government and urges the government to take action on this policy in lieu of the upcoming World No Tobacco Day.

KDU Medical Faulty entry restriction will push Sri Lankan students into wilderness

Restrictions applied to local students to universities other than the state-owned ones will push Sri Lankan students into the wilderness, a former Education Minister said yesterday.

British woman arrested for drug offences in Sri Lanka ’trying her best’ to cope, lawyer says

A 21-year-old woman from South London has appeared in court in Sri Lanka over drug-related offences.

31% of reported power breakdowns restored

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) reports that out of the 55,940 power breakdowns recorded over the past 36 hours, 17,460 have been successfully restored marking a 31% completion rate.

Global warming gotten in the way of salt production in Sri Lanka

Unexpected rainy weather conditions, a phenomenon of global warming, have triggered concerns for salt production in Sri Lanka because at least 40–45 days with uninterrupted sunlight are required for manufacturing and processing, an official said.

IPL 2025 playoffs: RCB qualify for final; PBKS vs MI in Qualifier 2

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians were the four teams to claim the playoff spots.

Rohit stars as Mumbai knock Gujarat out of IPL

Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians’ batting charge with his 81 to knock Gujarat Titans out of the Indian Premier League with a 20-run win in the eliminator on Friday.

Over 50,000 power outages reported nationwide in 24 hours

A total of 50,009 electricity breakdowns were reported across the country within the 24-hour period ending at 8.00 PM today, according to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

Mandatory certification of employment agreements for non-domestic jobs from June 7: SLBFE

All individuals seeking self-employment in non-domestic sector jobs abroad will be required to have their employment agreements certified as a mandatory step in the registration process from June 7, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

Wear a mask if you are unwell: Expert

People who feel unwell should wear a mask and practice regular handwashing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, says a leading health expert.

Independent Councillors accuse NPP of attempted bribery

A group of independent councillors from the Matugama Pradeshiya Sabha, who recently declared their support for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), have accused the National People’s Power (NPP) of attempting to buy their allegiance through financial and political incentives.

Ministry denies reports of Sewanagala Sugar Factory closure

The Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry has firmly denied recent reports claiming the imminent closure of the Sewanagala Sugar Factory.

Rain runs riot in Colombo

Inclement weather injures five people in Colombo

Five people have been injured following a series of disasters including tree falling that took place this afternoon in Colombo city and nearby areas.

Train delays due to bad weather conditions

Several trains are expected to run late today due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions across the country, the Railway Department said.

India says over 1,000 nationals deported by US since January

More than a thousand Indians have ’’come back or [been] deported’’ from the United States since January, India’s foreign ministry has said.

Fallen trees block several roads in Colombo

Several roads in Colombo are blocked after strong winds and heavy rain caused trees to fall in many areas.

China trade talks have stalled, US treasury secretary says

Trade talks between the US and China are ’’a bit stalled’’, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said.

Heavy rain, gusty winds forecast for next 36 hours

The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds across several parts of the island over the next 36 hours.

Thusitha Halloluwa remanded

Former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board (NLB), Thusitha Halloluwa, has been remanded until June 2 by the Fort Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Writ petition over lady lawyer’s remand order settled

The writ petition challenging the Puttalam High Court Judge’s decision to remand a lady lawyer was terminated today before the Court of Appeal after the parties agreed to settle the matter.

Housing and construction expo 2025

CEB reports over 29,000 power outages

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has reported a total of 29,015 power outages across Sri Lanka as a result of the prevailing adverse weather conditions.