Woman nabbed at BIA with foreign cigarette haul worth over Rs. 6 million

A Sri Lankan female passenger was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by airport customs officers this morning for attempting to smuggle in a consignment of foreign-made cigarettes worth over Rs. 6 million into the country.

Cabin crew recruitment drive...

Will new Auditor General be a political appointee?: Harsha questions

A person who had send in an application for the post of Auditor General is to be appointed to the post, MP Harsha de Silva alleged in Parliament today.

Some 40,000 teacher vacancies in the country: Harini

There are some 40,000 teacher vacancies in government schools across the country, Prime Minister and Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya said today.

Transport Ministry to establish passenger committees from July 1

The Transport Ministry has announced plans to establish passenger committees on selected bus routes, with effect from July 1, in a move aimed at empowering commuters and improving public transport services.

SriLankan Airlines begins cabin crew recruitment, draws 12,000 applicants

SriLankan Airlines has launched a major recruitment drive to bolster its cabin crew team, drawing nearly 12,000 applications in response to a public call for candidates. The initiative aligns with the airline’s expansion plans amid rising passenger demand and growth in emerging markets.

Ramith Rambukwella remanded

Ramith Rambukwella, son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, was remanded till June 3 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today, over allegations of misappropriating approximately Rs. 8 million from Ministry funds to pay salaries and maintain staff despite these individuals not rendering any official services.

Govt. announces Rs. 27,000 minimum monthly wage in gazette from April 1

While issuing a gazette notification, the government announced the national minimum monthly wage for all workers in any industry or service as Rs. 27,000, and the national minimum daily wage as Rs. 1,800.

Ramith Rambukwella arrested

Ramith Rambukwella, son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over an ongoing bribery case in which his father is also an accused.

Champions Trophy 2025 sets new broadcast records

The 2025 edition, played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, saw 368 billion global viewing minutes, a remarkable 19 percent increase from the previous tournament held in England and Wales in 2017.

Mullivaikkal banner thanks Brampton Mayor for Tamil genocide monument

A banner was reportedly displayed in the Mullivaikkal area of Mullaitivu expressing gratitude to Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown for establishing a Tamil genocide monument in Brampton, Canada.

Vatican Ambassador meets Minister Herath before leaving Sri Lanka

Labour Dept. resumes services following temporary suspension

The Labour Department has resumed its public services, including the payment of funds to its members, after a temporary suspension for essential computer network maintenance work.

Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder suspects re-remanded

The main suspect Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga, who was arrested over the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, has been ordered to be remanded till June 4. The order was issued by the Colombo Chief Magistrate following his appearance in court after being detained previously.

Over 4,600 health professionals have migrated since 2022: Health Minister

Over 4,600 Sri Lankan health professionals have migrated overseas between 2022 and 2025, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed during his address at the 78th annual World Health Assembly (WHA78) of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Over 21,000 dengue cases reported: Public urged to clean high risk areas

A total of 21,000 dengue cases have been reported across 15 districts during the dengue relief programme, Health Promotion Bureau.

Two women arrested after gold-coloured T-56 weapon found in Colombo apartment

Two women have been arrested following the recovery of a gold-coloured T-56 assault rifle from a luxury apartment at the Havelock City housing complex in Colombo.

Rising costs, taxes threaten Sri Lanka’s event Industry: Festival, concert organizers

Festival and concert organisers from across Sri Lanka raised alarm over a series of escalating challenges currently affecting the industry, citing increased operational costs and regulatory inconsistencies as major obstacles to their survival.

Some 712 politicians have taken over lands in Nuwara Wewa reserves

Some 712 politicians have taken over lands belonging to the Nuwara Wewa reserve in Anuradhapura and had constructed houses and hotels with swimming pools, Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe told Parliament today.

Starlink launches in Bangladesh to boost reliable internet access

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned satellite internet service Starlink launched in Bangladesh on Tuesday, as the South Asian nation steps up efforts to ensure reliable, uninterrupted access to the internet.

Krrish deal case against Namal fixed for pre-trial

The case filed against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa over the Krrish deal was today fixed for a pre-trial conference by the Colombo High Court.

Strict measures to be followed on questions under Standing Orders 27(2): Speaker

Strict measures will be followed pertaining to questions raised under Standing Order 27(2) as party leaders have violated Standing Orders when raising such questions, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced today.

Gnanasara Thera claims death threat handbills circulated in Eravur

Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary, Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, alleged that a large number of threatening handbills were distributed among worshippers attending the Friday Jumma sermon in Eravur, in the Eastern Province, a few weeks ago.

Plunging roof tiles at 650-year-old tourist attraction in China spark investigation

A 650-year-old drum tower in eastern China that just underwent repairs last year has sparked an investigation after its roof tiles came crashing down on May 19, narrowly missing tourists milling outside its majestic walls.

Defence Ministry opens Internal Affairs Unit

The Ministry of Defence has established an Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) at its premises to handle inquiries and complaints related to public service delivery.

Debit, credit card payment system introduced on expressways from today

The Transport Ministry announced that a new payment system allowing debit and credit card transactions at expressway toll gates was officially launched today (21), marking a significant step in the government’s ongoing digitalisation drive.

Police probe knife attack between brothers in Badulla

The Badulla Police have launched an investigation into a violent incident during which a man was seriously injured in a stabbing attack on the pavement of King Street in Badulla.

Garment factory in Katunayake FTZ shuts down indefinitely, 2,000 jobs at risk

The NEXT apparel manufacturing factory, a long-standing apparel exporter in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone (FTZ), has closed its operations indefinitely as of yesterday (20), leaving around 2,000 employees in uncertainty.

Shammi obtains enjoining order against Roshan Ranasinghe

The Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order preventing former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe from making defamatory statements against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), its President Shammi Silva and its Secretary. The order will remain in effect till June 3.

Parliament, Independence Square and Presidential Secretariat buildings declared in need of urgent repair

Three of Sri Lanka’s most iconic government buildings - the Parliament Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, the Old Parliament Building at Galle Face (now the Presidential Secretariat), and Independence Square in Colombo 7 - have been officially identified as requiring significant maintenance and structural upgrades.