Building fire kills 17, injures others in southern India

At least 17 people were killed and several injured in a fire that broke out at a building near the historic Charminar monument in Hyderabad city, southern India, officials said Sunday.

Pigeon keeper shot at and wounded in Bloemendhal

A pigeon keeper in Sirisanda Sevana Flats at Bloemendhal was shot at by unidentified motorcyclist and sustained injuries this evening, the police said.

Traffic restrictions near Battaramulla due to War Heroes’ Commemoration

Vehicular traffic will be restricted near the Battaramulla area tomorrow evening from 4.00 pm to 6.30 pm due to the National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony, Police said.

Isipathana prevail in thriller to retain title

It was near yet so far for Trinity as defending champions Isipathana dashed their hopes of clinching the Dialog Schools Knockout Rugby title with a last-minute try scored in the last minute of the second session to come out victorious by 12 points to 9 in the final played at the Royal Sports Complex ground.

Preparing for 16th war heroes ceremony

SLPP urges President, PM to attend War Heroes’ Commemoration: Sagara Kariyawasam

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is requesting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to attend the National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony to be held tomorrow, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said today.

Police officer arrested for drunk driving

A police officer attached to the Ayithiyamalai police station in Batticaloa has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, Police said.

Tariff hike proposed but rates still lower: CEB

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has assured that despite the proposed tariff adjustments for the second half of 2025, the electricity rates will still remain lower than they were at the beginning of the year.

Landslide warning issued for six districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) today issued early landslide warnings for six districts.

Health Minster leaves for Switzerland to attend WHO Assembly

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, departed for Switzerland this morning to participate in the 78th annual World Health Assembly (WHA78) of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Rainfall above 100mm on the cards

Rainfall exceeding 100 mm is expected in several parts of the island as the South-West monsoon conditions continue to strengthen over Sri Lanka, the Department of Meteorology said.

Yevan David takes Sensational Spa Win

Sri Lankan racing sensation Yevan David showcased his supreme talent with a superb win at the Spa Francorchamps circuit - venue of the Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix in the first race of the second round of the 2025 Euroformula Open on Saturday.

Mexican Navy ship crashes into New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge

A huge Mexican Navy training ship has been damaged after crashing into New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge during a festive visit to the US.

DR Wijewardene Trophy kicks off at Shalika Ground

Shooting reported targeting Thusitha Halloluwa

A shooting incident has been reported targeting former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board, Thusitha Halloluwa.

Gampola trader with Rs.7.5 Mn worth illicit cigarettes nabbed at BIA

A local businessman who tried to smuggle in foreign cigarettes worth over Rs. 7.5 million from Dubai was arrested by the Sri Lanka Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning.

Vehicle sale adhered to govt’s open tender procedure; PMD refutes misleading reports

The government today refuted reports regarding the second phase of the vehicle sale conducted through a tender process by the Presidential Secretariat on May 15, claiming that all procedures related to this sale were carried out in accordance with the Asset Management Circular 05/2024.

Ontario court grants extradition of Sri Lankan gang leader arrested in Toronto

An Ontario judge has granted the extradition of a Sri Lankan gang leader arrested in Toronto last year for his alleged role in a deadly attack on a rival gang near Paris in 2022.

Ministry urges public to stop sharing sensitive images of children on social media

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has urged the public to refrain from sharing social media posts containing images of children being circulated via a Facebook account under the name Nuwan Sandakelum.

Sixteen dead after tornadoes tear through US states

At least 16 people are reported to have died after tornadoes tore through parts of two US states.

Vehicle auctioning caused massive losses; Dayasiri to go to Bribery Commission

Claiming that the government has incurred a massive loss through the selling of the state vehicles, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said he will lodge a complaint with the Bribery Commission over the matter.

Police arrest motorcyclist who chased and shot youth in Mt. Lavinia

The rider of the two motorcycle gunmen, who chased after a 19-year-old youth and shot him to death in broad daylight, near Sylvester Road in Mt. Lavinia on May 5 has been arrested yesterday (16), police said.

Salt prices not a matter to be taken with a pinch of salt

Sri Lanka, currently facing a severe salt shortage and salt prices increasing rapidly, 1 kilogram packets of crystal salt reportedly being sold at prices ranging between Rs. 450 and Rs. 500 in some areas are expected to reduce drastically as the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the importation of salt from India, an official said.

CEB seeks 18.3% power tariff increase

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has sought a power tariff increase of 18.3 percent from June to December 2025.

SJB, UNP could have secured CMC if they contested together

The United National Party (UNP) would have secured the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) if both parties, the UNP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) had contested the local government polls together, a CMC opposition candidate said.

Foreign Minister requests Israeli amnesty for Sri Lankan workers facing visa issues

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has requested the Israeli government to grant amnesty to Sri Lankans who have faced various difficulties due to visa expirations over several years and to integrate them into the workforce.

Drug addicts among Homagama Hospital minor employees

Residents of the area expressed concern about the drug addicts among minor employees of Homagama Base Hospital, which affected the efficiency of the services, creating hardship for the patients.

Deputy Defence Minister to grace this year, but not President

Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara, instead of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is to grace the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony on May 19, 2025, at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte

Heavy rains exceeding 100 mm in some areas

The Meteorology Department has issued an advisory for heavy rains exceeding 100 mm at some places in the Northern Province and in the Anuradhapura and Puttalam districts.

Ministry expresses displeasure over sudden train strike

The Transport and Highways Ministry expressed their displeasure over the sudden train strike launched by the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU), which caused inconvenience to the public.