Sri Lanka faces major Chikungunya outbreak: Leading scientist

Sri Lanka is currently grappling with a major outbreak of the Chikungunya viral disease, marking the most significant resurgence of the virus in the country in nearly 20 years, according to renowned virologist Professor Neelika Malavige.

Prince William launches new docuseries highlighting the vital work of rangers as guardians for our planet

Six-part series launched by The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife will premiere on the BBC Earth YouTube and social channels, part of BBC Studios Digital Brands.

Duminda Dissanayake remanded till May 29

Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, who was arrested in connection with a gold-plated T56 firearm, has been remanded till May 29.

Two arrested for fraudulently obtaining passports for ’Kehelbaddara Padme’

Two individuals have been arrested for obtaining two passports for notorious underworld figure Koralagamage Mandinu Padmasiri alia ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ by providing fake information to the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.

Shubman Gill named as India’s new Test captain

Shubman Gill has been appointed India’s newest Test captain, replacing the just-retired Rohit Sharma and will kickstart his tenure with the five-match series against England starting June 20 at Leeds.

Malani Fonseka’s final rites to be held with State honours

The government has decided to hold the final rites of veteran actress late Malini Fonseka with state honours, Minister of Buddha Sasana Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said.

Six police officers who assaulted a youth ordered to pay Rs. 1.2 million compensation

The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that six former officers of the Thambuttegama Police must personally pay Rs. 1.2 million compensation for violating the fundamental rights of a youth who was arrested, brutally assaulted, and tortured after participating in a 2012 protest march against the police.

Ranjith Aluwihare resigns from SJB

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Deputy National Organiser Ranjith Aluwihare has resigned from his post. Aluwihare told the media that he had resigned from the post.

PM assures no land acquisition in North and East, vows to restore ownership

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya affirmed today that the government has no intention of acquiring lands owned by residents of the Northern and Eastern provinces and is fully committed to restoring land ownership to rightful owners without delay.

Cinchona, a plant species with medicinal properties for Malaria

Several well-grown cinchona plants belonging to a plant species considered extinct in Sri Lanka have been found after 150 years in Unanagala in the western slopes of Aliyagala Mountain Range in Ambagamuwa.

EU calls for ’respect’ after Trump threatens 50% tariffs

The European Union’s trade chief said the 27-member bloc is committed to securing a trade deal with the US based on ’’respect’’ not ’’threats’’.

Ukraine and Russia take part in biggest prisoner swap since 2022 invasion

Russia and Ukraine have each handed over 390 soldiers and civilians in the biggest prisoner exchange since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.

Pindapatha charika...

At least 23 injured after private bus overturns near Nuwara Eliya

At least 23 people were injured in a late-night accident in the Toppass area along the Nuwara Eliya–Kandy main road, when a private bus overturned around 11:45 p.m., police said.

SLTB bus-tipper collision in Weliara leaves one dead, 13 injured

A road accident occurred in the early hours of this morning along the Colombo–Wellawaya main road in the Weliara area, resulting in one fatality and 13 injuries.

Sri Lanka’s largest tourism exhibition Sancharaka Udawa 2025 kicks off in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s largest tourism exhibition Sancharaka Udawa 2025 kicked off in Colombo, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka passes away

Veteran actress Malini Fonseka, who had become a household name in Sri Lanka, passed away at the age of 78.

Germany to press Sri Lanka on PTA repeal during President visit

Germany will ask President Anura Kumara Dissanayake about steps being taken by his government for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), reconciliation and addressing wartime accountability issues during his upcoming visit there, the Daily Mirror has learnt.

National SME Forum 2025 opens new doors to global markets and growth opportunities

National SME Forum 2025, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, this week brought together over 200 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across Sri Lanka,

IMF ties SL board review to electricity tariffs, financing commitments

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the timing of its Executive Board meeting to approve Sri Lanka’s next tranche of funding, under the Extended Fund Facility, would depend on the government’s ability to deliver on key reform commitments, including the electricity tariff adjustments.

‘SL a five-star island with three-star image’: Veteran hotelier calls for tourism reset

Veteran hotelier Hiran Cooray on Thursday called on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry to raise its standards, urging a shift from what he described as a “three-star mentality” to one that reflects the country’s “five-star” potential.

Deputy Labour Minister assures immediate action over ETF salary issues

Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe today assured swift action to resolve the salary-related grievances of employees at the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), following a heated protest and urgent discussions with trade union representatives.

Education Ministry revises school holidays for Hajj festival

The Ministry of Education announced today that Muslim schools will be in session on May 26 and 27, 2025, due to a revision in the school holiday schedule for the Hajj festival (Eid al-Adha).

Closure of NEXT factory in Katunayake FTZ violates labour law, says Deputy Minister

The sudden closure of the NEXT apparel manufacturing factory located in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has drawn strong criticism from Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, who said today that the move violates Sri Lanka’s labour laws due to the absence of prior notice.

Government firms up against genocide allegation: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said the government will not hesitate to take legal action against individuals or groups who promote the idea that the Sri Lankan military committed genocide during the civil war.

Leave cricket before cricket leaves you!

Former Sri Lanka Captain Angelo Mathews today announced his retirement from Test cricket. The veteran is set to play his last Test match against Bangladesh next month.

SC orders Rs. 1.2 Mn in personal compensation from policemen for torturing youth in custody

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court today ordered six former police officers attached to the Thambuttegama Police Station to personally pay Rs. 1.2 million in compensation to a young man who was arbitrarily arrested and tortured in custody in 2012.

Sri Lankan delegation to engage in tariff talks in Washington

A Sri Lankan delegation is set to participate in discussions in Washington, D.C., focusing on tariff-related matters, following an invitation extended by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

CSE ends mixed as ASPI gains on continued rate cut optimism

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a mixed note today, reflecting an overall optimistic market outlook, as investor sentiment remained positive following the interest rate cut announced yesterday. The momentum continued into today’s session, with market participants showing renewed confidence in response to the Central Bank’s supportive monetary policy stance.

Trump threatens a 50% tariff on the EU

President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union, citing a lack of progress in current trade negotiations.