Tourists from 40 countries can now obtain free Sri Lanka ETA

Starting from 25 May 2026, the Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a special visa policy for short-term visitors from 40 selected countries, according to the Department of Immigration & Emigration.

Trump tells US negotiators ’not to rush’ into deal with Iran

US President Donald Trump says he has instructed negotiators ’’not to rush into a deal’’ with Iran, after earlier suggesting an agreement was close.

RCB face GT in Qualifier 1, SRH meet RR in Eliminator

The league stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 concluded on May 24 after Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a 40-run defeat to Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens, confirming Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals as the four playoff teams.

Kumar Sangakkara throws weight behind Parag amid criticism

Kumar Sangakkara has thrown his support behind Riyan Parag, insisting the young captain remains the right leader for Rajasthan Royals despite heavy criticism during IPL 2026.

Hong Kong survive Sri Lankan scare

Hong Kong registered a hard-fought 15-14 victory over Sri Lanka in their opening Asia Rugby Top 3 encounter played at the Race Course ground.

U.S. and Iran agree in principle to reopen Strait of Hormuz, U.S. official says

The United States and Iran have agreed to a deal in principle to wind down the war in the Middle East and end the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a senior U.S. official said Sunday, although some of the most sensitive issues have yet to be resolved.

Trinity Power Cripples Pathana

Trinity made it to the top of Group A of the Dialog Schools Rugby tournament in style when they outclassed Isipathana by 36 points to 12 in the deciding match played at Havelock Park.

CBSL imposes strict caps on vehicle loans and leases effective May 25

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a new directive introducing strict maximum caps on Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios for credit facilities granted for the purchase or utilization of motor vehicles.

Catholic church in SL disassociates itself with sentiments made by priest on genocide

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka and the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka, over the weekend, denounced the sentiments expressed by Fr. Jeewatha Peiris on an alleged genocide during the final stages of the civil war.

Russia hits Ukraine with Oreshnik missile in one of war’s biggest attacks on Kyiv

Russia ​pounded Kyiv and surrounding areas with hundreds of drones and missiles on Sunday in one of the heaviest bombardments of the city since ‌the start of the four-year war, firing an Oreshnik hypersonic missile near the capital.

EPF lags behind listed companies and banks on transparency: Verité Research

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), despite being Sri Lanka’s largest financial institution, has lower transparency and disclosure standards compared to other entities that manage funds on behalf of third parties, such as companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, licensed commercial banks, and unit trusts.

Three dead and 17 missing after flooding in China’s Chongqing

The death toll ‌has risen to three with 17 missing following flooding in ​the Chongqing municipality of ​southwestern China, China’s state-run Xinhua ⁠reported.

Engine of Hikkaduwa-bound express train derails at Maradana

The engine of the daily express train scheduled to travel from Maradana to Hikkaduwa at 6:10 PM derailed this evening (24) at the Maradana Railway Station.

Two injured after part of building collapses in Kandy

Two people were seriously injured and hospitalised after a part of a building on Cross Street, Kandy collapsed, Police said.

Suicide car bomb attack on train in Pakistan kills at least 24

A suicide car bomb attack on a train carrying soldiers in Quetta, the capital of the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan, has killed at least 24 people and wounded more than 50 others.

Sri Lanka celebrates International Tea Day in the Hague

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands, together with the Sri Lanka Tea Board, celebrated International Tea Day 2026 with a “Global Ceylon Tea Evening” held at the Embassy premises in The Hague on 21 May.

Suspect arrested for brutal double murder of elderly couple in Hatton

A team of officers from the Hatton Police Station has arrested the main suspect involved in the brutal double murder of an elderly couple inside their home-cum-shop in Dikoya, Hatton. The suspect was arrested along with a haul of stolen gold jewelry that had been plundered during the crime.

Health Ministry to add 18 colposcopy machines to strengthen cervical cancer care

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media will add 18 new colposcopy machines worth Rs. 114 million to the state hospital system this year to strengthen cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment services across Sri Lanka.

China to send astronaut on year-long space mission as it eyes 2030 moon landing

China will send an astronaut to its space station on Sunday for a year, a record length for the country, ​enabling the study of long-duration human physiology in space as Beijing works towards its ambition of a crewed moon landing by 2030.

US extends Ebola travel ban to Green Card holders

The United States on Friday temporarily banned the entry of lawful permanent residents ​who have been in the Democratic Republic of ‌Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days, citing concerns over Ebola.

US tells foreigners seeking green cards: Return to your countries to apply

Foreigners seeking to adjust their immigration status in the United States to secure green cards will ​have to do so from outside the country via ‌the State Department, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said on Friday, in a move criticized by aid groups.

Vijitha Herath to visit Australia, New Zealand on official tour

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath is scheduled to undertake an official visit to New Zealand and Australia from 26 May to 3 June 2026 at the invitation of the two governments.

Trump says Iran deal ’largely negotiated’ including reopening Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump says an agreement with Iran has been ’’largely negotiated’’ and details will be announced soon.

Video: SpaceX rocket explodes in the Indian Ocean after splashdown

The most powerful SpaceX starship ever launched has exploded in the Indian Ocean after a mostly successful test flight.

Secret Service fatally shoots gunman who fired at White House checkpoint

A man has been shot dead by Secret Service officers after opening fire on a security checkpoint near the White House, with a bystander also wounded in the gunfire.

Dollar selling rate rises to Rs. 353

The Sri Lankan Rupee continued to weaken against the US Dollar today, according to the latest exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

National waste management drive starts in Jaffna

The ‘Clean Cities’ National Waste Management Programme under the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative was launched in Jaffna yesterday (22), with authorities outlining plans for a nationwide waste management drive over the next three years.

LAUGFS power expands with new mini hydro project

LAUGFS Power PLC has strengthened its renewable energy portfolio with the commissioning of the Kehelgamu Oya 2 MW Mini Hydro Power Project in Ginigathhena, further expanding its contribution to Sri Lanka’s clean energy sector.

Police summon Dilum Amunugama over remarks linked to ongoing child abuse case

Sarvajana Balaya National Organiser and Former Minister Dilum Amunugama has been summoned by Police to record a statement over controversial remarks made during a media briefing, following complaints that the comments may have prejudiced a minor linked to an ongoing child abuse case.

Coimbatore minor girl murder: CM Vijay orders fast- track probe, vows strict punishment

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday said he had ordered a swift and intensive investigation into the abduction and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore and assured that those involved in crimes against women and children would face severe punishment under the law.