US issues Ebola screening alert for travelers from Africa

The United States has issued a Worldwide Caution Health Alert dated May 22, 2026, introducing new arrival restrictions and enhanced Ebola screening measures for travelers bound for the U.S. from select African countries.

Stable river levels, minor flood alerts in few areas: Irrigation Dept. reports

The Irrigation Department’s Hydrology and Disaster Management Division has released the latest Islandwide Water Level and Rainfall Situation Report for major river basins as of 3.30 p.m. on 23 May 2026, indicating generally stable conditions across most areas, with a few locations experiencing rising trends and minor flood alerts.

South-West monsoon gradually sets in over Sri Lanka – Met Dept.

The South-West monsoon is gradually establishing itself over the island, the Meteorology Department said.

Minor flood risk warning issued for Kalu Ganga basin areas

A considerable amount of rainfall has been recorded in the catchment areas of the Kalu Ganga basin as of now, the Irrigation Department said.

Thousands evacuated in Southern California due to failing chemical tank

Officials ordered tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes in the Los Angeles ‌suburb of Garden Grove on Friday due to a failing chemical tank that was likely to either leak or explode, possibly releasing toxic vapor into the air, first responders said.

Pope Leo decries ’dizzying’ profits earned by companies that pollute

Pope Leo on Saturday called out companies who seek ’’dizzying’’ profits at the ‌cost of environmental pollution, on a visit to an area in Italy known as a hotbed for illegal dumping of toxic waste.

US government releases UFO sighting reports - ’Orbs swarming in all directions’

The Pentagon has released scores of UFO files, with descriptions of reported sightings of orbs, discs and fireballs spanning 80 years.

Rough seas, strong winds expected around island

Showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas off the coast stretching from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle during the next 24 hours, according to the latest weather forecast issued at 2.00 p.m. today (23).

Avoid phones in first five minutes after waking: Professor Diyanath

The first five minutes after waking up in the morning are extremely important and should be used for reflection rather than immediately reaching for a mobile phone, Professor Diyanath Samarasinghe said.

Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu celebrates International Tea Day 2026

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu celebrated International Tea Day 2026 under the theme “159 Years of Excellence in Ceylon Tea” at the official residence of the Ambassador in Kathmandu.

Police uncover details on 21 deported suspects from Dubai

Lanka Police have uncovered extensive information regarding 21 criminal suspects who were deported from Dubai and brought back to the country early Friday morning (May 22), following coordinated operations with authorities in the United Arab Emirates.

US Embassy responds to FBI presence in Sri Lanka

The United States Embassy in Sri Lanka said today that no special Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) deployment has taken place in Sri Lanka to investigate cyber theft of $2.5 million from Sri Lankan Treasury funds, as well as another US$625,000 intended as payment to the US postal authorities.

Kohli refuses handshake with Head after heated verbal spat during IPL clash

Tempers flared between Virat Kohli and Travis Head in the Indian Premier League, as the ​former Indian captain refused to shake hands with ‌the Australian batter after Head’s Sunrisers Hyderabad handed Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru a crushing 55-run defeat.

Young SL face tough learning curve against HK

Sri Lanka will open their 2026 Asia Rugby Top 3 campaign against Hong Kong China at the Racecourse ground on Sunday (24) May with kick off scheduled for 3 pm.

UK scientists developing Ebola vaccine that could be ready for trials in months

Scientists at Oxford University are developing a new vaccine that could be ready for clinical trials within two to three months to help tackle the Ebola emergency.

Toxic pesticide ban reduced suicides by 70%: Minister

The gradual banning of highly toxic pesticides since 1990 had helped reduce suicides in the country by nearly 70%, and urged countries worldwide to include pesticide restrictions in their suicide prevention strategies, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

At least 82 dead in Chinese coal mine explosion

At least 82 people have been killed in a coal mine blast in northern China with nine people still missing, the country’s state media has reported.

Agriculture Department refutes releasing infested Chrysanthemum flowers

The Director General of Agriculture has refuted allegations of releasing imported stocks of fresh cut flowers despite the presence of dangerous pests, risking the spread of these pests within the country.

Court orders Rainbow agency owner to repay victims within a year

The Gangodawila Magistrate has ordered the owner of Rainbow Manpower Foreign Employment Agency, accused of conducting a large-scale foreign employment scam by promising jobs in Romania, to repay the money owed to victims within one year.

10-year sentence affirmed for neighbour convicted in underage girl abuse case

The Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed the 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence imposed by the Ratnapura High Court on a neighbour convicted of committing grave sexual abuse against an underage girl.

India raises petrol, diesel prices for 3rd time this month amid Middle East crisis

State-run fuel retailers on Saturday raised petrol and diesel prices by less than Rs 1 per litre, dealers said, marking the third hike this month as the government seeks to offset losses stemming from elevated crude oil prices amid the Iran conflict, Reuters reported.

Tulsi Gabbard resigns as Donald Trump’s US intelligence chief

Tulsi Gabbard has resigned as Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence, as the US president weighs whether to resume strikes on Iran in a war that has reverberated across the Middle East.

Bangladesh’s rare ‘Donald Trump’ buffalo becomes Eid sensation

A rare albino buffalo with flowing blond hair has become an unlikely celebrity in Bangladesh ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival, drawing crowds of curious visitors ​who say the animal bears a striking resemblance to U.S. President ‌Donald Trump.

Most people seeking green cards must now apply from outside US

The US has announced a new policy that means most immigrants seeking a green card will have to leave the country and apply at an embassy or consulate abroad.

Rains above 100 mm in several places today

The Meteorology Department forecasts heavy rains exceeding 100 mm at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

FBI arrives in Sri Lanka to investigate cyber thefts

A team from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrived in Sri Lanka to assist local authorities in investigating the cyber theft of $2.5 million from Sri Lankan Treasury funds in one instance and another US $ 625,000 in terms of payment to the US postal authorities , a senior officer told the *Daily Mirror*.

Indian tourists secure nearly 50% arrivals in 1H May as market shifts to Asia

Sri Lanka welcomed 75,465 tourists during the first 17 days of May 2026, with India dominating the arrivals board, as the local tourism sector leans heavily into Asian markets.

Tea export volumes extend decline in first four months of 2026

Sri Lanka’s tea exports slipped marginally in April 2026, extending the weak start to the year, as the lower shipments of value-added categories such as tea packets and tea bags offset the gains in the bulk tea exports. The tea exports for April stood at 17.97 million kilogrammes, down 0.23 million kilogrammes, from 18.20 million kilogrammes recorded in the same month last year, according to the industry data.

Digital transformation drive launched to modernise Sri Lanka’s tea industry with new Hantana resource centre

​Taking a major step towards digital transformation, Sri Lanka’s traditional tea industry witnessed the inauguration of a digital tea resource centre at the Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka International Training Institute in Hantana.

Bandula shares ride in self-driving taxi in Hollywood

Former Minister Bandula Gunawardena had shared a video on his official Facebook page showcasing his experience riding in a Waymo self-driving vehicle in Hollywood, highlighting the growing use of autonomous transport technology.