Around 2,500 Thalassemia patients in Sri Lanka; 45–60 new cases annually: Health Ministry

Sri Lanka currently has around 2,500 registered thalassemia patients, with an additional 45 to 60 children newly diagnosed each year, Non-Communicable Diseases Unit of the Health Ministry Director Dr. Srini Alahapperuma said.

Prices to be revised at eateries using LAUGFS Gas

The Restaurant Owners Association has announced a revision of food and beverage prices at eateries using LAUGFS Gas, citing rising operational costs driven by increased LPG prices.

Rabies vaccine shortage would increase human fatalities

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has raised serious concerns over an alleged shortage of rabies vaccines at Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices across the country, warning that the disruption could lead to a dangerous rise in rabies infections among animals and an increase in human fatalities.

Research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen completes marine survey in Sri Lankan waters

The Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen has successfully completed a marine scientific survey in Sri Lankan waters and departed Colombo, marking the conclusion of a key mission aimed at strengthening the country’s ocean knowledge base.

South Korean envoy seeks improved bureaucratic efficiency in trade facilitation

South Korean Ambassador Miyon Lee emphasized yesterday that Sri Lanka should concentrate on upgrading its trade facilitation system while identifying the sequencing.

Deniyaya meningitis situation under watch

Health authorities have ruled out the risk of a major viral meningitis outbreak in Deniyaya for now, while continuing to closely monitor the situation following a rise in suspected infections among schoolchildren.

Rajangane Saddharathana Thera arrested

Rajangane Saddharathana has been arrested by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), police said.

Trump says US-Iran ceasefire still in place after exchange of fire in Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump says a ceasefire is still in place between the US and Iran after both sides exchanged fire late on Thursday night. It was unclear who fired first.

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO found dead

Former Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, was found dead at his residence in Kollupitiya under suspicious circumstances, police said.

Aloysians launch new rugby jersey

St. Aloysius’ College Galle officially launched its 2026 school rugby season on Wednesday with a special ceremony held at the school auditorium to unveil the team’s new official match jersey.

Call for cricket like takeover of football

Veteran football administrator Sunil Senaweera wants a Sri Lanka Cricket-type change to the sport’s administration and lashed out that he is deeply disappointed that no football club or football leagues in the country has spoken out against irregularities within the current administration of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL).

Questions Raised: Anti-climax at super league final

It was a day on which either team had to fight hard down to the wire to win the final of what was called the National Super League at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo today. Instead a four wicket haul by right arm fast bowler Mohamed Shiraz paved the way for Dambulla to record a comfortable 119 runs win over Colombo.

World Bank grants Rs. 30 million for disaster management strengthening project

The World Bank has provided Rs. 30 million to compensate for damages caused by Cyclone Ditta under a disaster management strengthening project, Meteorology Department Director General Athula Karunanayake, said today.

Schools in Deniyaya temporarily closed amid viral fever outbreak

Several schools in the Deniyaya Education Zone have been temporarily closed following reports of a viral disease similar to influenza spreading among students, provincial education authorities told the Daily Mirror.

One of the planet’s biggest cities is sinking so rapidly it’s visible from space

Mexico City is sinking at such an alarming rate that it’s visible from space. Imagery from a powerful NASA radar system is revealing subsidence rates of more than 0.5 inches a month — making the city one of the planet’s fasting-sinking capitals.

DMT warns of blacklisting over excessive vehicle smoke emissions

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has warned that vehicle owners who fail to comply with maintenance orders issued over excessive smoke emissions could face blacklisting, affecting access to key vehicle-related services.

How worried should we be about hantavirus?

The outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship carrying passengers from across the world is a situation that authorities say they are taking incredibly seriously.

SJB MP warns Sri Lanka becoming South Asia’s ‘safe haven’ for cybercriminals

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Gampaha District MP Amila Prasad has raised critical concerns regarding the misuse of the Port City project and the rise of organized cybercrime in Sri Lanka.

Aswesuma payment error: Rs. 248.8 mn to be recovered from May allowances

The Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) has confirmed that nearly 50,000 Aswesuma beneficiaries received duplicate payments due to a technical error during the distribution of a special New Year relief allowance, with authorities now moving to recover Rs. 248.8 million through deductions from May payments.

China announces suspended death sentences for former defence ministers

Two former Chinese defence ministers have been handed suspended death sentences on corruption charges, according to state media.

Parliament approves resolution to extend emergency by another month

Parliament today approved the resolution to extend the state of emergency for another month by a majority of 139 votes.

Renewable energy sector warns of collapse over Rs. 10 bn unpaid dues

Sri Lanka’s renewable energy industry has warned of a looming collapse as unpaid dues exceeding Rs. 10 billion continue to mount, with developers urging immediate government intervention to prevent widespread economic repercussions.

Heavy showers over 100 mm likely as heat index rises

The Meteorology Department has warned that prevailing showery conditions across the island are expected to continue over the next few days due to a low-level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka.

Speaker’s Private Secretary allocated official residence in Colombo

The Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry has allocated an official government residence in Colombo 04 to the Private Secretary of the Speaker Chamira Priyasanka Gallage.

Former OpenAI board member says Elon Musk offered her sperm donations

A former OpenAI board member has explained how her unconventional personal relationship with Elon Musk evolved into having four of his children.

Hantavirus-hit cruise ship on way to Canary Islands after three evacuated

Two people in a serious condition who were evacuated from a cruise ship with a confirmed outbreak of deadly hantavirus have arrived in the Netherlands for treatment, operator Oceanwide Expeditions has said.

Market rallies as easing global tensions boost investor confidence

The Colombo Stock Exchange extended its upward momentum today, supported by improving global sentiment following easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the gradual stabilization of international markets. The sharp decline in global oil prices, coupled with gains across major global equity indices, created a more favorable backdrop for emerging and frontier markets, positively influencing investor sentiment at the CSE.

Vietnamese president To Lam arrives in Sri Lanka tonight

President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, To Lam, is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka tonight (07) on a state visit, marking a significant milestone in the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Grade 6 admission appeals (2026) open May 8–29 via online system

The second round of appeal applications for admission to Grade 6 classes in schools for the 2026 academic year, based on the results of the 2025 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, will be accepted online from May 8 to May 29, 2026, the Ministry of Education said.

Sri Lanka’s Poverty Line recorded at Rs. 16,690 in March 2026

Sri Lanka’s official poverty line, the minimum monthly expenditure required per person to meet basic needs, increased to Rs. 16,690 in March 2026, according to the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS).