Parliament approves regulations on free visa for 40 countries

Parliament today approved the regulations under the Immigration and Emigration Act which would allow free visa facility for 40 countries as proposed by the government in a move to boost tourism.

Sri Lankan workers resume departure for Israel jobs after airspace reopens

Sri Lankan workers bound for Israel have resumed departures following the reopening of Israeli airspace, which had been temporarily closed due to unrest in the Middle East.

Israeli attack kills son of Hamas leader negotiating with Trump-led board

An Israeli air strike has killed the son of Hamas’ chief negotiator in U.S.-mediated talks over Gaza’s future, a senior Hamas official said on Thursday, as leaders of ​the militant group held talks in Cairo aimed at safeguarding their truce with Israel.

Warrant issued for arrest of Kapila Chandrasena

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued a warrant for the arrest of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena over allegations that the bail conditions imposed by court had been violated through the production of unsuitable sureties.

Supreme Court orders Election Commission to hold Kalmunai, Sainthamaruthu polls

The Supreme Court today ordered the Election Commission to take steps, in accordance with the law, to conduct elections for the appointment of members to the Kalmunai Municipal Council and the Sainthamaruthu Urban Council.

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.

NPP councillor resigns from Kurunegala Municipal Council

B.W. Premachandra, a member of the National People’s Power (NPP) representing the Kurunegala Municipal Council, has resigned from his position, citing frustration over alleged corruption, administrative failures, and poor governance within the council.

Statements recorded from 21 individuals Over USD 2.5 million cyber theft: Ananda Wijepala

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has so far recorded statements from 21 individuals over the USD 2.5 million cyber theft at the Finance Ministry, Public Security Minister Ananada Wijepala said today.

Harsha dismisses rumours of joining government

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva rejected speculations that he is preparing to join the government.

North Korea says it is not bound by any treaty on nuclear non-proliferation

North Korea’s envoy to the United Nations has declared that Pyongyang will not be bound by any treaty on atomic weapons and that no external pressure will change its status as a nuclear-armed state.

Eatery prices revised due to rising LAUGFS gas costs

The Restaurant Owners Association has announced a revision of food and beverage prices at eateries using LAUGFS Gas, following increased operational costs linked to rising gas prices.

Vehicle number plates printing to commence by June: Prasanna Gunasena

Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena said today the printing of vehicle number plates will commence by June 10, 2026.

Rathugala Indigenous village leader passes away

The leader of the Rathugala indigenous village in the Madulla Division, Danigala Maha Bandalage Sudha Wannila Aththo, has passed away at the age of 62, police said.

Apple to pay up to $95 to some US iPhone buyers over AI lawsuit

Apple has agreed to pay some iPhone buyers a collective $250m (£184m) to end a lawsuit accusing the company of misleading people about new artificial intelligence (AI) features and capabilities.

Agricultural road projects launched in Puttalam under SARP programme

Development work on several agricultural roads in the Puttalam District has commenced under the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Programme (SARP), with projects launched in the Anamaduwa, Pallama and Nawagattegama Divisional Secretariat divisions under the patronage of State Minister Professor Chandana Abayarathne.

CID, CERT to seek international technical assistance to identify cybercrimes against women: Minister

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT)are seeking international technical assistance to identify cybercrimes committed against women by misusing their images.

Child dies after surgery to remove swallowed battery

A child who swallowed a discarded button battery used for wrist watches had died after two days despite being treated at the Galle national hospital.

Govt urged to clarify reports on digital ID tender awarded to Indian company

The government should immediately clarify reports that the tender for Sri Lanka’s proposed digital identity card project is being awarded to an Indian company, National Trade Union and Civil Front Convener Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

US $ 2.5 million cyber theft, bank fraud will undermine investor confidence, creditor trust: economist

A top economist said that the US $ 2.5 million cyber theft and the bank fraud case will undermine investor confidence and creditor trust in Sri Lanka.

Health officials warn of rising skin cancer cases

Health authorities have raised alarm over a growing number of skin cancer cases, urging the public to take preventive measures against excessive exposure to sunlight.

Aswesuma funds paid twice

In what appeared to be yet another transaction error on the part of the NPP government, Aswesuma beneficiaries have been paid twice, the Daily Mirror learns.

PAFFREL urges govt. to stop “technical excuses” and hold PC elections

The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi has issued a stern call to the government to stop utilizing ’’technical excuses’’ and committee appointments as a means to delay Provincial Council (PC) elections.

Iran considering US proposal to end war, official says

Iran says a US proposal to end the war is ’’still being considered’’, after reports that the two sides could be close to an agreement.

Electric buses key to resolving private bus industry crisis: Gemunu

The only sustainable solution to the severe financial and technological crisis faced by Sri Lanka’s private bus industry is a transition to electric buses, Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne, said.

Currency pressure returns as Sri Lankan rupee slips past Rs.324 against US dollar

The Sri Lankan rupee weakened beyond the Rs.324 mark against the US dollar yesterday for the first time in more than two years, raising fresh concerns over the country’s fragile external balance sheet and rising foreign debt pressures.

Laugfs gas price exceeds Rs. 6,000

Laugfs gas price exceeds Rs. 6,000 as domestic LPG prices were revised upwards with effect from last night (6), the company announced.

Women to play with small balls

England fly-half Zoe Harrison says the introduction of smaller balls for this autumn’s WXV Global Series is “the worst decision someone has ever made”. Size 4.5 balls - about 3% smaller, but the same weight as a regulation size five - will be used for the tournament in September and October.

120 foreign suspects remanded without visas

The Officer in charge of the Welikada Police today informed the Colombo Additional Magistrate Nuwan Kaushalya that there is a suspicion whether the 120 foreign nationals who were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal financial fraud while residing in the country without valid visas are also connected to the incident involving the misappropriation of USD 2.5 million from the Treasury by hackers.

CNN founder Ted Turner dies at 87

Ted Turner, the media maverick and philanthropist who founded CNN, a pioneering 24-hour network that revolutionized television news, died peacefully Wednesday, surrounded by his family, according to a news release from Turner Enterprises. He was 87.

Strangled in the cradle

Whoever declared that volleyball should be the National game of Sri Lanka must be rolling in his or her grave if not kicking their heels as the sport has been dealt a virtual death blow in the cradle.