Mittal family set to own 75% of Rajasthan Royals in $1.65 billion deal

The Mittal Family has reached a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals in partnership with Adar Poonawalla. The deal, signed with current owner Manoj Badale and his consortium, values the franchise and its associated teams at about $1.65 billion.

Suspect shot while attempting to escape Police custody

Police opened fire on a suspect today (May 3) after he attempted to escape while being prepared for transport to the Galgamuwa Magistrate’s Court.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu arrives in Sri Lanka

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this afternoon, marking the commencement of a high-profile state visit to Sri Lanka.

Sajith’s speech at May Day rally - People left as it was late: MP

Referring to the report that people who were at the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) May Day rally walked out when Party Leader Sajith Premadasa began his speech, MP Harshana Rajakaruna said today that the people left the ground as it was late in the evening.

Mahinda Rajapaksa has not received CIABOC notice: Spokesman

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not received any official notice from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) regarding the controversial Airbus transaction, his media spokesman said.

Iran war: Trump reviewing new Tehran proposal with doubt

Donald Trump said on Saturday he was going to review a new peace proposal from Tehran but cast doubt over its prospects, saying Iran had not yet “paid a big enough price”.

Sri Lanka to tour West Indies for multi-format series in June-July

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced that the Sri Lanka men’s national cricket team will tour the West Indies cricket team in June and July 2026 for a full bilateral series.

Amber advisory for severe lightning issued for several provinces

The Meteorology Department has issued a severe lightning advisory, warning of thundershowers accompanied by intense lightning activity in several parts of the country today (3).

Gazette issued on VAT amendments effective from July 1

The Gazette notification outlining amendments to the Value Added Tax (VAT), scheduled to take effect from July 1, has been issued by the Ministry of Financial Planning and Economic Development.

Signs of increase in school transport fees due to fuel price hike

School transport fees are likely to increase in the near future following the latest revision in fuel prices, the All Island School Transport Professionals Association said.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, Piyankara Jayaratne summoned to Bribery commission

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Minister Piyankara Jayaratne have been summoned to appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on May 12, 2026.

Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko arrives in Sri Lanka

The Health Minister of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Murashko, accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in Sri Lanka this morning for a three-day official visit. The delegation landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake at 10:20 AM via Aeroflot flight SU-288, arriving directly from Moscow.

Over 120 foreign nationals arrested in Rajagiriya

The police have arrested at least 120 foreign nationals during a raid at a location on Meda Welikada Road in Rajagiriya. The group was taken into custody following reports of their involvement in large-scale illegal financial transactions and other illicit operations conducted within the country.

Oil tanker hijacked off coast of Yemen and taken towards Somalia

Somali pirates have hijacked an oil tanker off the coast of Yemen, according to multiple Somali security officials that spoke with the BBC.

OPEC+ members meet to set new oil quotas following UAE’s exit

Seven members of OPEC+ will meet today to decide on oil production levels for the first time since the UAE left the group.

Maldives President Muizzu arrives in Sri Lanka today

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today (May 3) on a state visit, marking his first official trip to the country since assuming office in 2023.

IRIS Dena sinking: Survivors testimony, diplomatic delays, and US-India-Sri Lanka role

The new evidence comes from Commander Abuzar Zarri, captain of the Dena, and the vessel’s first officer, who appeared in an Iranian television report released on April 21. Zarri, who had previously been reported dead, appeared injured and using a crutch.

Air India cuts international flights till July amid jet fuel price hike, closure of certain airspace

Air India is all set to cut its international flights till July because of a surge in jet fuel prices and the ongoing airspace restrictions that made several routes unprofitable, said the firm’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) Campbell Wilson on Friday.

Corruption of past rulers wasted resource-rich nation: PM

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said that Sri Lanka, despite being a country rich in resources, had been severely undermined due to corruption by past rulers.

37 foreign nationals arrested in Talangama cybercrime raid

A total of 37 foreign nationals, including a woman, have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in computer-related crimes following a raid in Talangama.

LIOC increases fuel prices following CPC revision

Following the fuel price hike by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation effective from midnight yesterday (02), the Lanka Indian Oil Company has also announced an increase in selected fuel prices.

Fuel prices increased from midnight

Fuel prices will be increased with effect from midnight today, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) announced.

AI in Higher Education: A shift that cannot be ignored?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept; it is already integrated into the daily lives of everyone, including students across Sri Lankan higher education institutions.

Iranian Ambassador links Minab tragedy with orphaned children in Colombo

Iranian Ambassador Alireza Delkhosh brought together the memory of the Minab school tragedy with the lives of orphaned children in Sri Lanka, turning a simple gathering at the Fathima Orphanage into a moment of shared sorrow, empathy and solidarity.

Final rites of suspended Finance Ministry official today

The final rites of Ranga Nishantha Rajapaksa, the suspended Assistant Director of the External Resources Department of the Ministry of Finance, are scheduled to take place this afternoon, May 2.

US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, US officials say

The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday, as ​a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe.

Tourist arrivals top 850,000 despite dip in March, April

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka have surpassed the 850,000 mark so far this year, despite a slowdown in recent months, said the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

An influential figure behind the appointment of Eran as the Chief of SLC Transition Committee: Chamara

There is an influential lady behind the appointment of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member Eran Wickremaratne as the Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) transitional committee, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) National Organiser Chamara Sampath Dassanayake alleged yesterday.

Fire at Kalutara IRD Office under investigation

Police have initiated an investigation into a fire that erupted at the Kalutara Regional Office of the Inland Revenue Department on Thursday (30) night.

24-year imprisonment for sexually abusing 15-year-old boy

A Dhamma school teacher who stood indicted with causing grave sexual abuse to a 15-year-old boy was found guilty and sentenced to 24 years’ rigorous imprisonment by Monaragala High Court Judge Dr. Damith Nalinda Hewawasam on Thursday (30).