Questioning former First Lady gives rise to more issues: UNP

The questioning of former First Lady Professor Maithree Wickremesimghe by the CID has given rise to many issues including health risks, a senior figure of the United National Party (UNP) said today.

Market ends flat as cautious sentiment persists

The Colombo Stock Exchange traded within a narrow range and closed on a largely flat note, with both indices ending near their opening levels, reflecting a lack of clear market direction. Subdued turnover and lower share volumes highlighted weak investor conviction, as participants continued to adopt a wait-and-see approach amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Netanyahu reveals he quietly underwent treatment for undisclosed prostate cancer

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quietly underwent treatment for prostate cancer, he said Friday, as he publicized the results of his annual medical examination.

President must disclose recipient of $2.5m transfer: Namal

National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Namal Rajapaksa has called on the President to immediately reveal the recipient of a controversial US$2.5 million transfer, alleging that the government is attempting to conceal multiple financial irregularities.

Spain PM dismisses report on US mulling Nato membership suspension over Iran rift

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday dismissed a Reuters report that an internal Pentagon email explored adverse ways for the United States to deal with Nato allies who Washington believes failed to support the US’s military campaign against Iran, with one of the options being suspension of Spain’s membership of the military coalition.

Bus operators in hot water over unfair fare hikes

Police have warned that legal action will be taken against bus operators found charging fares above the approved rates, following a surge in public complaints.

ICC confirms crimes against humanity trial of ex-Philippine leader Duterte

Judges ⁠at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have confirmed all three counts of murder as crimes against ⁠humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and committed him to trial.

Registration of Vesak ‘Dansal’ begins; PHIs warn of action over non-compliance

The registration process for ‘Dansal’ organised islandwide in view of the upcoming Vesak Poya has already commenced, Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) said.

Microsoft and Meta announce large staff reductions as they spend big on AI

Meta and Microsoft are trimming their workforces by thousands as they make heavy investments in AI and executives claim that the technology is meeting their companies’ productivity needs.

Wadduwa derailment: Partial line clearance underway, services still disrupted

The efforts are underway to clear the obstruction caused by the derailment of the “Sagarika” train near Wadduwa Railway Station today (24), with plans to restore at least one track before evening office hours to resume commuter services, the Railway Department says

Liquor shops to close for three days in May

All liquor shops islandwide will be closed for three days in May in view of International Workers’ Day and the Vesak festival, the Department of Excise said.

ID office warns of financial fraud using its name

The Department for Registration of Person (ID Office) warned that a certain party is misappropriating the name of the Department to obtain personal information and commit financial fraud.

Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar rejects Pujith Jayasundara’s request to amend dock statement

The Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar today rejected a request by former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara, an accused in the Easter Sunday bomb attacks case, seeking permission to add fresh facts to a statement he had made from the dock.

Australia offers support over Finance Ministry system fraud: PM

The government is taking necessary legal action over a recent financial fraud involving unauthorized access to the computer system of the Department of External Resources under the Ministry of Finance, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated.

Report on Cardinal’s resignation fake: Sri Lankan Catholic Church

The news which is being circulated with the headline Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malclom Ranjith is to resign, is fake, spokesman for the Sri Lankan Catholic Church Fr. Jude Krishantha said today.

High Court to recall Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s case on June 10

Colombo High Court Judge Rashmi Singappuli today ordered that the case filed by the Attorney General against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grandmother Daisy Forrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act be recalled on June 10.

Johnston Fernando granted bail

Former Minister Johnston Fernando was granted bail by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court after spending four months in remand custody over a case involving the alleged misuse of a Lanka Sathosa lorry.

Sri Lanka launches first national event calendar to boost industry

Sri Lanka’s first-ever national event calendar was launched in Colombo yesterday (23) under the patronage of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti.

Man rescued after climbing traffic light near Presidential Secretariat

A man who climbed onto a traffic light in front of the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo was safely rescued this morning by Police and firefighters.

Norway plans to ban social media use by children under 16

Norway said on Friday it would present ​a bill in parliament by year-end ‌to ban children from using social media until they turn 16, making technology companies responsible ​for the task of age verification.

Former First Lady Maithree Wickremesinghe questioned by CID

Former First Lady Maithree Wickremesinghe is currently being questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), a spokesperson from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office said.

Railway officials begin clearing derailed Sagarika train on coastal line

Clearing work has begun on the Sagarika train that derailed earlier this morning on the coastal railway line.

Gazette issued amending Vesak holiday

The government has amended the public holiday originally granted for May 2, 2026, moving it to May 31, 2026, following the declaration of Vesak Week from May 27 to June 2, 2026.

Govt low-income housing projects left abandoned, many houses destroyed

Houses built under government housing assistance programmes for low-income families between 2015 and 2019 have been found abandoned and in a damaged condition in the Polonnaruwa District.

Thundershowers expected islandwide after 1 p.m. today

The Meteorology Department has issued a warning saying that showers and thundershowers are expected in many parts of the country after 1.00 p.m. today.

Failed vehicle number plate project led to removal of province code

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has admitted that the removal of province codes from vehicle number plates was due to a failed project.

Oil rises above $106 per barrel as US, Iran deadlocked in Strait of Hormuz

Oil prices have jumped on heightened tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz following Washington and Tehran’s tit-for-tat captures of commercial vessels.

Two forest areas to be declared reserves during “Walk for Peace”

Two forest areas are to be declared as protected reserves today in connection with the ongoing “Walk for Peace” programme.

Medical data of half a million Britons listed for sale on Chinese website, government says

The medical data of half a million volunteers to Biobank, the UK’s health information database, has been offered for sale online, the government has said.

Tamil Nadu 2026 elections: Record 85% voter turnout

This live blog is now closedPolling to elect the 17 th Tamil Nadu Assembly was held on Thursday (April 23, 2026) from 7 a.m. till 6 p.m.