New species of Spiny mouse discovered in Sri Lanka’s Dumbara mountain range

A new species of spiny mouse has been discovered in Sri Lanka’s Puwakpitiya Valley in the Dumbara (Knuckles) Mountain Range, adding to the island’s rich record of endemic biodiversity.

PM urges unity for peaceful Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her message marking Eid-ul-Adha or the Hajji Festival, called on all citizens to rise above differences and work together in unity and solidarity to build a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka.

President calls for unity and compassion in Eid al-Adha message

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Eid al-Adha message issued today, called on citizens to embrace the values of peace, brotherhood and sacrifice while highlighting the importance of unity and compassion in a world affected by conflict and division.

IMF approves US$695 Million disbursement to Sri Lanka after completing fifth and sixth reviews

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews of Sri Lanka’s economic reform programme under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, paving the way for an immediate disbursement of SDR 508 million (approximately US$695 million).

Major rivers remain at normal levels: Irrigation Department

Water levels in most major rivers across the country remain at normal levels despite prevailing showery conditions, the Irrigation Department said.

US carries out new strikes on Iran military site

The US military has carried out new strikes on Iran, targeting a military site in Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city.

Heavy showers expected today

Showers and thundershowers are expected to continue across several parts of the country today, with fairly heavy rainfall of about 75 mm likely in parts of the south-western region, the Meteorology Department said.

Oil rebounds after news of US strikes on Iranian military site

Oil prices jumped about 2% in early Thursday trading after ​Reuters reported fresh U.S. strikes overnight on an Iranian ‌military site, escalating tensions even as Washington and Tehran negotiate to end their three-month conflict.

Restoring health and sanitation to rural schools

True community service goes beyond temporary relief and instead builds lasting systems for future generations. This principle guided Project Flowing Hope, a multi-phase infrastructure initiative implemented by the Rotaract Club of Kandy in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Kandy and the Educate Lanka Foundation.

School Coaches Told: Produce Players, Not Victories

Sri Lanka’s new cricket coach Gary Kirsten has delivered a strong message to school coaches telling them to be responsible for producing players and not bask in the number of wins.

Sri Lanka Sevens Off to France for Howard Hinton Tournament

Sri Lanka Rugby has named a strong 12-member touring squad for the Howard Hinton Sevens Tournament in France, as the national sevens outfit looks to gain valuable international exposure against top European opposition.

Station Masters unaware of maintenance operation, SLRSMU alleges

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has raised concerns over a serious procedural lapse following an accident between Mirigama and Ambepussa, where an S9 power set train engine reportedly collided with a mini excavator engaged in signal maintenance work along the railway line.

Parents raise concerns over collections at Thurstan College

A controversy has erupted over alleged fund and donation collections at Thurstan College, Colombo, with a parents’ union claiming the school has been requesting dry rations and school supplies from parents despite the government’s stance that schools have no legal authority to collect money.

CBK calls for urgent reform drive in Buddha Sasana

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has called for urgent reforms within the Buddhist monastic order, warning that the Buddha Sasana is facing increasingly serious challenges that require a structured and long-term response.

Islandwide liquor shops to remain closed for Vesak

The Excise Department has announced that all liquor stores across the island will remain closed on May 30 and 31 in view of the 2026 Vesak Festival.

42 of 64 MUSSD laboratories not functioning properly: Review meeting told

Forty-two out of the 64 laboratories under the Measurement Units, Standards and Services Department (MUSSD) are currently not functioning properly, officials were informed at a progress review meeting held at the department in Homagama.

Public warned over AI fake news using PM’s name

It has been revealed that fabricated news content using the name, photographs, and video footage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is being widely circulated on social media platforms, alongside the unauthorized use of official logos of various media institutions and news websites.

Opposition MPs call for select committee to look into fluctuation of rupee

Some 40 Opposition MPs have called for a select committee to look into the fluctuation of the rupee and to review the powers given to the Central Bank, it was revealed.

Singapore court orders six-month jail term for Byju Raveendran over contempt

A Singapore court sentenced Byju’s founder Byju Raveendran to six months in jail for contempt of court over alleged non-compliance with disclosure orders, but the entrepreneur said the ruling was “procedural,” denied wrongdoing and that he planned to appeal.

Train engine collides with mini excavator on main line near Mirigama

A train engine operating between Mirigama and Ambepussa was involved in an accident on Tuesday after colliding with a mini excavator engaged in signal maintenance work along the railway line.

Two Chinese nationals nabbed at BIA for cigarette smuggling over Rs. 75 mn

Two foreign passengers have been arrested by Sri Lanka Customs after they were allegedly caught attempting to smuggle a large consignment of foreign-made cigarettes through the Green Channel at the arrival terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Central Expressway second phase to be inaugurated on Friday

The inauguration ceremony of the second phase of the third section of the Central Expressway Project, covering the Rambukkana to Galagedara stretch, is scheduled to be held on Friday (29) at the Galagedara Public Stadium.

Southwest monsoon fully established; Showery conditions to continue across island

The southwest monsoon has fully established over Sri Lanka, with prevailing showery weather conditions expected to continue across the south-western parts of the country, the Department of Meteorology said.

Meat shops, casinos and race bookies to close during Vesak week

The Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry has announced that meat shops, slaughterhouses, race bookies, casinos and clubs will be closed on May 30, May 31 and June 1.

200 meningitis cases reported across country: Health Bureau

The Health Promotion Bureau today said that around 200 meningitis cases have been reported from several parts of the country, with nearly 50 patients currently receiving treatment in hospitals across four districts.

Major film union in India calls for boycott of superstar Ranveer Singh

Fans of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh are reacting with shock after a major film workers’ union asked its members not to work with him over his alleged abrupt exit from the upcoming movie Don 3.

Health experts urge vigilance over suspected Ebola case in India

Health experts have urged the public to remain vigilant following reports of a suspected Ebola case in India, while stressing that Sri Lanka currently faces a low risk of transmission.

Report reveals ‘serious labor abuses’ endured by Malaiyaha Tamil workers in private tea estates

A new report launched by Amnesty International found that members of the Malaiyaha Tamil community in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province suffered multiple and widespread forms of abuse including intimidation and threats, physical violence, debt bondage, restrictions on movement and poor working and living conditions.

Israel says new head of Hamas’ military wing killed in Gaza City strikes

Israel says it has killed Hamas’s armed wing commander Mohammed Odeh in a strike in Gaza on Tuesday - days after his predecessor died in a similar attack.

Welikada Police OIC arrested for extorting Chinese nationals

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Welikada Police Station has been arrested for illegally withholding the passports of a group of Chinese nationals and attempting to extort money for their release.