Ambuluwaawa to host first-ever Vesak Cultural Zone

A unique Vesak Zone will be introduced for the first time within the Ambuluwaawa Tourist Destination, as the Ambuluwaawa Religious and Biodiversity Complex prepares to host special celebrations on May 29, 30, and 31 to mark Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and its 30th anniversary.

Iran claims it shot down US’ MQ-9 drone amid peace talks

Iran has claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone and fired at a fighter jet that entered Iranian airspace. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Iranian forces ’’fired upon an RQ-4 drone and an intruding F-35 fighter jet’’, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Drivers using dangerous drugs: raiding continues; 05 found at Nugegoda bus stand

The Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry has intensified a special programme to identify public transport drivers and conductors using dangerous drugs, as part of its ongoing Road Safety Plan aimed at improving passenger safety and service standards.

New Director General appointed to Management Services Department

The Cabinet has approved the appointment of M.K.D.N. Madampe as the new Director General of the Management Services Department with immediate effect.

Cabinet approves PMB paddy sale for Yala purchases

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to sell part of the paddy stocks currently held by the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) in order to create storage space and generate funds for upcoming paddy purchases during the Yala season.

SJB considering street protests : Marikkar

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said today it is considering street protests as the President has turned a deaf ear to its request of calling for an all party conference to discuss the current forex crisis.

Sri Lanka receives first commercial-scale Battery Energy Storage System through Colombo Port

Sri Lanka’s first commercial-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has arrived in the country through the Colombo Port, marking a significant step toward strengthening national grid stability and accelerating renewable energy integration.

No fuel shortage, sufficient stocks until July: CPC

Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks to meet demand until the end of July, Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL), Mayura Nettikumarage, said.

Dozens of drones crash into Sydney harbour after light show glitch

Almost 90 drones fell from the sky over Sydney’s Darling Harbour during a popular winter light show, with footage showing devices splashing into the water, close to crowds.

NHDA conducts first-ever cut-off test for employees to enable promotions

For the first time in its history, the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) has conducted a cut-off test for its employees, paving the way for more than 1,000 staff members to obtain promotions across salary grades from the Primary Salary Group to the HM 1-3 Salary Group.

Prime Minister Harini to visit Pakistan next month

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya is scheduled to visit Pakistan in late June, High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major General Dr. Nayyar Naseer said.

Top Japan baseball manager resigns after assault

Shinnosuke Abe, manager of the Yomiuri Giants, one of Japan’s most popular baseball teams, takes part in a news conference in Tokyo today.

Wannila Aththo regains heritage lands after court battle

The Mahaweli Development Authority today informed the Court of Appeal that the land acquired by the Authority for the proposed Agriculture and Livestock Development Project would be released back to the indigenous community for their use.

12-hour water cut in Mahara and Gampaha

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a temporary suspension of water supply in the Mahara and Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha areas due to essential maintenance work linked to the construction of the Central Expressway.

Ministerial fuel quota cuts to fund fishermen’s welfare: Deputy Minister

Funds saved through reductions in ministers’ fuel quotas and other privileges will be directly channelled towards the welfare of the fishing community, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Ratna Gamage said.

Rupee strengthens further as dollar selling rates decline

The Sri Lankan Rupee appreciated further against the US Dollar today (26), according to the latest exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

Minister chairs special talks to speed up Puttalam drinking water projects

A special discussion was held yesterday (25) at the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, chaired by Minister Professor Chandana Abayaratne, focusing on the severe drinking water crisis faced by residents in the area and issues surrounding the Kala Oya and Ma Oya water supply projects aimed at resolving long-standing water shortages in several Divisional Secretariat divisions of the Puttalam District.

Uva drug ring used “Trump–Putin” codes, WhatsApp to mask trade

Investigations have revealed that the group allegedly used WhatsApp messages, mobile location sharing, and coded identities such as “Trump” and “Putin,” along with images of the U.S. and Russian presidents, to coordinate drug distribution and conceal communications. Payments were reportedly made via an e-cash system.

Pilgrims gather at Arafat for spiritual climax of Hajj

More than 1.6 million pilgrims gathered Tuesday on the Plain of Arafat for the most sacred and spiritually defining stage of the Hajj pilgrimage, in scenes of intense devotion and prayer reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Ready to hold PC elections at any time: Election Commission informs Select Committee

The Parliamentary Select Committee to look into and report to Parliament on the matter of selecting the Electoral System under which the Provincial Council Elections should be held and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, has sought views from the Attorney General’s Department and members of the Election Commission.

Deputy Minister calls for joint plan to maintain Colombo canals and walkways

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara has called for the implementation of a joint institutional plan for the regular maintenance of reservoirs, canals and walkways in Colombo and surrounding urban areas.

Child abuse cases on the rise in Uva Province

According to the Department of Probation and Child Care, 80 child abuse cases have been reported from the Uva Province in the last five months.

Judgment in Sarana Gunawardena corruption cases postponed

The delivery of the judgment in four corruption cases filed against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena was today postponed to June 9 by the Colombo High Court.

Sri Lanka’s honey industry stung by bitter shortfalls

Sri Lanka produces only around 50 metric tonnes of bees honey annually, far short of the national requirement of nearly 200 metric tonnes, according to P. Sisira Kumara, Director of Extension and Training at the Department of Agriculture.

US $ 2.5 million cyber theft: Australian Federal Police in Aussie mission helping SL police

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers based in the Australian High Commission are currently assisting the Sri Lanka Police in their investigations into the cyber theft of US $ 2.5 million meant for payment to the Australian Government as part of debt servicing, an official said.

Sri Lankans turn to renovating old homes as building costs soar

A dramatic shift is underway in Sri Lanka’s real estate sector as investors and homebuyers increasingly opt to purchase lands with existing structures for renovation, stepping away from ground-up developments.

Southwest monsoon brings heavy rain, strong winds across island

The Meteorological Department said the southwest monsoon is gradually establishing over Sri Lanka, with a further increase in rainfall expected across the southwestern parts of the island.

Netanyahu says Israel will intensify strikes against Hezbollah

The Israeli military says it has begun a wave of strikes across Lebanon following an announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his country will intensify its attacks on Hezbollah.

Badulla Teaching Hospital merges SICU and MICU due to doctor shortage

A shortage of doctors at the Badulla Teaching Hospital has prompted authorities to merge the hospital’s Special Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) units and operate them as a single SICU unit from today, hospital sources said.

Central Bank hikes key interest rates amid rising inflation pressures

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 100 basis points, bringing it to 8.75%. Following this adjustment, the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR)—which are linked to the OPR with predetermined margins of $\pm$ 50 basis points—have been increased to 8.25% and 9.25%, respectively.