Almost 1.2 billion people living with mental disorders worldwide as case numbers nearly double since 1990

Globally, mental health disorders have nearly doubled since 1990, with new research finding almost 1.2 billion people worldwide are living with a mental health condition.

Man nabbed over alleged Rs. 10 million Canada job scam

A man accused of defrauding more than Rs. 10 million by posing as a representative of a non-governmental organization (NGO) and promising employment opportunities in Canada has been arrested by special investigation officers of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

Nascar champion Kyle Busch dies aged 41

Two-time Nascar Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has died, aged 41.

Pallegama Hemarathana Thera granted bail in case of abuse of a minor

The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has ordered the release on bail of Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, who is accused of sexual abuse of a minor girl.

Kuwait to gradually resume international flights

The Public Authority of Civil Aviation announced Thursday that Arab and foreign airline flights will resume at Kuwait International Airport on a phased basis starting June 1, following the completion of repair and rehabilitation work at Terminal 1 after damage caused by the Iranian attack on the airport in early March.

Warrant issued for Basil Rajapaksa

Matara Chief Magistrate Chaturanga Eranga Dissanayake has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka invites Vietnamese investors, unveils 30 projects

Sri Lanka has declared itself open for investment, highlighting a reformed and stabilised economy with strong growth prospects and a structured pipeline of investment opportunities across multiple sectors. The message was delivered by Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Acting Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka, at the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Trade, Investment & Tourism Cooperation Forum held on 8 May 2026.

Heavy rains disrupt transport; Colombo–Avissawella Road submerged

Continuous heavy rainfall experienced from Thursday night (21) has disrupted transport and daily life in several areas, with parts of the Colombo–Avissawella High Level Road going under water at Hingurala and Eswatta, causing severe traffic obstruction on Friday morning.

21 alleged underworld members deported from Dubai arrive in Sri Lanka

A group of 21 alleged underworld members who were reportedly deported from Dubai arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (22), according to police sources.

Father of two arrested over alleged sexual abuse of 13-year-old schoolgirl

A 40-year-old father of two has been arrested by the Lidula Police on suspicion of impregnating a 13-year-old schoolgirl, authorities confirmed on Friday morning.

New cyber security law to be introduced soon: Deputy Minister

A new cyber security law will be introduced under which a Cyber Security Regulatory Authority will be introduced soon, Deputy Minister of Digital Infrastructure Eranga Weeraratne told Parliament today.

Heavy rains raise Castlereagh, Maussakelle water levels

Heavy rainfall recorded in the Castlereagh and Maussakelle catchment areas has led to a rise in reservoir water levels, reservoir engineers said.

14 students confirmed with meningitis in Uva Province

Health officials have confirmed that 10 students showing symptoms of meningitis are currently receiving treatment at the Welimada Base Hospital, while a further 18 students with similar symptoms are being treated at the Diyatalawa Base Hospital.

No decision to ban vehicle imports or restrict other imports: Deputy Minister

The government has not taken any decision to ban vehicle imports or restrict other imports, Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha said today.

Handle the economy diligently: Opposition

Few opposition political parties yesterday urged the government to act diligently and manage the sliding of the rupee to save the economy.

144 financial cybercrime cases under investigation this year

A total number of 144 cybercrime cases are under investigation this year, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala revealed in Parliament yesterday.

Mangrove guardian project launched in Chankanai

The Mangrove Guardian Project, funded by ChildFund Sri Lanka and implemented by Save a Life, was officially launched at the Chankanai Divisional Secretariat with the participation of senior government officials, stakeholders, and members of the Arali South community.

Tobacco-Free Generation policies face legal and practical challenges

The concept of creating a ’Tobacco-Free Generation’ (TFG) through legislation that bans tobacco sales to people born after a specified year is facing increasing scrutiny globally, with critics pointing to legal, economic and practical challenges experienced by countries attempting to introduce such measures.

Imposed Customs duty surcharge had favoured brand-new vehicle importers: Importers

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has raised concerns over the impact of the government’s recently imposed 50 percent surcharge on Customs Import Duties for most imported motor vehicles, claiming that the measure might have been abused by brand new vehicle import agents, even though the government has done it in good faith.

Can Sri Lanka navigate its way out of crisis?

As the nation grapples with a volatile cocktail of fiscal mismanagement, soaring inflation, an escalating energy crisis, high taxation, and the looming threat of El Nino, economic forecasters are revising their growth projections for 2026. In this week’s analysis, One could examine the entangled challenges threatening the island’s fragile recovery and asks the critical question on every citizen’s mind, ’’how do we move forward’’

Provincial Council elections cannot be conducted this year - Tilvin

The elections to the Provincial Councils cannot be conducted this year because of current developments in the country, an official said.

Ampara district special coordinating committee meeting under presidential patronage

The Ampara District Special Coordinating Committee meeting is scheduled to be held this afternoon (22) at the auditorium of the Ampara District Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Over 92,000 applications received for 1,989 Health Assistant vacancies

More than 92,000 applications have been received for the recruitment of 1,989 vacancies for the post of Health Assistant (Junior) Grade III in government hospitals and healthcare institutions, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media stated.

Opposition wants party leaders’ meeting to discuss economic crisis

The Opposition today called for a party leaders’ meeting to discuss the current economic crisis and decide what Parliament could do about it, while the ruling party said there is no such necessity.

US to send 5,000 more troops to Poland, Trump says

President Donald Trump has said the US will be sending an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, a week after the Pentagon cancelled a planned deployment of 4,000 troops to the country.

Landslide warnings issued for six districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide early warnings for six districts following adverse weather conditions prevailing across the country.

Minor flood warning issued for low-lying areas of Kelani River valley

The Department of Irrigation has issued a minor flood warning in the low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley within the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ruwanwella, Seethawaka, Dompe, Dehiovita, Eheliyagoda, Yatiyantota and Bulathkohupitiya.

Nearly 100,000 uncollected number plates pile up: DMT

Nearly one hundred thousand vehicle number plates printed during 2023 and 2024, but not yet collected by vehicle owners, are currently piled up within its premises, the Department of Motor Transport (DMT) announced.

South-West monsoon strengthens; Over 300 mm heavy rain in Gampaha and Kegalle

The South-West monsoon is gradually becoming established over the island, with more than 300 mm of heavy rainfall recorded in the Gampaha and Kegalle districts this morning, Director of the Meteorology Department Merril Mendis said.

Nine flights diverted due to heavy rain at Katunayake airport

Heavy rainfall experienced in the early hours of May 22 around the Katunayake International Airport caused significant disruption to flight operations, the Airport Duty Officer said.