Sri Lanka warned of Rs. 380+ emergency measures needed now not tomorrow - Former Diplomat Kananathan

Sri Lanka’s rupee has once again come under severe pressure, sliding rapidly to around Rs. 354 against the US dollar this morning, raising fresh concerns about the country’s fragile external sector and declining foreign reserve position.

A major bureaucratic reshuffle in the offing?

In a major shift within Sri Lanka’s diplomatic postings, the Daily Mirror learns that Sri Lanka’s current Ambassador to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe will return back to the country in July after ending his term. It is learnt that Samarasinghe will likely be replaced by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Secretary, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake as the new Ambassador to Washington DC.

Risk of medicine shortage due to dollar crisis, trade union warns

The ongoing depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar could trigger a shortage of medicines in both the public and private sectors, Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa warned.

Angry crowd sets Ebola hospital tents on fire in DR Congo

An angry crowd set alight a section of a hospital at the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after family and friends of a young man thought to have died from the virus were prevented from taking his body away for burial.

Kalu Ganga water levels rise; Minor flood warning issued

Heavy rainfall pounding the Kalu Ganga Basin has triggered a warning of possible minor flooding in several low-lying areas of Ratnapura District within the next few hours, authorities said.

Prevailing rain in South-West to continue for hours

The Meteorology Department says the South-West monsoon is gradually getting established over the island, with prevailing rainy conditions over the south-western parts expected to continue during the next few hours.

Four unbeaten teams clash for top spot

The Dialog Schools Rugby League tournament is now in full flow with the completion of the fourth round matches last week and now reaching the tail-end stage of the league segment before it shifts to the Cup segment.

No religious sentiments in cricket says new chief

Head of the Sri Lanka Cricket’s Transformation Committee, Eran Wickremaratne, buried accusations against his religious conviction and at the same time asked a responsible media to show proof that his Christian beliefs stood in the way of others and will it stand in the way of fair-play in cricket administration.

Air France and Airbus found guilty of manslaughter over 2009 plane crash

Air France and Airbus have been found guilty of manslaughter over a 2009 plane crash which killed 228 people.

Cricket back to People and Parliament

Cricket in Sri Lanka is on the pathway for an unprecedented overhaul into the realms of accountability, decency and responsibility, the new Transformation Committee of the sport declared at its first meeting of journalists today nearly a month after replacing a despised hierarchy that nine out of ten people wanted dismissed.

Sri Lanka women snatch 1-0 lead in thriller

Sri Lanka A women pulled off a thrilling three wicket win with three balls to spare against the visiting New Zealand A women in the first of the three match T20 series at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium today to take a 1-0 lead.

Subcommittee to probe Norochcholai Power Plant environmental impact

A subcommittee has been appointed to carry out a detailed investigation into the environmental impact of the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant, following concerns raised during discussions at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability.

IRD surpasses Rs. one trillion tax revenue milestone

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced that it has successfully collected over Rs. one trillion in tax revenue as of May 18, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s fiscal performance.

Sub-Inspector among five officers held over alleged gold robbery

Five police officers, including a Sub-Inspector, who were arrested and produced before court over the alleged robbery of more than two kilograms of gold worth over Rs. 100 million, were remanded till June 1 and ordered to be produced for an identification parade on that date by Colombo Additional Magistrate Darshika Premaratne.

Record 274 climbers scale Mount Everest in a single day from Nepali side

A record number of 274 climbers scaled Mount Everest on Wednesday, a hiking ‌official said, the highest number ever to reach the world’s tallest peak on the same day from the Nepali side.

Complaints filed over Dilum Amunugama’s ‘prostitute’ remark about minor witness

Complaints have been lodged regarding remarks allegedly made by Dilum Amunugama, the National Organizer of the political movement Sarva Jana Balaya, during a public media conference held yesterday (20), in which a minor girl under state care was reportedly referenced in a manner described as derogatory.

South-West monsoon gradually establishing over Sri Lanka

The Meteorology Department says the South-West monsoon is gradually establishing over the island, bringing increased rainfall and strong winds to several parts of the country.

New Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee named

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, has approved the appointment of a new Selection Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket following a request made by the board.

Supreme Leader says enriched uranium must stay in Iran, Iranian sources say

Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive that the country’s near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad, two senior Iranian sources said, hardening Tehran’s stance on one of the ​main U.S. demands at peace talks.

Anti-drug youth summit to be held on June 26

An anti-drug youth summit will be held on June 26 under the “A Nation United” national programme aimed at eradicating the drug menace in Sri Lanka.

Early optimism fades as currency pressure triggers market pullback

The Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a volatile trading session today, as early optimism driven by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East was later overshadowed by concerns surrounding the sharp depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar. Positive developments regarding the de-escalation of the Middle East conflict initially lifted investor sentiment,

PUCSL urges public to ensure safe electricity use for Vesak decorations

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has urged the public to follow proper electrical safety measures when illuminating Vesak lanterns and decorations to prevent accidents during the festive season.

Sajith calls for meeting of Opposition parties

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for an urgent meeting of Opposition political parties representing Parliament and other stakeholders to discuss the Forex crisis which Sri Lanka is currently facing, the Opposition Leader’s office said.

‘Cockroach Janta Party’: Top Indian judge’s comment sparks satire, protest

Abhijeet Dipke has barely slept in the last 72 hours, fielding waves of messages on social media after a casual joke took an unexpected turn.

Frontline Socialist Party seeks court order to recover substandard coal losses

Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal seeking an order directing the relevant authorities to recover losses arising from the supply of substandard coal to the Lakvijaya Power Plant from the responsible suppliers.

Health Ministry urges hot beverages instead of soft drinks at Dansals

The Ministry of Health has urged organizers of Vesak Dansals to encourage the distribution of hot beverages such as tea and coffee instead of soft drinks, citing concerns over the spread of waterborne diseases.

Fed up with all politicians: Cardinal

Expressing his displeasure on all politicians, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said he is fed up with all politicians.

Insects in imported Chrysanthemum flowers destroying Sri Lankan food crops: MP

An insect called ‘White Fly’ which was inside 16 containers of Chrysanthemum flowers imported to Sri Lanka is destroying Sri Lankan food crops, Opposition MP D.V. Chanaka told Parliament today.

Govt. seeks safety guarantees for Sri Lankan detained by Israel

The Sri Lankan government expressed deep concern and profound distress over footage posted by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which appears to depict the dehumanising treatment of detainees of the “Global Sumud Flotilla’’, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.

Police issue traffic, security plan for Vesak season

The Sri Lanka Police has announced a comprehensive island-wide security and traffic management programme ahead of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day on May 30, 2026, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for devotees nationwide.