PM reminds tourism sector not to ignore domestic market amid global shocks

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya called on the tourism industry not to overlook the domestic market as a vital buffer against ongoing global shocks, urging stakeholders to prioritise high-quality, sustainable experiences over sheer visitor volume.

Sri Lanka sugar crisis looms, milk powder prices may surge: Importers

Sri Lanka could face a major sugar supply and price crisis, along with potential price hikes in imported milk powder and other essential food items, after India suspended sugar exports and the Sri Lankan Rupee continued to weaken sharply against the US Dollar, the Essential Food Importers Association warned yesterday.

Specialist calls for stronger airport screening and public caution urged over Ebola risk

Health experts have given mixed signals over the risk of Ebola entering Sri Lanka, with one specialist saying there is no immediate danger, even as he calls for stronger screening at airports and greater public caution.

Thailand to slash tourist visa-free stays

Thailand’s cabinet has approved a drastic reduction to its visa-free entry scheme for tourists from more than 90 countries.

Indian Chief of Air Staff calls on Defence Secretary

The Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh PVSM, AVSM, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence yesterday.

China’s Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet in Beijing

A meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin has started in Beijing, Chinese state media reports.

Four large companies given tax exemptions last year: Kabir

Four large scale companies have been given tax concessions last year while total outstanding tax arrears in the 2023 alone has come to a staggering Rs 1.6 trillion, Opposition MP Kabir Hashim told Parliament yesterday.

Rupee depreciation’s double edge

Sri Lanka has done impressive work on its domestic finances. We achieved a primary surplus and collected nearly 5 trillion rupees in taxes. But this success is in rupees only. Our external balance sheet – the one measured in dollars – remains dangerously weak.

Media Law Forum strengthens Sri Lankan journalists against election disinformation

Democracy does not sustain itself automatically. It depends on an informed public, and an informed public depends on journalists who understand not only how to report, but also the legal and ethical boundaries within which reporting must take place.

Illegal TV transmission centre raided in Mount Lavinia; foreign national arrested

A television transmission centre operated using illegal communication equipment was raided by officers of the Mount Lavinia Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau, leading to the arrest of a foreign national, police said.

The fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in central Africa

A rare strain of Ebola has prompted the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern.

Exporters warn currency gains being wiped out by higher import bills

Sri Lanka’s fast weakening rupee is beginning to expose a deeper strain within the country’s export sector, with exporters warning that the rising cost of imported fuel, raw materials and industrial inputs is rapidly eroding the short-term gains from a stronger dollar.

Arsenal crowned Premier League champions after Man City draw

Arsenal celebrated their first Premier League title for 22 years on Tuesday after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth, sparking wild scenes of joy around the Emirates Stadium.

Kumar Sangakkara’s Rajasthan Royals move closer to IPL 2026 Playoffs

Mentored by Kumar Sangakkara, Rajasthan Royals boosted their IPL 2026 playoff hopes with a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Ebola deaths in eastern Congo rise to 131, WHO voices deep concern

Twenty-six more suspected Ebola deaths were recorded in 24 hours in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities said on Tuesday, and the head of ‌the World Health Organization expressed deep concern about the outbreak’s spread.

No gender-change procedures on children: Castle Street Hospital

Castle Street Hospital for Women has denied allegations circulating on social media claiming that gender-change procedures are being performed on children at the hospital.

School for the deaf conquers new frontier, basketball

For the students of the Ratmalana School for the Deaf, “Forward Beyond Barriers” is no longer just a school motto, but a reality lived and shared on the basketball court. Gaining the attention of a wider audience, the school’s basketball team recently competed for the first time ever in the Schools Basketball Tournament 2026 Division D - Tier 2 boys’ competition, marking an important milestone for student-athletes with disabilities.

American who contracted Ebola in DR Congo evacuated for treatment

An American tested positive for Ebola after being exposed while working with a medical missionary group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, US officials say.

Early rally fades as profit-taking reverses gains amid geopolitical uncertainty

The Colombo Stock Exchange started today’s session on a strong positive note, supported by news of a potential peace deal between Iran and the USA. The ASPI surged by more than 240 points within the first 15 minutes of trading, reflecting strong early optimism and broad-based buying interest across the market.

Vehicle number plate printing to commence by June 10 under new contract: DMT

The printing of vehicle number plates in Sri Lanka is scheduled to officially commence on or before June 10, 2026, under the terms of the newly awarded contract, Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) Acting Commissioner General K.P.N.T.N. Devapriya said.

President vows to fulfil war heroes’ dream

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today said the aspirations of the country’s war heroes extended beyond defeating terrorism and included building a developed, peaceful and just nation for future generations.

Southwest monsoon gradually establishing over Sri Lanka: Met Dept.

The Meteorology Department says the southwest monsoon is gradually getting established over the island.

Parliament approves Inland Revenue Amendment Bill

The Inland Revenue Amendment Bill was approved by Parliament with amendments today.

Russia conducts major nuclear drills

Russia on Tuesday begins three days of nuclear drills ​that will include the ​launch of ballistic and cruise missiles, ⁠the defence ministry said.

Sri Lanka envoy presents credentials to Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dharshana M. Perera, presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty King Sultan Ibrahim at a ceremonial event held yesterday (18) at the Istana Negara (Royal Palace) in Kuala Lumpur.

Teachers’ Union questions appointment to education reform panel due to allegations

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has called for an immediate investigation into the appointment of Acting Director of the Meepe Educational Leadership and Development Centre, Dumina Lellopitiya, to a sub-committee under the National Steering Committee for Education Reforms.

Ashu Marasinghe defamation case settled in court

Former Parliamentarian Prof. Ashu Marasinghe’s defamation case seeking Rs.1.5 billion in compensation from former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra and another respondent over an alleged statement that he abused a dog was settled before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court yesterday after the parties reached a compromise.

Global recognition for Sri Lanka’s HIV, syphilis elimination efforts

Sri Lanka has been awarded special recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) for maintaining the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis as a public health concern, in accordance with international standards and global advisory guidelines.

Minister’s daughter residing in house belonging to Diaspora member in UK: Chamara

The daughter of a Minister who is engaged in higher studies in the UK is currently lodging in a house belonging to a member of the Tamil diaspora, Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake alleged in Parliament.

Rough seas and strong winds expected around island

The Meteorology Department has warned that rough seas and strong winds are expected in several sea areas around the island during the next 24 hours.