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.

No political authority invited to attend Victory Day celebration: Vijitha

The government said today that no political authority except for the President, Deputy Defence Minister and Deputy Minister of Public Security will attend the Victory Day celebrations today.

All Vesak dansals must be registered with MOH offices: Health chief

All Dansals organised across the island for the Vesak festival must be registered with the relevant area Medical Officer of Health (MOH), Health Services Director General, Specialist Dr. Asela Gunawardena said.

US drops fraud charges after billionaire Adani pledges $10bn investment

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has moved to dismiss criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in a case where he is accused of bribing Indian officials for as much as $265m to secure contracts and lying to US investors to land a solar energy project in India, allegations that his company has long denied.

One spot, five teams: IPL 2026 Playoff Battle Intensifies

The IPL 2026 league stage is nearing its conclusion, with three teams already securing playoff qualification.

Police seek public help to arrest suspect in Thalangama double murder

Police is seeking assistance to arrest a key suspect linked to the brutal shooting of a lawyer and his wife in Thalangama.

No reason to increase prices of vehicles imported before May 16: Vijitha

There is no reason to increase the prices of vehicles imported before May 16 as the 50 percent surcharge is not applicable to vehicles imported before May 16, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said today.

No one waged war against Tamil community

No one waged war against the Tamil community but only against the LTTE, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa told Parliament today.

Dengue cases near 30,000 as death toll rises to 15 this year

A total of 29,589 dengue cases and 15 deaths have been reported in Sri Lanka as of May 18 this year, the National Dengue Control Unit said.

Cabinet approves potato purchasing programme for farmers

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to purchase 1,000 kilograms of potatoes from each potato farmer through the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (CWE).

Indian Air Force Chief arrives in Sri Lanka on official visit

The Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, arrived in Sri Lanka last night (18) on a three-day official visit. He will remain in the country until 21 May.

Sri Lanka sets Guinness World Record for sensory board

Sri Lanka has officially secured a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest sensory board at Merak 2026.

Water tariffs to stay unchanged

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to maintain existing water supply tariffs without any increase during the first six months of this year.

SLC rejects claims of financial crisis

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has rejected media reports claiming that the organization is facing a “financial crisis” following the appointment of the Cricket Transformation Committee.

Ravi raises alarm over cyber vulnerabilities in banks, State institutions

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake raised serious concerns in Parliament over the growing vulnerability of Sri Lanka’s public institutions and financial systems to cybercrime, cyberattacks, hacking, ransomware, data breaches and digital espionage.

Rupee slides as US Dollar surpasses Rs. 338 mark

The Sri Lankan Rupee has weakened further against the US Dollar, with the selling rate surpassing the Rs. 338 mark, according to the latest exchange rate report issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (19).

Five dead, including two teen suspects, after shooting at San Diego mosque

Two teenage gunmen opened fire on Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, ​California, killing a security guard and two other men outside the mosque before the suspects were found dead, apparently from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said.

SJB pays tribute to MR, SF for war victory

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs in Parliament today paid tribute to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Sri Lanka Army Commander Sarath Fonseka for the war victory gained 17 years ago.

Three arrested with venison and antelope meat in Embilipitiya raid

Three persons were arrested during a surprise raid conducted at a private restaurant in the Padalangala area of Embilipitiya for allegedly displaying, possessing and selling the meat of protected wild animals.

Sri Lanka, Russia sign MoU to strengthen railway cooperation

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Sri Lanka and Russia to enhance technical and investment cooperation aimed at improving Sri Lanka’s railway services.

Over 178,000 vehicles imported within four months this year: Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando revealed that a total of 178,000 vehicles have been imported by the end of April this year.

Court questions absence of statements from two crucial witnesses in Kapila case

The Colombo Fort Magistrate today questioned the absence of statements from two crucial witnesses connected to the death of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena.

Sri Lanka invites global investors for green hydrogen, ammonia projects

Sri Lanka has launched an ambitious drive to attract global investment into the development of green hydrogen and green ammonia projects, with authorities aiming to position the country as a regional hub for clean energy production and exports.

Farmers to receive Up to Rs. 100,000 per hectare for Yala crop damage

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has announced that farmers will receive compensation of up to Rs. 100,000 per hectare for crop damage caused by recent heavy rains during the ongoing Yala season.

Court orders banks, telecom firms to submit details in Hemarathana Thera case

Siyapath Sasindu Wickremeratne, on a report submitted by the Sri Lanka Police, today ordered all state and private banks in the country to individually furnish reports on bank accounts maintained by the mother of the underaged girl allegedly raped by Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera.

Inter-agency training push launched to strengthen action against forced labour

A coordinated capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening national action against forced labour got underway yesterday (18) with the launch of a three-day workshop at the National Plantation Management Institute in Athurugiriya.

Government wants media reports kept out of Parliament after Daily Mirror article creates stir

A Daily Mirror report on May 19 titled ‘Rupee value slides against major currencies’ created a debate in Parliament with a question whether Members of Parliament (MPs) should make comments on what is published by the media.