Sri Lanka targets fourfold increase in honey production

The Agriculture Department has launched a special programme aimed at increasing Sri Lanka’s annual honey production from 50 metric tons to 200 metric tons, Director General of Agriculture Dr. Thushara Wickramarachchi said.

PM Harini to speak at Oxford University

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who has departed for an official visit to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) 2026 Board of Governors Meeting, is also scheduled to address a session at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies at the University of Oxford.

Rs.141 million worth of Kush seized

A consignment of 14.562 kilos of Kush was seized and two Sri Lankan passengers arrested in their attempt to smuggle it into the country through the Green Channel at the Bandaranaike International airport last morning.

Accused sentenced to death

An accused indicted with murder was found guilty and sentenced to death by Anuradhapura Predecessor High Court Judge Lakmali Hewawasam.

CM Vijay expresses solidarity with global Tamil diaspora on Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday expressed solidarity with the global Tamil diaspora on the occasion of Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, pledging his administration’s continued support for their rights.

Govt issues strict guidelines for Vesak celebrations

The government has issued a new circular to regulate all programmes organised for the upcoming Vesak season, including Vesak zones and Dansals, with authorities banning activities considered inappropriate for the religious festival.

Tamil Nadu tourist killed after getting caught in tussle between two elephants

A 33-year-old tourist from Tamil Nadu died after getting caught in a tussle between two captive elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu district on Monday, officials said.

Large number of vehicles to be purchased for Wildlife Department: Minister

The tender process has begun to purchase a fleet of 16 double cabs, 84 other cabs and 181 motorbikes for the Department of Wildlife, Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi told Parliament today.

The best interest of the child must remain our only priority

The ongoing case involving the alleged sexual abuse of a child has caused significant public concern across Sri Lanka.

President to lead National War Heroes Commemoration ceremony

The 17th National War Heroes Commemoration ceremony to honor military personnel who sacrificed their lives to liberate the motherland from decades of terrorism, is scheduled to commence today at 3:00 PM at the Ranaviru Memorial in Battaramulla under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Two clauses of Financial Transaction Reporting Amendment Bill inconsistent with Constitution

The Supreme Court has held that Clauses 22 and 34 of the Financial Transaction Reporting Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne told Parliament today.

Musk loses OpenAI court battle after jury finds he waited too long to sue

A California jury has tossed out Elon Musk’s high-profile lawsuit against OpenAI and its boss Sam Altman.

Sri Lanka remains undivided because of the Armed Forces: Mahinda Rajapaksa

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that, because of the ultimate sacrifices made by the armed forces, the nation remains a single, undivided country.

Wire traps laid to rob motorcyclists; gang nabbed by residents

A gang that allegedly laid wire traps across roads and robbed motorcyclists of their cash and jewellery at Boraketiiya on the Padukka-Wataraka-Boraketiiya Road was caught by residents and handed over to the Meegoda Police in the early hours of yesterday morning.

CIABOC official pushing suspects towards suicide: Opposition

Taking a swipe at the Government over the death of former Srilankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kapila Chandrasena , the joint Opposition yesterday alleged that a certain official of the Commission to Investigate Allegations on Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) was pushing those summoned before the Commission towards suicide.

Health experts warn of waterborne disease risk

Health experts have warned of a possible rise in waterborne diseases in the coming weeks as floodwaters from minor flooding in several affected areas begins to recede under the prevailing rainy conditions.

Rupee value slides against major currencies

In the wake of the Sri Lankan rupee depreciating rapidly against major international currencies, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said the exchange rate decline could not be used as the sole criterion to determine the status of the economy, as it had both positive and negative implications.

Trump says he called off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states

US President Donald Trump has said he is holding off a military attack on Iran planned for Tuesday at the request of Gulf states as ’’serious negotiations are now taking place’’.

Without war end, President couldn’t freely visit Jaffna: Namal

National Organiser of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Namal Rajapaksa has criticised the government, stating that if war heroes had not ended the war, the current President would not have been able to freely visit Jaffna, but would instead have had to seek permission before doing so.

At least 100 deaths reported in Ebola outbreak in DR Congo as six Americans exposed

At least 100 deaths have been reported in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 390 cases suspected, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has told the BBC.

Foreign Ministry unveils new website and overseas missions platform

The Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry launched its revamped official website along with a new Common Website Platform for Sri Lanka Missions abroad at a ceremony held on 18 May 2026 at the Ministry’s Main Conference Hall.

MR not invited to Victory Day celebrations: Manoj Gamage

Attorney-at-Law Manoj Gamage yesterday said that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country’s fifth Executive President, has not yet received an invitation to attend the Victory Day celebrations scheduled to be held tomorrow.

Govt. moves to protect northern marine ecosystem

A high-level discussion aimed at protecting Sri Lanka’s northern coastal waters and marine ecosystems was held today at the Environment Ministry, with special focus on preventing environmental pollution and strengthening marine conservation efforts.

Former England Test captain MJK Smith dies aged 92

Former England Test captain Mike Smith has died at the age of 92, his former county side Warwickshire announced on Monday.

Shakira acquitted of tax fraud, court orders Spain to hand back $70 million

Spain’s High Court has acquitted ‌Colombian pop star Shakira of tax fraud and overturned the 55 million euro ($64 million) fine imposed in 2021 by the Spanish tax agency, according to a court document seen by Reuters on Monday.

Bodies of missing Italian divers found in Maldives

The bodies of four Italian divers who went missing during a scuba diving accident in the Maldives last week have been located, officials have confirmed to the BBC.

Market extends decline amid heightened geopolitical concerns

The Colombo Stock Exchange commenced the week on a sharply negative note, as intensified geopolitical tensions and continued uncertainty surrounding global economic conditions triggered broad-based selling pressure across the market. Investor sentiment remained largely bearish throughout the session, with both retail and institutional participants adopting a cautious stance amid rising external risks.

Police to take legal action against Weerawansa for obstructing duties

Police said legal action will be taken against former MP Wimal Weeransa and a group of 35 people who obstructed the rehearsal of the War Heroes’ Commemoration and duties of the police officers on duty.

104 new buses for Metro Transit by August

The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development today signed an agreement to import 104 new buses for Metro Transit, a subsidiary of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), in a move aimed at improving the country’s public transport service.

Iran submits new 14-point text via Pakistan

A source close to the Iranian negotiating team told Tasnim that Iran has submitted its latest text in 14 points through the Pakistani intermediary, who will present it to the Americans.