Minister chairs special talks to speed up Puttalam drinking water projects

A special discussion was held yesterday (25) at the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, chaired by Minister Professor Chandana Abayaratne, focusing on the severe drinking water crisis faced by residents in the area and issues surrounding the Kala Oya and Ma Oya water supply projects aimed at resolving long-standing water shortages in several Divisional Secretariat divisions of the Puttalam District.

Uva drug ring used “Trump–Putin” codes, WhatsApp to mask trade

Investigations have revealed that the group allegedly used WhatsApp messages, mobile location sharing, and coded identities such as “Trump” and “Putin,” along with images of the U.S. and Russian presidents, to coordinate drug distribution and conceal communications. Payments were reportedly made via an e-cash system.

Pilgrims gather at Arafat for spiritual climax of Hajj

More than 1.6 million pilgrims gathered Tuesday on the Plain of Arafat for the most sacred and spiritually defining stage of the Hajj pilgrimage, in scenes of intense devotion and prayer reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Ready to hold PC elections at any time: Election Commission informs Select Committee

The Parliamentary Select Committee to look into and report to Parliament on the matter of selecting the Electoral System under which the Provincial Council Elections should be held and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, has sought views from the Attorney General’s Department and members of the Election Commission.

Deputy Minister calls for joint plan to maintain Colombo canals and walkways

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara has called for the implementation of a joint institutional plan for the regular maintenance of reservoirs, canals and walkways in Colombo and surrounding urban areas.

Child abuse cases on the rise in Uva Province

According to the Department of Probation and Child Care, 80 child abuse cases have been reported from the Uva Province in the last five months.

Judgment in Sarana Gunawardena corruption cases postponed

The delivery of the judgment in four corruption cases filed against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena was today postponed to June 9 by the Colombo High Court.

Sri Lanka’s honey industry stung by bitter shortfalls

Sri Lanka produces only around 50 metric tonnes of bees honey annually, far short of the national requirement of nearly 200 metric tonnes, according to P. Sisira Kumara, Director of Extension and Training at the Department of Agriculture.

US $ 2.5 million cyber theft: Australian Federal Police in Aussie mission helping SL police

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers based in the Australian High Commission are currently assisting the Sri Lanka Police in their investigations into the cyber theft of US $ 2.5 million meant for payment to the Australian Government as part of debt servicing, an official said.

Sri Lankans turn to renovating old homes as building costs soar

A dramatic shift is underway in Sri Lanka’s real estate sector as investors and homebuyers increasingly opt to purchase lands with existing structures for renovation, stepping away from ground-up developments.

Southwest monsoon brings heavy rain, strong winds across island

The Meteorological Department said the southwest monsoon is gradually establishing over Sri Lanka, with a further increase in rainfall expected across the southwestern parts of the island.

Netanyahu says Israel will intensify strikes against Hezbollah

The Israeli military says it has begun a wave of strikes across Lebanon following an announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his country will intensify its attacks on Hezbollah.

Badulla Teaching Hospital merges SICU and MICU due to doctor shortage

A shortage of doctors at the Badulla Teaching Hospital has prompted authorities to merge the hospital’s Special Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) units and operate them as a single SICU unit from today, hospital sources said.

Central Bank hikes key interest rates amid rising inflation pressures

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 100 basis points, bringing it to 8.75%. Following this adjustment, the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR)—which are linked to the OPR with predetermined margins of $\pm$ 50 basis points—have been increased to 8.25% and 9.25%, respectively.

SLBFE predicts record remittances in 2026

Sri Lanka is expected to record its highest-ever foreign worker remittances by the end of 2026, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe said.

Female accomplice arrested over Borella double murder

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has arrested a 46-year-old woman accused of helping gunmen involved in the 2025 double murder near the Sirisara Uyana apartment complex in Borella. Police said that she allegedly transported and handed over firearms used in the attack.

Three Chinese held with 25,000 cigarettes at BIA

Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport detected 25,000 foreign-made cigarettes concealed inside six suitcases carried by three Chinese nationals who arrived from Bangkok on Sunday night, officials said.

US military says it has launched new strikes on southern Iran

The US military says it has launched new strikes on southern Iran, targeting Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to place mines.

Ferrari unveils first fully electric car

Luxury sports car maker Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric car - the $640,000 (£474,320) Luce.

Sri Lanka urged to tighten tobacco controls amid rising concerns

Sri Lanka has been urged to strengthen tobacco control measures as health experts warn of rising health and economic costs linked to smoking, while global and local authorities mark World No Tobacco Day.

Exports top US $ 5.7bn in first 4 months

Sri Lanka’s exports surpassed US $ 5.7 billion in the first four months of 2026, with the growth in services, electronics, processed foods and coconut-based products helping offset the continued weakness in apparel and tea exports, amid the softer global demand conditions.

WHO chief says fast-moving Ebola epidemic is outpacing response efforts

The head of ​the World Health Organization said on Monday ‌that the fast-moving Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda was outpacing response efforts, giving the ​latest number of suspected deaths as 220.

Pope, urging AI regulation, warns some weapons now beyond human control

Pope Leo urged governments to slow down and closely regulate the development of AI systems in his first major document, released on Monday, warning that they spread misinformation, prioritise ​conflict and risk leading the world down a path of unending war.

Minister orders fast recruitment at NCPA

Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savitri Paulraj has instructed the Ministry Secretary and the Additional Secretary (Administration) to take immediate steps to recruit the required staff to streamline investigation activities at the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).

Water levels stable in major rivers: Irrigation Department

Water levels in all major rivers across the country remained at normal levels as of 6.00 p.m. today, according to the Irrigation Department’s latest hydrology report.

EasyJet flight diverts to Rome over power bank in luggage

A UK-bound EasyJet flight was diverted to Rome after a power bank was found to be charging in a passenger’s luggage, it has been revealed.

Railway station phone lines restored after Rs.2.9 mn payment

Public telephone lines at railway stations across the country, which were disconnected earlier today due to non-payment of bills, have now been restored after the outstanding payment was settled this evening, the Railways Department said.

Sri Lanka squads announced for West Indies tour; Kusal Mendis named captain for limited overs

Sri Lanka Cricket’s Selection Panel has announced the national squads for the upcoming tour of the West Indies, scheduled to feature matches across all three formats: ODI, T20I, and Test cricket.

No ban on Dansalas, Vesak decorations in Northern Province: Governor refutes social media posts

Northern Province Governor has refuted social media posts which claimed that the Governor of the Northern Province has issued a ban on the offering of ’Dansalas’ and the decoration of premises during the forthcoming Vesak festival season in the Northern Province.

Women Parliamentarians to intervene in Anuradhapura child abuse incident

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has decided to examine the ongoing legal proceedings and matters relating to the protection of the girl involved in the sexual abuse incident reported from the Anuradhapura area.