Corporal punishment remains second-highest child abuse complaint, NCPA reports

The second highest category of complaints received by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) relates to physical abuse, with between 2,000 and 2,500 cases of corporal punishment reported each year.

Govt to strengthen regulation of preschools and day care centres

Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj has said that there is a need to further expand and strictly enforce legal and policy provisions in light of recent concerns over the safety and wellbeing of children in early childhood development and day care centres.

Tamil Nadu Elections- Possible outcome: A Competitive Edge, Not a Landslide BUT DMK Stalin will bounce back

Tamil Nadu, long dominated by Dravidian parties, has historically relied on expansive welfare programs. However, there are indications that voters are beginning to scrutinize the financial viability of these schemes more closely. Questions around state debt, budget allocation, and economic efficiency are becoming central to political discourse.

Finance Ministry official suspended over USD 2.5m cyber fraud found dead

An official of the External Resources Department (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance who was among four officials suspended in late April 2026 pending a disciplinary inquiry into a USD 2.5 million cyber fraud, was found dead in Kuliyapitiya, police said.

New York City Mayor urges King Charles to return 105.6-ct diamond

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for the return of the priceless Koh-i-Noor diamond from the UK, just hours before meeting King Charles.

SLPI strengthens digital journalism with AI and data-driven training initiatives

The Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI), with the support of the India–Sri Lanka Foundation, continues to enhance digital journalism in Sri Lanka through a series of practical training programmes for media professionals.

Inquiry requested into Harshana Suriyapperuma’s dual citizenship

A complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) seeking an inquiry into whether Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma holds dual citizenship.

Trump eyes fresh Iran military strikes as war rages and oil prices soar

President Donald Trump is set to receive a briefing on a proposal for a new series of ’’short and powerful’’ military strikes targeting Iran’s infrastructure, according to a recent report.

State support sought for 76th Bellanwila Esala maha perahera

A discussion on organising the annual Esala Maha Perahera of Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya and securing sponsorship was held yesterday (29) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Treasury Secretary attends COPF meeting

Treasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma attended today’s meeting of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), member of COPF Harshana Rajakaruna told the Daily Mirror.

Governance overhaul top priority for SLC Committee – Eran

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Transformation Committee Eran Wickramaratne said that the Committee’s immediate priority is a total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC.

Mudalige questions e-NIC project over security and foreign ties

Jana Aragala Vyaparaya activist Wasantha Mudalige expressed strong criticism over the government’s handling of Sri Lanka’s proposed electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) project, particularly its reported cooperation with India.

Namal accuses government of undermining workers’ rights

Former MP Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of treating workers unfairly and undermining trade union rights, while claiming it has failed to protect the interests of the working community.

Severe lightning warning for several provinces after 1 p.m.

The Meteorology Department has warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur in parts of the Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Central provinces, as well as in the Vavuniya, Mullaittivu, Kurunegala and Trincomalee districts after 1.00 p.m.

CEA launches design contest for World Environment Day

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has announced a new design competition to mark World Environment Day, aimed at promoting innovative solutions to address climate change.

Proposal submitted to create a tobacco-free Generation Alpha

A concept paper proposing to make all children born after 2010 (Alpha) a tobacco-free generation has been handed over to the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

US seeks new coalition to get ships moving again in Hormuz

President Donald Trump’s administration is seeking the participation of other countries to form an international coalition to restore freedom of navigation ​in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a State Department cable seen ‌by Reuters.

Harsha says unaware of reports on Treasury Secretary appearing before CoPF

The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has not been informed whether Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma is attending the CoPF meeting today as reported by some media, CoPF Chairman Dr. Harsha De Silva said.

Petition seeks rules change for pets on planes

The owner of one of Britain’s best-known dogs is backing calls to allow small pets to travel in the cabin of commercial flights entering the UK.

Rupee depreciates further against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan rupee weakened further against the US dollar across several commercial banks today (30), compared to Wednesday, with the selling rate reaching as high as Rs. 323 at some institutions.

Colombo High Court postpones verdict in ex-Deputy Minister’s bribery case

Colombo High Judge Mohammed Mihail today ordered that the pronouncement of judgment in four cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena over corruption charges be postponed till May 26.

US war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, says Pentagon official

The United States’ war in Iran has ​cost $25 billion so far, a senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday, providing the first official estimate of the military’s ‌price tag for the conflict.

NPP to hold 21 May Day rallies tomorrow

The National People’s Power (NPP) will hold 21 May Day celebrations across 21 major cities throughout the island tomorrow, the NPP said.

One Love Reggae Festival 2026 set for 7-9 August

South Asia’s first ever “One Love Reggae Festival” will be held from 7 to 9 August 2026 in Bentota Beach, its organisers announced yesterday.

Maldivian President to visit Sri Lanka on May 4

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu will undertake a State visit to Sri Lanka from 4 to 5 May 2026, on the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.

Sri Lanka spends Rs. 140,022 mn on palm oil imports amid cultivation ban: Professor Nugawela

Sri Lanka imported 38,210 metric tons of palm oil and 33,696 metric tons of coconut oil in 2025, Professor Ashoka Nugawela said.

International Vesak Dhamma talk by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi on May 1

An international Dhamma program in commemoration of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day is scheduled to be held via Zoom on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. (Sri Lanka time).

Sri Lanka wastes large volumes of food despite nutrition crisis : Experts warned

According to government statistics, around 19% of vegetables (221,955 metric tons) and 21% of fruits (290,151 metric tons) are wasted annually.

US will deny visas to applicants who say they fear persecution at home

Applicants for visas to the United States will now have to affirm that they do not fear persecution in their home countries as the Trump administration seeks to further restrict potential asylum seeks from entering the country.

Oil price rises above $120 after reports of ’extended’ Iran blockade

Oil prices have soared following reports that the US is preparing for an ’’extended’’ blockade of Iran.