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.

Indian airlines to resume full operations to Doha from May 1

India’s leading airlines are preparing to restore full-scale operations at Hamad International Airport from May 1, marking a significant step towards normalisation of air connectivity in the region.

Special traffic plan announced ahead of May Day rallies

The Sri Lanka Police have announced the implementation of a comprehensive traffic and security plan in preparation for May Day rallies and processions scheduled across the country on May 1, 2026, marking International Workers’ Day.

US$ 2.5 mn cyber theft: Sri Lanka wakes up only after Australia alerts

Sri Lankan authorities became aware of a US$ 2.5 million cyber theft only after Australian authorities flagged a delay in a debt servicing payment owed to them, an opposition MP familiar with the process said, raising serious concerns about systemic lapses in financial oversight.

Male teacher sprays red ink on school girls

A male teacher of an International school in Galle who sprayed red ink on the back of school girls dressed in white school uniforms was taken into custody by Galle Police.

NPP insists Rajapaksa’s money will be found

The National People’s Power (NPP) yesterday reiterated that the government is conducting investigations into the money allegedly hidden in foreign countries by leaders during previous governments with the support of those particular countries.

Over 100 Wild Elephant deaths in four months: One death a day

The human–elephant conflict in Sri Lanka has claimed the lives of 143 people and elephants as of April 25 this year, data revealed.

Two U-19 cricketers arrested for secretly filming doctors

Narahenpita Police arrested two members of the Sri Lanka Under-19 National Cricket Team following allegations that they had secretly filmed several female doctors while they were bathing.

Indians lost $25bn to digital fraud in 2025 - now its central bank is fighting back

In February, Alok (name changed), a business analyst based in the western Indian city of Pune, got a text message asking him to pay 1,000 rupees ($10.75; £7.9) as a speeding fine.

Trump welcomes Artemis II astronauts to Oval Office and fields questions on Iran, Comey and UFOs

The Artemis II astronauts’ journey to the moon and back landed them at the White House Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon — standing by while President Donald Trump talked UFOs, the Space Force and the Iran war.

SJB urges Eran to quit party over SLC role

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has requested former MP Eran Wickramaratne to relinquish his party membership following his recent appointment to head Sri Lanka Cricket’s Transformation Committee.

All out: End of an Empire?

Eventually and finally the Empire that was Sri Lanka Cricket came to its long-awaited end yesterday as incumbent president Shammi Silva and his executive committee decided to officially step down, making way for what many believe could be the beginning of a new era for the country’s best-known passion and most marketable brand name.

Transformation Committee to run Sri Lanka Cricket until fresh elections: Minister

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said a “Cricket Transformation Committee” has been appointed to rebuild Sri Lankan cricket and guide it toward a stronger future.