E-passport tender cancelled with immediate effect

The government has decided to cancel the procurement process for the controversial e-passport project with immediate effect, former Minister and current Member of Parliament Ajith Perera said.

Social media ban ’won’t keep children safe’, commissioner warns

There is insufficient evidence to suggest a social media ban for under‑16s would help keep children safer online, Scotland’s children’s commissioner has said.

Three-wheeler fares likely to increase following fuel price hike

The National Joint Three-Wheeler Drivers and Manufacturers Association says three-wheeler fares are expected to be increased in line with the fuel price revision that came into effect from midnight on May 30.

Eleven confirmed dead in Washington state chemical accident, all bodies recovered

The death toll from a chemical tank rupture in the U.S. state of ​Washington climbed to 11 as crews ‌recovered the bodies of all nine missing people, authorities said on Saturday.

18 passengers nabbed at BIA with cigarettes worth Rs. 31.3 mn

A group of officers attached to the Sri Lanka Customs at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and the Customs Narcotics Control Division arrested 18 passengers attempting to smuggle a large consignment of foreign-manufactured cigarettes into the country through the Green Channel at the airport’s arrivals terminal.

Ransini Perera strikes gold in 200m at Asian U20 Athletics Championships

Sri Lanka’s Ransini Perera clinched the gold medal in the Girls’ 200-meter event at the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships. In a thrilling and closely contested finish, she clocked an impressive time of 24.07 seconds to secure the top spot on the podium.

LIOC and Sinopec raise fuel prices following CPC revision

Lanka IOC (LIOC) and Sinopec have revised their fuel prices with effect from midnight on May 30, bringing their rates in line with the latest fuel price increase announced by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

Malwathu Chapter suspends Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana thera from Chief Sanghanayake post

The Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya has decided to suspend Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thera from the position of Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwara Kalaviya with immediate effect, pending the outcome of ongoing court proceedings related to allegations made against him.

Ebola spread in DR Congo ’deeply alarming’, MSF warns

The rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has created a ’’deeply alarming’’ situation, the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned.

Fuel prices increased from midnight

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) announced that fuel prices will be increased with effect from midnight today under its monthly fuel price revision.

Three children reported missing while bathing at Kalametiya beach

Three children aged between 12 and 18 years have been reported missing while bathing in the sea off Kalametiya in Hungama along with their parents, police said.

Ukrainian drones strike port, oil depot in southern Russia, authorities say

Ukrainian drone strikes hit Russia’s oil infrastructure overnight, damaging a tanker and an oil refinery in ​Taganrog and striking an oil depot in Armavir, Russian regional ‌officials and Ukrainian military said on Saturday.

Six battery storage systems arrive to support national power grid

The first shipment of commercial-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) arrived at the Port of Colombo today.

Millions of breast cancer patients could safely avoid chemotherapy, study suggests

Millions of people with breast cancer could safely avoid chemotherapy as scientists have developed a DNA test that can distinguish between patients who are likely to benefit from the treatment and those who are not, according to the results of a trial.

New acting Atamasthanadhipathi appointed

The Atamasthana Committee has decided to temporarily appoint the Chief Sanghanayaka of the North Central Province and Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanwelisaya Maha Seya, Most Venerable Ethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thero, to carry out the duties of the Atamasthanadhipathi, the Malwathu Maha Viharaya announced.

’Poison seller’ who sold toxic chemicals online to people across world admits aiding suicides

A man has pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicides in Canada after he sold toxic chemicals online.

Power cuts Imposed to maintain grid stability: Minister

Electricity supply was temporarily disconnected in nearly 100 areas, including parts of Colombo, due to an imbalance in the national power grid, Power and Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said.

Government protecting connected businesses while public suffers – Namal

The present government continues to make decisions that favour a select group of politically connected businessmen rather than the people of Sri Lanka, National Organizer of the SLPP, Namal Rajapaksa said.

Vesak 2026 and Religious Cooperation Between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka

Vesak is one of the most significant religious observances in the Buddhist world, carrying profound spiritual meaning and special importance for Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers across the globe. In both Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, Vesak reflects shared religious values while also embodying the distinct cultural identities and traditional practices of each nation.

Rooftop solar owners asked to switch off systems

The National System Operator (Private) Limited (NSO) has requested rooftop solar panel owners across the country to voluntarily switch off their solar power systems until 3:00 p.m. today to help ensure the reliable and stable operation of the national electricity grid during the Vesak festival period.

No deal announced after Trump meeting to make ’final determination’ on Iran

US President Donald Trump had a meeting with top aides on Friday to make a ’’final determination’’ about a framework for extending the ceasefire with Iran, but it concluded without clarity on the next steps.

President urges public to embrace compassion and reconciliation in Vesak message

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Vesak message, underscored the enduring relevance of Buddhist teachings in fostering peace, coexistence and reconciliation, while calling on the public to embrace the values of non-violence, compassion and loving-kindness in their daily lives.

Sri Lanka Army gets new Chief of Staff

Major General Nilantha Premaratne of the Sri Lanka Artillery has been appointed as the 69th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army with effect from May 29, 2026.

Gill Century Sends Gujarat into IPL Final

Shubman Gill smashed a captain’s century as Gujarat Titans stormed into the IPL 2026 final with a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on Friday, ending teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s dream run despite a brilliant 96.

New network of model cities planned under ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative

A series of policy decisions have been taken to establish a new network of Model Cities across Sri Lanka under the Government’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, with a focus on digital services, environmental sustainability and strong social values

Strong winds to cause very rough seas

The Department of Meteorology has warned that sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota, will be very rough at times due to strong gusty winds

Sri Lanka calls for Indian Ocean to remain zone of peace

Sri Lanka has reiterated the importance of maintaining the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace, cooperation and shared prosperity amid evolving global security challenges

Earnings optimism lifts CSE as ASPI gains over 111 points

The Colombo Stock Exchange closed on a strong positive note on 29th May 2026, supported by renewed investor confidence following the latest round of corporate earnings releases.

Schools alerted as Meningitis spreads across districts

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has issued guidelines to all Provincial Directors of Education on preventive measures against the spread of Enterovirus Meningitis, following instructions from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media

Sri Lanka announce squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu set to lead the side.