SL Rupee depreciates further against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee continued its downward trend against the US Dollar today, with selling rate increased to Rs. 342, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Market slides sharply as broad-based selling pressure weighs on investor sentiment

The Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a sharp decline during today’s trading session, as subdued investor confidence and prevailing market uncertainty triggered broad-based selling pressure from the opening bell. The market remained under pressure throughout the day, with cautious sentiment dominating trading activity amid the absence of strong buying interest.

Cotta Road level crossing closed for urgent renovation on Kelani Valley Line

Train operations on the Kelani Valley Line will be temporarily revised, while the Cotta Road level crossing will be fully closed for vehicular traffic due to essential renovation work carried out by the Railway Department.

Health Ministry gears up for Ebola outbreak

The Ministry of Health has decided to implement measures consisting of five steps in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), following the WHO declaration of the Ebola virus epidemic situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

China confirms it will buy 200 Boeing jets after Trump-Xi summit

China has confirmed that it will buy 200 Boeing jets after US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met in Beijing last week.

PM Harini delivers lecture at Oxford

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya delivered the 2026 OSGA Annual Lecture at the University of Oxford, addressing global themes of development, governance, and political reform.

Man who murdered teen TikTok star in Pakistan gets death sentence

A court in Pakistan has sentenced a man to death over the murder of a teen social media influencer that sparked uproar across the country.

Hatton trader fined Rs. 100,000 for violating rice MRP regulations

A Hatton-based trader has been fined Rs. 100,000 by the Hatton Magistrate’s Court for selling Keeri Samba rice above the government-approved maximum retail price (MRP).

President opens Batticaloa library

The new Public Library Building of the Batticaloa Municipal Council was officially vested in the public on Tuesday (20) in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with former Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran ceremonially declaring the building open.

Milk tea price to increase by Rs. 5 tonight

The price of a cup of milk tea will be increased by Rs. 5 with effect from midnight today (20), the All Ceylon Restaurant and Bar Owners Association said.

MP Chamara Sampath not allowed to attend Parliament sessions today: Serjeant-at-Arms

MP Chamara Sampath will not be allowed to attend Parliament sessions today (May 20 2026), Serjeant-at-Arms Kushan Jayarane said.

Chamith Wijesundera calls for balanced remembrance, condemns LTTE atrocities

SJB Youth Organizer Chamith Wijesundera has called for a balanced approach to remembrance of Sri Lanka’s war-related civilian deaths, warning against any attempt to glorify the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

US Senate advances measure curbing Trump’s Iran war powers

The U.S. Senate advanced a war-powers resolution on Tuesday that would end ​the Iran war unless President Donald Trump obtains Congress’ authorization, a rare rebuke of the Republican leader 80 days after ‌U.S. and Israeli forces began striking Iran.

Magnitude 5.9 earthquake hits off southwestern Japan

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake shook southern Japan on Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake occurred at 11:46 a.m. local time (0246GMT) at a depth of 50 kilometers (31 miles).

Uproar in Parliament after Chamara Sampath prevented from raising privilege issue

Commotion reigned in Parliament today when Opposition Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath Dassanayake was prevented from raising a privilege issue.

Minimum bus fare could increase to Rs. 40 due to rupee depreciation: Gemunu

The minimum bus fare could increase to Rs. 40 following the upcoming annual revision in July, as further weakening of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar may push up transport costs, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne has warned.

Imported milk powder price increased from today

The Milk Powder Importers’ Association has announced a revision in the prices of imported milk powder, citing prevailing market conditions and exchange rate fluctuations.

Sri Lanka, UN discuss wide-ranging reforms in digital governance drive

A wide-ranging bilateral discussion was held between the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abayarathne, and UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche, focusing on accelerating Sri Lanka’s digital governance, institutional reforms, and disaster management systems.

Childhood cancer care must focus on how survivors live, not just survival - Nalinda

“The true measure of success in childhood cancer is not only how many children survive, but how they live,” Sri Lankan Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said while addressing a special session on childhood cancer care held on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

U.N. cuts global growth forecast to 2.5%, blames Middle East crisis

The United Nations on Tuesday cut its forecast for global economic growth, saying the Middle East crisis had reignited inflationary pressures and heightened ​uncertainty.

Health green light for Vesak dansalas: Strict hygiene rules issued ahead of 2026 festival

Public health authorities have issued a nationwide advisory urging organizers of Dansalas for the 2026 Vesak festival to register their events with the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices in their areas, warning that unapproved or unsanitary food stalls will not be permitted to operate.

Three Chinese nationals detained at BIA over Rs. 514,000 electronics smuggling attempt

Airport customs officers at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) arrested three Chinese nationals on the night of 19 May after they allegedly attempted to smuggle mobile phones and batteries valued at Rs. 514,000 into Sri Lanka using the “Green Channel” meant for non-declarable goods.

Uproar in Parliament over delay in filling SC, Appeal Court vacancies

An uproar erupted in Parliament today when Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara refused to answer a question raised by MP Ajith P. Perera about filling five vacancies of judges in the Supreme Court and three in the Appeal Court.

PM reminds tourism sector not to ignore domestic market amid global shocks

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya called on the tourism industry not to overlook the domestic market as a vital buffer against ongoing global shocks, urging stakeholders to prioritise high-quality, sustainable experiences over sheer visitor volume.

Sri Lanka sugar crisis looms, milk powder prices may surge: Importers

Sri Lanka could face a major sugar supply and price crisis, along with potential price hikes in imported milk powder and other essential food items, after India suspended sugar exports and the Sri Lankan Rupee continued to weaken sharply against the US Dollar, the Essential Food Importers Association warned yesterday.

Specialist calls for stronger airport screening and public caution urged over Ebola risk

Health experts have given mixed signals over the risk of Ebola entering Sri Lanka, with one specialist saying there is no immediate danger, even as he calls for stronger screening at airports and greater public caution.

Thailand to slash tourist visa-free stays

Thailand’s cabinet has approved a drastic reduction to its visa-free entry scheme for tourists from more than 90 countries.

Indian Chief of Air Staff calls on Defence Secretary

The Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh PVSM, AVSM, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence yesterday.

China’s Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet in Beijing

A meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin has started in Beijing, Chinese state media reports.

Four large companies given tax exemptions last year: Kabir

Four large scale companies have been given tax concessions last year while total outstanding tax arrears in the 2023 alone has come to a staggering Rs 1.6 trillion, Opposition MP Kabir Hashim told Parliament yesterday.