Dengue cases near 30,000 as death toll rises to 15 this year

A total of 29,589 dengue cases and 15 deaths have been reported in Sri Lanka as of May 18 this year, the National Dengue Control Unit said.

Cabinet approves potato purchasing programme for farmers

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to purchase 1,000 kilograms of potatoes from each potato farmer through the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (CWE).

Indian Air Force Chief arrives in Sri Lanka on official visit

The Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, arrived in Sri Lanka last night (18) on a three-day official visit. He will remain in the country until 21 May.

Sri Lanka sets Guinness World Record for sensory board

Sri Lanka has officially secured a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest sensory board at Merak 2026.

Water tariffs to stay unchanged

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to maintain existing water supply tariffs without any increase during the first six months of this year.

SLC rejects claims of financial crisis

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has rejected media reports claiming that the organization is facing a “financial crisis” following the appointment of the Cricket Transformation Committee.

Ravi raises alarm over cyber vulnerabilities in banks, State institutions

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake raised serious concerns in Parliament over the growing vulnerability of Sri Lanka’s public institutions and financial systems to cybercrime, cyberattacks, hacking, ransomware, data breaches and digital espionage.

Rupee slides as US Dollar surpasses Rs. 338 mark

The Sri Lankan Rupee has weakened further against the US Dollar, with the selling rate surpassing the Rs. 338 mark, according to the latest exchange rate report issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (19).

Five dead, including two teen suspects, after shooting at San Diego mosque

Two teenage gunmen opened fire on Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, ​California, killing a security guard and two other men outside the mosque before the suspects were found dead, apparently from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said.

SJB pays tribute to MR, SF for war victory

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs in Parliament today paid tribute to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Sri Lanka Army Commander Sarath Fonseka for the war victory gained 17 years ago.

Three arrested with venison and antelope meat in Embilipitiya raid

Three persons were arrested during a surprise raid conducted at a private restaurant in the Padalangala area of Embilipitiya for allegedly displaying, possessing and selling the meat of protected wild animals.

Sri Lanka, Russia sign MoU to strengthen railway cooperation

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Sri Lanka and Russia to enhance technical and investment cooperation aimed at improving Sri Lanka’s railway services.

Over 178,000 vehicles imported within four months this year: Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando revealed that a total of 178,000 vehicles have been imported by the end of April this year.

Court questions absence of statements from two crucial witnesses in Kapila case

The Colombo Fort Magistrate today questioned the absence of statements from two crucial witnesses connected to the death of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena.

Sri Lanka invites global investors for green hydrogen, ammonia projects

Sri Lanka has launched an ambitious drive to attract global investment into the development of green hydrogen and green ammonia projects, with authorities aiming to position the country as a regional hub for clean energy production and exports.

Farmers to receive Up to Rs. 100,000 per hectare for Yala crop damage

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has announced that farmers will receive compensation of up to Rs. 100,000 per hectare for crop damage caused by recent heavy rains during the ongoing Yala season.

Court orders banks, telecom firms to submit details in Hemarathana Thera case

Siyapath Sasindu Wickremeratne, on a report submitted by the Sri Lanka Police, today ordered all state and private banks in the country to individually furnish reports on bank accounts maintained by the mother of the underaged girl allegedly raped by Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera.

Inter-agency training push launched to strengthen action against forced labour

A coordinated capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening national action against forced labour got underway yesterday (18) with the launch of a three-day workshop at the National Plantation Management Institute in Athurugiriya.

Government wants media reports kept out of Parliament after Daily Mirror article creates stir

A Daily Mirror report on May 19 titled ‘Rupee value slides against major currencies’ created a debate in Parliament with a question whether Members of Parliament (MPs) should make comments on what is published by the media.

Sri Lanka targets fourfold increase in honey production

The Agriculture Department has launched a special programme aimed at increasing Sri Lanka’s annual honey production from 50 metric tons to 200 metric tons, Director General of Agriculture Dr. Thushara Wickramarachchi said.

PM Harini to speak at Oxford University

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who has departed for an official visit to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) 2026 Board of Governors Meeting, is also scheduled to address a session at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies at the University of Oxford.

Rs.141 million worth of Kush seized

A consignment of 14.562 kilos of Kush was seized and two Sri Lankan passengers arrested in their attempt to smuggle it into the country through the Green Channel at the Bandaranaike International airport last morning.

Accused sentenced to death

An accused indicted with murder was found guilty and sentenced to death by Anuradhapura Predecessor High Court Judge Lakmali Hewawasam.

CM Vijay expresses solidarity with global Tamil diaspora on Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday expressed solidarity with the global Tamil diaspora on the occasion of Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, pledging his administration’s continued support for their rights.

Govt issues strict guidelines for Vesak celebrations

The government has issued a new circular to regulate all programmes organised for the upcoming Vesak season, including Vesak zones and Dansals, with authorities banning activities considered inappropriate for the religious festival.

Tamil Nadu tourist killed after getting caught in tussle between two elephants

A 33-year-old tourist from Tamil Nadu died after getting caught in a tussle between two captive elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu district on Monday, officials said.

Large number of vehicles to be purchased for Wildlife Department: Minister

The tender process has begun to purchase a fleet of 16 double cabs, 84 other cabs and 181 motorbikes for the Department of Wildlife, Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi told Parliament today.

The best interest of the child must remain our only priority

The ongoing case involving the alleged sexual abuse of a child has caused significant public concern across Sri Lanka.

President to lead National War Heroes Commemoration ceremony

The 17th National War Heroes Commemoration ceremony to honor military personnel who sacrificed their lives to liberate the motherland from decades of terrorism, is scheduled to commence today at 3:00 PM at the Ranaviru Memorial in Battaramulla under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Two clauses of Financial Transaction Reporting Amendment Bill inconsistent with Constitution

The Supreme Court has held that Clauses 22 and 34 of the Financial Transaction Reporting Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne told Parliament today.