Musk loses OpenAI court battle after jury finds he waited too long to sue

A California jury has tossed out Elon Musk’s high-profile lawsuit against OpenAI and its boss Sam Altman.

Sri Lanka remains undivided because of the Armed Forces: Mahinda Rajapaksa

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that, because of the ultimate sacrifices made by the armed forces, the nation remains a single, undivided country.

Wire traps laid to rob motorcyclists; gang nabbed by residents

A gang that allegedly laid wire traps across roads and robbed motorcyclists of their cash and jewellery at Boraketiiya on the Padukka-Wataraka-Boraketiiya Road was caught by residents and handed over to the Meegoda Police in the early hours of yesterday morning.

CIABOC official pushing suspects towards suicide: Opposition

Taking a swipe at the Government over the death of former Srilankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kapila Chandrasena , the joint Opposition yesterday alleged that a certain official of the Commission to Investigate Allegations on Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) was pushing those summoned before the Commission towards suicide.

Health experts warn of waterborne disease risk

Health experts have warned of a possible rise in waterborne diseases in the coming weeks as floodwaters from minor flooding in several affected areas begins to recede under the prevailing rainy conditions.

Rupee value slides against major currencies

In the wake of the Sri Lankan rupee depreciating rapidly against major international currencies, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said the exchange rate decline could not be used as the sole criterion to determine the status of the economy, as it had both positive and negative implications.

Trump says he called off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states

US President Donald Trump has said he is holding off a military attack on Iran planned for Tuesday at the request of Gulf states as ’’serious negotiations are now taking place’’.

Without war end, President couldn’t freely visit Jaffna: Namal

National Organiser of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Namal Rajapaksa has criticised the government, stating that if war heroes had not ended the war, the current President would not have been able to freely visit Jaffna, but would instead have had to seek permission before doing so.

At least 100 deaths reported in Ebola outbreak in DR Congo as six Americans exposed

At least 100 deaths have been reported in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 390 cases suspected, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has told the BBC.

Foreign Ministry unveils new website and overseas missions platform

The Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry launched its revamped official website along with a new Common Website Platform for Sri Lanka Missions abroad at a ceremony held on 18 May 2026 at the Ministry’s Main Conference Hall.

MR not invited to Victory Day celebrations: Manoj Gamage

Attorney-at-Law Manoj Gamage yesterday said that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country’s fifth Executive President, has not yet received an invitation to attend the Victory Day celebrations scheduled to be held tomorrow.

Govt. moves to protect northern marine ecosystem

A high-level discussion aimed at protecting Sri Lanka’s northern coastal waters and marine ecosystems was held today at the Environment Ministry, with special focus on preventing environmental pollution and strengthening marine conservation efforts.

Former England Test captain MJK Smith dies aged 92

Former England Test captain Mike Smith has died at the age of 92, his former county side Warwickshire announced on Monday.

Shakira acquitted of tax fraud, court orders Spain to hand back $70 million

Spain’s High Court has acquitted ‌Colombian pop star Shakira of tax fraud and overturned the 55 million euro ($64 million) fine imposed in 2021 by the Spanish tax agency, according to a court document seen by Reuters on Monday.

Bodies of missing Italian divers found in Maldives

The bodies of four Italian divers who went missing during a scuba diving accident in the Maldives last week have been located, officials have confirmed to the BBC.

Market extends decline amid heightened geopolitical concerns

The Colombo Stock Exchange commenced the week on a sharply negative note, as intensified geopolitical tensions and continued uncertainty surrounding global economic conditions triggered broad-based selling pressure across the market. Investor sentiment remained largely bearish throughout the session, with both retail and institutional participants adopting a cautious stance amid rising external risks.

Police to take legal action against Weerawansa for obstructing duties

Police said legal action will be taken against former MP Wimal Weeransa and a group of 35 people who obstructed the rehearsal of the War Heroes’ Commemoration and duties of the police officers on duty.

104 new buses for Metro Transit by August

The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development today signed an agreement to import 104 new buses for Metro Transit, a subsidiary of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), in a move aimed at improving the country’s public transport service.

Iran submits new 14-point text via Pakistan

A source close to the Iranian negotiating team told Tasnim that Iran has submitted its latest text in 14 points through the Pakistani intermediary, who will present it to the Americans.

Wimal confronts police during War Heroes’ commemoration

A tense situation was reported between the police and a group led by former MP Wimal Weerawansa near the War Heroes’ Memorial in Battaramulla after the group attempted to hold a War Heroes’ commemmoration.

Technical failure disrupts Foreign Ministry attestation services

The Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism informed the public that all document attestation services have been temporarily suspended until further notice due to an unexpected technical failure of the Electronic Document Attestation System (e-DAS).

Iran announces new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s top security authority announces the formation of a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively closed and wants to charge ships to traverse.

Strike over high fuel prices paralyses transport in Kenya

Thousands of Kenyan commuters have been stranded and businesses paralysed as public transport operators went on a nationwide strike to protest against recent increases in the cost fuel.

5,289 Tri-Service personnel promoted for War Heroes Day

A total of 5,289 Tri-Service personnel have been promoted to their next respective ranks in line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls today (18).

DC’s Thriller over RR shakes up IPL 2026 Points Table

Delhi Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive with a five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on May 17, further shaking up the IPL 2026 points table. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to seal a playoff spot, the battle for the remaining knockout places is now tighter than ever.

PM Harini leaves for UK to attend Commonwealth meeting

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya left for the United Kingdom this afternoon (18) to attend a high-level meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Severe lightning warning issued for several provinces

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for severe lightning and thundershowers expected in several parts of the country after 1.00 p.m. today.

Handunnetti’s FR petition against alleged sugar scam fixed for July 27

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by Minister Sunil Handunnetti, during his tenure as an opposition Parliamentarian, seeking an order to recover Rs. 15.9 billion from those responsible for the alleged sugar fraud that occurred during sugar imports in 2020, was today fixed for support by the Supreme Court.

Evading tax payments due to valid reason cannot be considered a crime: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today that there is a sinister move to amend laws penalising evading the payment of taxes due to a valid reason, while considering it a crime.

Further evidence in case against Wimal Weerawansa, five others fixed for July 13

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that further evidence in the case filed against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa and five others over an alleged protest causing public nuisance by obstructing roads in front of the United Nations office in Colombo in 2016, be taken up on July 13.