Wanawasala train crash: Stolen rail parts sold for Rs. 3,000

The railway components dismantled from the site of the Wanawasala train accident were sold for a meager sum of Rs. 3,000, according to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for the Western Province North, Kalinga Jayasinghe. Speaking at a press conference today (17), the DIG revealed that th police have identified the location where the stolen parts were purchased and have taken the establishment’s owner into custody.

EC calls for updates to 2026 voter register via GN officers

The Election Commission has urged individuals who have not been included in the 2026 electoral register, or those who have changes in their address, name, or National Identity Card (NIC) details, as well as those born before 01 February 2009, to contact their respective Grama Niladhari officers for verification and updates.

Rescue diver dies during search for bodies of Italians who drowned in Maldives caves

A rescue diver has died while searching for the bodies of a group of Italians who died in a scuba-diving accident in the Maldives.

8 balls in, Pathirana suffers injury blow

Matheesha Pathirana’s long-awaited debut for Kolkata Knight Riders ended in disappointment after the Sri Lankan pacer suffered an injury just eight deliveries into the clash against Gujarat Titans.

Exchange rate error costs People’s Bank Rs. 656 Mn

The People’s Bank said that it is in the process of recovering approximately Rs. 656 million mistakenly paid to customers following a systemic exchange rate error in its remittance platform that affected transactions processed between May 2023 and March 2026.

Bulgaria wins Eurovision Song Contest, Israel comes second again

Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time on Saturday in a final overshadowed ​by five countries’ boycott over Gaza, claiming a dramatic victory despite another big public vote for Israel that again secured it ‌second place.

12 major reservoirs open spill gates, 6 at medium level

The Irrigation Department says that the spill gates of 12 major reservoirs and 06 medium-sized reservoirs have been opened due to the prevailing rainy weather conditions.

Malwana student standoff draws PM’s attention

The attention of the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has been drawn to the situation involving a group of university students who have been staying for several days on a land in the Malwana area under the custody of the Dompe Divisional Secretariat.

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a global health emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern Ituri province a public health emergency of international concern.

Low-pressure area located to the north weakening: Met. Department

The low-pressure area located to the north of Sri Lanka is gradually weakening, the Department of Meteorology said today.

SriLankan clarifies UAE fraud, Chennai fund misuse cases

SriLankan Airlines has issued a clarification regarding reports on two separate financial incidents involving a fraudulent payment linked to a compromised service provider email account in the UAE and the alleged misappropriation of company funds at its office in Chennai, India.

Suspect arrested over Wanawasala train derailment

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the train derailment near Wanawasala after investigations revealed that metal components had allegedly been removed from a railway switch point, railway authorities and Police said.

Ali Sabry defends govt’s vehicle import duty hike

Former Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has backed the Sri Lankan government’s decision to impose a temporary 50% surcharge on vehicle import duties, calling it a “prudent and timely measure” to protect the country’s fragile foreign exchange reserves amid growing global uncertainty.

At least eight dead, 25 injured in train collision that sparks bus fire in Thailand

At least eight people were killed and 25 ​others injured after a ‌train collision triggered a fire that engulfed a public bus in ​Bangkok on Saturday, rescue officials ​and police said.

Low-pressure system continues to influence weather; Heavy showers expected

The low-pressure area located northeast of Sri Lanka continues to persist and is being closely monitored for its behavior, development, and movement over the coming hours, the Meteorology Department said.

Claims of 150% vehicle price hike false: Deputy Finance Minister

Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha has dismissed claims that vehicle prices would increase by 150% following the government’s latest decision to impose additional taxes on vehicle imports, describing the reports as “completely false.”

Senior IS leader killed by US and Nigerian forces

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a senior Islamic State (IS) leader in a joint-operation with the US.

NCPA assures justice, protection in Anuradhapura child abuse case

NCPA Assures Protection and Justice for Minor Girl in Anuradhapura Abuse Case The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has said that it is closely monitoring investigations into the alleged child abuse incident involving a minor girl in Anuradhapura, which has recently sparked public concern and controversy.

Universities join global drive for smoke-free Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan universities and international health partners have joined forces to strengthen tobacco control and smoking cessation efforts in the country, with Health Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijeymuni highlighted that reducing tobacco consumption is not only a public health goal but also a national development priority.

World Chess Federation president arrives in Sri Lanka

The President of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich, arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday for a two-day official visit to attend the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Chess Championship as the chief guest.

Namal highlights Asia’s civilizational role due to economic rise

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said Asia’s future leadership should extend beyond economic growth and focus on moral, cultural and civilizational values.

Govt. imposes 50% Custom duty surcharge on vehicle imports

The Ministry of Finance has decided to levy a 50% surcharge on the prevailing Customs import duties applicable to all imported vehicles, effective immediately from today (May 16).

Train derails between Wanawasala and Kelaniya; Two Injured

A train travelling from Polgahawela to Colombo Fort derailed between the Wanawasala and Kelaniya railway stations early this morning, causing disruptions to train services on the main railway line.

Iran has ‘no trust’ in the U.S., will negotiate only if it is serious, Araghchi says

Tehran has “no trust” in the U.S. and is interested in negotiating with Washington only if it is ​serious, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday, as ‌talks on ending the war remained on hold.

Indian geologist arrested at BIA with cocaine worth Rs. 108 mn

A 60-year-old Indian national was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday (16) after Customs officers detected a consignment of cocaine worth an estimated Rs. 108 million concealed in his luggage.

CEJ seeks court order to channel shopping bag charges into environmental fund

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has filed a case seeking to establish an environmental conservation levy mechanism using the charges currently imposed on shopping bags, arguing that the funds should be directed to a government environmental fund rather than retained by private businesses.

Xi will visit US in fall at Trump’s invitation, Chinese foreign minister says

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit ‌to ⁠the ⁠U.S. in the fall at the invitation of President Donald Trump, China’s ⁠foreign minister ‌Wang Yi said on ⁠Friday.

Early rally fades as profit-taking pulls market to a flat close

The Colombo Stock Exchange commenced today’s session on a positive note, supported by encouraging quarterly earnings released by several listed companies, which helped boost investor sentiment and push the indices higher during early trading. The ASPI gained over 78 points during the session as buying interest emerged across selected counters.

Sri Lanka-linked accounts behind anti-immigration AI videos targeting UK

A network of social media accounts linked to Sri Lanka and several other countries has been spreading AI-generated anti-immigration content targeting the United Kingdom, according to a BBC investigation.

Energy crisis not over, vigilance still needed: PM Harini

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the government has managed the energy crisis through a sustainable process without placing a burden on the public, while warning that the crisis is still not over.