Global crises slam brakes on Sri Lanka’s recovery: IMF

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery is beginning to lose momentum under the weight of renewed global shocks, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said, warning that the war in the Middle East, rising oil prices, and post-cyclone disruptions are slowing growth.

Banks can proceed against guarantors without suing principal debtor first: SC

The Supreme Court ruled that a bank is legally entitled to institute action directly against a guarantor without first proceeding against the principal debtor, provided the guarantor has expressly waived that right in the guarantee agreement.

Police to bring back 89 red notice suspects hiding abroad: Spokesperson

Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wutler says authorities are continuing efforts to repatriate 89 suspects wanted under Red Notices who are currently hiding in foreign countries in connection with serious criminal offences in Sri Lanka.

Seven Sri Lankan youths deported from UAE arrive at BIA; CID launches probe

Seven Sri Lankan youths who were arrested and remanded by security authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over allegations of storing photographs and videos of drones and missiles used in the Middle East conflict on their mobile phones, and reacting to them through likes and comments, were deported and arrived in Sri Lanka on the night of May 27.

IMF approves US$695 Million disbursement to Sri Lanka after completing fifth and sixth reviews

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews of Sri Lanka’s economic reform programme under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, paving the way for an immediate disbursement of SDR 508 million (approximately US$695 million).

CBK calls for urgent reform drive in Buddha Sasana

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has called for urgent reforms within the Buddhist monastic order, warning that the Buddha Sasana is facing increasingly serious challenges that require a structured and long-term response.

Central Expressway second phase to be inaugurated on Friday

The inauguration ceremony of the second phase of the third section of the Central Expressway Project, covering the Rambukkana to Galagedara stretch, is scheduled to be held on Friday (29) at the Galagedara Public Stadium.

Welikada Police OIC arrested for extorting Chinese nationals

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Welikada Police Station has been arrested for illegally withholding the passports of a group of Chinese nationals and attempting to extort money for their release.

Steady fuel supply till November

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has confirmed that Sri Lanka will not experience a fuel shortage until November, while also dismissing social media reports of an imminent fuel price revision and claims of panic buying.

U-19 cricketers seek settlement over alleged bathroom video

Four members of the Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team who were arrested over allegations of secretly filming several female doctors who were in the shower inside their room in a Colombo hotel are exploring the possibility of a settlement in the case, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court was informed.

No shortage of funds to conduct PC polls: Nalinda

Claiming that there is no shortage of funds to conduct the Provincial Council elections, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today the government is ready to hold the PC polls at anytime after resolving the legal berriers through Parliament.

No fuel shortage, sufficient stocks until July: CPC

Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks to meet demand until the end of July, Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL), Mayura Nettikumarage, said.

Sri Lankans turn to renovating old homes as building costs soar

A dramatic shift is underway in Sri Lanka’s real estate sector as investors and homebuyers increasingly opt to purchase lands with existing structures for renovation, stepping away from ground-up developments.

Health Ministry issues sweeping meningitis directive amid concerns over school spread

A special set of nationwide instructions issued by the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry on the control of enteroviral meningitis has sparked attention, as the disease is reported to be spreading in schools and community settings across the country.

Attack on Galle Face protesters: AG to frame changes against Deshabandu

The Attorney General’s Department today informed the Supreme Court that the Attorney General is expected to file indictments against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon over his alleged failure to prevent the attacks on protesters at Galle Face on May 9, 2022.

Wimal Weerawansa arrested

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa was arrested a short while ago after arriving at the Thalangama Police Station to record a statement, Police said.

Work from home soon

In a bid for economic risk mitigation over the falling dollar rate and surging import bills, the government mulls the reintroduction of work from home for the public and private sector employees as done during the pandemic , an official said yesterday.

CBSL imposes strict caps on vehicle loans and leases effective May 25

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a new directive introducing strict maximum caps on Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios for credit facilities granted for the purchase or utilization of motor vehicles.

EPF lags behind listed companies and banks on transparency: Verité Research

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), despite being Sri Lanka’s largest financial institution, has lower transparency and disclosure standards compared to other entities that manage funds on behalf of third parties, such as companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, licensed commercial banks, and unit trusts.

Vijitha Herath to visit Australia, New Zealand on official tour

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath is scheduled to undertake an official visit to New Zealand and Australia from 26 May to 3 June 2026 at the invitation of the two governments.

Court orders Rainbow agency owner to repay victims within a year

The Gangodawila Magistrate has ordered the owner of Rainbow Manpower Foreign Employment Agency, accused of conducting a large-scale foreign employment scam by promising jobs in Romania, to repay the money owed to victims within one year.

FBI arrives in Sri Lanka to investigate cyber thefts

A team from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrived in Sri Lanka to assist local authorities in investigating the cyber theft of $2.5 million from Sri Lankan Treasury funds in one instance and another US $ 625,000 in terms of payment to the US postal authorities , a senior officer told the *Daily Mirror*.

Warrant issued for Basil Rajapaksa

Matara Chief Magistrate Chaturanga Eranga Dissanayake has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

A major bureaucratic reshuffle in the offing?

In a major shift within Sri Lanka’s diplomatic postings, the Daily Mirror learns that Sri Lanka’s current Ambassador to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe will return back to the country in July after ending his term. It is learnt that Samarasinghe will likely be replaced by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Secretary, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake as the new Ambassador to Washington DC.

Rupee hits new low against USD

The Sri Lankan Rupee has weakened further against the US Dollar, with the selling rate surpassing the Rs. 354 mark, according to the latest exchange rate report issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (20).

When fuel subsidies sink the rupee, why increase the tax on vehicles ?

On 15 May 2026, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as Sri Lanka’s finance minister, issued an order under the Customs Ordinance imposing a 50% surcharge on imports classified under HS Code 87.02 (vehicles for the transport of ten or more persons including the driver), HS Code 87.03 (passenger motor vehicles), and HS Code 87.04 (vehicles for the transport of goods).

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.

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.

Rupee depreciation’s double edge

Sri Lanka has done impressive work on its domestic finances. We achieved a primary surplus and collected nearly 5 trillion rupees in taxes. But this success is in rupees only. Our external balance sheet – the one measured in dollars – remains dangerously weak.

Ashu Marasinghe defamation case settled in court

Former Parliamentarian Prof. Ashu Marasinghe’s defamation case seeking Rs.1.5 billion in compensation from former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra and another respondent over an alleged statement that he abused a dog was settled before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court yesterday after the parties reached a compromise.