Which teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts, round of 32?

Here’s everything you need to know about the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage, including the Round of 32 qualification rules, tiebreaker criteria, qualified teams and nations eliminated from the tournament.

Mahayaya Vinita Thera no longer a monk, probe underway

A statement has been issued in response to the case involving Tufts Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Vineetha Mahayaye, who was among seven men arrested on Saturday by the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit on allegations of attempting to pay for sexual acts.

Iran war casts fresh shadow over Sri Lanka’s recovery

Sri Lanka’s fragile economic recovery faces renewed external headwinds after Fitch Ratings downgraded its outlook on a growing number of emerging market sectors, warning that the ongoing Iran conflict is

Three types of cardiac stents withdrawn immediately due to safety concerns

The Medical Supplies Division (MSD) have ordered the immediate withdrawal of three types of ’inferior’ cardiac stents and instructed hospitals across Sri Lanka to isolate all remaining stocks without using them, in a major nationwide safety alert affecting heart treatment services.

Elon Musk Becomes the World’s First Trillionaire. What Does $1 Trillion Mean in Sri Lankan Rupees?

The SpaceX IPO pushes Musk past $1 trillion this month. Here is what that number actually looks like for Sri Lanka.

What Do Sri Lankan Fans Think? Ranking the Top Contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2026

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 fast approaching, Sri Lankan football fans remain divided over who will lift the trophy. A Daily Mirror poll found no clear favourite, with support spread across Spain, France, Argentina, Portugal, England and Brazil.

Breaking Down the Israel–Iran Conflict: What We Know So Far - Day 108

After more than three months of war, the United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end hostilities, paving the way for formal negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security arrangements.

Monsoon Lessons: What the rains teach Sri Lanka about resilience

Sri Lanka’s monsoon rains have brought floods, landslides, and rising dengue risk across the island. While transport and crops face disruption, the downpours also refill reservoirs, revive farmlands, and cool the air. The season, though harsh, reminds Sri Lankans of endurance — and the balance between nature’s challenge and its gift.

Gold Price Today in Sri Lanka – 22K & 24K Rates, Trends, and Investment Guide

This guide covers today’s gold price in Sri Lanka, why gold remains uniquely important, what is driving current price movements, and the key risks investors should consider.

2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule in Sri Lankan Standard Time

Stay updated with the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule in Sri Lankan Standard Time (SLST), including all match fixtures, kickoff times, and key games. This complete guide helps Sri Lankan football fans follow every match live, from late-night kickoffs to early morning clashes. Plan your viewing and never miss a moment of the World Cup 2026 action from Sri Lanka.

FIFA World Cup 2026: 10 Best Group Stage Matches to Watch in Sri Lanka

With 104 matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, most group stage kickoffs fall in the early hours of the morning in Sri Lankan Standard Time. You cannot watch everything, so the question becomes: which matches are worth setting the alarm for?

Why Are Fuel Prices Rising in Sri Lanka? The 2026 Crisis Explained

Last morning, if you filled your tank with Petrol 92 at any CEYPETCO station across Sri Lanka, you would have paid Rs. 434 per litre. Twelve weeks ago, you would have paid Rs. 293. In November 2015, you paid Rs. 117.

A cross-over ban alone will not result in principled politics

The government’s announcement to enact a law to prevent members of Parliament, provincial councils and local government bodies from crossing over to other parties from the parties they were elected from does not seem to have evinced much interest from political circles.

Thousands of Leukemia patients have only four specialists for BMT treatment

Medical professionals warn that if urgent action is not taken to enhance specialist capacity, the country’s growing blood cancer issue will go beyond control in near future, with only four leukemia specialists in hand presently.

From Eelam War Heroes to Disposable Mercenaries: Sri Lankan Combatants Fighting in the Ukrainian War

The onset of the Ukrainian war in 2014 created significant manpower challenges, prompting both Russia and Ukraine to recruit former soldiers from various nations.

Foreign employment industry under scrutiny following high-profile arrest

The recent arrest of an individual popularly known as “Dubai Sudda” should not be viewed merely as a sensational social media controversy or an opportunity for personal attacks, but rather as a serious warning highlighting long-standing structural weaknesses within Sri Lanka’s overseas employment and migrant worker recruitment system.

Women in Rotary – Vital Voices of District 3220 Create History:Launch of Rotary’s First Holistic Wellbeing Purple Card Initiative

Women in Rotary – Vital Voices proudly created history with the official launch of the Purple Card Initiative, introducing what is believed to be Rotary’s first holistic wellbeing card dedicated to the empowerment and overall wellbeing of women in Rotary.

Court orders charges against Jacqueline in Sukesh money laundering case

Jacqueline Fernandez has been in legal trouble with regards to Sukesh Chandrasekhar’s Rs 200 crore money laundering case.

A cup of tea or coffee a day and the risk of dementia: What Sri Lankans need to know

In Sri Lanka, tea and coffee are not lifestyle accessories. They are part of who we are. The first cup at dawn steadies the morning. The mid-afternoon brew carries conversations across office tables and village verandas.

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).

Hajj: Pilgrimage to the house of Allah

Tens of thousands of pilgrims from all colours-from blue eyed blonds to black skinned Africans- throng the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia during the eighth to twelfth or thirteenth of Dhu of al-Hijjah, the last month of the Muslim calendar. Pilgrims do this to clean their souls from the worldly sins; which connotes both outward acts of a journey after death and outward acts of good intention.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete Guide for Sri Lankan Fans

Get ready for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with this essential guide on the new 48-team format, groups, and North American venues. We break down the match schedule and IST timings specifically for Sri Lankan fans to help you plan your late-night viewing. From ticket prices to team debuts, find everything you need to follow the world’s biggest football tournament from Sri Lanka.

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).

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.

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.

The Thucydides Trap

In an era of shifting global power balances, strengthening multilateralism, international law and a rules-based order remains essential to preserving peace and preventing great power conflict.

Sri Lankan Passport Ranked 94th in the World: What This Really Means for Your Travel, Work, and Future

For many Sri Lankans, passport power is not something learned from an index or a website. It is learned in embassy waiting rooms. In rejected applications. In deadlines missed because approvals did not arrive on time.

How seismic shift in Tamil Nadu politics matter Sri Lanka

India has just concluded a shock election season. With the counting drawing to a close, the biggest shocker of all, subject to interpretation, comes from Tamil Nadu, where a two-year-old party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay had shattered decades-old duopoly in state politics, and is set to govern the state for the next five years.

Gen Z Tsunami hits Tamil Nadu electoral arena

It was a Gen Z- led Tsunami which hit Tamil Nadu’s electoral arena on Monday the fourth of May. The stunning victory of matinee idol Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) in the State Assembly elections was as unexpected and as unsparing as a deluge.