Schools emerge as dengue hotspots nationwide

A national dengue prevention drive has revealed widespread mosquito breeding sites in schools, construction sites and public institutions across the country.

Govt. orders urgent action plans as anticipated El Niño threat raises concerns over food and water security

The Government has directed key state agencies to prepare urgent action plans amid growing concerns that the anticipated global El Niño phenomenon could threaten Sri Lanka’s food production, irrigation systems and drinking water supplies in the coming months.

Enthusiasm among local, foreign investors galore to take Mattala airport

With as many as 47 parties initially responding to the call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development of the Mattala International Airport (MIA), which is a strategic asset being eyed by countries involved in geopolitical contestation, the authorities have extended the deadline by one more month at the request of participants, an official said yesterday.

‘Corruption led to economic collapse’ - High Court Judge

While delivering the judgement, the High Court Judge underscored the far-reaching consequences of corruption in state institutions, observing that such misconduct not only damages the country’s economy but has also contributed to its economic downfall.

Sallay’s treatment could be meted out to others in the Opposition: UNP

The United National Party (UNP) while highlighting that the treatment meted out to former State Intelligence Services (SIS) Chief Major General Suresh Sallay in violation of the Constitution and international conventions, said the treatment meted out to Sallay may be applied on other opposition groups.

Extension of emergency approved amidst protest from Opposition

State of Emergency declared after the Ditwah cyclone hit the nation in November last year was extended for another month amidst heavy criticism by the Opposition.

No decision to extend retirement age of judges: Minister

Amidst controversy over reports of the extension of retirement age of judges, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday that the government has not taken any decision, claiming that there has been no discussion on the matter within the government.

Iconic actress Iranganie Serasinghe celebrates 99th birthday

Beloved and iconic artiste Iranganie Serasinghe will celebrate her 99th birthday today. She was born in 1927. She has been a pioneering figure in Sri Lankan cinema. She has earned widespread admiration for her remarkable contribution to the country’s arts and cultural landscape.

Mother wins three-decade legal battle over property against son

A mother has emerged victorious in a 30-year legal battle against her son over a residential property after the Supreme Court dismissed the son’s appeal, ruling that the property had been transferred to him solely to facilitate a bank loan, not with the intention of transferring its beneficial ownership.

Suresh Sallay still refuses food, now on saline: Wife

Manori Sallay, the spouse of former State Intelligence Service Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay said that her husband was still refusing to take food at the hospital.

Private buses to slash services by 50% over fare dispute

Commuters across Sri Lanka could face major transport disruptions from today (8) as private bus operators have decided to cut services by 50 percent, citing mounting losses, rising fuel costs, and the government’s failure to grant fare relief. The Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association, Gemunu Wijeratne, announced that private bus operators would restrict services from June 8 after authorities failed to respond positively to request

Mother of 4 burnt to death by husband

A woman of Godigamuwa in Bibila had been burnt to death by her husband in the early hours of last morning.The victim Rinosha Umma (40) was a resident of a Muslim Village in Godigamuwa and mother of four children. Investigations revealed that she with her husband had gone to bed after dinner and while her children occupied another room. Last morning when the children noticed a fire and opened the door to find their mother on fire.They doused the f

Dengue surge alarms authorities as cases jump by up to 40%

Health authorities have raised concern over a sharp rise in dengue infections across the country, as confirmed cases this year climbed to 35,228, marking an increase of around 30% to 40% compared to the same period last year. The highest number of cases have been reported from the Western Province, with

Crackdown on unregistered elders homes to begin

The Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment said it will soon begin a crack down on unregistered elderly care homes while action will be taken against homes operating illegally without registration.

Shark attack; One fisherman missing, another loses finger

A fisherman disappeared, and another received serious injuries when they came under attack by a shark in the deep sea off Wennappuwa.

No reduction in vehicle imports: Customs data challenges Government expectations

Despite claims that a temporary 50% surcharge on vehicle import duties was introduced to curb non-essential imports and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves, fresh remarks from the Customs Department indicate that vehicle

If elephants die after coming into contact with these fences, it is a serious concern: Appeal Court

“The purpose of erecting electric fences in areas affected by human-elephant conflict is not to kill elephants but to keep them away. If elephants die after coming into contact with these fences, it is a serious concern,” President of the

The Super El Niño is Not a Prophecy of Doom. It is a Deadline

It is easy to read headlines about the coming Super El Niño in 2026 and feel a familiar dread. After the economic implosion of 2022, the agricultural wipeout of 2021, and the floods of recent years, we suffer from climate fatigue. We treat these warnings like astrological prophecies vague, distant, and unavoidable.

People living in tents face severe hardship, move back to homes in endangered areas

More than 25 Ditwah affected families living in tents in Wewandon estate in Kotmale have been burdened with further hardship due to the prevailing heavy rains.

Construction sector on brink as 40% of firms become inactive -Sri Lanka Construction Association President

About 40 percent of businesses in Sri Lanka’s construction sector have become inactive due to continued changes in tax policies, the increase in VAT and the depreciation of the rupee, President of Sri Lanka Construction Association Susantha Liyanaarachchi said.

‘1990’’ under military rule: Suwa Seriya employees launch protest

For the first time in its history, employees of the ‘1990’ Suwa Seriya emergency ambulance service have launched a street protest yesterday in Colombo. Staff members gathered to voice their strong dissent against what they described as a newly imposed “military-style administration” and arbitrary workspace transfers that undermine the welfare of workers.

Meningitis in Deniyaya Water sources polluted with human waste, contained constituents unfit for human consumption

Laboratory tests carried out by the health authorities have revealed that the spread of Meningitis in the Deniyaya area recently was due to the use of polluted water. It has been revealed that the people in the affected area depend on natural water resources including fountains and the community water supplies to meet their requirements of drinking water. Laboratory tests have established that these water resources are polluted with human waste a

AG objects to five psychiatric reports on Sallay

Appearing on behalf of the Criminal Investigation Department, Additional Solicitor General (ASG)Dileepa Peiris informed Court that a specialist forensic medical board should be appointed through the Director General of Health Services to assess the health condition of the suspect while he remains under detention and interrogation. He accordingly sought an appropriate Order from Court.

First-ever Public Property Act changes sought over Deega Danthu’s death

Authorities are taking steps to invoke the Public Property Act for the first time in Sri Lanka against a suspect accused of causing the death of the iconic tusker Deega Danthu, who was fatally electrocuted after becoming entangled in an illegally installed high-voltage electric fence.

Fresh move to restructure two State Banks? : Ravi K

Highlighting that there is a fresh move to restructure two State Banks by offering shares to the public, Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake yesterday urged the Government to come out with the actual position with regard to the two institutions.

RDB Bank Delivers Exceptional Q-1 Performance, Setting the Pace for a Transformational Year

Regional Development Bank (RDB) has commenced FY 2026 on a strong footing, delivering an exceptional first-quarter performance that reflects the successful execution of its transformation agenda, disciplined financial management, and unwavering commitment to empowering communities and driving inclusive economic growth.

More troubles ahead: Harsha

Member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Harsha de Silva yesterday predicted more trouble when it comes to the Sri Lankan economy.

Former SIS chief Suresh Sallay suffers from PTSD, anxiety and depression : court told

Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Suresh Sallay, who has been named as the third suspect in the investigation into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression, his counsel informed Colombo Fort Magistrate yesterday.

Fuel price crisis: Govt weighs options to reduce daily diesel consumption by 500 tonnes

In dealing with the fallout of the Middle East crisis, the government urgently needs to reduce diesel consumption by another 500 tonnes a day, but no specific measure has been agreed upon yet, a Minister said yesterday.

Basic cost of living in Sri Lanka tops Rs. 17,000 per person

As the cost of everyday essentials continue to rise, Sri Lankans now need at least Rs. 17,117 a month per person to meet their basic needs, according to the latest official figures.