WhatsApp to end support for older Android devices — check if yours is on the list

WhatsApp will stop working on certain older Android devices from September 8, 2026. Users running Android 5.0 or 5.1 will lose access to the app. The company is advising affected users to back up their chats and upgrade their devices or operating systems to continue using the service.

Warehouse fire raises concerns over Keheliya drug case evidence

A warehouse containing medicines, samples, and key documents related to a medical supply company linked to the substandard drug case involving former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has suddenly caught fire, raising serious concerns over the possible destruction of important evidence.

Shammi Silva set to step down this week

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva is expected to step down from his position on Wednesday (29), amid mounting pressure and ongoing discussions at the highest levels of government, according to informed sources.

Sri Lanka calls fresh bids for Mattala Airport development

The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) said that Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the development and operation of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA). The invitation is extended to both local and international investors interested in participating in the future expansion and commercial use of the airport.

Pirates hijack oil tanker off the coast of Somalia, Sri Lankan among crew

Pirates have hijacked an oil tanker with 17 crew that was sailing near the Somali coast, according to multiple security officials who spoke to the BBC.

US $ 2.5 million cyber heist comes under IMF watch

The theft of US $ 2.5 million by cybercriminals who breached the computer systems of the Finance Ministry has come under the spotlight of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is closely watching the situation, a spokesperson said.

Report on Cardinal’s resignation fake: Sri Lankan Catholic Church

The news which is being circulated with the headline Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malclom Ranjith is to resign, is fake, spokesman for the Sri Lankan Catholic Church Fr. Jude Krishantha said today.

Johnston Fernando granted bail

Former Minister Johnston Fernando was granted bail by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court after spending four months in remand custody over a case involving the alleged misuse of a Lanka Sathosa lorry.

USD 2.5 million money heist - Who will bear the cost?

The NPP government is now facing a humiliating and serious financial scam which has robbed the people off USD 2.5 million from the state coffer, with senior Finance Ministry officials still unable to provide accurate answers as to where these monies went and who is responsible behind the theft.

Australia assisting probe into payment issues

The Australian High Commission in Colombo said that it is aware of irregularities related to payments owed to the Australian Government, according to a statement posted on X.

Public urged not to distract ‘Walk for Peace’ procession as dog falls ill

The dog accompanying the “Walk for Peace” procession fell ill yesterday after being affected by heavy crowds and disruptions, and required medical treatment.

Sri Lanka chooses Chinese currency to pay for Russian oil transactions

Sri Lanka, which is planning to purchase crude oil from Russia, has agreed to settle payments in Chinese Renminbi (RMB), newly appointed Energy Minister Aruna Karunatilake said.

Court orders continued detention of former SIS Director Suresh Sallay

Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara today ordered that the detention order issued against former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director, Major General (Rtd.) Suresh Sallay, will remain in effect.

Shammi Silva bowled out

Anti-corruption crusaders and die-hard cricket followers in the island could breathe a sigh of relief as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has at last bowed down to ground realities and ordered Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) merry-go-round dictator Shammi Silva to clear out.

US-intercepted tanker moves near Sri Lanka waters

Ship-tracking data indicates that a crude oil tanker intercepted by the US military in the Indian Ocean made a sharp change of course in the early hours of this morning and is now broadcasting its position around 700km (430 miles) south-east of Sri Lanka.

Joint Opposition questions legality behind decision for trial-at-bar to hear RW case

The Joint Opposition today questioned the legality behind the decision to set up a trial-at-bar to take up the case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lanka to retain QR fuel system indefinitely amid global oil uncertainty

Against the backdrop of fluctuating global fuel prices, Sri Lanka has decided to continue with the QR code system for the rationalisation of fuel distribution indefinitely, an official said.

Selfless Matthews drops forbidden bombshell

Newly crowned Premier League cricket champions Colts Cricket Club had to dodge many a bullet, swim past undercurrents, avoid stepping on toes and could not even voice their grievances as they trudged along to win the coveted First Class inter club title in what was their 150th year in existence away from the prying eyes.

Anura Karunathilaka sworn in as Energy Minister

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Anura Karunathilaka as the new Minister of Energy.

Harsha defends HSBC CEO’s comment on Sri Lanka’s oil purchase

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva yesterday referred to Daily Mirror report published under the title ’CPC rejects US dollars 286 per barrel claim, threatens legal action’’ and alleged that there has been an attempt to manipulate the statement made by the HSBC CEO.

Kumara Jayakody - A man who faces the test of time

Days after Kumara Jayakody resigned as the Energy Minister making him the first minister to step down amidst corruption allegations in the NPP government, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will this week appoint an already existing cabinet minister to the post to temporarily look into the affairs of the ministry, the Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka Air Force deployed for expressway rescue operations

The Sri Lanka Air Force has been deployed to assist in rescue operations along the country’s expressway network, according to Air Force Media Spokesperson Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura.

Indian Vice-President arrives on two-day official visit

The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, arrived in Sri Lanka this morning, commencing a two-day official visit.

Bangladeshi businessman nabbed at BIA with Rs. 5.1 mn cigarette haul

A foreign passenger who attempted to smuggle a stock of foreign-made cigarettes worth Rs. 5.1 million into the country was arrested by Airport Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning (19).

Iran tightens Hormuz control, Trump warns against ’blackmail’

Iran said it was tightening control over the Strait ​of Hormuz on Saturday, warning mariners the vital energy route was again ​closed, but President Donald Trump said Tehran could not blackmail the United ⁠States by shutting the waterway.

CPC confirms $286 diesel barrel purchase, rejects overpricing claims

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has confirmed that a barrel of diesel was purchased at a cost of USD 286, while firmly rejecting allegations that fuel imports were made at inflated or irregular prices.

First crude oil shipment since Middle East conflict to arrive today

The first crude oil tanker to arrive in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict is scheduled to reach the island today (17), the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Company (CPSTL) said.

SriLankan Airlines official, pilot clash at Bangkok airport

A confrontation has reportedly taken place between a SriLankan Airlines official and the captain of flight UL403 at an airport in Bangkok, Thailand.

Over 200 Iranian naval crew members depart Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka repatriated 240 Iranian naval personnel yesterday, following maritime incidents near the island.

President’s New Year message highlights unity, prosperity and renewal

Marking the auspicious transition of the sun and the arrival of the spring harvest season, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has dawned once again, celebrated by Sri Lankans since ancient times.