SJB, UNP could have secured CMC if they contested together

The United National Party (UNP) would have secured the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) if both parties, the UNP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) had contested the local government polls together, a CMC opposition candidate said.

Foreign Minister requests Israeli amnesty for Sri Lankan workers facing visa issues

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has requested the Israeli government to grant amnesty to Sri Lankans who have faced various difficulties due to visa expirations over several years and to integrate them into the workforce.

Drug addicts among Homagama Hospital minor employees

Residents of the area expressed concern about the drug addicts among minor employees of Homagama Base Hospital, which affected the efficiency of the services, creating hardship for the patients.

Deputy Defence Minister to grace this year, but not President

Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara, instead of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is to grace the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony on May 19, 2025, at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte

Heavy rains exceeding 100 mm in some areas

The Meteorology Department has issued an advisory for heavy rains exceeding 100 mm at some places in the Northern Province and in the Anuradhapura and Puttalam districts.

Ministry expresses displeasure over sudden train strike

The Transport and Highways Ministry expressed their displeasure over the sudden train strike launched by the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU), which caused inconvenience to the public.

Moody’s cuts America’s pristine credit rating, citing rising debt

Moody’s downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating on Friday due to concerns about the nation’s growing, $36 trillion debt pile, in a move that could complicate President Donald Trump’s efforts to cut taxes and send ripples through global markets.

Govt, opposition in race against time to capture local authorities

The government and the opposition are in a race against time to rope in members to form administrations at the local authorities – Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas- where a single party has been unable to secure 50 per cent or more of membership at the May 6th election.

Canadian court grants extradition of Sri Lankan gang leader arrested in Toronto

An Ontario judge has granted the extradition of a Sri Lankan gang leader arrested in Toronto last year for his alleged role in a deadly attack on a rival gang near Paris in 2022.

Over 100,000 Sri Lankans register for foreign employment this year

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced that the number of Sri Lankans registering for foreign employment has surpassed 100,000 so far this year.

Nine university students, IUSF convener arrested over illegal protest

At least nine university students including the convenor of the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) were arrested by the police for engaging in an illegal protest in front of the Ministry of Health this afternoon.

16th National War Heroes Commemoration ceremony to be held on May 19

The Ministry of Defence said that the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony will be held on May 19, 2025, at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sri Lanka faces surge in dengue, chikungunya and influenza cases

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a significant increase in mosquito borne diseases, notably dengue and chikungunya, alongside a rise in influenza cases among children.

Station masters launch train strike

All Station Masters have launched an islandwide strike, resulting in the cancellation of all night mail trains.

Shooting incident in Kotahena injures two

A man and a woman were injured following a shooting incident in the Kotahena area a short while ago, police said.

Twelve suspects discharged over Easter Sunday bomb attacks

Twelve suspects who were previously arrested and remanded on suspicion of aiding and abetting the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks were discharged today by Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasinghe.

Arrest Warrant issued against Mahindananda

An arrest warrant has been issued against former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage in connection with the ongoing investigation into the importation of Chinese fertilizer.

India-UK agreement major economic setback for Sri Lanka

The recently signed free trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom on May 6 has raised fresh economic concerns for Sri Lanka, particularly at a time when the country is already grappling with hefty US-imposed tariffs, says Ratata Hetak Social Service Programme organiser Sarath Kalugamage.

Railway trade union action within the next 24 hours: Station Masters warn

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union announced today that it will commence immediate trade union action within the next 24 hours, citing the government’s continued failure to address several longstanding issues.

Wildlife Department identifies 142 elephant crossing points near railway stations

The Wildlife Conservation Department has identified 142 railway stations across the country where wild elephants are known to roam, raising concerns over the ongoing human-elephant conflict.

Health Ministry responds to Daily Mirror article on Chickenpox vaccines

The Ministry of Health has responded to a recent article published by the Daily Mirror regarding the availability of Chickenpox vaccines.

CSE uptrend continues on positive Quarter earnings

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the session on a positive note, continuing its upward momentum amid renewed investor confidence. The surge was driven by improved sentiment and strong quarterly earnings, with the banking sector leading the gains, while other sectors also showed positive performance.

Members of various local bodies to support NPP chairpersons: Bimal

Claiming that members of various local bodies have agreed to support chairpersons of the National People’s Power (NPP), Minister Bimal Ratnayake said today that the NPP’s Vraie Cally Balthazaar is sure to become the Mayoress of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

Indictments filed against Lakshman Yapa and former BOI DG

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has filed indictments against former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and former Director General of the Board of Investment (BOI), Jayanta Edirisinghe, over the alleged misuse of BOI funds in 2014.

Hector Dias’ ’Meenachchi’ marks Sri Lankan Dolby Atmos debut on Apple Music

Sri Lankan artist Hector Dias’s track ’’Meenachchi’’ is now offering an immersive Dolby Atmos experience on Apple Music, a development hailed by its collaborators as a ’’first for Sri Lanka’’ in providing such content on the platform.

Sri Lankan Buddhist Lawyers’ Association congratulates India’s new Chief Justice

The Sri Lankan Buddhist Lawyers’ Association has extended its warmest congratulations to the newly appointed 51st Chief Justice of India, Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, hailing his elevation as a historic and deeply inspiring moment for the Buddhist community.

Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2025 announces key partnership with Amanté

Amanté, a leading intimate wear brand, will be the official main sponsor for Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2025. This collaboration highlights a mutual dedication to the empowerment of Sri Lankan women and aims to strengthen the country’s global presence in pageantry.

Government will not accept sending migrant workers to Israeli-held Palestinian lands: Bimal

The government will not accept sending of migrant workers to places in Palestine which are held by Israel, Minister Bimal Ratnayake said.

Ronaldo tops Forbes highest-paid athlete list again

Cristiano Ronaldo has topped the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes for the third consecutive year, while NBA star Stephen Curry has moved up to second.

Tennakoon to appear before inquiry committee on May 19

Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon is scheduled to appear before the committee of inquiry investigating into allegations of misconduct and serious abuse of office against him on Monday at 2:00 p.m.