May 14 (CT) An enlightened mind is like a life-giving herb that makes human existence in the world peaceful. A Sri Lankan monk who is taking the Buddhist tradition from America to the entire world through Vipassana meditation. Today, at the age of 99, he is mature in both academic knowledge and practical understanding. Millions of monks and laypeople around the world benefit from his Dhamma knowledge. Accordingly, the religious mission of the Most Venerable Henepola Gunarathana Thera to more..

May 14 (TM) Superstar Vijay (Chandrasekaran Joseph Vijay) first became Ilayathalapathy. Now, he has taken oaths as Chief Minister (CM) Thalapathy Vijay. The few hours that followed looked less like a political transition and more like the opening scenes of a blockbuster Tamil film. Seconds before taking oaths, he lifted a table on the stage by himself to help others. Minutes later, he was taking selfies. The crowd roared. Cameras swirled around him. For a moment, politics itself looked cinematic again. more..

May 14 (TM) As tractors rolled into paddy fields across SL for the 2026 Yala season, a different kind of anxiety travelled alongside the farmers preparing their land. It was not only the fear of drought, pests, or fluctuating paddy prices. This time, the uncertainty came packed into sacks of urea, or the lack thereof. Across the global market, fertiliser prices are once again soaring upward, driven by a geopolitical crisis thousands of kilometres away from SL farms. more..

May 14 (SO) While grappling with various local challenges including the recent fuel crisis spurred by Middle East tensions, the Govt boosted its international image in the past few days with the two high level visits of Prez Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives and Vietnam Prez Tô Lâm. Thus in a single week, Sri Lanka hosted two strategically important leaders in the region, signalling that the island-nation is emerging once again as a diplomatic beacon in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). more..

May 14 (ST) For the last couple of months, I have been trying to unravel the thinking process—if that is what it is—of that cacophonous and egregious president of the US, Donald Trump. If it was just his convoluted and confused talk that has caused so much bother, one might excuse him. After all, he is an American, and they have this habit of making things stand on their heads. Trump made quite a hash of his first term as president, even to the point of letting loose some armed and adventurous dogs more..

May 14 (SO) The demand for public transport has increased significantly over the past few years, but the quality of the supply remains poor and is improving slowly. However, a major transition in the private bus industry has taken place in recent months with many air-conditioned bus services (Luxury buses) coming into operation in large numbers on long-distance (Inter-provincial) routes. Many of these buses are new, well-maintained and popular among the public. more..

May 14 (CT) The massive turnout at the last May Day rallies, coupled with the strategic insights gained from the recent Vietnamese delegation’s visit, has undeniably forced Sri Lanka into a moment of reckoning that demands a clear, disciplined vision for national survival. This convergence of populist energy and a proven blueprint for Vietnam’s success signals that we can no longer afford to drift. While IMF & official statistics suggest a stabilizing economy, more..

May 14 (GV) For decades, the Tamil people have endured war, displacement, political betrayal, economic neglect & repeated cycles of disappointment. Yet despite these hardships, the aspirations of the Tamil people have remained remarkably consistent: dignity, equality, meaningful power sharing, economic opportunity, cultural protection and a secure future for the next generation. A new and deeply important question is emerging across the North, East and the global Tamil diaspora. more..

May 13 (NW) Sri Lanka and Belarus have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors following talks between Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov during an official visit to Belarus. Minister Vijitha Herath said discussions focused on expanding SL–Belarus ties in political, economic, educational, cultural and people-to-people cooperation. The two sides also agreed to enhance bilateral engagement through regular more..

May 13 (AFP) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake's vow to deliver sweeping reforms has been criticised since he was elected into power in 2024, the latest of which includes posts sharing an altered news graphic falsely claiming his system change includes mandating people to secure permission first from the police before they can enter into a romantic relationship. The original graphic actually reports on the police refuting a similar claim that surfaced in 2023, even before AKD became prez. more..

May 13 (NW) SL’s health sector is set for a major upgrade in cardiac care, with 16 state‑of‑the‑art cardiac catheterization laboratories (Cath labs) to be installed in leading hospitals islandwide this year under the instructions of Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. The new facilities will be established at Colombo, Kandy, and Galle National Hospitals, as well as teaching hospitals in Batticaloa, Ratnapura, Badulla, Jaffna, more..

May 13 (FT) Ports Minister Anura Karunathilaka denied speculation that the Govt has decided to privatise the East Container Terminal (ECT), insisting that no policy decision has been taken despite growing investor interest. He said the Govt remains open to receiving investment proposals, but stressed that no formal move has been made to privatise the strategic terminal. “As a Govt, we have not told investors not to submit proposals. We are engaging in discussions with interested parties, but more..

May 13 (Island) The Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre, comprising 11 floors, has been constructed with the assistance of the Govt of India with the objective of serving as a hub for cultural activities in SL and expanding bilateral cooperation for the promotion, preservation, and fostering the cultural heritage of Jaffna. In accordance with the approval granted at the Cabinet meeting held on 2022-02-21, a Joint Management Committee has been appointed to make decisions relating to more..

May 13 (MB) Buddhist monks associated with the Walk for Peace initiative have carried a sapling of the sacred pipal or bodhi tree to the US, more than 2000 years since the Indian Emperor Ashoka’s daughter, Sanghamitta, a Buddhist nun, carried a sapling of that same lineage from India to SL. In both narratives, the pipal tree became more than a plant but a living bridge across cultures and faith, rooting itself in new lands while carrying more..

May 13 (NW) Opposition MP S.M. Marikkar has questioned whether it is necessary to report to the Presidential Commission appointed to probe substandard coal imports, citing a recent statement made publicly by JVP Secretary General Tilvin Silva. Marikkar played a video to the media in which Silva claimed the Commission would clear the govt of allegations within three months. The MP pointed out that while the President has appointed the Commission for a six‑month duration, more..

May 13 (DM) SLPP National Organizer and MP Namal Rajapaksa said that if the President’s claim that no one is above the law is to be upheld, all individuals allegedly involved in wrongdoing must be investigated without exception. Speaking at a public meeting in Kesbewa on 12 May 2026, Namal said that if the principle of equal justice is to be maintained, then those linked to alleged financial and administrative irregularities must also face legal scrutiny. more..

May 13 (AD) Administrative Appeals Tribunal has directed the promotion of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Director of the CID, Shani Abeysekara, to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). Accordingly, the National Police Commission (NPC) has been informed of the decision today. The promotion is to take effect from August 25, 2026, and a decision has also been made to pay all arrears of salary and allowances lost since the date of his suspension. more..

May 13 (NW) SL Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the gruesome killing of a man in Mamadala Junction, Ambalantota, where the victim was shot, hacked to death, and his severed head placed on a statue before the attackers fled. One suspect was taken into custody by Ambalantota Police yesterday (12), while two others were arrested the same day by the Tangalle Division Crime Investigation Unit. According to the Police, all three are residents of the Ambalantota area. more..

May 13 (EN) SL’s central bank has no mandate to cross-check or alter payment instructions provided by the govt, Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said, likening the regulator’s role to a commercial bank executing a client’s transfer. Addressing concerns over the US$ 2.5 million fraudulent debt repayment, Weerasinghe said responsibility for the accuracy of recipient details lies with the initiating departments under more..

May 13 (Island) The Govt is expected to commence compensation payments, within the next few days to electricity sector employees who opted for voluntary retirement, under the ongoing power sector restructuring programme, following a high-level discussion chaired on Monday by Minister Anura Karunathilaka. The discussion, held at the Ministry, focused on finalising arrangements related to the payment process, and addressing several issues that had arisen in connection with more..

May 13 (FT) Dinana Dakuna Collective has written to CIABOC, urging the anti-graft body to safeguard its independence, credibility and impartiality amid growing public scrutiny over its conduct in high-profile investigations. In a letter signed by Collective Leadership Board members Attorney Shiral Lakthilaka, Maithri Gunaratne, PC and Nadeesha de Silva, the group said public confidence in the Commission could be undermined if investigations are not conducted impartially & transparently. more..

May 13 (DM) Amidst most global airlines cutting flights and shrinking operations due to skyrocketing jet fuel prices, the govt has confirmed that national carrier SriLankan Airlines will continue all its current int'l routes without any cuts, even as major carriers around the world struggle to survive rising costs. Minister Anura Karunathilaka said that the govt has signed an agreement with CPC to supply fuel on credit for a limited period. more..

May 13 (TM) Football Federation of SL (FFSL) Indefatigable President Jaswar Umar says he is single-mindedly focused on steering the national team to its first Men’s SAFF Championship title in 31 years, despite whatever brickbats hurled at him by his critics. SL won its first and only Men’s SAFF Championship title then named the SAFF Gold Cup in 1995, when former Renown SC defender Roshan Pereira led the host nation to a famous 1-0 victory over India in the final at Sugathadasa more..

May 13 (DM) Govt is planning to amend the Animals Act No. 29 of 1958 in a move to include pigs, goats and sheep in addition to cattle and cows in the definition of animal in the Act. The Cabinet of Ministers has granted in-principle approval on Dec 1, 2025 for the proposal submitted by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation in this regard. Attorney General has also granted clearance for the draft Bill prepared by the Legal Draftsman in all three languages. more..

May 13 (AD) The low-pressure area located northeast of Sri Lanka is expected to move away from the island and gradually weaken over the next 48 hours, Met Dept stated. Due to the influence of this system, the prevailing showery weather conditions across the country are expected to continue for the next two days. Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Northwestern, and Northern provinces, as well as more..

May 13 (FT) Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has crossed the 900,000-visitor mark for 2026, offering cautious optimism toward the Govt’s ambitious 3 million arrival target, despite signs of weakening momentum amid global travel uncertainty. Latest figures from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) show that the country welcomed 922,883 tourists from January through 10 May, reflecting a marginal 2.22% year-on-year (YoY) decline compared to the same period last year. more..

May 13 (FT) The hotel industry warned that the country risks losing billions in potential revenue, unless authorities urgently address mounting policy delays, foreign exchange leakages, weak regulation and the absence of sustained global destination marketing. Hotels Association of SL (THASL) said a growing disconnect between tourist arrivals and actual earnings was emerging as one of the sector’s biggest concerns, even as more..

May 13 (FT) Home Lands Group’s Home Lands Port City Ltd signed the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with CHEC Port City Colombo Ltd to develop a twin tower high-rise project in the Central Park District of Port City that will merge with and overlook 40 acres of lush central parkland. Home Lands said the project investment of $ 150 million marks the largest real estate investment by a single Sri Lankan developer. With the total project value estimated at over $ 300 million, more..

May 13 (AD) Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has issued a special announcement urging the public to refrain from using polythene and plastic materials for various decorations and Dansal activities during the upcoming Vesak festival. CEA emphasized that the measure has been introduced with the objective of safeguarding the ecosystem, including both humans and animals. The sale, display and use of the following materials commonly utilized for Vesak lanterns, decorations and more..

May 13 (NW) SL’s oil import bill has risen more than six times between February and May, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed, warning of mounting economic challenges. He noted that while the actual cost of a litre of diesel is around Rs. 720, it is being supplied to the public at Rs. 392, leaving the govt and the CPC to absorb heavy losses. Prez said oil imports cost USD 98 million in Feb, USD 216 mil in March, more..

May 13 (EN) SL Customs reached the 1 trillion rupee revenue milestone this week, its spokesman said, while it has been continuously exceeding its monthly targets. “Yesterday, SL Customs surpassed a special milestone in revenue collection for 2026, when we reached (the) Rs. one trillion mark,” Customs Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa said on Wednesday (13). Customs revenue reached 995.8 billion rupees on Monday, which is 45.1% of the 2,207 billion rupee target for this year, more..

May 13 (AD) The Dept of Railways says train services on the Colombo-Puttalam railway line have been limited only up to Chilaw Railway Station due to sudden flooding. Issuing a statement this afternoon, the Dept said several locations along the Puttalam line in the Thilladi area have been inundated due to prevailing adverse weather conditions. It further noted that the water level is continuing to rise, prompting the restriction of train operations on the Puttalam line up to Chilaw more..