May 19 (AD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the aspirations of war heroes who fought to liberate the country included the creation of a developed and just nation, and that the govt is committed to fulfilling that vision. Prez made the remarks while addressing the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony held in Battaramulla today. Prez said the armed forces made a significant contribution in bringing more..

May 19 (AD) The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to procure 15,000 metric tonnes of urea fertilizer through Agrarian Service Committees under the Department of Agrarian Development for the 2026 Yala cultivation season. Although initial estimates indicated that 550,000 hectares of paddy land would be cultivated during the season, current projections suggest the cultivated extent is expected to be between 450,000 and 500,000 hectares. Based on this, more..

May 19 (NW) President’s Counsel and attorney Upul Kumarapperuma says a recent court ruling linked to a former minister Sanath Nishantha’s brother marks an important moment in reinforcing the rule of law, while attorney Akalanka Ukwatta says unlawful political interference that was once common is no longer taking place. Addressing a media briefing held at the JVP hq on Monday, the two lawyers referred to a ruling delivered by the Chilaw High Court over an incident dating back to 2008. more..

May 19 (NF) Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has expressed concern over attempts by certain groups to create instability in the country once again. The former Commander of the SL Army stated that politicians have repeatedly misled the public while portraying themselves as saviors of the nation. He noted that, at various times, people had fallen victim to such narratives. Fonseka specifically referred to individuals such as Wimal Weerawansa and others who shared similar political platforms, more..

May 19 (MSN) On the occasion of Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday expressed solidarity with the global Tamil diaspora, pledging his administration's continued support for their rights. In a social media post on 'X', the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief wrote: "Let us hold the memories of Mullivaikkal in our hearts. We will always stand by the rights of our Tamil kindred living across the seas." LTT had run a military more..

May 19 (EN) SL has imposed US$27 million so far from the first 15 of the 19 coal shipments under term contract due to wrong specifications, Deputy Energy Minister Arkam Ilyas said. Out of the 19 coal shipments, the island nation has received 17 with a delayed schedule after test results proved Indian firm Trident Chemphar Ltd imported coal with wrong specifications with lower Gross Calorific Value (GCV). “We have imposed a US$ 27 million more..

May 19 (NW) Sri Lanka has received special recognition from the World Health Organization for maintaining the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis as a public health concern, in line with international standards and global advisory recommendations. The recognition was awarded in appreciation of SL’s continued progress in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis to levels where they are no longer considered a major public health issue. more..

May 19 (AD) A complaint has been filed with the Human Rights Commission of SL over an incident in which a group was allegedly prevented from paying floral tributes at the National War Heroes’ Monument near Parliament. The complaint was submitted today by Dr. Supun Abeysinghe, a Central Committee member of the NFF, along with a group of party representatives. The matter relates to an incident that occurred yesterday at the National War Heroes’ Monument, when a group led by more..

May 19 (AD) Officials of the SL Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) informed the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Women and Child Affairs that a decision has been taken to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 10,000 for children aged between 2 and 13 years of parents employed overseas, if those children are enrolled in daycare centres. The officials made these remarks during the Committee meeting chaired by more..

May 19 (PMD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the Ranaviru Sevana Rehabilitation Centre in Ragama this morning and inquired into the wellbeing of military personnel receiving residential treatment there. During the visit, President engaged in cordial discussions with the soldiers and commended the sacrifices made by all of them in safeguarding the unity of the motherland. Thereafter, Prez Dissanayake also held discussions with the medical staff, including doctors serving more..

May 19 (CT) At 41 years old, Roshan Rajoo is chasing a new peak. The former school champion has returned to the runway with clear intent: he wants medals on the Masters stage, and he is building a season to match that ambition. A product of St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala, Rajoo first made his mark in 2003, winning gold at the National School Games and the National Sports Festival, while setting a district record in Kurunegala that still stands. A year later, he stepped onto more..

May 19 (NW) Cabinet of Ministers has unanimously approved a proposal by the Minister of Water Supply and Drainage to maintain existing water tariffs without revision during the first six months of 2026. The decision follows an analysis by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), which confirmed that current tariffs are sufficient to cover total operating expenses. The review was conducted in line with the tariff formula approved at the Cabinet meeting on July 15, 2024, more..

May 19 (AD) Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, has arrived in Sri Lanka on a 3-day official visit. Indian Air Force Chief, who arrived at the BIA in Katunayake last night, is scheduled to remain in the island until May 21. As part of the visit, Air Chief Marshal Singh paid floral tribute to the IPKF Memorial in Battaramulla this morning before being accorded a Guard of Honour upon arrival at the SLAF Headquarters. more..

May 19 (FT) Nepal’s only Forbes-listed billionaire and longstanding investor in SL Dr. Binod Chaudhary last week expressed optimism about South Asia’s island hub, whilst urging the Govt to be both flexible and aggressive in harnessing growth potential. “I have a very special relationship with SL. I am a passionate lover of Sri Lanka and a long-term investor. If ever I had to choose to live outside my own country, Kathmandu, it would be SL,” more..

May 19 (EN) Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved a proposal to formulate a comprehensive National Intellectual Property Policy to address structural and operational gaps in the current system and improve coordination among state agencies. The current intellectual property framework is governed by the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003. However, the govt has identified several challenges in how the system operates, minister Vijitha Herath told reporters. more..

May 19 (AD) The govt has confirmed that no political representatives were invited to the National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony, to be held today in Battaramulla, marking 17 years since the defeat of terrorism in Sri Lanka. Minister Vijitha Herath made the announcement at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, stating that the event was limited to the President, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara and the Public Security in their official capacities. more..

May 19 (NW) Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken measures to ensure the safety and welfare of SL national Sameera Mehboobdeen, who was among the participants of the Gaza‑bound Global Sumud Flotilla reportedly intercepted by Israeli authorities. Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra said that SL’s embassy in Tel Aviv has formally requested consular access to confirm Mehboobdeen’s condition, ensure her safety more..

May 19 (DM) A gang that allegedly laid wire traps across roads and robbed motorcyclists of their cash and jewellery at Boraketiiya on the Padukka-Wataraka-Boraketiiya Road was caught by residents and handed over to the Meegoda Police in the early hours of yesterday morning. Their modus operandi was to tie one end of a wire to a tree at a height of about three feet while keeping the other end lying across the road. When a motorcycle approached, the suspects would raise the wire, more..

May 19 (AD) The ongoing depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar can be managed through planned financial inflows and policy measures, according to Minister Vijitha Herath. Minister said expected foreign currency inflows from international financial institutions, along with import controls, would help stabilise the situation. He noted that the weakening rupee could lead to higher prices for imported goods, creating potential inflationary pressure across the economy. more..

May 19 (FT) SL’s construction sector showed encouraging signs of recovery in 2025, following the severe economic disruptions of preceding years since the 2019 Easter Sunday incident. Improvements in macroeconomic stability, including easing inflation and a relatively stable exchange rate, contributed to a noticeable reduction in construction costs. Key materials such as steel and fuel became more affordable compared to peak crisis levels, allowing developers and more..

May 19 (FT) As Sri Lanka marks National War Heroes’ Day (Ranaviru Day) on 18 May, the country honours the sacrifices made during the 30-year conflict that ended in May 2009. This annual observance serves as a solemn reminder of the heavy human cost borne by security forces personnel, their families, and civilians across all communities. It also reaffirms the restoration of the island’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as a single, united nation. Only days earlier, more..

May 19 (FT) CB expects nearly $ 1 billion in inflows from multilateral agencies to provide additional bandwidth to stabilise the exchange rate, as the rupee comes under pressure from higher oil prices, rising imports, and uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict. CB Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe yesterday said SL expects around $ 700 million from the IMF early next month, alongside a further $ 250 million from ADB and WB, more..

May 19 (TM) The National Victory Day commemoration ceremony, marking 17 years since the defeat of terrorism, is scheduled to be held today (19) as in previous years. The ceremony will take place at the National War Heroes Monument in Battaramulla under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Ranaviru Seva Authority stated. For the first time, the relatives of fallen soldiers from the Northern and Eastern Provinces will participate in this year’s commemoration. more..

May 19 (DM)The Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism informed the public that all document attestation services have been temporarily suspended until further notice due to an unexpected technical failure of the Electronic Document Attestation System (e-DAS). The temporary suspension applies to the Consular Affairs Division headquarters in Battaramulla as well as all Regional Consular Offices (RCOs) located in more..

May 19 (ST) Colombo Port City is in talks with the Finance Ministry, Police and Dept of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) about recent investigations into alleged cybercrimes after a spate of foreigner arrests revealed that some could have secured visas via companies purportedly licensed as Authorised Persons under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act. During several court proceedings, it was claimed by lawyers more..

May 19 (TG) Thousands of Tamils gathered at Mullivaikkal commemoration ground this morning to mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. This year marks 17 years since SL's genocidal offensive that left an estimated 169,796 Tamils unaccounted for and presumed dead. SL govt encouraged Tamils to enter so called No Fire Zones and then committed unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests & detentions, torture & rape and other sexual violence & denied them humanitarian aid. more..

May 19 (Island) In a landmark achievement for SL and the global autism advocacy community, Merak 2026 has secured the Guinness World Record for the World’s Longest Sensory Board, marking a milestone in the intersection of art, inclusion, sustainability & public awareness. Tree House International spearheaded the successful effort. Stretching 60 meters, each segment of the board incorporates a mix of tactile elements, from recycled ocean plastic to show sustainability, more..

May 19 (EN) Sri Lanka’s services sector contracted in April 2026 due to seasonal impacts following the festive period and the increase in energy prices, according to a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the Central Bank which registered an index value of 46.7, compared to 59.4 the previous month. New businesses declined in April 2026 for the first time since April 2023, CBSL said, due to deteriorations observed in transportation of goods, insurance, wholesale & retail trade, and accommodation more..

May 19 (FT) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday criticised proposed amendments relating to tax enforcement, warning that penalising taxpayers unable to make payments due to legitimate reasons would undermine business confidence and democratic norms. Speaking after meeting tax and financial experts, Premadasa said there was an attempt to amend laws to criminalise delays in tax payments arising from circumstances such as illness or overseas travel. more..

May 19 (FT) Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recovery is entering a more difficult phase as policymakers, economists and businesses attempt to preserve stability amid rising geopolitical tensions, volatile energy markets and growing uncertainty in the global economy. Setting the tone and dining the scope of a recent seminar on Sri Lanka’s Current Macroeconomic Policy Directions in the Current Global Volatility, more..

May 19 (DN) New Zealand women’s A team led by Jess Watkin came back strongly to record 84 runs win over (DLS method) Sri Lanka women’s A in their third rain hit one day game played at Rangiri Dambulla Cricket Stadium yesterday. After first two games ended in no results due to rain NZ women’s produced superb all round performance to defeat SL women’s A to win the series 1-0. NZ women’s A team decided to bat first scored challenging total of 273 for 8 wickets in their 50 overs. more..

May 19 (Island) SL’s 1996 World Cup winning team returned home on Monday, although for many of the players Colombo was not the final destination. While most boarded flights to BIA, a few headed off to Melbourne and London, while others decided to extend their stay in the Land of the Malays for a short holiday. It was a trip soaked in nostalgia as the players rolled back the years and transported fans to that magical March night 3 decades ago when they pulled off one of the greatest upsets more..