Sri Lanka Natural History Society to host lecture on Asian Elephant Behaviour at University of Colombo 

Sri Lanka has recorded 46,606 tourist arrivals so far in May, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). India accounted for the highest number of arrivals with 18,533 visitors, followed by China, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. The total number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka for 2026 has now reached 922,883. India, the UK and Russia remain the top source markets for tourists this year.

Tourist arrivals in May exceeds 46,000

The Department of Meteorology has issued an “Amber” advisory for severe lightning in several parts of Sri Lanka. The advisory covers the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western and North-Central provinces, as well as Trincomalee, Galle and Matara districts. It will be in effect until 3.30 p.m. tomorrow(13). The Met Department noted that heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm may also occur in some areas due to a low-pressure system near Sri Lanka. The public has been advised to take precautions against lightning, strong winds and heavy rain.

Amber advisory issued for severe lightning 

The Cabinet has approved the construction of the Rambukkana–Galagedara section of the Central Expressway at an estimated cost of Rs. 112 billion. The project will be fully funded by the government. Cabinet approval was also granted to award seven construction contracts under the second phase of the third stage of the Central Expressway project covering the stretch from chainage 13+800 km to 32+450 km. The contracts will be awarded to selected local contractors through the National Competitive Bidding process.

Cabinet approves Rs. 112bn Rambukkana–Galagedara expressway section

The Opposition has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Justice over remarks allegedly made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake regarding a pending court ruling, former minister G. L. Peiris noted. Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo today (12), Peiris claimed the President had referred to the outcome of a court case during his May Day rally speech in Maharagama before the verdict was officially delivered. He further stated that interference in judicial proceedings is a punishable offence under the law. According to Peiris, several opposition party leaders and representatives jointly submitted the memorandum requesting the Chief Justice to consider the matter.

Opposition submits memorandum to Chief Justice over President’s remarks

The Cabinet has approved the implementation of the ‘Wari Mahima – Ape Urumaya’ national programme aimed at restoring small-scale irrigation projects and ellanga systems across Sri Lanka. The programme seeks to strengthen rural agriculture, food security and village-based agricultural economies. Authorities noted that many irrigation systems have been affected by silt accumulation, structural weaknesses, reduced water efficiency, illegal settlements and climate change impacts. A sum of Rs. 1,000 million has been allocated through the 2026 Budget for the implementation of the programme proposed by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.

‘Wari Mahima – Ape Urumaya’ national programme approved

The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a trust to manage the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre. The 11-storey cultural centre was constructed with assistance from India to promote and preserve cultural heritage in Jaffna and strengthen bilateral cultural cooperation. According to the existing agreement, the centre is to be handed over to the Jaffna Municipal Council through the Sri Lankan government following the completion of construction. The proposal to establish the trust for the future management of the centre was presented by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and approved by the Cabinet.

Cabinet approves trust for Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre management

The Cabinet has approved the signing of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Belarus during the official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism from 12 to 15 May . The agreements will cover cooperation in air services, higher education and health sectors. Sri Lanka &amp; Belarus are expected to sign an Air Services Agreement, an MoU on cooperation in higher education, and an MoU on developing cooperation in the health services sector during the visit.

Sri Lanka and Belarus to Sign Agreements on Air Services and Higher Education

The Cabinet has approved calling for investment proposals to implement a mixed development project on a land owned by the Urban Development Authority in central Kottawa. The land, located within the Maharagama Municipal Council area facing the High-Level Road, spans over one acre and has been identified for development by a special Cabinet-appointed committee. Accordingly, the government plans to lease the land to a suitable investor on a long-term basis for 99 years in line with government procurement guidelines. The proposal was presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and received Cabinet approval.

Sri Lanka Natural History Society to host lecture on Asian E ...

Tourist arrivals in May exceeds 46,000

Tourist arrivals in May exceed ...

Amber advisory issued for severe lightning

Amber advisory issued for seve ...

Cabinet approves Rs. 112bn Rambukkana–Galagedara expressway section

Cabinet approves Rs. 112bn Ram ...

Opposition submits memorandum to Chief Justice over President’s remark ...

Opposition submits memorandum ...

‘Wari Mahima – Ape Urumaya’ national programme approved

‘Wari Mahima – Ape Urumaya’ na ...

Cabinet approves trust for Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre manage ...

Cabinet approves trust for Jaf ...

Sri Lanka and Belarus to Sign Agreements on Air Services and Higher Ed ...

Sri Lanka and Belarus to Sign ...

Cabinet approves investment proposals for Kottawa mixed development pr ...

Cabinet approves investment pr ...

Tourist arrivals in May exceeds 46,000

Tourist arrivals in May exceed ...

Amber advisory issued for severe lightning

Amber advisory issued for seve ...

Cabinet approves Rs. 112bn Rambukkana–Galagedara expressway section

Cabinet approves Rs. 112bn Ram ...

Opposition submits memorandum to Chief Justice over President’s remark ...

Opposition submits memorandum ...

‘Wari Mahima – Ape Urumaya’ national programme approved

‘Wari Mahima – Ape Urumaya’ na ...

Cabinet approves trust for Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre manage ...

Cabinet approves trust for Jaf ...

Sri Lanka and Belarus to Sign Agreements on Air Services and Higher Ed ...

Sri Lanka and Belarus to Sign ...

Cabinet approves investment proposals for Kottawa mixed development pr ...

Cabinet approves investment pr ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Tourist arrivals in May exceeds 46,000

Tourist arrivals in May exceed ...

Amber advisory issued for severe lightning

Amber advisory issued for seve ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Cabinet approves Rs. 112bn Rambukkana–Galagedara expressway section

Cabinet approves Rs. 112bn Ram ...

Opposition submits memorandum to Chief Justice over President’s remark ...

Opposition submits memorandum ...

‘Wari Mahima – Ape Urumaya’ national programme approved

‘Wari Mahima – Ape Urumaya’ na ...

Cabinet approves trust for Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre manage ...

Cabinet approves trust for Jaf ...