This week in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is grappling with significant cybercrime, including a $2.5 million treasury fraud prompting FBI assistance and over 3,000 individuals falling victim to hackers. Economically, the country faces a surge in import vehicle prices due to tax hikes and rupee depreciation, even as vehicle imports have significantly increased. Additionally, preparations are underway for the Vallamulla-Vaaikkal Remembrance, highlighting ongoing ethnic sensitivities.
About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, a captivating island nation in South Asia, is renowned for its ancient Buddhist heritage, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, alongside a growing tourism and tea-driven economy. While press is legally free, journalists face harassment, and ethnic and political tensions significantly influence news coverage across Sinhala and Tamil-language media.
Visiting Sri Lanka
Media landscape
Sri Lanka's media operates in a partly-free environment where legal press freedom exists, but journalists frequently encounter harassment, and coverage is often shaped by underlying ethnic and political divisions.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, consult a variety of news sources from across the Sinhala, Tamil, and English-language media to discern different perspectives.
Sources we track 1
Kapila Chandrasena's Death No Obstacle to Air Bus Investigation
- The investigation into the Air Bus deal will proceed despite the recent death of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena. - Authorities can pursue other suspects, including Chandrasena's wi…
Finance Committee's Treasury Heist Report Criticized for Shifting Blame
- A parliamentary finance committee report on the treasury heist has been criticized by the Organization of Free Lawyers for attempting to shift blame onto 'soulless computer systems'. - The organizat…
Former President Rajapaksa to Appear Before Bribery Commission Tuesday
- Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated he will appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on Tuesday. - Rajapaksa made the statement after paying his respect…
Sri Lankan Official Appointed Chairperson of WTO Balance of Payments Committee
- Samantha Wijesekera has been appointed as the new chairperson of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Balance of Payments Committee. - Wijesekera brings nearly 25 years of experience from Sri Lanka'…
Need for Teacher Training Suited for Digital Education, Says PM Amarasuriya
- Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stressed the need for proper teacher training alongside digital infrastructure development for Sri Lanka's education system. - She emphasized creating quality digit…
Former Sri Lankan MPs Appeal to Buddhist Clergy Over Parliamentary Misconduct
- Former Members of Parliament have written to the Mahanayake Theros (chief monks) of the three Nikayas (sects) in Sri Lanka. - The letter addresses the suspension of the former Deputy Secretary Gener…
Over 50 Million Rupees Worth of Drugs Seized in Sri Lanka; Suspect Arrested
- Sri Lankan police arrested an individual with over 5 kilograms of ice methamphetamine and 1 kilogram of heroin. - The drugs, valued at over 50 million Sri Lankan rupees, were allegedly intended for …
Sri Lankan twins win best dance award at China festival
- A Sri Lankan team of twins won the award for the best dance performance at the 20th World Largest Twins Festival in Mojiang, China. - The winning dance, inspired by the traditional 'Angampaliya' dan…
MasterChef Sri Lanka: Grand finale tonight
- The grand finale of 'MasterChef Sri Lanka' airs tonight, concluding the show's inaugural season. - The competition has captivated culinary enthusiasts and the general public for several months. - Th…
Vehicles Failing Emission Standards to Be Blacklisted in Sri Lanka
- Vehicles failing to comply with 'maintenance orders' for excessive smoke emissions will be blacklisted by the Department of Motor Vehicles. - Owners of blacklisted vehicles will face significant obs…
Two Foreign Nationals Arrested with Counterfeit Dollars in Galle
- Police in Galle, Sri Lanka, arrested two Tajikistani nationals with over 1.5 million rupees worth of counterfeit US dollars. - The suspects attempted to exchange the fake currency for motorcycles, a…
What Happened to Online Vehicle Registration?
- A Sri Lankan MP highlighted the prolonged waiting times of two to three weeks for vehicle registration at the Department of Motor Traffic. - He questioned the status of the promised online registrat…
Missing Father Found Dead in Sri Lankan Salt Pan
- A man who had been missing for three days was found dead in a water-filled salt pan in Puliyankulam, Sri Lanka. - The deceased has been identified as 41-year-old Warnakulasuriya Namal Fernando, a fa…
Nearly 43,000 Students to Enter Sri Lankan Universities in 2025
- Approximately 43,000 students are expected to be admitted to universities for the 2025 academic year in Sri Lanka. - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced that 42,937 students who passed t…
Upcountry Railway Line Nears Full Restoration After Cyclone and Flood Damage
- 92 out of 97 damaged sections of the Upcountry railway line, affected by floods and a cyclone, have been restored. - The damage, reported between Maradana and Peradeniya, included landslides, soil e…
Iranian Foreign Minister Visits China Amid Regional Tensions
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is on an official visit to China to discuss regional and global issues. - The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and concerns over global…
Maldivian President Departs
- Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu concluded his four-day official visit to Sri Lanka. - He departed from Katunayake Airport early on May 6th, accompanied by his wife and a delegation of 20. - The M…
Vijay's Party Seeks Congress Support for Tamil Nadu Government
- The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, led by actor Thalapathy Vijay, has requested support from the Tamil Nadu Congress party to form a government. - Despite winning the most seats in the state assemb…
Vijay's Victory: Poised to Form Government in Tamil Nadu
- Thalapathy Vijay's political party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has secured a significant victory in the Tamil Nadu state assembly elections, winning 108 out of 108 seats contested. - TVK emerg…
Import Vehicle Prices to Surge in Sri Lanka Amid Tax Hikes and Rupee Depreciation
- Import vehicle prices in Sri Lanka are expected to rise significantly starting May 1st due to a 2.5% increase in the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) and the continued depreciation of the Sr…
Sri Lanka Seeks FBI Help in $2.5 Million Treasury Cyber Fraud Probe
- Sri Lankan investigators are seeking assistance from the FBI for a probe into a $2.5 million financial fraud targeting the national treasury. - The fraud involved unauthorized access to the email sy…
Teacher's body found on South Kalutara beach 5 days later
- The body of a female teacher was discovered on the southern coast of Kalutara after she left home following a severe disagreement. - The deceased has been identified as Nadishani Tharanganika Amaran…
Rain Expected in Several Provinces Today
- The Department of Meteorology forecasts rain and thunderstorms in several provinces and districts across Sri Lanka for the afternoon of May 3, 2026. - Specific areas include the Western, Sabaragamuw…
Ex-Northern Chief Minister: Preparations Underway for Vallamulla-Vaaikkal Remembrance
- Former Northern Provincial Chief Minister C.V. Vigneswaran states that preparations are underway to commemorate the Tamil people who died in the final battle in Mullaitivu's Vallamulla-Vaaikkal. - V…
3,000 in Sri Lanka Fall Victim to Hackers
- Over 3,000 individuals in Sri Lanka, including businesspeople, politicians, and professionals, have fallen victim to computer hacking and fraud recently. - Hackers are targeting individuals with low…
Sri Lanka Imports $613 Million in Vehicles in First 3 Months Amid Eased Restrictions
- Sri Lanka imported vehicles worth $613 million in the first quarter of this year, a significant increase from $61 million in the same period last year. - This surge follows the relaxation of vehicle…
Trump Threatens Troop Withdrawal from Italy, Spain Over Iran Campaign Criticism
- U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw troops from Italy and Spain. - Trump cited their criticism of the U.S. military campaign in Iran as the reason for the potential withdrawal. - …
Two Trains Collide in Indonesia, 14 Dead
- Two trains collided in Indonesia, resulting in 14 deaths and 84 injuries. - Several of the injured are in critical condition, and the death toll is expected to rise. - The accident occurred in Bekas…
Lightning strike kills two farmers in Sri Lanka
- Two farmers were killed by a strong lightning strike while working in their fields in the Wijithapura area. - The victims have been identified as Jemaldeen Badurdeen, 50, and Tennakoon Mudiyanselage…
Sri Lanka's Opposition Claims Government is Run by 'Pocket Thieves'
- Namal Rajapaksa, National Organizer of the Podujana Peramuna, claims the current government is controlled by "pocket thieves" and has effectively "robbed the Ministry of Finance." - He alleges the g…
Former Governor: Officials Lie About $2.5 Million Hacker Incident
- Former Governor Keerthi Tennakoon alleges that the Sri Lankan government officials and politicians have failed to take responsibility for a hacker incident involving $2.5 million. - Tennakoon claims…
Ehipassiko Peace Walk Reaches Yakkala Today
- A peace walk, "Ehipassiko," led by 13 monks including Vietnamese monk Ven. Pannakara Thero, began its fifth day today. - The walk started from Tholangamuwa National School and will proceed to Abeyse…
Over 6 Million Rupees Worth of Cigarettes Seized at Katunayake Airport
- Sri Lankan customs officials at Bandaranaike International Airport apprehended a passenger attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of foreign cigarettes and e-cigarettes. - The seized items, va…
Former Deputy Minister Arrested with Illegal Arms Cache
- Former Deputy Minister Chandana Kathriarachchi was arrested with a cache of illegal weapons and explosives. - Police searched his residence and seized firearms, magazines, ammunition, and a hand gre…
Committee to Implement Easter Commission Recommendations
- The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved the formation of a committee to implement recommendations from the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks. - The committee will oversee…
Sri Lankan Police Donate One Day's Salary to National Rebuilding Fund
- Police officers in Sri Lanka donated their one-day salary to the 'Rebuilding Sri Lanka' fund. - The donation amounted to LKR 9,687,462, aimed at aiding victims of the recent cyclone and rebuilding t…
Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Appointed in Sri Lanka
- The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved the appointment of Iresh Waraminda Pathiraja as the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. - Pathiraja, a Special Grade officer in the Sri Lanka Admini…
Man arrested for impersonating PM's secretary to secure school admissions
- A man was arrested for impersonating the Prime Minister's private secretary to admit two students to a prominent school. - The suspect allegedly used forged documents and AI-generated images to gain…
50 Foreign Nationals Arrested for Overstaying Visas in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lankan immigration officials arrested 50 foreign nationals who overstayed their business visas. - The group included 47 Chinese nationals, two Malaysians, and one Indian. - They were apprehended…
Ragama Hair Cutting Case: More Suspects Remanded
- Two more suspects were arrested in connection with the assault and cutting of a woman's hair in Ragama. - The suspects, who are employees of the shop where the incident occurred, were remanded in cu…
8 Children Killed in US Shooting
- A mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, resulted in the deaths of eight children. - The shooter, identified as Shamarr Elkins, was reportedly the father of seven of the deceased children. - Elkins…
Iranian Boats Fire on Indian Ships in Strait of Hormuz
- Iranian attack boats fired on two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. - No damage or injuries were reported, but the ships were forced to alter course. - India summoned the Iranian ambas…
Sri Lanka: Former Energy Minister Jayakody to Take Backbench Seat Post-Resignation
- Former Sri Lankan Energy Minister, Kumara Jayakody, will be allocated a backbench seat in Parliament following his resignation. - Jayakody resigned from his ministerial post on Friday, April 17, 202…
Sri Lanka Invites Applications for Presidential Environmental Awards 2026
- Sri Lanka's Central Environmental Authority is accepting applications for the Presidential Environmental Awards 2026. - Applications must be submitted by April 30, with awards presented in categorie…
Sri Lanka Appoints Commission to Probe Coal Imports and Power Generation
- A presidential commission has been appointed to investigate irregularities and illegal activities in Sri Lanka's coal importation and electricity generation processes. - The commission will examine …
Suspect Arrested with 3 Million Worth of Drugs
- Police in Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka, arrested a suspect linked to a drug ring, seizing narcotics valued at approximately 3 million rupees. - The arrested individual is reportedly a close associate of a…
1,298 Rounds of Ammunition Emerge Near Parakrama Samudra Reservoir
- Police discovered 1,298 T-56 ammunition rounds hidden near the Parakrama Samudra reservoir in Polonnaruwa. - The ammunition was found near the D.S. Senanayake statue, and a fertilizer sack suspected…
Sri Lanka Navy Apprehends 41 for Illegal Fishing in Major Operation
- Sri Lanka's Navy, Coast Guard, and Fisheries Department conducted a joint operation from April 1 to 15, apprehending 41 individuals for illegal fishing activities. - The operation covered domestic w…
SJB to File Complaint with Bribery Commission Over Coal Deal
- The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party in Sri Lanka has decided to file a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption regarding a controversial coal transaction…
Suspected Drug Trafficker Drowns While Fleeing Police in Sri Lanka
- A person involved in a drug trafficking operation in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, jumped into the sea to evade police and drowned. - The individual's identity has not yet been confirmed. - Police launched a…
Ex-MPs Complain to Global Bodies Over Sri Lanka Parliament Scandals
- Former Sri Lankan MPs have lodged complaints with three international organizations regarding alleged illegal and unethical actions within the parliament. - The complaints, signed by the Forum of Ex…
Husband Allegedly Murders Wife in Her Sleep Amidst Infidelity Dispute
- A 27-year-old mother of one was allegedly murdered by her husband with a sharp weapon while she slept in her home in Walala, Sri Lanka. - The victim had recently returned from overseas and had a dis…
Israel-Lebanon Peace Talks Conclude Without Agreement in Washington
- Peace talks between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the US, concluded in Washington without a clear agreement. - The talks, attended by ambassadors from both nations and led by a Trump administratio…
Pope Leo XIV Begins African Tour in Algeria, Emphasizes Peace
- Pope Leo XIV has begun an apostolic visit to Algeria, the first stage of his tour of Africa. - During his visit, he toured the historic Hippo archaeological site and planted an olive sapling as a sy…
