News

A total of 237 suspected cases of meningitis have been reported from several parts of Sri Lanka, according to the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health.

The surge in cases has also prompted health authorities to issue preventive guidelines to the general public.

Meanwhile, health authorities have advised the public to consume clean drinking water, preferably boiled and cooled, to help curb the spread of the disease.

Speaking on the development, Community Health Specialist Dr. Thushani Dabrera said that the majority of cases reported so far are believed to be viral meningitis infections.

According to Dr. Dabrera, the first cases were detected on April 15 in Deniyaya, Matara. Since then, additional cases have been reported from Rikillagaskada, Kandy, Badulla, Welimada and Diyatalawa.

Health officials noted that schoolchildren account for most of the reported cases. As of yesterday (May 31), only 59 patients remained hospitalized, while the rest had recovered and been discharged.

The primary symptoms associated with the illness include fever, headache, and vomiting. Dr. Dabrera explained that viral meningitis typically resolves within a few days in most patients.

Authorities have established special committees to investigate the outbreak and oversee control measures. The Ministries of Health and Education have also issued special guidelines, citing contaminated drinking water sources as a possible factor in the spread of the disease.

The general public has been advised to ensure that children do not share food with one another and to use clean, boiled, and cooled water at all times as a precautionary measure.

(Adaderana.lk)

A resident of the Henamulla Camp area in the Grandpass Police Division has succumbed to injuries at the Colombo National Hospital, according to hospital police.

Police stated that the individual was admitted to the hospital last night (28) and passed away in the early hours of today (29).

The deceased has been identified as a 65-year-old resident of Henamulla Camp, Colombo 15.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the death was caused by injuries sustained during an assault, police said.

Grandpass Police are conducting further investigations to apprehend the suspects involved in the incident.

(Adaderana.lk)

Under the ‘Vanaspathi’ Programme launched in 2025, a total of 81 forests have so far been declared as forest reserves through gazette notifications.

An additional five reserves are scheduled to be gazetted on June 5, increasing the total number of forest reserves declared under the programme to 86.

The reserves set to be declared on June 5 are Ritigala, Aliyawetunu Wewa, Bulagala, Konkatiya, and Kallanchi.

Speaking at a media briefing held today (01) at the Government Information Department, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi said that the 29 forests declared as reserves in 2025 covered approximately 50,000 hectares.

He further stated that an additional 50 forests, declared as reserves on the ‘International Day of Forests’ in 2026, covered a total area of 12,989 hectares.

‘‘The Vanaspathi Programme was officially launched on July 15, 2025, at the Bajjanggoda Forest Reserve in Gampaha. During the first year alone, we were able to declare 29 forests as reserves, covering approximately 50,000 hectares.

‘‘Subsequently, on the International Day of Forests in 2026, we declared another 50 forests as reserves. These forests were located across the districts of Ampara, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, and Matara, and covered 12,989 hectares. They also included several forest areas situated at elevations above 5,000 feet in Sri Lanka’s central highlands,’’ the Minister said.

He further noted that two additional forests were declared as reserves on April 24 in conjunction with the ‘Ehi Passiko’ Peace Walk. These were the Nugagahamula Yaya Forest in Matale District and the Padigam Palella Forest in Kegalle District. 

The Minister added that the Forest Conservation Department plans to gazette five more forest reserves on World Environment Day, June 5. All five are located in the Anuradhapura District.

‘‘These include the Ritigala Reserve, Aliyawetunu Wewa Reserve, Bulagala Reserve, Konkatiya Reserve, and Kallanchi Reserve. Together, they cover an area of 2,169 hectares,’’ he added.

(Adaderana.lk)

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.

Fairly strong winds of about 30–40 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills, and in the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Southern provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee District, the Met. Department said.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

(Adaderana.lk)

After seven years, three seasons and 26 episodes, “Euphoria” is officially over. Sam Levinson — the HBO show’s creator, writer and director — made the announcement on Popcast, New York Times’ music podcast, speaking with its hosts Joe Coscarelli and Jon Caramanica. 

HBO also confirmed Levinson’s announcement to Variety.

Thus, the Season 3 closer, titled “In God We Trust,” was actually its series finale. Read Variety’s recap of the episode here, in addition to interviews with supporting star Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and guest star Colman Domingo.

The news doesn’t come as a surprise, given that series lead Zendaya has remarked in interviews that she believed the show was ending after Season 3. Even before that, it has long been understood that the HBO drama wouldn’t continue; a full four years went by between Seasons 2 and 3, and Zendaya and several of her co-stars became full-fledged celebrities with schedules full of blockbuster films during that time. For that reason and others, production on Season 3 faced major delays, as Variety reported in 2024. 

Speaking with Coscarelli in an interview with the Times before the season premiered, Levinson said he writes “every season like it’s the last,” and hesitated when pressed about a fourth season. “I don’t know,” Levinson said. “As of right now, all I want to do is hang out with my wife and kids and read some Elmore Leonard and watch ‘Mrs. Miniver’ again.”

“Euphoria,” per the official logline, followed “a group of high school students as they navigate drugs, sex, identity, trauma, social media, love and friendship.” In Season 3, after a time jump, they “wrestle with the virtue of faith, the possibility of redemption and the problem of evil.”

Along with Zendaya, the cast included Hunter Schafer, Eric Dane, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, Martha Kelly, Chloe Cherry, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Toby Wallace and Colman Domingo. Sam Levinson created the series and served as executive producer alongside Ashley Levinson, Sara E. White, Kevin Turen, Ravi Nandan, Drake, Adel “Future” Nur, Ron Leshem, Daphna Levin, Hadas Mozes Lichtenstein, Mirit Toovi, Tmira Yardeni, Yoram Mokady and Gary Lennon.

Source: Variety

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews of the Extended Fund Facility for Sri Lanka, providing the country with immediate access to SDR508 million (about US$695 million) to support economic policies and reforms.

The IMF completed the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews of Sri Lanka’s economic reform program supported by the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. Completion of the combined reviews provides SDR508 million (about US$695 million), bringing the total purchases under the arrangement to SDR1.778 billion (about US$2.4 billion), the statement said.

The EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka was approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2023 in an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion). The arrangement supports Sri Lanka’s reform program to durably restore macroeconomic stability by (i) restoring fiscal and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, (ii) safeguarding price and financial sector stability, (iii) rebuilding external buffers, (iv) strengthening governance and reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and (v) advancing growth-oriented structural reforms.

Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

“Sri Lanka’s strong implementation under the EFF arrangement has continued despite challenging circumstances. Gains from the economic reform program helped preserve economic resilience and provided room to respond to cyclone Ditwah and the Middle East war. The latter, however, has significantly worsened Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and tilted risks to the downside.” 

“For 2026, growth is projected to slow down to 3 percent. Higher oil prices would increase inflation and weaken the current account, which would also be adversely impacted by lower tourism receipts. The uncertainty, regarding the war’s intensity and duration, heightens risks to the outlook.

“Fiscal easing in 2026 is appropriate in response to the shocks, and the government is implementing a temporary relief package, while also allocating additional spending to support recovery and reconstruction following Cyclone Ditwah. From 2027 onward, the authorities are appropriately committed to reverting to the primary balance target of 2.3 percent of GDP, as well as complying with the primary expenditure ceiling.

“Program performance remains generally strong, but efforts are required to complete public financial and investment management, and electricity sector reforms. Sustained revenue mobilization is crucial to make the tax system more efficient and growth-enhancing and should be spearheaded by developing a medium-term revenue strategy. Debt restructuring is nearing completion, but debt sustainability risks remain high.

“Monetary policy should continue prioritizing price stability. Greater exchange rate flexibility and gradually phasing out the balance-of-payments measures remain critical to rebuild external buffers and resilience.

“Well-calibrated structural reforms and renewed public infrastructure are also needed to improve the investment climate and lift the growth potential.”

(Adaderana.lk)

The use and purchase of single-use plastic water bottles have been officially prohibited in all government institutions from today, following a directive issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.

The move comes under a special circular dated May 15, which was distributed to ministry secretaries, provincial chief secretaries, heads of departments, as well as leaders of corporations and statutory bodies.

Under the new directive, all state institutions are required to immediately cease the procurement and use of single-use plastic water bottles as part of broader efforts to improve solid waste management practices within the public sector.

The circular further instructs institutional heads to take proactive measures to curb the use of other single-use plastic products within their respective organizations.

Authorities noted that provisions outlined in an earlier public administration circular issued on April 2 of last year will continue to remain in force alongside the latest measures.

As part of the initiative, government institutions have been encouraged to adopt the internationally recognized “3R” waste management strategy — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle — in their daily operations.

The Ministry stated that the circular was issued with the approval of the Ministry of Environment, underscoring the government’s continued commitment to promoting environmentally sustainable practices throughout the state sector.

Officials expect the policy to contribute to reducing plastic waste generation and strengthening responsible environmental management within public institutions nationwide.

The Health Promotion Bureau today said that around 200 meningitis cases have been reported from several parts of the country, with nearly 50 patients currently receiving treatment in hospitals across four districts.

Speaking at a media briefing today, Community Health Specialist Dr. Thushani Dabarera said the disease was first identified among a group of schoolchildren in the Deniyaya area before spreading to areas including Diyatalawa, Welimada and Rikillagaskada.

She said health authorities have already issued special guidelines to all health sectors and institutions to prevent the disease from spreading further within schools and communities.

Dr. Dabarera noted that although there has been a slight reduction in the number of cases, there remains a risk of further transmission during the upcoming rainy season.

She urged the public to strictly follow health advice and preventive measures.

According to the Epidemiology Unit, the main symptoms of the disease include high fever, headache and vomiting, with symptoms usually appearing between three to seven days after exposure to the virus.

Health officials said most patients recover within seven days if proper medical advice and hygiene practices are followed.

Authorities said the disease mainly spreads through contaminated food and water, while it can also be transmitted through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact.

The public has been advised to drink boiled water and avoid crowded places where infected individuals may be present.

Dr. Dabarera also called on parents to seek immediate medical attention if children show symptoms and urged them not to send sick children to school until they have fully recovered.

(Dailymirror.lk)

Oil prices rose more than 2% in early trading on Monday after Israel ordered troops to move further into Lebanon in the battle with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago.

U.S. crude futures rose $2.37 or 2.71% to $89.73 a barrel as of 0028 GMT. Brent futures rose $2.16 or 2.37% to $93.28 a barrel.

The stepped-up fighting, coming just after the U.S. hosted Israeli-Lebanon peace talks in Washington on Friday, dimmed expectations that the U.S. and Iran could soon announce an extension to their ceasefire agreement, which had driven Brent and WTI to settle up 1.8% and 1.7%, respectively, on Friday.

The Israel-Lebanon conflict has been the broadest ⁠spillover of the Iran war. It started on March 2 when Hezbollah began firing rockets and drones across the border into Israel to back its ally Iran.

The two sides reached a ceasefire in mid-April but have continued to trade fire.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he would soon decide on a proposed deal to extend a ceasefire with Iran announced in early April, giving negotiators more time to seek a permanent end to the conflict and find a solution to the underlying dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. Israel would be key to any such deal, and Iran has also said repeatedly that Hezbollah must be included.

Meanwhile, concerns are rising about mines in key oil and gas shipping lane the Strait of Hormuz, IG analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note. That could slow the process of reopening the strait and mean that relief comes more slowly for the oil market even after it is reopened.

‘‘Even if an agreement is reached, it won’t deliver ⁠a flood of supply,’‘ Sycamore said.

An Axios reporter said on X on Friday that Iran had dropped more mines in the strait earlier in the week, shortly after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that attempts to lay more mines ⁠would be a violation of the ceasefire.

Hormuz is a conduit for about a fifth of global oil and gas flows and Iran has effectively closed it since the conflict began with U.S. and Israeli ⁠strikes in February.

Concerns over supply outweighed lacklustre economic data from China over the weekend, which showed stalling factory activity. This added to concerns the world’s second-largest economy is losing momentum, weighed down by a contraction in exports and cost pressures.

 Source: Reuters

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said it has launched a special program aimed at educating and developing school cricket coaches in the country under the direction of the Cricket Transformation Committee.

The inaugural session of the program was held on Monday (25), at the High Performance Center of the SLC with the participation of 74 coaches representing Division ‘1’ and ‘2’ schools, according to a statement issued by the SLC.

The Head Coach of the Sri Lanka Men’s Team, Gary Kirsten, conducted a two-hour session for the participating coaches.

During the session, Kirsten shared valuable insights into modern coaching methods and highlighted key areas coaches should focus on in order to nurture talented and promising young cricketers, the statement said.

He emphasized the importance of creating a friendly and supportive environment for children while teaching them cricketing skills. Kirsten also noted that coaches must continuously improve their own skill levels in order to develop successful players.

He encouraged school coaches to focus more on producing good cricketers rather than simply concentrating on winning matches.

Joining Kirsten at the program were National Bowling Coach Ryan van Niekerk and National Fielding and Spin Bowling Coach Jordan Gregory, who also shared their expertise and experiences with the school coaches, SLC said.

Chairman of the Cricket Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, Sidath Wettimuny, who is also a member of the Cricket Transformation Committee, did the introductory speech of the program.

The program also featured an interactive Question-and-Answer session, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with Gary Kirsten and further enhance their knowledge, it added.

This program will continue periodically, with the objective of developing highly skilled and knowledgeable coaches within the Sri Lankan school cricket system. 

(Adaderana.lk)

A tragic accident near a Vesak Dansala in Meegoda Junction claimed the lives of six people and left seven others injured after a cab crashed into a crowd gathered along the roadside on Saturday night.

Police confirmed that the driver of the cab, a 42-year-old resident of Piliyandala, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The suspect has since been arrested and is currently in police custody.

According to investigations, the cab was traveling through the Meegoda area in Homagama when it suddenly veered off the road and struck a group of people who were standing in a queue near a Vesak Dansala. The vehicle reportedly fled the scene following the collision.

The victims who lost their lives include three women aged 15, 32, and 56, and three men aged 35, 38, and 58.

Seven others, including a young child, sustained injuries in the crash and were admitted to the Homagama Base Hospital for treatment.

Police have launched further investigations into the incident as authorities continue to gather evidence surrounding the fatal crash.

Fans of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh are reacting with shock after a major film workers' union asked its members not to work with him over his alleged abrupt exit from the upcoming movie Don 3.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a major Bollywood workers' association representing thousands of film and TV crew members, said producers had already spent about 450m rupees ($4.7m; £3.4m) on pre-production when Singh allegedly withdrew from the film.

FWICE said it repeatedly asked Singh to explain his position, but that he refused.

The actor has not commented on the dispute but reports say his team questioned whether FWICE had the authority to compel him to appear before it.

The BBC has reached out to Singh's team for comment.

FWICE president BN Tiwari said the union had decided to issue a "non-cooperation directive" against the actor until he agreed to meet its representatives.

"We've decided to send a message to the industry that a superstar is not bigger than the rules," he said.

The move does not amount to a formal ban, but it has still drawn widespread attention because of Singh's stardom and also because of the popularity of the Don franchise, one of the industry's best-known action series.

First made famous by Amitabh Bachchan in 1978, the films centre on a charismatic and elusive underworld figure determined to build a global criminal empire.

It was later rebooted by filmmaker Farhan Akhtar with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.

Don 3, announced in 2023, was set to continue the franchise with Singh taking over as the new lead.

The row has also reignited discussion around Singh himself - one of India's biggest film stars, known for hits including Padmaavat and Gully Boy, and his flamboyant, larger-than-life personality.

Most recently, he starred in Dhurandhar, a two-part spy thriller which was one of the country's biggest box-office successes in recent years.

The controversy began after Akhtar lodged a complaint against Singh with FWICE, according to union official Ashoke Pandit.

Pandit alleged Singh withdrew from the film about three weeks before shooting was due to begin, after producers had already spent a lot of money on prepping and overseas schedules.

In response, FWICE asked its members to boycott the actor until he met the union to explain his position.

In a statement carried by several Indian media outlets, a spokesperson for the actor reportedly said that Singh had the "highest regard" for the film industry and the Don franchise, and had consciously chosen to remain silent on the matter. The BBC has asked the actor's team if the statement was issued by him but has not received a response yet.

Singh is not the first Bollywood actor to face a non-cooperation directive from FWICE, although such action against major stars is relatively rare.

The union has previously urged Indian artists not to work with Pakistani performers during periods of military tension between the two countries. In 2025, it issued a similar directive against actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh after he appeared alongside Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in a popular Punjabi comedy.

Reaction online to the latest dispute has been divided. Some social media users questioned whether Singh was being unfairly targeted, pointing out that he was not the first Bollywood actor to exit a film.

Others backed the producers, arguing that large-scale productions involve major financial commitments that can be disrupted by last-minute exits, and that Singh was "paying the price for being unprofessional".

It is not the first time the actor has found himself at the centre of public controversy.

In 2025, Singh faced backlash after mimicking a ritual sequence from the hit Kannada film Kantara during a film festival event. Critics accused him of disrespecting the cultural significance of the scene. He later issued an apology.

Earlier in his career, in 2015, he was among the celebrities caught up in the fallout from a controversial comedy roast that sparked police complaints and a wider debate about obscenity and free speech.

(BBC)