Dithira Wellappuli

Sri Lankan 🇱🇰

[Jessica Elgot @jessicaelgot]

This will be my son’s fifth prime minister since he was born - and he’s 6.

[NewsWire 🇱🇰 @NewsWireLK]

🚨 Health Ministry Alert

About 17.4% of Sri Lankan schoolchildren aged between 13 and 17 are addicted to sugary drinks, according to the Health Ministry.

The Ministry says the majority of those consuming sugary beverages regularly are boys, raising concerns over the long-term health impact on children and teenagers. 🥤⚠️

[NewsWire 🇱🇰 @NewsWireLK]

Sri Lanka Railways has imported five crane systems from Finland for the new railway workshop under construction at Ratmalana as part of efforts to modernise Sri Lanka’s railway maintenance operations.

The crane systems have been procured under the Colombo Suburban Railway Project, which is being implemented with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

According to Sri Lanka Railways, the imported equipment is valued at US$1,352,342.73 and will be installed at the new workshop currently under construction at the Ratmalana railway yard.

The shipment includes two electrically operated double-girder overhead travelling cranes with a lifting capacity of 50 tonnes each, two 15-tonne cranes for lifting engines and bogies, and one 10-tonne crane.

The department said locomotive maintenance operations at the new workshop are expected to commence later this year, once the crane systems are installed.

The new equipment will significantly reduce the time required for locomotive and bogie maintenance, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the reliability of Sri Lanka’s railway services. (Newswire)

[NewsWire 🇱🇰 @NewsWireLK]

The government has launched a major programme to strengthen diagnostic services in the country’s hospital system with the provision of 11 advanced CT scanner machines at a cost of Rs 1,950 million, aimed at improving diagnosis of stroke, cancer, heart disease and other critical conditions.

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media, under the guidance of Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, is currently implementing a broad initiative to modernise and expand diagnostic services as part of efforts to enhance healthcare quality and strengthen physical resources in the public health system.

As part of the programme, priority has been given to expanding and upgrading CT (Computed Tomography) scanning services across hospitals islandwide, with the supply of modern equipment already underway based on identified needs.

A 128-slice CT scanner valued at over Rs 200 million has been installed at the Kalutara Teaching Hospital, while a CT scanner valued at Rs 160 million has also been installed at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital through the Ministry’s Biomedical Engineering Services.

In addition, four advanced CT scanners valued at around Rs 640 million have been provided to the Sri Lanka National Hospital, Kandy National Hospital, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital and Colombo South Teaching Hospital under Asian Development Bank (ADB) assistance. Installation work is currently in progress.

Procurement arrangements are also underway to provide further high-end CT scanners valued at Rs 950 million to Kuliyapitiya Teaching Hospital and to district general hospitals in Dambulla, Nawalapitiya, Chilaw and Mannar.

For many years, most government hospitals relied on 16-slice CT scanners. While these systems have provided essential services, the advancement of medical technology now requires faster and more accurate imaging, with 64-slice and 128-slice scanners enabling higher-quality results and quicker diagnoses.

The ministry stated that the introduction of these modern systems will significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and speed in treating stroke, trauma, cancer, cardiovascular and emergency cases.

The programme also extends beyond the central health system to cover provincial council hospitals, ensuring that advanced diagnostic services are made available outside major urban centres. This is expected to reduce disparities in access to high-quality medical imaging services.

Officials noted that the investment is part of a broader healthcare reform process aimed not only at purchasing equipment, but also at reducing treatment delays, improving clinical decision-making and saving lives through faster diagnosis.

The expanded CT scanner network is also expected to support the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases, road traffic accidents and an ageing population, which continue to place increasing pressure on the healthcare system. (NewsWire)

[Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 @SriLankaTweet]

Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage takes the crown in Doha🇱🇰💪
A brilliant 88.68m throw seals the Javelin victory for the Sri Lankan sensation at the WANDA Diamond League.

[NewsWire 🇱🇰 @NewsWireLK]

Sri Lanka has received a fleet of 104 FOTON Metro Buses in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s public transport sector.

Representatives of Lanka Metro Transit participated in a special ceremony held at the FOTON manufacturing facility in Beijing, China, to mark the handover of the buses.

According to Lanka Metro Transit, the buses are expected to contribute towards improving modern, safe and comfortable public transportation services across the country.

The company described the delivery as another important milestone in the development of Sri Lanka’s public transport sector and said it looks forward to working with all stakeholders to further enhance the travel experience for passengers. (Newswire)

[Market News🇱🇰 @MarketNewsLK]

Constriction of Sri Lanka's BIA Second Terminal Set for November Restart After Years of Delay ✈️

🛫 The project is expected to be completed within 30 months of restarting.

🛫 Japan has agreed to provide the necessary loan funding, backed by confidence in the current Sri Lankan government.

🛫 Original project launched in December 2020 with a Japanese loan of ¥75 billion.

🛫 Procurement process restarted in late 2024; contractor selection is now in the final stage.

🛫 Next steps include finalizing the loan amount with the Finance Ministry, signing the loan agreement, and awarding the contract.

[Kavi Senu @KaviSenu]

🎉 Metro Bus Weekend Pass – Now Available!

Enjoy unlimited Metro Bus travel all weekend for just Rs. 799.

🚌 Unlimited rides on Metro Bus services
📅 Valid from Saturday 12:00 AM to Sunday 11:59 PM
👨‍👩‍👧 Children under 12 travel free when accompanied by a Weekend Pass holder
📱 Available exclusively through the LMT GO App

✨ More Journeys. Less Spending. More Value.

Get your Weekend Pass today through the LMT GO App and enjoy unlimited weekend travel at a great price.

📱 Download the official LMT GO App:

🤖 Android: https://t.co/To5Iac0Ksp

🍎 iPhone: https://t.co/cCpjmMtTfN

#LankaMetroTransit #MetroBus #LMTGO

[NewsWire 🇱🇰 @NewsWireLK]

92.62m! 🇱🇰🔥

Rumesh Pathirage delivers the throw of his life at the Rome Diamond League, launching the javelin to a stunning 92.62m.

✅ World Lead 2026 ✅ Sri Lankan Record ✅ Asia's 2nd all-time best ✅ 8th on the all-time world list

What a moment for Sri Lankan athletics! 👏🔥

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution that would prevent Donald Trump from ordering more attacks on Iran without first seeking congressional approval.

Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett reports.

[NewsWire 🇱🇰 @NewsWireLK]

Five ecologically sensitive forests, Ritigala, Aliyawetunuwewa, Bulagala, Konkatiyawa, and Kallanchi, will be declared as reserves on June 5, bringing Sri Lanka’s total to 86. Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi told the media that 81 forests have already been gazetted under the 2025 forestry programme.

D: https://t.co/rqAOR5uy9f

[Newsfirst.lk Sri Lanka @NewsfirstSL]

Travel Ban Imposed on Gotabaya Over Easter Attacks Probe

Details: https://t.co/dijuE7TOw1

#srilanka #news #gotabhayarajapaksa #travelban

[Rasal Jayasinghe @rasaljaya]

Sri Lanka now exports more code than tea. Let that sink in.

For the first time, ICT/BPM exports overtook tea in April 2026 $146M vs $100M.

And the gap is only widening.

Projections for full-year 2026:
IT/BPM: ~$1.78B (+22.6% YoY)
Tea: ~$1.31B (−6.8% YoY)
Projected annual gap: ~$470M

What was once a tea-and-textiles economy is quietly becoming a knowledge economy.

Talent, code, and engineering capability are now out-earning the leaves that defined us for a century.

#SriLanka #DigitalEconomy #LKA #ColomboTech

[Numbers.lk @numberslka]

Rs. 354. That is the US dollar selling rate quoted by commercial banks in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 today (May 21st, 2026)

https://t.co/Aip72Q2gbB

[Dithira Wellappuli @DWellappuli]

Terrorists in action 💔

[Ada Derana @adaderana]

Wanawasala train derailment: Suspect arrested over removal of railway track bolts

Read more: https://t.co/edOLXp24Zn

#lka #srilanka #adaderana #news #lanka #srilankanews #train #derailment #Suspect

[Numbers.lk @numberslka]

3 partner banks listed as PayPal moves toward 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka rollout

⭕ PayPal is set to launch in 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka on May 15, 2026.

⭕ PayPal has listed Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon and Bank of Ceylon as partner banks for 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka,

⭕ Users are directed to create a new PayPal account or link an existing account to a local bank account to receive and withdraw funds.

⭕ Fees may apply from both PayPal and the partner banks when users receive or withdraw funds, but PayPal and the listed partner banks are yet to issue an official statement on the fee structure, charges or rollout process.

#SriLanka #PayPal

https://t.co/9w7h1kCB3z

[Market News🇱🇰 @MarketNewsLK]

#SriLanka to Build Rambukkana–Galagedara Expressway with Pure Local Funds

🛣️ Cabinet approves 3rd phase of Central Expressway
Total cost: Rs. 112 billion

🛣️ Fully funded by Sri Lankan state funds

🛣️ Zero foreign loans

A major step towards self-funded infrastructure development

[Numbers.lk @numberslka]

PayPal in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰: Decade-Old Deadlock Nears 2026 Breakthrough 👏👏

⭕ Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 is reportedly set to officially launch PayPal services from 15 May 2026.

⭕ This means Sri Lankan 🇱🇰 users and businesses may, for the first time, be able to receive international payments directly into local bank accounts through PayPal, not just send money abroad.

⭕ Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 has pursued PayPal inward payments since at least 2014, but legal, banking and foreign exchange barriers delayed access for over a decade.

⭕ Multiple administrations, including the MR, Yahapalana and Gota administrations, spoke about building a digital economy and making Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 a digital hub, but basic inward payment access remained a major gap.

⭕ CBSL’s archaic and lagging stance was a major part of the delay, as its cautious approach to foreign exchange rules, licensed banking channels, AML safeguards and transaction monitoring remained the main bottleneck.

⭕ CBSL was also uncomfortable with PayPal’s closed-loop global platform, where foreign currency balances, reversals and transfers could operate outside Sri Lanka’s 🇱🇰 local banking system.

⭕ To this day, many freelancers and SMEs still lack a convenient formal way to receive payments for services provided to foreign clients.

⭕ The NPP Government’s Digital Ministry managed to get all parties to agree on some form of implementation, which is highly commendable.

⭕ PayPal is now expected to launch in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 on 15 May, initially for B2B inward payments to exporters, according to reports.

⭕ This means the first phase will support business-to-business export payments, not full PayPal access for general users, especially freelancers, B2C sellers and digital product creators.

⭕ Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 already has formal export payment channels with heavy regulatory processes, so PayPal’s initial B2B rollout may not immediately transform exporter payments or create a major impact. but it is still an important starting point.

⭕ The real test is whether CBSL, local banks and PayPal expand this limited B2B rollout into wider inward payment access, similar to what users already have in many other countries.

⭕ After more than a decade of delays, the real test is whether CBSL, local banks and PayPal expand this limited B2B rollout into wider access for ordinary Sri Lankan 🇱🇰 users, freelancers, SMEs and digital businesses to receive global payments easily, legally and reliably.

#SriLanka #PayPal

[NewsWire 🇱🇰 @NewsWireLK]

The Government is planning to commence work on an electric railway system for Colombo and its suburbs in early 2027, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said.

Speaking following discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Minister said approval has been granted to move forward with the project, which is expected to transform the country’s public transport system.

He said initial work will focus on developing the required rail infrastructure, including tracks and operational systems, with construction expected to begin within the first few months of next year.

The proposed electric railway network is expected to cover key routes from Colombo to Ragama, Makumbura and Panadura, targeting daily commuters travelling from suburban and outstation areas.

Minister Rathnayake acknowledged public concerns over powering an electric rail system amid ongoing electricity issues, but said the project is part of a long-term strategy to modernise transport and reduce congestion in Colombo.

He said the initiative is a major infrastructure project that will take approximately three to four years to complete, noting that it requires advanced technology and expertise.

The Government plans to call for both local and international tenders for the project, while also training Sri Lankan railway personnel to operate the new system.

The Minister further said that railway stations will also be modernised alongside the project, with the aim of improving efficiency, reliability and commuter comfort.

He added that the electric railway system is expected to significantly reduce travel time, with trains running at short intervals and enabling commuters to reach Colombo within 20 to 30 minutes from suburban hubs.

The project is also expected to ease traffic congestion in Colombo by encouraging more commuters to shift from road to rail transport. (Newswire)

[Asela Waidyalankara @aselawaid]

Go apologize to your grandmother right now