Colombo: The match scheduled between Sri Lanka and South Korea in the 2026 Asian Rugby Championship has been cancelled.

According to Asia Rugby, the decision was made due to visa-related issues.

The match was due to be played in Incheon, South Korea. However, the Sri Lankan national rugby team was unable to obtain the required travel visas within the necessary timeframe, making it impossible for the fixture to go ahead as planned.

Asia Rugby stated that it worked together with Sri Lanka Rugby and the Korea Rugby Union to explore several possible solutions. Nevertheless, as the visa process could not be completed in time, the cancellation of the match became unavoidable.

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Sri Lanka’s economy continues to receive strong support from citizens working overseas. According to the latest figures released for April 2026, the amount of money sent home by Sri Lankan foreign workers reached USD 767.9 million in a single month.

This represents an impressive growth of approximately 19% compared to the same period last year. In April 2025, foreign remittances totaled around USD 646 million, showing a clear upward trend in the country’s foreign exchange income.

The data also reveals that during the first four months of 2026 alone, Sri Lanka received more than USD 3.06 billion through remittances sent by overseas workers worldwide. These figures were published based on reports from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan government continues to strengthen international cooperation and agreements with foreign countries in order to expand employment opportunities for its citizens. In addition, efforts are being made to train skilled workers, open new job markets, and improve welfare and support programs for Sri Lankan employees working abroad.

As a result of these initiatives, thousands of Sri Lankans continue to seek employment overseas as a major source of income. From the beginning of 2026 until early May, approximately 79,954 Sri Lankan workers had departed for foreign employment.

The United Arab Emirates remains the leading destination for Sri Lankan workers, with more than 17,000 workers traveling there during this period, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

In addition, 2025 became a historic year for foreign remittances, as Sri Lanka recorded more than USD 8 billion in remittance inflows for the first time ever — the highest amount in the country’s history.

Source – SLBFE

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The United States said it expected an Iranian response as soon as later in the day on Friday to its latest proposal to end the war in the Gulf, even as U.S. and Iranian forces clashed in the Gulf and the United Arab Emirates came under renewed attack.

Recent days have seen the biggest flare-ups in fighting in and around the contested Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire began a month ago, despite the U.S. and Iran indicating they were closer than ever to a deal to end the war.

‘‘We should know something earlier today,’‘ U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Rome. ‘‘We’re expecting a response from them… The hope is it’s something that can put us into a serious process of negotiation.’‘ Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said Tehran was still weighing its response.

Sporadic clashes between Iranian armed forces and U.S. vessels were taking place in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency revealed. 

The U.S. military said it had struck two more Iran-linked vessels that were trying to enter an Iranian port. A U.S. fighter jet had hit the vessels’ smokestacks and prevented them from entering Iran.

President Donald ⁠Trump said on Thursday a ceasefire was still holding despite the flare-ups. Washington is awaiting Tehran’s response to a U.S. proposal, which would formally end the war first, before talks to resolve the most contentious issues such as the fate of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Trump said three U.S. Navy destroyers were attacked as they moved through the strait, and the U.S. military fired back.

‘‘Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of the Strait of Hormuz, under fire. There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers,’‘ Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He later told reporters the ceasefire remained in effect and played down the exchange. ‘‘They trifled with us earlier today. We blew them away,’‘ Trump said in Washington.

IRAN ACCUSES U.S. OF BREACHING TRUCE

Iran accused the United States of breaching the ceasefire, which had largely held since it was confirmed on April 7 but has come under far greater strain this week since Trump confirmed – and then paused – a new naval mission to force open the strait.

‘‘Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. opts for a reckless military adventure,’‘ Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday.

Iran’s top joint military command said U.S. forces had targeted an Iranian oil tanker and another ship, and carried out air attacks on civilian areas on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby coastal areas. Iranian forces responded by attacking U.S. military vessels east of the strait ⁠and south of the port of Chabahar.

A spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the Iranian strikes inflicted ‘‘significant damage’‘, but U.S. Central Command said none of its assets was hit.

Iran’s Mehr news agency shared that one crew member was killed, 10 wounded and four were missing after the U.S. Navy attacked an Iranian commercial ship late on Thursday in waters near the strait, the vital conduit for global energy supplies that Tehran has all but closed since the war began.

The confrontation was not confined to the waterway. The United Arab Emirates said its air defences engaged with two ballistic missiles and three drones from Iran on Friday, resulting in three moderate injuries.

During the war, Iran has repeatedly targeted the UAE and other Gulf states that host U.S. military bases. In what the UAE called ⁠a ‘‘major escalation’‘, Iran stepped up attacks on its neighbour this week after Trump confirmed ‘‘Project Freedom’‘ to escort ships in the strait, which he then paused after 48 hours.

OIL PRICES HOVER AROUND $100

In a separate situation, Iranian forces seized an oil tanker, the Ocean Koi, in the Gulf of Oman east of the strait, over an alleged attempt to disrupt Iran’s oil exports, state media said on Friday, quoting an army statement.

It said the Barbados-flagged tanker, which is under U.S. sanctions, was carrying Iranian oil and ‘‘was trying to harm and disrupt ⁠oil exports…by exploiting regional conditions’‘, without giving further explanation.

Oil market prices held steady, with Brent crude futures hovering around $100 a barrel, as traders weigh the conflicting signals of clashes in the Gulf against reports of diplomatic progress.

TRUMP URGES NEGOTIATED END TO WAR

The latest U.S. proposal would formally end the conflict first, before addressing Washington’s core demands – that Iran suspend its nuclear programme and reopen the strait. Tehran, which had made a similar proposal last week, said it had not yet reached a decision ⁠on the U.S. project.

Trump said Tehran had acknowledged his demand that Iran could never get a nuclear weapon, a prohibition he said was implicit in the U.S. proposal.

‘‘There’s zero chance. And they know that, and they’ve agreed to that. Let’s see if they are willing to sign it,’‘ Trump said. Iran has always said its nuclear programme is peaceful and it is not pursuing a weapon.

Asked when any deal might be reached, Trump said: ‘‘It might not happen, but it could happen any day.”

Source: Reuters
–Agencies 

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The Deputy Mayor of Kurunegala Municipal Council, Ashardeen Moinudeen, has been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for allegedly soliciting a bribe of Rs. 3 million to award a tender to a businessman.

The arrest has been made in the Battaramulla area, while he was travelling to accept the bribe.

It is shared that the Deputy Mayor had allegedly demanded the bribe in exchange for awarding the tender for cleaning the Kurunegala Bus Stand and maintaining its public toilets.

The suspect had allegedly requested Rs. 3 million upfront along with a monthly payment of Rs. 500,000 in order to award the tender. 

Officials of the CIABOC stated that the suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (09).

Moinudeen had been elected to the Kurunegala Municipal Council representing the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC). Later, during the formation of the administration of the council, he reportedly had extended support to the National People’s Power (NPP), following which he was appointed as the Deputy Mayor. 

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala announced that no definitive conclusion can be made at this stage regarding the death of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena.  

He said a conclusive statement could only be made following the post-mortem examination.

‘‘Investigations into the death have already commenced. The post-mortem examination is currently underway, and the Judicial Medical Officers will clarify the cause thereafter. Police have also launched investigations regarding the event.’‘

Minister Ananda Wijepala was also questioned by journalists whether this situation could have been avoided if Kapila Chandrasena had been arrested previous day when the warrant was issued.

In response, he replied that the police had already taken action regarding the matter because they were only informed about it yesterday evening and that the police may not have anticipated that such an incident would occur during the night as they may have planned to make the arrest the following morning. 

‘‘He was a person who had previously been released from police custody, and there was a court order in place. You should seek clarification from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding this matter. However, no firm opinion can be expressed at this stage. A statement can only be made after the post-mortem examination is completed,’‘ the Minister added.

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The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, who is on an official visit to Sri Lanka, stated that Vietnam and Sri Lanka have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations to a ‘‘Comprehensive Partnership,’’ marking a new phase in diplomatic and financial cooperation between the two countries.

President Tô Lâm arrived at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to address the Parliament today (08), and outlined plans to strengthen political and parliamentary ties, expand trade and investment, and enhance cooperation in agriculture, food security, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green growth, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

He was received by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. This marked the first occasion in 11 years that a foreign Head of State addressed the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the PM’s Office said.

Addressing Parliament, President Tô Lâm confirmed that although Vietnam and Sri Lanka are geographically distant, the two nations are closely connected through their shared histories, cultures, and aspirations for progress. 

He noted that both nations possess long-standing traditions and rich identities rooted in compassion, tolerance, and coexistence, while Buddhism and Eastern cultural values have nurtured peace, humanity, and community spirit in both societies.

The President emphasized the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka that flourished for more than half a century since 21 July 1970, recalling mark of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries last year, the statement said. 

He also recalled President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to Vietnam and participation in the International Vesak Day celebrations held in Ho Chi Minh City.

President Tô Lâm further announced that the relationship between the two nations is built not only on diplomatic ties but also on mutual understanding, trust, and solidarity between the peoples of both countries.

President Tô Lâm further commented: 

‘‘I would like to recall the progress journey of Vietnam, particularly the ‘‘Doi Moi’’ reforms initiated nearly four decades ago. 

Forty years ago, when Vietnam launched ‘Doi Moi’ (Renewal) in 1986, the country was facing numerous hardships. Vietnam had suffered from war, due to that infrastructure being destroyed, the economy was significantly declined, and the citizens were living in severe poverty. It was under such circumstances that Vietnam chose the path of ‘Doi Moi’.

‘Doi Moi’ fundamentally represented a new way of thinking. We realized that in order to develop our country, we had to face reality, assess existing conditions honestly, and reform institutions.

From a centrally planned economy, Vietnam gradually developed a socialist-oriented market economy. While the Government continued to guide the path, competitiveness, innovation, and international integration were encouraged.

In the agricultural sector, Vietnam empowered farmers and ensured food security, transforming itself from a food-deficient nation into one of the world’s leading agricultural exporters. In industry and services, the country opened its doors to investment and integrated into global value chains.

Earlier today, Vietnam ranks among the world’s 32 largest economies. In 2025, our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached USD 514 billion, while per capita income exceeded USD 5,000. Vietnam is also among the world’s top 15 trading economies and is a member of more than 20 free trade agreements.
 
It is essential to strengthen internal capacities while integrating with the rest of the world. At the same time, development requires a stable, transparent, and fair legal foundation. Parliament plays a decisive role in this regard. Progress is not merely about GDP growth; it is about providing citizens with better living standards, education, and job opportunities. Food security and rural development are also essential for stability.

I am pleased to announce that Vietnam and Sri Lanka have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a ‘Comprehensive Partnership’. This will mark a new chapter of cooperation between the two countries.

Under this framework, we propose strengthening political and parliamentary cooperation; expanding financial, trade, and investment cooperation, including increasing bilateral trade to USD 1 billion; accelerating cooperation in agriculture, food security, and rural development; developing emerging sectors such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and green growth; promoting educational, cultural, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, especially Buddhist and heritage tourism; and enhancing close collaboration at regional and international forums.’’

President Tô Lâm also requested the continued attention and assistance of the Government and citizens of Sri Lanka towards the Vietnamese community residing across Sri Lanka, the statement added. 

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Health government officials say that a fever illness reported around the Kotapola Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area has been identified as a viral infection, according to Specialist Dr. Palitha Karunapema of the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health.

He confirmed that 47 infected patients were revealed during the past month.

Symptoms of the infection include fever, severe headache, and vomiting. Dr. Karunapema noted that the illness has mainly spread among schoolchildren aged 14–15 years.

He further said that those infected received treatment at the Deniyaya Base Hospital, and most of them have now recovered and been discharged.

The specialist added that the spread of the disease has shown a decline over the past 3–4 days, and that patients generally recover within 6–7 days with treatment.

According to health government officials, the infection is likely spreading through contaminated water or food. Citizens in the affected areas have been urged to drink boiled and cooled water and maintain proper food hygiene.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for public panic, and anyone showing symptoms should seek medical advice.

Dr. Karunapema further clarified:

‘‘The illness has been identified as a meningitis-related viral infection. The main symptoms are fever, severe headache, and vomiting. As of yesterday, around 47 cases have been shared, all treated at the Deniyaya Base Hospital. Most of the patients are schoolchildren aged 14 to 15. They have recovered and returned home after treatment. We are also seeing a decrease in cases over the past few days. With treatment, recovery usually occurs within 6 to 7 days.

The virus is likely spreading through contaminated food or water. Therefore, we advise people in the area to drink boiled water and consume clean food. If symptoms appear, they should seek medical attention. So far, cases have been reported only from the Deniyaya area, and there is no need for citizens in other regions to be alarmed. The risk of spread appears to be decreasing, so there is no need for panic.’‘

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South Africa’s constitutional court revived on Friday impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over a scandal dubbed ‘‘Farmgate’’ by local media, saying parliament had acted unlawfully by blocking the process in 2022.

The scandal centred on allegations made by a former intelligence official that Ramaphosa tried to cover up the theft of about $4 million in ⁠foreign currency stashed in furniture at his Phala Phala game farm in 2020.

Ramaphosa, a wealthy businessman before he became president in 2018, admitted there had been a break-in but said the thieves only stole $580,000, which he said were proceeds from the sale of buffaloes.

He denied wrongdoing and was never charged with a crime, but an independent panel found evidence he may have committed misconduct.

In its ruling on Friday, the constitutional court said a December 2022 vote ⁠in parliament that blocked the panel’s report from being referred to an impeachment committee was inconsistent with the constitution and set aside.

It ordered that the report should be referred to an impeachment committee.

The legal challenge was brought to the country’s highest ⁠court in 2024 by the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who were later joined by a smaller opposition party in the case.

Ramaphosa’s African National Congress party lost its parliamentary ⁠majority in an election in 2024 and now governs as part of a broad coalition with other parties.

After the court’s ruling, the ANC’s main ⁠coalition partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), said in a statement that it would participate fully in the impeachment committee and not prejudge its outcome.

Source: Reuters 
–Agencies 

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Two people, including a woman, have died in separate incidents suspected murder reported from Pitigala and Tissamaharama areas.

In the Horangalla area of Pitigala, a 60-year-old man has been killed after being attacked using a sharp weapon, police said.

The incident is believed to have occurred following a dispute between two individuals that escalated. 

The suspect, who also sustained injuries in the event, has been arrested and admitted to the Aluthgama Hospital.

Meanwhile, in a separate situation, a woman has also been found murdered inside a residence in the Gamunupura area of Tissamaharama.

Police officials stated multiple cut injuries were observed on the victim’s body, and the suspect or suspects involved in the crime have not yet been identified.

The deceased has been identified as an 88-year-old resident of the Gamunupura area, police confirmed.

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In a tragic event that occurred in Indonesia, at least three people were burned alive when Mount Dukono volcano erupted suddenly. 

It is being revealed that about 20 hikers climbed the mountain despite the warning and no-go zone. 

Suddenly, the volcano erupted, and immediately the sky was filled with ash and smoke, resulting in the death of three citizens, two of whom were visitors from Singapore. 

Officials say that many foreign tourists are ignoring the danger just to create social media content.

Source: India.com
–Agencies 

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