A senior Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and chief prelate of the Anuradhapura Atamasthana, Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, has been remanded until 12 May after being arrested over allegations of abducting and sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl.

Hemarathana Thero was arrested on the night of 8 May while reportedly receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. On Friday, the Colombo Fort Magistrate ordered that he be remanded in custody pending further investigations.

A major fire that erupted at the medical storage complex of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital in the early hours of Saturday has destroyed a large quantity of medicines and caused extensive property damage, with authorities estimating losses worth several million rupees.

Residents and landowners from Myliddy, Valikamam North staged a protest on Friday (May 8) for the third consecutive week in front of the military Commander's bungalow, demanding the release of their lands which continue to remain under military occupation as part of a High Security Zone (HSZ).

Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena was found dead early Friday morning at the residence of former Sri Lankan cricketer Aravinda de Silva in Kollupitiya, according to Sri Lankan police.

Police said Chandrasena’s body was discovered at the house on Pedris Place, owned by de Silva, who is also his brother-in-law. Reports indicate Chandrasena had arrived at the residence on Thursday evening. A magisterial inquiry was subsequently launched at the scene.

Sri Lanka Customs has detained two Tamil-language books authored by Kilinochchi-based writer Theepachelvan Piratheepan, sparking renewed criticism over censorship, freedom of expression and state scrutiny of Tamil political writing.

The books were part of a consignment of more than 360 copies of five titles printed in Tamil Nadu and shipped to Sri Lanka in March this year.

Customs officers seized the books on March 18, claiming the publications could threaten “national harmony” and national security.

A memorial and tribute event honouring late Tamil nationalist singer and cultural figure Theanisai Sellappa was held on Saturday in Batticaloa, commemorating a man whose songs became deeply associated with the Tamil liberation struggle and the political aspirations of the Tamil nation.

The event, organised by the Homeland Task Force, took place at the Batticaloa Hindu Youth Association hall following the death of the veteran singer, who passed away last month at the age of 85.

The Tamil National Council (TNC) has formally congratulated Tamil Nadu Chief Minister-elect Joseph Vijay following his electoral victory, expressing hope that his leadership would strengthen support for the political aspirations of Eelam Tamils.

In a letter dated 6 May 2026 and addressed to the president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the TNC described Vijay’s victory as a significant political moment for Tamils across the Palk Strait.

A Tamil mother who spent nearly seventeen years searching for her forcibly disappeared sons and son-in-law after they surrendered to the Sri Lankan military during the final stages of the armed conflict has died without receiving answers or justice.

Murugesupillai Sellamma, 74, from Muththaiyankattu in Mullaitivu district, passed away on 27 April 2026 after years of campaigning alongside families of the disappeared demanding truth, accountability and international justice.