The Department of Immigration and Emigration has informed that the 24-hour service implemented for one-day service passport issuance will not be operated on May 05, 06 and 07.

The Immigration and Emigration Controller said that this decision was taken as rendering one-day and normal services for issuing passports to the public have to be restricted due to the duties of Local Authorities Election 2025 on these days

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka is to be the chief guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak ceremony being held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam at which he will deliver the keynote address, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.

President Disanayake is to undertake a State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam from May 04 – 06 at the invitation of the President of Viet Nam Luong Cuong. He will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – Vijitha Herath and senior government officials.

There, he is to hold official discussions with the President and Prime Minister of Viet Nam and also meet with senior dignitaries including the General Secretary of the Communist Party.

The two sides are also expected to conclude several Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements during the state visit, and engagement with the business community is envisaged.

The visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam is expected to further consolidate the strong ties between the two countries, as they mark 55 years of diplomatic relations this year.

Buses carrying supporters to the NPP’s May Day rally in Galle Face Colombo were spotted while making a pitstop on an expressway, with passengers having lunch by the roadside.

Videos depicting this have been making rounds on social media, raising safety concerns, as stopping in the middle of expressways pose significant risks.

Police vehicles were also spotted amid these stopped vehicles.