Spain training session cancelled before World Cup final

Spain’s final training session before the World Cup final was cancelled after heavy thunderstorms hit New York and New Jersey on Saturday.

Messi and Argentina set for World Cup final showdown with Spain

Messi vs Yamal: A generational battle for football’s biggest prize

Over 700 arrested in islandwide ‘Ratama Ekata’ operation

A total of 706 individuals were arrested yesterday (July 17) during the islandwide “Ratama Ekata” national operation.

House of Fashions owner remanded after Customs arrest

House of Fashions owner and Managing Director Preethi Jayawardena has been arrested over an alleged Customs violation and remanded while receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo after developing a heart-related medical condition.

Kuwait International Airport suspends operations temporarily

Takeoff and landing operations have been temporarily suspended at Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait’s national carrier announced on Saturday, adding that it rescheduled most of its flights due to the measure, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

Roshan Mahanama clarifies Dambulla Sixers role amid conflict of interest concerns

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Roshan Mahanama has clarified concerns raised over a possible conflict of interest regarding his role as team mentor of the Dambulla Sixers in the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL) and his position as a member of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Transformation Committee.

Trump threatens new Canada tariffs over fires sending ’filthy’ air into US cities

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada after hundreds of wildfires have left much of the northern US covered by a blanket of smoke.

Over 4,600 cases filed over mosquito breeding sites so far in 2026

Police have filed 4,672 court cases against individuals for maintaining premises conducive to mosquito breeding during the period from January to June 2026, the Police said.

5.0 magnitude earthquake hits eastern Turkey

There are currently no reports of any adverse circumstances,’’ and an ’’on-site assessment’’ is ongoing, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority said

Angolan woman nabbed at BIA with Rs. 10m cocaine concealed inside body

A 54-year-old Angolan woman has been arrested by the Sri Lanka Customs Narcotics Control Unit for allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine worth more than Rs. 10 million into the country by concealing the drug inside her body.

Supermarket fined Rs. 1Mn for selling Keeri Samba above MRP

A supermarket in Beruwala has been fined Rs. 1 million for selling locally produced Keeri Samba rice above the government-mandated Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

Heat Index expected to reach caution level in several areas

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warm weather advisory for the Eastern Province and the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Monaragala for today (18).

British mother accused of abducting sons from American father in cross-border custody dispute

A British mother has been accused of abducting her two young sons from the United States after allegedly failing to return them to their American father following a court-approved visit to the United Kingdom, according to a report published by The Telegraph.

Dengue deaths in 2026 top 50, surpassing 2025’s total of 29

Sri Lanka has recorded 53 dengue-related deaths in the first seven months of 2026, already exceeding the 29 deaths reported during the whole of 2025, as the country’s dengue outbreak continues to worsen with infections climbing to 73,455.

PTA accused granted bail after 15 years

The Court of Appeal has granted bail to a man who had remained in remand custody for nearly 15 years under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), ruling that such prolonged pre-trial detention amounted to an exceptional circumstance warranting his release.

US denies Iranian claims it hit civilian infrastructure in latest strikes

The US has denied Iranian accusations that it hit civilian infrastructure in the latest wave of air strikes since peace talks collapsed.

Constable interdicted for allegedly sitting on WPC’s lap

A constable attached to the Makulugaswewa Police Station has been interdicted following allegations of misconduct involving a Woman Police Constable (WPC) while on duty.

West Indies legend Sobers dies aged 89

Legendary former West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers, regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has died aged 89.

SLNS Vijayabahu rescues man drifting off Pothuvil

The Sri Lanka Navy rescued a man who had gone missing at sea during a search and rescue operation conducted approximately 15 nautical miles off Pothuvil on Friday.

Central Province Governor says no response yet from President on resignation

Central Province Governor Prof. Sarath Abeykoon says he has not yet received any response from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the letter informing him of his decision to resign from the post.

LPL 2026 kicks off in style!

The Lanka Premier League 2026 commenced tonight with a spectacular opening ceremony at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, featuring a massive drone light show that illuminated the night sky.

Sri Lanka Dengue Cases 2026: Live Tracker and Latest Updates

Track the latest dengue cases, deaths, and regional trends across Sri Lanka through our regularly updated dashboard.

President discusses Negombo Prison unrest with prison officials

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today held discussions with senior officials of the Department of Prisons, with special attention given to the recent unrest at the Negombo Prison and measures needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Kataragama to become ‘Polythene Free Sacred Zone - 2030’

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has launched a five-year programme to make the Kataragama sacred city, sacred site and the surrounding areas of the Menik Ganga a plastic-free zone by 2030.

Sri Lanka calls for stronger regional cooperation at BIMSTEC Security Chiefs’ Meeting

Sri Lanka has called for stronger regional cooperation to address emerging security challenges in the Bay of Bengal region, with Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) emphasising the need for collective action among BIMSTEC member states.

Sri Lanka leads world in humane dog management

Sri Lanka has become the first country in the world to complete LEAP Dog (Logical Evaluation and Action Plan for Dogs), a new international programme that helps countries develop humane and science-based plans to manage dog populations.

CSE ends lower as turnover falls to year’s lowest, ASPI holds key support

The Colombo Stock Exchange ended Friday’s session in negative territory, reversing the previous day’s gains as subdued trading activity and cautious investor sentiment weighed on market performance. The ASPI declined for the third consecutive test of the key 21,400 support level, which continued to hold despite persistent selling pressure.

US, Sri Lanka discuss stronger trade and maritime security ties

The United States and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral commercial relations and maritime security cooperation during a meeting between senior officials in Washington.

Ring attached to finger bone discovered at Chemmani Mass Grave

During today’s excavation at the Chemmani mass grave, 11 new skeletal remains were identified. Among them, a copper ring still attached to a finger bone was also discovered.

Court orders arrest of Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, MP Jagath Manuwarna

The Fort Magistrate’s Court today (17) ordered the arrest of Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, MP Jagath Manuwarna and four others after they failed to appear for a scheduled hearing.