SJB secures control of Seethawakapura UC

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has taken control of the Seethawakapura Urban Council (UC), following the 2025 Local Government Elections.

16 govt forests declared as reserves under National “Vanaspathi” Conservation program

A gazette notification has been issued today officially declaring 16 government forests as protected reserves under the national “Vanaspathi” forest conservation program.

MoU signed to establish internationally accredited laboratory in Sri Lanka

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed this morning (15) at the Presidential Secretariat between U.S.-based STEMedical and the Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) to establish a laboratory with internationally recognised accreditation.

Thai woman given suspended sentence for walking topless in Arugam Bay

A 26-year-old Thai national has been handed a five-year suspended prison sentence by the Pottuvil Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to charges of indecent behaviour and causing a public disturbance in Arugam Bay.

Jaffna prison officer’s home set ablaze by unidentified group

An unidentified group set fire to the home of a prison officer attached to Jaffna Prison in the early hours of today (15), before fleeing the scene.

CSE crosses 19,000 during trading session reflecting continued investor activity

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed a historic session today as the All Share Price Index (ASPI) crossed the 19,000 mark for the first time, closing with a gain of 107.88 points at 19,012.41.

Young suspect protesting against Israel released after nine months

A young man who had been on remand for nine months on suspicion of protesting against Israel through social media was released on bail today by Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate Hemali Halpathdeniya.

Over 140,000 Sri Lankans migrate for work amid male worker surge

A total of 144,379 Sri Lankans have migrated overseas for employment between January and June 2025, with male workers making up a significantly higher proportion, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

Madras High Court stays order directing Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission to reinstate former employee

A Division Bench of the Madras High Court has stayed the operation of an order passed by a single judge directing the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai, to reinstate a former employee with back wages. The Bench has also decided to examine in detail as to whether diplomatic missions would fall under the definition of the term ‘industry’ under the Industrial Disputes Act of 1947.

Cabinet nod to procure five power sets

The Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation for the procurement of five power sets to engage in services for suburban and long-distance train travel.

Trial against ’Harak Kata’ begins before Colombo High Court

The trial against Nandun Chinthaka, also known as ’Harak Kata,’ a notorious drug trafficker and other accused has commenced before the Colombo High Court in connection with a robbery that allegedly took place at a house in the Meethotamulla area.

No deal with political parties to form councils: Nalinda

In the wake of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) supporting the National People’s Power (NPP) to form the administration of the Beruwala Urban Council, Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the NPP has not struck any deals with any political parties.

Supreme Court to hear AG’s appeal against quashing of Janaka Bandara indictments

A Special Leave to Appeal application filed by the Attorney General, challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision to quash the indictments filed against former Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon before the Kandy High Court over an alleged murder that took place in 1999, has been fixed for support by the Supreme Court.

Cabinet approves online passport system for overseas Sri Lankans

The Cabinet approved a joint proposal to implement an online system for Sri Lankans abroad to apply for foreign passports through selected Sri Lankan missions and offices overseas.

Election of Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha chairman postponed for second time

The election of a chairman and vice chairman for the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha was postponed indefinitely by the Commissioner of Local Government, Western Province, Sarangika Jayasundara, for the second day today for want of a quorum.

Cyber security strategy 2025–2029 gets Cabinet nod

The Cabinet approved the implementation of the National Cyber Protection Strategy of Sri Lanka – 2025–2029, presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Digital Economy.

Caution urged for Sri Lanka’s South Sudan crude deal

Sri Lanka’s interest in diversifying its oil supply portfolio by exploring crude imports from South Sudan may pose serious political, logistical, and technical challenges, Sri Lanka’s former Ambassador to South Sudan, Kana Kananathan warned.

India orders airlines to check fuel switches on Boeing jets

India’s aviation regulator has ordered the country’s airlines to inspect fuel control switches in Boeing aeroplanes, after their reported involvement in a fatal Air India crash that killed 260 people in June.

Probe launched into irregularities at Sabaragamuwa university

The Education Ministry has appointed an independent investigation committee to probe alleged administrative and financial irregularities at the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

Opposition parties disturbed over SJB decision to form joint administration of Beruwala PS with NPP

A group of seniors in a number of opposition parties have expressed their displeasure over the decision by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to form a joint administration in the Beruwala Pradeshiya Sabha together with the National People’s Power (NPP).

Emirates enhances Colombo service with four-class Boeing 777 from July 18

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is set to enhance its service on the Colombo-Dubai route by deploying its newly retrofitted four-class Boeing 777 aircraft from July 18, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) said.

Ex-SriLankan Chief Nishantha Wickramasinghe granted bail

Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe was released on bail Monday after being charged with abusing his position and misusing public funds while heading the national carrier.

’Had a wonderful time at Bon Odori Festival’: Colombo Mayor on her dance act

Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, who commented on her recent dance act at a public function said she had a wonderful time at the Bon Odori Festival organized by the Japanese Embassy together with the National Youth Council.

Dr Maheshi Wijerathna released on bail

Specialist neurosurgeon Dr Maheshi Wijerathna of the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital was released on bail over allegations of corruption.

Two dead after car plunges into Viyana Canal

Two persons are reported dead after a car travelling on the Mahiyangana–Badulla main road veered off near the 17th post at Mapakadawewa and overturned into the Mahaweli Viyana Canal.

Wild tusker ‘Bhathiya’ succumbs to injuries

The wild tusker known as ‘Bhathiya’, who had been under intensive veterinary care following serious injuries, died this morning despite days of continued treatment.

Australia skittle Windies for 27 - lowest Test total for 70 years

Australia bowled out West Indies for just 27 - the second lowest score in Test history, and the worst since 1955 - to complete a 176-run win and series clean sweep in Jamaica.

SL moves closer to nuke energy goals with IAEA

Sri Lanka took a major step toward advancing its nuclear energy ambitions by participating in a high-level meeting organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to promote adherence to key global nuclear security frameworks.

No more water leaks at Colombo National Hospital theatre

The persistent water leaks that disrupted surgeries at the National Hospital Colombo’s Accident Service theatre complexes have now been repaired, hospital sources confirmed.

Sri Lanka seeks U. S. tariff reduction to 20 percent

In its fresh attempt for renegotiation of tariffs, Sri Lanka is trying hard to get the current rate reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent for its products to be competitive in the U.S. market, a source familiar trade negotiations said.