UNDP to support in building effective public service

The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Azusa Kubota affirmed that the UNDP will support the Sri Lankan government’s ongoing initiatives

Piyumi Hansamali’s son arrested over assault in Rajagiriya

The Welikada Police have arrested the son of popular model Piyumi Hansamali over an assault incident reported in the Kalapaluwawa area of Rajagiriya.

US drops charges against doctor accused of destroying Covid vaccines

The US attorney general has ordered charges to be dropped against a doctor accused of destroying Covid-19 vaccines worth $28,000 (£20,742), distributing fake vaccination record cards, and giving children saline shots instead of the vaccine at their parents’ request.

Mother of Ishara Sewwandi dies in custody

The mother of Ishara Sewwandi, the main suspect in the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, has died while in remand custody at Welikada Prison.

Fire destroys tourist resort under construction in Ella

A tourist resort under construction in the Kandekumbura area in Ella was destroyed by a fire, police said.

Worker remittances rise 22% in June

Sri Lankans working overseas sent home USD 635.7 million in remittances during June 2025, according to data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

EU and Mexico criticise Trump’s proposed 30% tariff

The European Union (EU) and Mexico have expressed disappointment at US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 30% tariffs on their imports from 1 August.

Private airline takes Karachi-bound passenger to Jeddah

A private airline has come under scrutiny after a passenger bound for Karachi from Lahore was mistakenly flown to Jeddah without passport and visa, ARY News reported.

Sri Lanka, China reaffirm strategic partnership at ASEAN meeting

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, met with Chinese Foreign Minister H.E. Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (12).

Boat sinks off Delft coast , 14 tourists narrowly escape death

A boat carrying tourists from Delft Island, Jaffna, sank in the deep sea, making all 14 people on board narrowly escape with their lives.

Discussion with US will continue to secure additional concessions: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that the on-going dialogue with the United States will continue in order to secure additional concessions.

Trump intensifies trade war with 30% tariffs on EU and Mexico

Donald Trump announced on Saturday that goods imported from both the European Union and Mexico will face a 30% US tariff rate starting 1 August, in letters posted to his social media platform, Truth Social.

21 illegal high-end bikes seized from Hambantota warehouse

Twenty-one illegally imported motorcycles, including eight luxury Harley-Davidson bikes and four tricycles, were seized during a raid conducted by police at the Hambantota Bird Park warehouse today.

Trump nominates Eric Meyer as U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka

The White House has nominated Eric Meyer, a seasoned American diplomat from California, to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Reciprocal tariff SL firm against U.S. proposed restrictive trading with China

In the conduct of negotiations for the reduction of reciprocal tariffs, the U.S. authorities have proposed some restrictive measures on trading with China, but Sri Lanka has declined to do so in principle in conformity with its neutral foreign policy, the Daily Mirror learns.

Unidentified female body found in sea near Pigeon Island bridge

An unidentified female body was discovered in the sea beneath the bridge leading to Pigeon Island in the Matara Police Division, the Police Media Division said.

US Tariffs on Sri Lanka and Philippines may shift trade advantage to India

India could pose sti competition to Sri Lanka and the Philippines for nearly a fth of their exports to the United States as both countries are facing high import duties under new US trade arrangement, according to an analysis.

Italy qualify for T20 World Cup for first time

They have won the FIFA World Cup four times but in a historic first, Italy’s men’s cricket team, led by a former Australian Test opener Joe Burns, has qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

CEJ urges President to appoint commission to probe MV X-Press Pearl environmental disaster

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to appoint a Presidential Commission to investigate into the 2021 environmental disaster caused by the fire aboard the vessel MV X-Press Pearl.

Met Dept warns naval, fishing communities to avoid rough seas

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning advising naval and fishing communities to avoid venturing into sea areas off the coast from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota over the next 24 hours due to rough and potentially dangerous conditions.

Two cyclists killed in Hasalaka

Two individuals were killed when a motorbike crashed at the back of a bicycle at Udawela on the Hasalaka-Hettipola road last night.

Engine fuel supply was cut just before Air India jet crash, preliminary report says

A cut in the fuel supply to the engines caused last month’s Air India crash that killed 260 people, a preliminary report has found.

Boost for Sri Lankan garment sector as UK launches new trade measures

On July 10, the UK government unveiled a package of reforms to simplify the imports from developing countries like Sri Lanka.

EV surge reshapes Sri Lanka’s auto market

A significant shift is underway in Sri Lanka’s newly reopened vehicle market, with consumer demand increasingly favouring electric models.

Tight supply lifts tea prices at auction this week

The Colombo Tea Auction offerings totalled 6.1 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs), marginally lower to the 6.4 M/Kgs of last week.

Four new ministry secretaries approved by Committee on High Posts

The Committee on High Posts, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, has approved the appointments of four new ministry secretaries, according to a statement issued by the Department of Communications of Parliament.

Only 4% of Hambantota development funds used so far: President calls for urgent action

Although Rs. 574 million has been allocated for the Hambantota District this year under the Southern Province Development Programme, only around Rs. 23 million - just 4% of the total - has been utilised so far, it was revealed at a high-level meeting held this morning (11).

Dayasiri, Bimal Ratnayake in showdown

In a dramatic turn of events in Parliament today, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera alleged that Minister of Transport, Ports and Aviation, Bimal Ratnayake, had ordered the release of 309 red-labelled containers—an accusation that sparked uproar across the chamber.

CSE surpasses 18,500 mark to hit all-time high as U.S. Tariff reduction fuels investor optimism

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) soared to All-Time High on Friday, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) jumping 379.77 points or 2.09% to close at a record high of 18,541.26. The S&P SL20 inclined by 127.86 points or 2.39% closing at 5,486.5.

SC affirms conviction and sentence against fugitive mastermind in South Asia’s largest VAT scam

In view of the withdrawal of the Special Leave to Appeal application filed by Mohammed Kamil Kuthubdeen, the 8th accused in South Asia’s largest Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud case, the Supreme Court today affirmed the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had upheld the convictions and sentence imposed against him over the VAT fraud case.