CSE closes higher following early dip triggered by U.S. Reciprocal tariff concerns

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the trading day on a positive note. The market initially experienced significant selling pressure during the early hours of the session, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) declining by nearly 150 points.

Further investigation needed into release of red-labelled containers: Opposition MP

Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman has called for deeper investigations into the controversial release of 309 red-labelled containers, asserting that critical questions remain unanswered.

Death threats against Bribery Commission counsel at court premises

The Colombo Chief Magistrate today directed that a complaint be lodged with the Keselwatta Police following an allegation that death threats were made against Sulochana Hettiarachchi, Assistant Director of the Bribery Commission.

UAE beat Sri Lanka in Rugby World Cup qualifier

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured a 29–21 victory over Sri Lanka at the Race Course Ground in Colombo strengthening their bid for a spot in the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification pathway.

Lanka Indian Oil Company donates Rs. 100Mn to President’s Fund

The Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) has donated Rs. 100 million to the President’s Fund, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

613 killed at Gaza aid distribution sites, near humanitarian covoys, says UN

The U.N. human rights office said on Friday it had recorded at least 613 killings both at aid points run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and near humanitarian convoys run by other relief groups including the U.N.

S.M. Chandrasena remanded

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena was ordered to be remanded by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga until July 18, in connection with the alleged distribution of seed paddy worth Rs. 25 million to associates during the 2015 Presidential Election period.

Russia launches massive aerial attack on Kyiv, injuring at least 23

Russia launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine overnight on Friday, deploying 550 drones and missiles in strikes across the country.

Namal calls for urgent E-Commerce policy reform

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has called on the government to urgently finalise a progressive national e-commerce policy, warning that delays could hold back the country’s digital economy and limit opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Government aims to modify public sector: President

The government is expecting to allocate funds through the next budget to develop physical resources in the government sector, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Judge arrested for accepting bribe at Kaduruwela Quazi Court

A judge and a clerk attached to the Kaduruwela Quazi Court were arrested today (04) by officers from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over a bribery incident.

Sri Lankan arrested at Bangkok airport for smuggling snakes in underwear

A Sri Lankan man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi airport for attempting to smuggle wildlife out of the country after three ball pythons were found hidden in his underwear.

Bus crashes against wayside tree, 21 injured

A SLTB bus bound to Colombo from Point Pedro veered off the road at Deduruoya on the Chilaw- Puttlam main highway and crashed against a wayside tree causing serious injuries to 21 passengers and the driver.

Three Motor Traffic Department officials granted bail

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed court that all CCTV footage recorded at the Narahenpita branch of the Department of Motor Traffic between April 9 and May 29 had been deleted.

Invitation only for Shah Rukh Khan event

The management of City of Dreams Sri Lanka has issued an official announcement warning the public about unauthorized tickets being circulated for its Grand Opening event, scheduled to take place on August 2.

Joint statement with US over tariffs turns out to be another tall story: Harsha

The government earlier said a joint statement was to be issued by Sri Lanka and the United States over the reciprocal tariffs but that turned out to be another tall story like most of the stories of the government, SJB MP Dr. Harsha De Silva said.

Bypass patient compelled to bring drugs worth over Rs. 100,000 from outside

Patients seeking life-saving procedures such as bypass surgeries at the Colombo National Hospital are compelled to bring surgical and pharmaceutical items from outside, costing over Rs. 100,000 due to a severe shortage of critical drugs and surgical supplies, a top hospital source revealed.

Trump eyes simple tariff rates over complex talks, says letters going out Friday

President Donald Trump said Washington will start sending letters to countries on Friday specifying what tariff rates they will face on imports to the United States, a clear shift from earlier pledges to strike scores of individual deals.

Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan

Russia said on Thursday it had accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan, making it the first nation to recognise the Taliban government of the country.

Driver and conductor suspended over ‘Sisu Sariya’ school bus incident

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has suspended both the driver and conductor of a ‘Sisu Sariya’ school bus (NA-7668) after they were found responsible for a recent incident where a student fell from the footboard while the bus was in motion.

Excise Chief slams Liquor Licensee’s Association for organizing unlawful tax awareness workshop

The Chief of Excise yesterday slammed the Sri Lanka Liquor Licensee’s Association for organizing an unlawful awareness programme for its members in line with the National Tax Week ‘Badu Shakthi’, saying a leading liquor company that sponsored the event had promoted its brands instead.

S.M. Chandrasena arrested

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Rise in alcohol, drug abuse among pregnant mothers in coastal areas

There is an increase in alcohol and drug use among pregnant mothers living along Sri Lanka’s coastal areas including Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Ratmalana, Moratuwa and Egoda Uyana, thus raising serious concerns, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Opposition Leader and Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

'Praja Shakthi' rural poverty eradication drive begins today

The Praja Shakthi National Programme, aimed at eradicating rural poverty and uplifting communities, will officially commence today under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lankan Bishop gets post in Vatican

Bishop of Badulla Jude Nishantha Silva has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as a member of the Inter Religious Dicastery in the Vatican.

Sigiriya stone stairway fast worn out: Minister

Claiming that several aspects need to be focused on with regard to the Sigiriya archaeological site, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi yesterday said that the stone stairway in Sigiriya has fast worn out.

Well known banker Rienzie Wijetilleke passes away

Well known banker Rienzie Wijetilleke passed away this morning, according to family members.

Legendary elephant ’Kadol’s tusks displayed at Kataragama Perahera

The tusks of ’Kadol’, the legendary elephant that supported King Dutugemunu in his battle against King Elara, have been brought out for public display in conjunction with the sixth day procession (Perahera) of the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya. The tusks will remain on display until the Perahera concludes on the 2nd.

Bureaucracy not aligned with Govt. - Minister

A key minister admitted that bureaucracy does not fall in line with the government in the realization of its targets in an expeditious manner.

SJB to file legal action against LG Commissioners who played politics: Sajith

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) plans to take legal action against the Local Government Commissioners who worked according to the whims and fancies of the ruling National People’s Power (NPP), Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.