Sri Lanka’s first wax museum to open at historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy

The country’s first and only wax museum is set to open in a few days at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy, marking a significant addition to Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape.

UNFPA, Japan and ADT empower 2,000 Sri Lankan women and youth

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Government of Japan and the Alliance Development Trust (ADT), launched a programme to strengthen the capacities of over 2,000 women and young people across Sri Lanka on social cohesion, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and climate action.

Vavuniya home destroyed after petrol used to light oil lamp

A devastating fire broke out at a residence in Vavuniya after petrol was mistakenly used to light an oil lamp in the household shrine room, authorities said.

Import of rice to manufacture liquor now permitted - Minister

Minister of Agriculture, Land, Irrigation and Livestock Development K. D. Lal Kantha said the import of rice for liquor manufacture would be allowed and facilities for it provided.

IMF approves next $350 million tranche

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, allowing Sri Lanka to draw approximately US$350 million.

Corrine Almeida obtains injunction against Romaine Willis and DJ Mass on song ’’Eh Yaye’’

The Colombo Commercial High Court has issued an interim injunction, restraining popular artistes Romaine Willis and Mass Ramli Miskin alias DJ Mass from performing, reproducing and distributing the song titled ’’Eh Yaye’’ and “Api Natamu’’.

CSE begins July with slight pullback but investor activity remains strong

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) commenced the month of July with a slight decline in both All Share Price Index (ASPI) and S&P SL20 and , following a period of sustained gains. Despite the market’s modest pullback, investor activity remained strong, reflecting continued confidence and interest.

Red notices issued for over 500 premises in mosquito control raid

Red notices have been issued on 553 premises following inspections carried out today (July 1) under the ongoing National Mosquito Control Week, the Ministry of Health said.

Indian companies explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka

Indian entrepreneurs state that they are currently directing their attention towards new investment prospects in Sri Lanka, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, the digital economy, tourism and agriculture, as well as on enhancing entrepreneurial capacity.

Commissioner Sarangika’s conduct at Seethawaka PS challenged before Court of Appeal

A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an interim order to prevent the respondents, including Western Province Local Government Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara, from conducting a secret vote for the election of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha.

LG Commissioners entitled to exercise powers in the council: EC

The Local Government Commissioners are entitled to exercise his or her powers in the council, Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake said.

Man, 92, jailed for 1967 murder and rape

A 92-year-old man has been jailed for life with a minimum of 20 years after being convicted of the rape and murder of a woman in Bristol 58 years ago.

CID complaint over false claims involving Mahinda Rajapaksa and Malwathu Viharaya

A group of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) activists have lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over recent social media claims involving former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy.

Green light for online traffic fine payment system

Cabinet approval was granted today to implement the government’s online traffic fine payment programme islandwide, expanding on the pilot project currently in operation, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake said.

0.55 % bus fare revision to take effect from July 4

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that the annual bus fare revision will come into effect from July 4.

Former Commissioner General of Motor Traffic remanded

Former Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, Nishantha Weerasinghe and two others were ordered to be remanded till July 8 today by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga.

Italy to issue half million non-EU work visas over next three years

Italy will issue nearly 500,000 new work visas for non-EU nationals from 2026 to 2028, a cabinet statement said on Monday, as part of a strategy to expand legal immigration channels in response to labour shortages.

Wimal summoned by Bribery Commission

National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader and former minister Wimal Weerawansa says he has been summoned by the Bribery Commission to record a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Contract clearance needed for self-employed workers in 13 countries: SLBFE

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced that, effective today, that Sri Lankan workers who individually seek employment in 13 designated countries, would need to have their employment contracts certified by the Sri Lankan Mission in the respective countries.

At least 36 killed after explosion and fire at Indian factory

At least 36 people have been confirmed dead after a powerful explosion triggered a fire at a pharmaceutical factory in the southern Indian state of Telangana.

Japan grants USD 2.5 mn to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Harsha Ilukpitiya pleads guilty to contempt of court charges

Former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Harsha Ilukpitiya pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court over the contempt of court charges filed against him over the controversial visa deal.

Former Commissioner General of Motor Traffic arrested

Former Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, Nishantha Weerasinghe and two others were arrested today by the Bribery Commission.

Musk vows to unseat lawmakers who support Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’

Elon Musk has vowed to unseat lawmakers who support Donald Trump’s sweeping budget bill, which he has criticized because it would increase the country’s deficit by $3.3tn.

Singapore police can now seize bank accounts to stop scams

Police in Singapore can now seize control of a person’s bank account and block money transfers if they suspect the person is being scammed, under a new law that kicked in on Tuesday.

At least 90% of social media complaints in Sri Lanka involve Facebook, AI issues

Sri Lankan authorities are raising concerns as most complaints are related to Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok with 90% of them involving Facebook and issues connected to AI.

Specialist neurosurgeon Dr. Maheshi’s daughter files motion seeking bail

The daughter of Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe Wijerathna, a specialist neurosurgeon attached to the Sri Jayawardenapura General Hospital, has filed a bail application on her mother’s behalf.

Thailand’s prime minister suspended over leaked phone call with former strongman

Thailand’s embattled prime minister was suspended from duty Tuesday and could face dismissal pending an ethics probe over a leaked phone call she had with Cambodia’s powerful former leader.

No increase in three-wheeler fares

Despite the recent increase of Rs. 12 in petrol prices last night, the All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Association (AITDA) announced that three-wheeler fares will remain unchanged.

No change in domestic Litro gas prices

Litro Gas Lanka Ltd today announced that there will be no revision in the price of domestic gas for the month of July.