Solar power generators challenge tariff reduction before court

A group of solar power generators has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal challenging the government’s decision to reduce the tariff paid per unit of electricity generated by rooftop solar panels.

Iran hangs three men for spying for Israel

Iran executed three men on Wednesday, after they were convicted of collaborating with Israel’s Mossad spy agency and smuggling equipment used in an assassination, the judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported.

Nawalapitiya UC goes to Mahindananda-backed Independent group

An independent group has taken control of the Nawalapitiya Urban Council following its inaugural meeting held this morning.

Upuldeniya further remanded

Former Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya was today ordered to be further remanded till July 9 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga.

Dengue, Chikungunya eradication programme to launch in schools on July 9

A countrywide Dengue and Chikungunya eradication programme will be conducted across all schools in the country on July 9, aiming to curb the current spread of the diseases.

Kataragama Esala festival commences tomorrow

The annual Esala Festival of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala is set to begin tomorrow with its inaugural procession parading the streets of Kataragama. Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara confirmed that all preparations have been finalised to hold the festival on a grand scale.

Rising domestic violence cases spark concern; Over 12,000 families supported in 2023

Health authorities have raised alarm over the increasing number of domestic violence cases reported across the country, emphasising the severe toll it takes on family well-being and mental health.

Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize and loses out on another

US Rep. Buddy Carter nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his role in the Iran-Israel ceasefire and efforts to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite some nominations withdrawn, Pakistan also endorsed Trump for easing India-Pakistan tensions.

Iranian parliament approves bill to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog

Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons and says a resolution adopted this month by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations paved the way for Israel’s attacks.

Cabinet approves programme to curb child begging, hazardous labour

The Cabinet has approved a new programme aimed at protecting children from exploitation, with strict enforcement measures set to take effect from July 1, 2025.

Govt. approves continuation of HIV, TB, Malaria programmes with global fund support

The government has granted approval to continue implementing programmes aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Sri Lanka under grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced today.

Govt. approves purchase of 200 super luxury buses for expressway service

The government has granted approval to purchase 200 new super luxury buses for expressway operations, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Cabinet sub-committee to assess impact of Middle East tensions on Sri Lanka

The Cabinet has decided to appoint a sub-committee to assess and prepare for potential challenges Sri Lanka may face due to the escalating military situation in the Middle East.

Govt. backing fossil fuels over renewables: Namal

Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa criticised the government for not shifting its stance on rooftop solar power installations, while increasing its reliance on coal, fossil fuels and diesel.

Tennakoon says Police looked in wrong places during manhunt

Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, testifying before the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee investigating the W15 Hotel shooting, said police had been searching for him in the wrong locations.

Israeli currency strengthens against USD

The Israeli shekel significantly appreciated against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, following the entry into force of the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, according to official exchange rates released by Israel’s central bank.

Continuous protest begins in Jaffna demanding justice for Chemmani mass grave

A massive protest commenced today in Jaffna demanding justice for the Chemmani mass grave.

US strikes did not destroy Iran nuclear programme, says intelligence assessment

The US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities did not destroy the country’s nuclear programme and probably only set it back by months, according to an early Pentagon intelligence assessment of the attack.

CID investigates into Ranil Wickremesinghe’s overseas trips

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that an investigation has been launched into the overseas trips undertaken by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his Presidency.

Bodies of two youths found with gunshot injuries in Middeniya

Police recovered the bodies of two young men, believed to be between 25 and 30 years old, who were shot dead this morning in Thorakolayaya, Middeniya.

Horana-Colombo private buses withdraw from services

Private buses operating on the Horana-Colombo route number 120 have decided to withdraw from service today (25) in protest against the implementation of a new bus service from Millewa to Colombo via Horana.

Dog-sized dinosaur that ran around feet of giants discovered

A labrador-sized dinosaur was wrongly categorised when it was found and is actually a new species, scientists have discovered.

Aviation emissions return to pre-pandemic levels: Expert

Operating aircraft burning hydrocarbons contributes around 2.5% of the total carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions caused by human activities, Sustainability and Civil Aviation Specialist and Aviation Research Leader Nuranga Adikari said.

Millions of children at risk as vaccine uptake stalls

Progress in vaccinating children against a variety of life-threatening diseases has stalled in the past two decades - and even gone backwards in some countries - a new global study suggests.

Demand for vegetables decline amid drop in purchasing power – Traders

Demand for vegetables has declined significantly due to a drop in consumers’ purchasing power, defying the usual economic principle of demand, according to traders at the Manning Market in Peliyagoda.

May tea exports up 12.4% YoY

Sri Lanka’s tea exports expanded 12.4 percent year-on-year in May 2025, reaching 21.87 million kilograms, compared with 19.45 million kilograms in the same month last year, industry data showed.

Top neurosurgeon has performed surgeries on brain-dead patients

During the ongoing corruption case involving Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe Wijerathna, a consultant neurosurgeon at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) told court yesterday that she had allegedly performed surgeries on brain-dead patients.

Vakshan bags 5,000m gold at Thai Open

Upcoming long-distance runner Vicknaraj Vakshan won the gold medal in the Men’s 5,000 metres event at the Thailand Open Athletic Championships in Bangkok (24). He finished the race in 15 minutes 56 seconds.

England produce record chase to win first Test against India

Ben Duckett’s astonishing 149 led England to a target of 371 - one of the all-time great run chases - to beat India on a nerve-shredding final day of the first Test at Headingley.

Govt to make special announcement on fiscal strategy on June 30

The Government is set to make a special announcement on its fiscal strategy in Parliament on June 30, according to a statement released by the Office of the Leader of the House.