Iran rules out new nuclear talks until attacks stop

Iran has said it will not resume talks over its nuclear programme while under attack, hours after Israel’s defence minister warned of a ’’prolonged’’ conflict with the Islamic Republic

FDI records 90% increase in 1Q25

Sri Lanka’s foreign direct investment (FDI) has increased by US $ 96 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024.

Murderers get off scot-free under guise of presidential pardons

Several inmates convicted of murder and other serious crimes were among hundreds of prisoners illegally released under the guise of presidential pardons without proper authorisation from the President, the Daily Mirror learns.

Human development progress decelerating at alarming rate, says new UNDP report

For 30 years, the Human Development Index (HDI) showed a consistent increase in development progress and a decrease in inequality. Although the crises of 2020-2021 disrupted this trend, last year’s report saw tentative signs of recovery. The 2025 HDR has quashed this optimism.

May tea output rises 2.9% YoY

Ceylon Tea production rose 2.9 percent year-on-year (YoY) in May 2025 to 25.37 million kilogrammes, up from 24.65 million kilogrammes a year earlier, the official data showed.

WB gathers public, private sectors to expand childcare access and boost SL women’s employment

Expanding access to affordable and quality childcare could be Sri Lanka’s next big move toward creating more and better jobs.

Sri Lanka should join the Russia-led BRICS: Ranil

Sri Lanka should join the Russia-led BRICS as it has become a grouping to be reckoned with, Former President who is on a visit to Russia said.

Namal hits back at Bimal over Southern Expressway claim

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has accused Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake of misleading Parliament following the latter’s remarks about alleged irregularities in the construction of the Southern Expressway.

One could do very little to avoid consequences of Israel-Iran war: Bimal

It is not possible to entirely avoid the economic and other consequences of a war between Israel and Iran, Minister Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament today.

Europe, Iran foreign ministers meet, testing water for nuclear talks

European foreign ministers met their Iranian counterpart on Friday hoping to test Tehran’s readiness to negotiate a new nuclear deal despite there being scant prospect of Israel ceasing its attacks soon, diplomats said.

Complaint filed over misuse of President’s Fund during Sirisena’s term

A complaint has been lodged with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today (20), alleging the misappropriation of Rs. 27.5 million from the President’s Fund during the tenure of former President Maithripala Sirisena in 2019.

CSE ends positively as indices rebound

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a positive note today, marking a recovery after several consecutive sessions of decline. Both the All Share Price Index (ASPI) and the S&P SL20 recorded gains, reflecting renewed investor activity.

Boeing representatives discuss 777-9 operations at BIA

A high-level discussion on the upcoming operations of Boeing’s newest wide-body aircraft, the 777-9, was held this week at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), as part of preparations for the aircraft’s anticipated entry into service in 2026.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk to visit Sri Lanka

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from June 23 to 26, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today.

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma resigns as MP, set to become Treasury secretary

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma has tendered his resignation as a Member of Parliament.

Police to relaunch crackdown on unauthorized vehicle modifications

The Sri Lanka Police announced that a programme to remove unauthorized equipment and illegal modifications from vehicles will be reintroduced starting July 1.

Rasamanickam accuses NPP of backing Pillayan’s TMVP in Vakarai PS

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has criticised the National People’s Power (NPP) for allegedly assisting the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) to gain control of the Vakarai Pradeshiya Sabha.

Prince William’s heart beats for Sri Lankan elephants

Prince William and The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme have released the newest episode of its groundbreaking docuseries, Guardians, highlighting the individuals at the forefront of wildlife protection and conservation, focusing on an incredible team of rangers in Sri Lanka working to minimise threats of human-elephant conflict, fostering a more peaceful coexistence between wildlife and the communities living to help save this

NPP Balangoda PS chairman resigns

National People’s Power (NPP) representative Ranjith Udaya Kumara who was elected as the Chairman of the Balangoda Pradeshiya Sabha has stepped down from his post.

Chamithri Rambukwella released after fulfilling bail conditions

Chamithri Jayanika Rambukwella, the daughter of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, was released on bail today (20) after fulfilling the conditions set by the court.

Pro-Palestinian activists break into RAF Brize Norton

Pro-Palestinian activists have broken into RAF Brize Norton and sprayed two military planes with red paint in a security breach.

SLPP suspends Galle deputy mayor’s party membership

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has suspended the party membership of Priyantha Godagama Sahabandu, who was recently elected as the Deputy Mayor of the Galle Municipal Council.

Sri Lanka attracts USD 4.7 Bn in investment proposals so far

The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka reported a USD 96 million increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Parliament will be informed of probe on ’Teacher Amma’ once it is completed: Minister

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala assured today that all details pertaining to the function held by ’Teacher Amma’ (Hyeshika Fernando) will be presented to Parliament once it is completed.

Galle NPP mayor elected with SLPP support

National People’s Power (NPP) councillor Sunil Gamage was elected as the Mayor of the Galle Municipal Council today (20) with 19 votes, securing the post with the backing of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) councillors.

Tense situation at Gampaha District Hospital over alleged security negligence

A tense situation was reported at the clinic complex of the Gampaha District Hospital as patients voiced their frustration over alleged negligence by the hospital’s security officers.

Screen overuse threatens healthy growth in preschool children

Health authorities in Sri Lanka are raising concerns over the growing impact of excessive digital screen use on the mental and emotional development of preschool children, the Health Promotion Bureau said.

Trump hosts Pakistani army chief, disagrees with India over India-Pakistan war mediation

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House on Wednesday in an unprecedented meeting that risked worsening a disagreement with India over the president’s claim that he stopped last month’s conflict between the nuclear-armed South Asian foes.

44 vehicles, including buses, temporarily removed from Hatton-Kandy road

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has temporarily removed 44 vehicles, including private vehicles, Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private buses, from service following a special vehicle inspection conducted yesterday along the Hatton-Kandy main road.

Some constructions of Southern Express way found to be not feasible: Minister

Some constructions of the Southern Expressway have been found to be not feasible, Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament today.