Second ship sinking off Kerala coast revives fears in Sri Lanka of worst maritime disaster

Sri Lanka is once again facing a significant marine environmental crisis, as tiny plastic pellets, commonly known as nurdles, have begun washing ashore along the island’s northern coastline.

Iran must make peace to avoid further attacks, President Trump says

Iran must make peace to avoid further attacks, US President Donald Trump said after American aircraft bombed a key nuclear site in the country with ground penetrating ‘bunker buster’ bombs.

Gravely alarmed by use of force by United States against Iran: UN Secretary-General

Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres said he was gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran, claiming that it is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.

Trump says US bombed three Iran nuclear sites, including Fordow

President Donald Trump said Saturday that the US military struck three sites in Iran, directly joining Israel’s effort to decapitate the country’s nuclear program in a risky gambit to weaken a longtime foe amid Tehran’s threat of reprisals that could spark a wider regional conflict.

Lihini slams MPs over Keheliya NCM defeat: “A betrayal of public trust”

Attorney-at-Law and Moratuwa Municipal Council Member Lihini Fernando has criticised the conduct of Members of Parliament who either voted against or failed to support the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) against former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, calling it a “betrayal of public trust.”

African Swine Flue alert: Gazette declares all divisional secretariats as at-risk areas

An Extraordinary Gazette Notification has been issued declaring all Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Sri Lanka as African Swine Flue (ASF) infected or at-risk areas.

Israel says it killed Iran’s military coordinator with Hamas

Israel says it has killed a senior Iranian commander who helped plan Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, in a strike on Saturday on the city of Qom.

Bangladesh draw first Test with Sri Lanka after rain hampers play

The first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka fizzled out into a damp draw on Saturday, with rain robbing the match in Galle of a proper climax.

Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Pakistan said on Saturday it would recommend U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, an accolade that he has said he craves, for his work in helping to resolve the recent conflict between India and Pakistan.

SriLankan Airlines’ new airbus A330-200 makes maiden flight to Maldives

SriLankan Airlines’ newly acquired wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft completed its maiden commercial flight today, departing from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Malé International Airport in the Maldives.

Badulla bus accident: Three dead, 26 injured

Three people were killed and 26 others injured in a tragic bus accident that occurred today near Dunhinda, on the Badulla road.

Digital learning systems must be introduced to all schools: Prime Minister

Digital learning systems should be introduced in schools while making sure that all schools receive fair access to teachers, equipment and other resources, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

Police refute rumour over Rs. 500,000 fine for drunk driving

The Sri Lanka Police denied viral social media reports claiming that individuals found driving under the influence of liquor will be fined Rs. 500,000 or face two years in prison.

Sri Lankan workers in Israel granted three months visa extensions amidst ongoing unrest

In response to the ongoing unrest in Israel, the Israeli Immigration and Emigration Authority (PIBA) has extended the visa period of Sri Lankan workers currently employed in the country by three months, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced today.

World Bank Group to support Sri Lanka’s clean energy transition with $150 million program

The World Bank Group today approved a new $150 million program to support Sri Lanka’s move toward clean, reliable, and affordable energy. The program—Secure, Affordable, and Sustainable Energy for Sri Lanka—will support the country reduce its reliance on expensive fossil fuel imports and accelerate its shift toward solar and wind.

Sri Lanka seizes spotlight at China-South Asia Expo in Kunming

From world-famous tea to dazzling gems and spices, Sri Lanka is showcasing its rich culture and trade potential at the 9th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming.

India to assist evacuation of Sri Lankan nationals from Iran

The Indian Embassy in Iran has extended its ongoing evacuation efforts to include citizens of Sri Lanka and Nepal, following formal requests from the two governments.

Bribery Commission urges public to come forward in Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe case

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has called on patients and members of the public to provide information regarding neurosurgical procedures performed under the supervision of Specialist Neurosurgeon Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe Wijeratne at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital.

Carnival awaits Colpetty Marine Drive

The new and the extended stretch of Colpetty Marine Drive, from the Colpetty Railway Station towards the American Embassy will get it’s ideal + apt chance to host events, when the Happy Street Event, a first for Marine Drive itself, takes centerstage on 29 June, M Manoj, one of the main organisers, told the Daily Mirror.

Conflicting lab reports under scrutiny - Namal Karunaratne

Investigators probing the controversial Chinese fertiliser deal will focus on conflicting laboratory reports, particularly how the National Plant Quarantine Services (NPQS) detected the microorganism Erwinia in samples from Qingdao Seawin Biotech—findings later disputed by a Singaporean lab.

CA to proceed with writ petition against construction of new roads through Sinharaja forest

The Court of Appeal yesterday decided to proceed with the writ petition filed challenging the construction of reservoirs and roads within the Sinharaja Forest Reserve during former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s regime.

FAO ship will come to Colombo for replenishment

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) research vessel ‘Dr. Fridtjof Nansen’ will arrive in Colombo only for replenishment but not for any research activity, despite the initial plan, Daily Mirror learns.

CEB introduces new solar tariffs to support small installations

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has announced new flat tariffs for rooftop solar power systems under a 20-year agreement.

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.