CSE starts June strong with broad market gains

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a positive note today, marking a strong start to both the new week and the new month. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) maintained its upward momentum throughout the session, ultimately rising by 125.03 points (0.74%) to close at 16,979.89. Similarly, the S&P SL20 Index increased by 53.35 points (1.07%), ending the session at 5,034.92.

Nilgala forest declared a protected forest reserve

Nilgala Forest in Bibila, which, according to legend, was a medicinal park during the reign of King Buddhadasa, was officially declared a protected forest reserve yesterday by Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi. The declaration coincided with International Environment Day.

Iconic tusker ’Bhatiya’ lies ill

The tusker, popularly known as “Bhatiya,” which is considered the only tusker of its generation in the jungles bounded by Nikaweratiya and Ambanpola, has been critically ill and is under the treatment of wildlife veterinary surgeons from Maho.

Not expecting to take part in any other pageants, says Anudi

Anudi Gunasekara, who represented Sri Lanka at the 72nd Miss World Festival Grand Final, said she was not expecting to take part in any other pageants.

Sri Lanka to host Pakistan matches at World Cup

Sri Lanka will host matches at this year’s Women’s World Cup as part of ongoing arrangements surrounding fixtures involving India and Pakistan.

New Covid variant; no evidence of increased severity or complications: Health Ministry

The Covid variant which has been detected in Sri Lanka is not a novel variant and no evidence of increased severity or complications has been reported, the Health Ministry said.

Klaasen announces shock exit from international cricket

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from the international game.

Opposition to nominate Rifki Badurdeen as CMC Mayor

The Opposition is to nominate Sarvajana Balaya party’s Colombo Municipal Councillor Mohideen Rifki Badurdeen as the Council’s Mayor, an informed source said.

Former chairman of Lindula Urban Council remanded

Ashoka Sepala, former Chairman of the Lindula-Talawakelle Urban Council, was ordered to be remanded till June 11 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today, over a financial loss of Rs. 2.38 million allegedly caused to the government during his tenure as Chairman.

Infant dies of Covid in Galle

An infant aged one and half months has died after being infected with the Coronavirus while receaving treatment at the National Hospital, Galle, Hospital Director Ranga Sabapathige said.

SLBFE spends Rs. 1 bn on two programmes without any plans: COPE reveals

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) revealed that the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has spent more than Rs. 1 billion on two programmes that were not included in the annual action plan for 2024 and were implemented without any plans.

SriLankan Airlines’ new Airbus A330-200 set to touch down in Sri Lanka this week

SriLankan Airlines’ new Airbus A330-200 is set to touch down in Sri Lanka on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Chikungunya infected MP calls for action

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Kavinda Jayawardene, who is infected with Chikungunya, called upon all parties for quick and effective action while shedding politics aside to halt the spread of the disease.

President files tax returns, reduces his own expenses

Marking the launch of the Inland Revenue Department’s new online tax platform, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake became the first individual to file tax returns for the 2024–2025 assessment year.

Former Urban Council Chairman arrested over Rs. 2.38 Mn loss

Former Chairman of the Lindula-Talawakelle Urban Council, Asoka Sepala, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Sri Lanka to launch Starlink Internet Services pending final approval

Sri Lanka is on the verge of launching satellite internet services through Starlink, with all necessary government processes now complete, according to the Ministry of Digital Economy.

Court halts Kekirawa Pradeshiya Sabha women’s seat nominations

The Court of Appeal today issued an interim order restraining the Returning Officer of the Kekirawa Pradeshiya Sabha from implementing his letter requesting the nomination of women members for the seats obtained by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) under the proportional representation system at the Kekirawa Pradeshiya Sabha election.

CID releases AI-generated images of wanted suspects

The Homicide and Organised Crime Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has released facial images of suspects linked to a serious crime in the Southern Province and is seeking public assistance to arrest them.

Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana to retire

Mahinda Siriwardana, the current Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, will retire from his post at the end of this month, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced today.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles will arrive in Sri Lanka on an official visit on Tuesday, June 2, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

Glenn Maxwell retires from ODI cricket

Glenn Maxwell, the architect of arguably the greatest ODI innings ever played, has announced his retirement from the 50-over international format effective immediately but he will remain available for T20 internationals and looks set to continue until next year’s T20 World Cup.

President urges to pay taxes, pledges legal action on tax abuse

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today urged all citizens to fulfil their tax obligations, assuring that tax revenue will be fully protected and that legal action will be taken against anyone who misuses public funds.

Regulating media must be confined to preventing personal insults: Opposition MP

Commenting on the Government’s move to regulate social media, Lpposition MP S.M. Marikar said today that regulating any form of media should be confined only to preventing personal insults.

Mumbai’s ‘choo-choo’ rail engines head to Sri Lanka

Five diesel locos from the city to roar on Sri Lankan tracks as India sends 22 power-packed engines across the sea; these WDM3A Alco-class locomotives have been workhorses, powering top-tier trains across Indian Railways, especially on the Konkan Railway before electrification.

BASL calls for urgent appointment of RTI Commission head

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has formally raised concerns over the ongoing vacancy of the position of Chairperson of the Right to Information (RTI) Commission, emphasising the critical nature of this role for the functioning of the Commission and the upholding of citizens’ rights.

Failed shooting attempt reported in Panadura

A failed shooting attempt was reported in Walana, Panadura, this morning, police said.

Polish conservative Nawrocki leads presidential vote

Eurosceptic Karol Nawrocki established a lead in Sunday’s presidential election in Poland, late exit polls showed, with the ballot seen as a test of the nation’s support for a pro-European course versus Donald Trump-style nationalism.

Ukraine destroyed more than 40 military aircraft in a drone attack deep inside Russia, official say

A Ukrainian drone attack destroyed more than 40 Russian planes deep in Russia’s territory, a Ukrainian security official told The Associated Press on Sunday, while Russia pounded Ukraine with missiles and drones a day before the two sides meet for a new round of direct talks in Istanbul.

Monitoring increases as new COVID sub-variants detected

Health authorities in Sri Lanka have ramped up monitoring efforts following the detection of two new Omicron subvariants - LF.7 and XFG - within the country.

Mattala airport operation to open up for private investments

Despite its previous stand regarding privatization of state assets, the government, led by the National People’s Power (NPP), is seeking to call for Expression of Interest (EoI) to open up the Mattala International Airport (MIA) for private investors for operation of its services in different categories, an official said.