Commonwealth Games in limbo as Australia pulls out as 2026 host

The Australian state of Victoria pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Tuesday citing major cost blow-outs, leaving organisers fuming as they scrambled to keep the multi-sport event afloat.

Risk of damage to 45,000 acres of paddy due to drought: Minister

There is a risk of damage to 45,000 acres of paddy cultivation in Hambantota district, and the paddy harvest in several other districts could be trimmed due to the drought, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Phosphate Co employee tries to assault Executive Officer in presence of State Minister

A tense situation prevailed when Industries State Minister Chamara Sampath Dasanayake visited the Sri Lanka State Phosphate Company in Eppawala for an inspection yesterday.

Sri Lanka attempts to join the world largest trade bloc to heal economy

In its bid to revive the economy in the long run, Sri Lanka has initiated steps to join the world’s largest free trade zone called ’Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) ’, a trade grouping of countries including key world economies such as China, Australia and Japan.

Stock of toffees and chocolates with expired date of use seized in Kandy

A large stock of toffees and chocolates with expired date of use was seized by the Municipal Health Department authorities during a raid on a leading business establishment in Kandy.

Samples sent to MRI to ascertain death of four-month old infant

The samples of the four-month-old baby girl who died after the alleged administration of the Pentavalent vaccine have been sent to the Medical Research Institute (MRI) for further investigation, according to health officials.

SL to cross 700,000 tourist arrival milestone today

As tourism activity is picking up after several challenges faced since 2019, Sri Lanka is witnessing an improved pace of tourist arrivals, and it is very likely to cross the 700,000 mark today. The provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority showed that as of July 16, the island nation has lured a total of 694,908 international travellers for the year so far. The analysis shows that the 700,000 milestone will be cross

CB recommends further relaxing of import controls sans vehicles

With the foreign currency condition in the domestic market seeing a gradual improvement, the Central Bank (CB) appears to have taken a further conciliatory approach for imports, as it has recommended relaxing another batch of 900 goods but without vehicles.

SLMA urges public not to panic over recent health concerns

Irrespective of the recent unfortunate incidents involving the quality of medicines, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) urged the people not to be carried away by such incidents and thereby lose trust on the free healthcare services.

Pay arrears within three months or lose license - Excise Chief warns nine liquor companies

Considering the progress of payment, the Chief of Excise yesterday granted a three-month new payment schedule to the nine leading liquor manufacturing companies to settle its staggering tax arrears of Rs.6.2 billion and warned to revoke their license if they failed to pay the dues fully within the period, the Daily Mirror learns.

Cost effective lighting system for annual Esala Perahera proposed: Diyawadana Nilame

The administration of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) is in the process of arranging a cost-effective lighting system for the annual Esala Perahera.

Eleven officers of NHDA found to have misused housing loan funds

A number of officers attached to the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) are in hot water for misusing Rs 7.8 million which has been set aside for providing housing loans for people.

Cabinet Ministers should be arrested; historic opportunity for Police: Gammanpila

The Sri Lanka Police must take action to arrest all the cabinet Ministers for removing the Crudia zeylanica tree, which blocked the construction of the Colombo-Kandy Expressway, MP Udaya Gammanpila said.

Russia pulls out of Ukraine grain deal, in potential blow to global food supplies

Russia said Monday it was suspending its participation in a crucial deal that allowed the export of Ukrainian grain, once again raising fears over global food supplies and scuppering a rare diplomatic breakthrough to emerge from Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Poultry farmers request for hatching eggs, but govt. shows no concern

The All-Island Poultry Association (AIPA) today requested the minister provide at least 13,500 freshly hatched chicks, as the hatching eggs were imported to Sri Lanka recently and also they requested to make them available through their association.

Banking Act to Parliament this week to strengthen customers: Siyambalapitiya

No matter what economic problems arise in the country or what situation the banks are facing, the purpose of the Banking (Special Provisions) Act to be presented to Parliament this week is to strengthen the customer 100 percent, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Paralympian Priyantha bags Javelin bronze at world meet

Sri Lanka Paralympian Dinesh Priyantha won a bronze medal in the F46 Javelin Throw at the World Para Athletic Championship in Paris, France today.

Shakeel, Salman fightback after Dhananjaya scores tenth ton

Dhananjaya de Silva shone on day two completing a tenth Test ton before Pakistan recovered from an early setback, having lost their top five batsmen with 105 on the board, on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Party Leaders approve appointing a select committee to probe ex-election EC members

Party Leaders today approved a motion to appoint a select committee to ascertain whether the privileges of MPs have been violated by the actions of former members of the Election Commission and to make suitable recommendations.

Afghanistan coach and player found guilty of ICC Code of Conduct breach

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott and player Azmatullah Omarzai were fined for two separate incidents during the second T20I against Bangladesh.

Protest near GR’s Mirihana residence: SC dismisses protestors’ FR petitions

Three Fundamental Rights petitions filed by three protesters against the alleged violation of their Fundamental Rights during a protest held near former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s residence in Mirihana on March 31, 2022, was dismissed today by the Supreme Court.

UK-based mineral company raises concerns with mines bureau

Capital Metals, a UK mineral resources company listed on the London Stock Exchange, said Monday it will raise 364,705 pounds ($477,471) via a subscription and that it will use funds toward accelerating actions aimed at the lifting of the suspension of its industrial mining licenses at a project in Sri Lanka.

Act maturely without being childish: SLPP tells Sajith

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam urged Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to act maturely without being childish regarding the matters involving the Parliamentary Committee to probe reasons for the country’s financial bankruptcy.

Jazeera Airways increases frequency of flights to Colombo

To meet the growing demand for summer travel, Jazeera Airways will increase the number of flights to the popular destinations of Sarajevo, Tbilisi, Baku and Colombo.

Four-month old infant dies after administering vaccine

A four-month-old baby girl had died after administration of the pentavalent vaccine, according to health officials.

Schools to get fiber optic connections

The Education Ministry has decided to provide fiber optic connections and adequate electricity facilities to selected schools in order to enhance communication facilities, Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

SL Rupee further drops against USD

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has depreciated further against the US Dollar (USD) today, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz thanks SL president for support over IMF deal

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday thanked Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his support in closing the recent IMF $3bn arrangement.

Harass our supporters and pay the penalty: Prasanna

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga addressing a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) meeting in Minuwangoda warned that anyone who harassed his party supporters will have to pay the penalty.

Drunken motorcyclist on Southern Expressway arrested

A man on a motorcycle was arrested while he was riding on the Southern Expressway after having entered from the Dodangoda interchange.