Government names EPF-ETF study committee

The government has approved the appointment of a Senior Officials Committee to examine the feasibility of bringing the operations of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) under a single integrated governance framework managed by a tripartite board representing the Government, employers and employees.

Cabinet approves amendment to Sri Lanka–Turkey air services agreement

The Government has approved a proposal to sign an amendment to the existing Air Services Agreement between Sri Lanka and Turkey, with the aim of aligning the tariff framework with internationally accepted standards.

Ranna bakery fined for selling water above MRP

The Angunakolapelessa Magistrate’s Court has imposed a fine of Rs. 500,000 on Biz Bakers (Pvt) Ltd in Ranna for selling bottled drinking water above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said.

Gotabaya files writ petition to prevent arrest over Easter Sunday probes

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal seeking an order preventing the CID from arresting him in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.

Telegram blocked in India until June 22

The National Testing Agency (NTA) said the government has restricted Telegram in India for a limited period and asked the platform to disable message editing, after cheating rackets used it to spread fake NEET leak claims. The steps are aimed at protecting candidates ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21.

Coal commission inspects Norochcholai power plant

A Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing alleged irregularities in coal imports since 2009 carried out an on-site inspection at the Lakvijaya Power Plant on June 14.

Bank of Japan raises interest rates to 31-year high

The Bank of Japan raised interest rates to a 31-year high on Tuesday, ​marking another landmark step in normalising monetary policy as it focused on taming price pressures from the energy shock caused by the Iran war.

US gasoline slips below US$4 a gallon for first time since April

US average retail gasoline prices dipped below US$4 a gallon for the first time since mid-April, as optimism grew that a preliminary deal between the United States and Iran would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global oil supplies.

Magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes near Indonesia’s Palu

A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi island early Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Experts urge responsible suicide reporting, warn on social media sharing

Consultant Psychiatrist Prof. Chathurie Suraweera has called on the public and media to refrain from sharing videos and content related to suicides on social media, warning that such actions can contribute to harmful social outcomes.

Govt allocates funds for development, urges skilled technical workforce: Minister

Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Chandana Abayarathne said that the current government has properly allocated necessary funds for development activities at district and divisional levels since assuming office, stressing that skilled human resources in engineering, planning, and technical fields are essential for their effective utilization.

Strong winds, rough seas from Galle to Pottuvil: Alert issued

The Meteorology Department has issued a strong wind and rough sea warning for sea areas extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota, urging naval and fishing communities to remain highly vigilant.

Local waste mismanagement fuels dengue rise: Dr. Sanjeewa

The failure of local government authorities to properly manage waste is a major factor contributing to the recent rise in dengue cases across the country, Chairman of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, warned.

Free Lawyers want select committee to probe $ 2.5 million heist

Free Lawyers Association, in letters addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne had suggested setting up a select committee to probe the $ 2.5 million heist and other scams involved with the treasury.

Sea turtle population under threat; Warn environmentalists

Environmentalists warn that sea turtles are increasingly threatened by human activities. The widespread disposal of plastic and polythene into the ocean, entanglement in fishing nets, poaching of turtle eggs and excessive tourist activity along coastal areas have contributed to a rapid decline in turtle populations.

Ditwah damage to upcountry railway track estimated at US $ 300Mn: Dy. Minister

The Department of Railways is hopeful that the restoration of the upcountry main line destroyed by the Ditwah cyclone could be completed by the end of this year.

Almost all of world’s children exposed to climate hazards, UN agency says

Almost all of the world’s children are exposed to at least one climate hazard, with as many as 1.8 billion put in danger ​by droughts and 1.2 billion by extreme heat, the United ‌Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a report on Tuesday.

’’Cut out the noise, focus on your game’’; Sri Lanka great reaches out to Sooryavanshi

In the wake of the fallout in Dambulla on Monday, which overshadowed Sri Lanka A’s nerve-wracking win against India A, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received a firm message from a former Sri Lanka captain, who waited patiently near the Indian dressing room long after the Rangiri International Stadium had emptied to meet the teen prodigy.

Eight people dead after US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes in California

Eight people, including two Boeing employees, have been killed after a US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed immediately after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California.

Economic recovery gathers pace as construction, finance drive 5.1% GDP growth

The economy expanded by 5.1 percent in the first quarter of 2026 (1Q26), extending its recovery streak, as a surge in construction activity, rising imports of production-related goods and stronger performance across financial and technology services helped offset the lingering external and domestic challenges.

Trump says deal to end war with Iran already signed and details to be released ’pretty soon’

US President Donald Trump has said a preliminary deal to end the war with Iran has already been signed and suggested that details of the agreement are set to be published ’’pretty soon’’.

Doctors flag rising health threat to children amid rainy season

Health experts have warned parents to stay on high alert as a sharp rise in infectious diseases among children is being reported across the country amid the prevailing rainy weather.

CID team’s trip to London for investigation cannot be justified: UNP

The recent trip made by five member Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to London to investigate the trip made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to attend his wife’s convocation at the University of Wolverhampton cannot be justified as the probe would have been conducted from Sri Lanka itself using modern formal processes, a statement from the United National Party (UNP) said yesterday.

New gold-loan rules strengthen safeguards; limited rating impact seen: Fitch

Sri Lanka’s tighter capital requirements for gold-backed lending would have a largely manageable impact on the banks and finance companies while strengthening the prudential safeguards, Fitch Ratings said, although several finance firms could face increased pressure on the already weak capital positions.

CID names political figures in alleged campaign to undermine Easter attacks probe

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a report with the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court detailing an organized effort by several individuals to obstruct justice and commit contempt of court regarding the ongoing Easter Sunday bomb attacks investigations, police said.

Chinese Defence Attaché calls on Deputy Minister of Defence

The newly appointed Defence Attaché of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, Senior Colonel Fu Xiao, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo yesterday.

Sallay’s condition stable, no critical health risks: Minister Nalinda Jayatissa

The government has dismissed claims made by opposition political parties regarding the deteriorating health of the detained former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Suresh Sallay.

Govt. to bring fresh laws to curb money laundering

In the wake of tens of millions of US dollars being transferred out of the country through fraudulent transactions, the government is planning to strengthen laws governing money laundering by introducing fresh legal amendments, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Tables: Live Standings, Rankings and Qualification Guide

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage tables are updated live as the tournament unfolds. Track the latest standings, goal differences, and qualification scenarios for all 12 groups right here, from the opening match on June 11 through to the final group stage fixtures on June 27.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Results: Every Match from Group Stage to Final

Every FIFA World Cup 2026 result in one place, from the opening match to the finals. This page covers all 104 fixtures across the group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, with scorelines and goal scorers updated after every match. Whether you missed a game or want a full picture of how the tournament unfolded, this is your complete match-by-match guide to the 2026 World Cup.