Trump declares Iran ’victory for everybody’ despite doubts over damage

U.S. President Donald Trump revelled in the swift end to war between Iran and Israel, saying he now expected a relationship with Tehran that would preclude rebuilding its nuclear programme despite uncertainty over damage inflicted by U.S. strikes.

U.S. and Iranian officials will talk next week with war over, says Trump

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that U.S. and Iranian officials will talk next week, continuing a dialogue that was interrupted by the recent war between Israel and Tehran, while a fragile ceasefire appeared to be holding.

2025 G.C.E. A/L exam dates announced

The 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will be held from November 10 to December 5, the Department of Examinations announced.

USD 20 Mn China-Sri Lanka agreement signed to digitalise general education sector

An agreement between China and Sri Lanka to implement a project aimed at digitalising the country’s general education sector was officially signed today (25) at the Ministry of Education.

Trump pushes back after leaked report suggests Iran strikes had limited impact

Donald Trump and his top officials have pushed back on a leaked intelligence report that said US strikes on Iran only set its nuclear programme back by a few months.

India sends its first astronaut into space in 41 years

Jubilant Indians have been celebrating the successful launch of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission which has taken off with a multi-country crew, including an Indian astronaut.

Starlink internet service to launch for local customers after one-week inspection

The Starlink satellite internet service will be made available to local customers following a one-week inspection of the service, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) Director General Bandula Herath said.

Govt. informs bus associations of 2% fare reduction from July

The government has informed private bus associations today (25) that steps will be taken to reduce bus fares by 2% starting from July.

Solar power generators challenge tariff reduction before court

A group of solar power generators has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal challenging the government’s decision to reduce the tariff paid per unit of electricity generated by rooftop solar panels.

Iran hangs three men for spying for Israel

Iran executed three men on Wednesday, after they were convicted of collaborating with Israel’s Mossad spy agency and smuggling equipment used in an assassination, the judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported.

Nawalapitiya UC goes to Mahindananda-backed Independent group

An independent group has taken control of the Nawalapitiya Urban Council following its inaugural meeting held this morning.

Upuldeniya further remanded

Former Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya was today ordered to be further remanded till July 9 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga.

Dengue, Chikungunya eradication programme to launch in schools on July 9

A countrywide Dengue and Chikungunya eradication programme will be conducted across all schools in the country on July 9, aiming to curb the current spread of the diseases.

Kataragama Esala festival commences tomorrow

The annual Esala Festival of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala is set to begin tomorrow with its inaugural procession parading the streets of Kataragama. Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara confirmed that all preparations have been finalised to hold the festival on a grand scale.

Rising domestic violence cases spark concern; Over 12,000 families supported in 2023

Health authorities have raised alarm over the increasing number of domestic violence cases reported across the country, emphasising the severe toll it takes on family well-being and mental health.

Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize and loses out on another

US Rep. Buddy Carter nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his role in the Iran-Israel ceasefire and efforts to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite some nominations withdrawn, Pakistan also endorsed Trump for easing India-Pakistan tensions.

Iranian parliament approves bill to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog

Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons and says a resolution adopted this month by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations paved the way for Israel’s attacks.

Cabinet approves programme to curb child begging, hazardous labour

The Cabinet has approved a new programme aimed at protecting children from exploitation, with strict enforcement measures set to take effect from July 1, 2025.

Govt. approves continuation of HIV, TB, Malaria programmes with global fund support

The government has granted approval to continue implementing programmes aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Sri Lanka under grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced today.

Govt. approves purchase of 200 super luxury buses for expressway service

The government has granted approval to purchase 200 new super luxury buses for expressway operations, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Cabinet sub-committee to assess impact of Middle East tensions on Sri Lanka

The Cabinet has decided to appoint a sub-committee to assess and prepare for potential challenges Sri Lanka may face due to the escalating military situation in the Middle East.

Govt. backing fossil fuels over renewables: Namal

Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa criticised the government for not shifting its stance on rooftop solar power installations, while increasing its reliance on coal, fossil fuels and diesel.

Tennakoon says Police looked in wrong places during manhunt

Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, testifying before the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee investigating the W15 Hotel shooting, said police had been searching for him in the wrong locations.

Israeli currency strengthens against USD

The Israeli shekel significantly appreciated against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, following the entry into force of the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, according to official exchange rates released by Israel’s central bank.

Continuous protest begins in Jaffna demanding justice for Chemmani mass grave

A massive protest commenced today in Jaffna demanding justice for the Chemmani mass grave.

US strikes did not destroy Iran nuclear programme, says intelligence assessment

The US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities did not destroy the country’s nuclear programme and probably only set it back by months, according to an early Pentagon intelligence assessment of the attack.

CID investigates into Ranil Wickremesinghe’s overseas trips

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that an investigation has been launched into the overseas trips undertaken by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his Presidency.

Bodies of two youths found with gunshot injuries in Middeniya

Police recovered the bodies of two young men, believed to be between 25 and 30 years old, who were shot dead this morning in Thorakolayaya, Middeniya.

Horana-Colombo private buses withdraw from services

Private buses operating on the Horana-Colombo route number 120 have decided to withdraw from service today (25) in protest against the implementation of a new bus service from Millewa to Colombo via Horana.

Dog-sized dinosaur that ran around feet of giants discovered

A labrador-sized dinosaur was wrongly categorised when it was found and is actually a new species, scientists have discovered.