Prime Minister Harini leaves for Canada

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya left for Canada early this morning (24) to participate in the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors as the representative of the South Asian region.

50 major bus stands to be renovated under ’Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative

The government is planning to renovate 50 major bus stands nationwide, including the Colombo Central Bus Stand under the ’Clean Sri Lanka’ programme with assistance from the Sri Lanka Air Force, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Thailand closes border crossings with Cambodia as dispute deepens

Thailand’s military has closed border crossings into Cambodia to almost all travellers, including tourists and traders, citing security concerns as tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours remain escalated over a simmering border dispute.

Is Sri Lanka ready for fallout of a Middle East war?

With tensions rising rapidly in the Middle East as the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies and the U.S. involvement threatens to escalate the crisis further, the region is now widely seen as a ticking time bomb.

Specialist Neurosurgeon of Jayewardenepura Hospital, two others further remanded

A specialist neurosurgeon at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, a management assistant and her employee ordered to be further remanded till July 8 by Colombo Cheif Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga today, over allegations of corruption.

Qatar reopens airspace after Iran’s attack on US base near Doha

Qatar has reopened its airspace after closing it earlier on Monday in anticipation of retaliatory attacks by Iran on a US air base near Doha.

Trump says Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect, please don’t violate it

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was now in place and asked both countries not to violate it, only hours after Iran launched waves of missiles, which Israel’s ambulance service said killed four people.

Norton Bridge-Sri Pada road reopens for traffic after ten days

The Norton Bridge-Sri Pada road via Ginigathhena and Diyagala, which was closed for ten days from June 14 due to the risk of a bridge collapsing, was reopened this morning.

Oil tumbles to over one-week lows as Trump announces Israel-Iran ceasefire

Oil prices fell sharply to their lowest in more than a week on Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump said a ceasefire has been agreed between Iran and Israel, alleviating worries of supply disruptions in the Middle East - a major oil-producing region.

US judge blocks Trump plan to close Harvard’s doors to international students

A federal judge on Monday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from implementing his plan to bar foreign nationals from entering the United States to study at Harvard University.

’No agreement’ on any ceasefire, Tehran warns - despite Trump’s announcement

Iran’s foreign minister has claimed there is ’’no agreement’’ on a ceasefire with Israel - despite Donald Trump announcing a deal has been reached.

Govt. secures clearance for casino machine imports

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) have given the nod for the importation of casino machines, citing that the move will help the country to earn revenue in the form of taxes.

COPF directs monitoring mechanism for casino machine imports: Harsha

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has directed the creation of a special mechanism to monitor the importation of casino machines, while approval was granted for the importation, its Chairman Harsha de Silva said yesterday.

Trump claims ceasefire reached between Israel and Iran

United States President Donald Trump says that Iran and Israel have agreed to a “complete and total” ceasefire, which will come into effect in the coming hours.

Sri Lanka boosts security for Israeli, Iranian tourists

In response to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, a minister said that Sri Lanka has enhanced security at key locations and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding all tourists and citizens.

Sri Lanka Airports on standby amid Middle East airspace disruptions

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) announced that Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) have been placed on standby to accommodate any emergency landing requests from civil airlines, following the escalating situation in Qatar and the wider Middle East

Short-film premier sets up Sinhala music concert Aluth kalaawak

A short film, hyping to a musical festival, Aluth kalaawak, was premiered on Monday evening at the PVR cinemas, One Galle Face, amidst dozens of Sinhala musicians and distinguished invitees.

Five SriLankan airlines flights diverted amid Middle East tensions

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) announced today that five SriLankan Airlines flights have been diverted to alternative airports in Muscat (Oman), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Dubai due to the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Sri Lanka win four medals at Thai Open Athletic Championship

Sri Lankan athletes won two gold medals and two silver medals on the first day of the Thai Open Athletic Championship in Bangkok (23). The meet, which will be held until June 25, will feature athletes from several countries in the Asian region.

UAE airspace is closed based on flight paths and air traffic control audio

United Arab Emirates airspace is currently closed based on flight paths and air traffic control audio, according to a post by FlightRadar on X.

Iran says missile attack matched number of US bombs

Iran said its missile attack on Al Udeid air base in Qatar matched the number of bombs dropped by the United States on Iranian nuclear sites this weekend, signaling Iran’s likely desire to deescalate.

Qatar condemns Iranian attack on US base and says missiles were intercepted

Qatar has condemned Iran’s attack on the Al Udeid air base and said that “Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner equivalent with the nature and scale of this brazen aggression, in line with international law”.

Iran attacks US forces at Qatar air base as missiles launched at US base in Iraq

Iran has claimed responsibility for an attack on American forces stationed at the Al Udeid air base in Qatar, one of the largest U.S. military installations in the Middle East.

Sri Lankan workers in Israel seek to return home due to conflict

An increasing number of Sri Lankan expatriates in Israel are choosing to return home as some of them have lost their livelihood due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, according to Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Tel Aviv Nimal Bandara.

Several explosions heard over Qatar capital Doha, Reuters witness says

Sounds of several explosions were heard over Qatari capital Doha, a Reuters witness said on Monday, following Tehran’s threats to retaliate against the U.S.’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Qatar closes airspace as UK and US tell citizens to shelter in place

Qatar has temporarily closed its airspace after the US and the UK told their citizens in the country to shelter in place ’’until further notice’’.

Flydubai celebrates 15 years of service to Sri Lanka

Flydubai marked a significant milestone this week, celebrating 15 years of continuous service to Sri Lanka. Since commencing operations, the airline has played a vital role in connecting Sri Lanka to the world, offering travellers reliable and memorable journeys.

Sri Lanka pacer ruled out of the second Bangladesh Test

The hosts will be eyeing to clinch their opening series in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle with all to play for in the series decider.

UN Chief to discuss Human Rights issues, impact of economic crisis: United Nations

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk will meet government, religious leaders, victims, civil society, UN representatives and diplomats during his visit in Sri Lanka.

Call national security council meeting to discuss Middle East crisis: Sajith tells Govt.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the government to call for an urgent meeting of the national security council to assess the risks that Sri Lanka has to face when it comes to the conflict in the Middle East.