Ravi slams Government’s mixed signals on renewable energy

A heated debate broke out in Parliament yesterday (17) as UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake criticised the government’s handling of the country’s renewable energy policy and power sector management.

Two arrested over Rs. 10 Mn ransom demand

Two suspects were arrested by the Negombo Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau for demanding a ransom of Rs. 10 million and extorting Rs. 2 million from the victim.

Trump to extend US TikTok ban deadline, White House says

TikTok will live on for at least another three months in the United States, as President Donald Trump is poised to extend a sale or ban deadline for the third time since taking office this year.

Australia lifts blood, plasma donation ban for gay men

Rules that effectively banned all sexually active gay and bisexual men from donating blood and plasma are being lifted in Australia.

Small cars banned, only sedans allowed for airport pickups: App-based taxi services say

App-based taxi services at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) claimed that they are facing huge issues after airport authorities suddenly decided to limit the types of vehicles allowed inside the airport.

Shortage of critical drugs leaves thousands in quandary

Sri Lanka is grappling with a shortage of several medicines, including cancer drugs, insulin, and oral rehydration salts like Jeevani affecting both government hospitals and pharmacies.

Credit card spend picks up in April by Rs.4.4bn

There has been some modest pickup in credit card spend in April reflecting that consumers are ramping up spending on everything from their staples to discretionary such as dine-outs and recreational activities as conditions turn relatively better while prices ease and the interest rates decline.

Specialist Neurosurgeon at J’Pura hospital remanded

A specialist neurosurgeon at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, a management assistant and her employee were ordered to be remanded till June 24 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela, over allegations of corruption.

NPP clinches Dehiowita PS chairmanship after 17–17 deadlock

The National People’s Power (NPP) secured another key local government win after a 17–17 tie in the Dehiowita Pradeshiya Sabha chairman vote was resolved through a draw of lots.

Arrest former chairman of Fisheries Harbour Corporation: Magistrate

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga imposed a travel ban on Sudarshana Fernando, former Chairman of the Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation. The Magistrate also ordered the Immigration Department to arrest the suspect upon arrival in the country.

Sri Lanka temporarily halts sending workers to Israel

The Sri Lankan government has temporarily suspended sending workers to Israel due to the current security situation in the region, following an announcement by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA).

Centurions Shanto, Rahim run riot in Galle

Tons by skipper Najmil Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim saw Bangladesh recover after a shaky start on day one in the first Test match against Sri Lanka played at the Galle International Stadium.

NPP reaches understanding with CWC to form local administration in Nuwara-Eliya

The ruling National People’s Power ( NPP) and the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) have reached an understanding to form the local administration in the Nuwara- Eliya district in places where no single party has a clear majority.

Israeli forces kill 51 Palestinians waiting for flour at Gaza aid site, witnesses and rescuers say

Israeli forces have killed more than 51 Palestinians and wounded many more after opening fire near an aid distribution site in southern Gaza, witnesses and rescuers say.

The teen who filmed the Air India crash video the world saw

Every time Aryan Asari heard the sound of an airplane, he would go darting out of the house to look for it.

UNP’s CMC member assaulted by NPP supporters

UNP’s Colombo Municipal Councillor Sandamali Uluwitage has been hospitalised following an alleged assault by a group of National People’s Power (NPP) supporters last night.

Govt. defends WP Commissioner over Colombo mayor vote

The government has refuted allegations that Western Province Local Government Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara acted arbitrarily during the election of the Colombo Mayor.

CSE continues to decline as geopolitical situation in the Middle East worsens

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the day on a negative note, continuing its recent downward trend, with both the All Share Price Index (ASPI) and the S&P SL20 recording declines. During the initial hour of trading, the ASPI showed a gain of nearly 150 points; however, the market reversed course in the latter part of the session, driven by panic selling among investors amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Sri Lankan Embassy in Teheran evacuated: Minister

The Sri Lankan Embassy in the Iranian capital of Teheran has been evacuated, Minister of External Affairs Vijitha Herath told Parliament today.

Government approves concrete debris recycling project

The government has granted approval to implement a Concrete Debris Recycling Project aimed at recycling concrete and building waste, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Cabinet nod to scrap special benefits for former Presidents and MPs

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to cancel special privileges given to former Presidents and to stop the pension scheme for Members of Parliament after their term of five years.

Cabinet approves draft bill to investigate aircraft accidents in Sri Lanka

Cabinet approval has been granted to prepare a draft bill to formally investigate airline crashes and related incidents occurring within Sri Lanka’s territory, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Another Air India Dreamliner flight cancelled

A Delhi-Paris Air India flight, AI 143, has been cancelled for Tuesday after ’’mandatory pre-flight checks identified an issue’’, the airline said in a statement this evening. Consequently, the return service, Air India flight AI 142, scheduled to fly from Paris to Delhi on Wednesday, has also been cancelled.

Special fixed deposit scheme for senior citizens

The government has decided to introduce a special fixed deposit scheme for senior citizens, as proposed in the 2025 budget, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Former Deputy GM of Land Reclamation Corp arrested

The former Deputy General Manager of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation & Development Corporation (SLLRDC) Sujith Priyantha Muthumala has been arrested by the Bribery Commission.

Four Sri Lankans injured in Iran-Israel conflict: Embassy

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel confirmed that four Sri Lankans have been injured in the recent attacks on Israel amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Railway Controllers’ Union to launch 48-hour token strike on Friday

The Railway Controllers’ Union announced that it will launch a 48-hour token strike from midnight on Friday (20), protesting the authorities’ failure to address several longstanding issues.

Energy Ministry denies rumours of fuel shortage

The Energy Ministry has denied social media reports claiming that the country may face a shortage of fuel due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East.

Guidelines for 2026 education reforms released, teacher training plans underway

The Education Ministry announced that the guidelines for the new education transformation process set to be implemented in 2026 have already been released this August.

Heavy rain raises water levels in key reservoirs

Continuous heavy rains experienced in the central hills has resulted in a significant rise in the water levels of the Maussakele and Castlereigh reservoirs.