US and Iran launch new strikes as ceasefire negotiations stalled

The US military says it has launched ’’self-defense’’ strikes on Iran and shot down ballistic missiles and drones fired at ships and Gulf countries.

JUMVEA chief proposes chassis number requirement for vehicle import LCs

Chairman of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association (JUMVEA), Jagath Ramanayake, has proposed making a vehicle’s chassis number a mandatory requirement when opening Letters of Credit (LCs) for vehicle imports, in a bid to improve transparency and prevent future controversies.

Sri Lanka eyes RCEP alliance; Australia to launch direct flights from August

Sri Lanka has secured the backing of Australia and New Zealand for its bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath announced following his official visit to Australia and New Zealand.

BASL urges President not to raise retirement age of Superior Court Judges

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), one of the country’s largest professional bodies, has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake not to proceed with any proposed constitutional amendment aimed at increasing the retirement age of members of the judiciary, including judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

CBSL launches anti-scam drive as fraud risks grow

The Central Bank yesterday warned that financial scams are emerging as a broader threat to confidence in Sri Lanka’s formal financial system.

’’I refused to accept privately submitted report on USD 2.5M fraud case’’: Harsha

Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chairman MP Dr. Harsha de Silva says he refused to accept a privately submitted report concerning the alleged fraudulent transfer of US$2.5 million belonging to the Ministry of Finance, insisting that it be formally tabled for parliamentary review.

Police recover rare Mini Uzi-style firearm hidden in Colombo cemetery

Police have recovered a locally manufactured Mini Uzi-style automatic firearm, believed to be the first weapon of its kind seized in Sri Lanka, from a public cemetery in Colombo.

Nuwara Eliya PS chairman claims signature forged to approve salaries

The Chairman of the Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha has alleged that his signature was forged to authorize salary payments totaling nearly Rs. 625,000 to 11 employees while he was in remand custody.

Middle east tensions weigh on CSE as selling pressure intensifies

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed Tuesday’s session in negative territory, with both benchmark indices recording notable declines as escalating tensions in the Middle East continued to dampen investor sentiment. The uncertainty surrounding global geopolitical developments prompted investors to adopt a more cautious stance, resulting in broad-based selling pressure across the market.

No bus fare hike despite fuel price increase: Deputy Minister

There will be no increase in bus fares at this stage despite the recent rise in fuel prices, said Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena.

At least 12 people killed, dozens wounded in Russian attacks on Ukraine

Ukrainian authorities say at least 12 people have been killed and dozens wounded in Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, days after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Moscow was preparing for a major offensive.

Senior lawyers challenge summons issued on High Court Judge

Three senior legal professionals have filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal seeking urgent intervention to prevent a sitting High Court Judge from being summoned and questioned regarding judicial decisions made in the course of his official duties, arguing that such action poses a serious threat to judicial independence and the rule of law.

Pakistan naval trio arrives at Colombo Port

In a display of naval tradition, the Sri Lanka Navy formally welcomed the Pakistan Navy Ships ‘PNS Taimur’ and ‘PNS Aslat’, alongside the submarine ‘PNS/M Hangor’, arrived at the Port of Colombo. The Pakistan naval units made port in Sri Lanka for a goodwill visit as well as to fulfill replenishment.

Prepare for El Niño, UN warns - it could be the strongest in decades

The World Meteorological Organization said this El Niño is likely to strengthen over the rest of 2026, driving more extreme weather around much of the globe.

Cabinet approves new plan to tackle oil, chemical spills

The Cabinet has approved a new National Plan and digital platform to respond to oil spills and hazardous chemical spills in Sri Lankan waters.

Rs. 1.09bn approved to restore Colombo-Katunayake Expressway lighting

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for a Rs. 1.09 billion project to rehabilitate and upgrade the street lighting system along the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway following extensive damage caused by vandalism and theft.

Cabinet approves lubricant supply contracts for Sapugaskanda Power Station

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of procurement contracts for the supply and delivery of lubricating oil to the Sapugaskanda Power Station for the upcoming 2026/27 operational year. The decision follows a competitive bidding process initiated after a Cabinet briefing on February 9, 2026, aimed at securing crucial engineering consumables before current supply terms expire.

Sri Lanka Cricket releases player contracts for 2026–27

Sri Lanka Cricket (Sri Lanka Cricket) has announced the national player contracts for the 2026–2027 season, naming a pool of 46 players for the upcoming one-year cycle.

Oil slips after Trump says talks with Iran are ongoing

Oil prices trended lower on Tuesday following the previous session’s sharp gains as ​the market remained cautious about progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks.

US-gifted TH-57 ‘Sea Ranger’ helicopters arrive in Sri Lanka

Ten TH-57 ‘Sea Ranger’ multi-role helicopters granted by the United States Government to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) have arrived in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing defence partnership between the two countries.

Rough seas forecast along Western, Southern and Eastern coastlines

The sea areas extending from Mullaittivu to Pottuvil via Kankasanthurai, Mannar, Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota are expected to be rough at times, with strong gusty winds reaching up to 50–60 kmph.

Buddhist pilgrims affected as air fares rise amid dollar surge: Tour Organizers

The increase in air fares driven by the rising value of the US dollar has caused significant inconvenience to devotees travelling to Buddhist shrines abroad, as well as to tour operators, said Mahendra Halloluwa, General Secretary of the Association of Foreign Buddhist Tour Organizers.

Court summons two lawyers in Kapila Chandrasena’s death case

Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena ordered that summons be issued calling the 19th and 20th witnesses, President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne and Attorney-at-Law Udara Muhandiramge, to give evidence over the death of Kapila Chandrasena.

Lebanon announces partial ceasefire between Israel, Hezbollah but attacks continue

Lebanon announced ​a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel on Monday in what would amount to a limited de-escalation of a conflict that has ‌killed thousands of people and inflamed the broader U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

13 foreign nationals arrested at BIA over Rs. 28.4 million cigarette smuggling attempt

Sri Lanka Customs officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, have arrested 13 foreign nationals for allegedly attempting to smuggle a large consignment of foreign-manufactured cigarettes into the country today.

Governors Forum wants PC election held under PR system

The Governors Forum, which cited certain issues that had arisen as a result of the postponement of the provincial council election yesterday, urged the government to hold the polls under the old proportional representation system.

Ruhunu Kataragama Esala festival commences on July 15

The Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala Esala festival will commence on July 15 and end on July 30 after the Water Cutting ceremony in Menikganga.

IMF should ensure that monies lent to SL are utilised for proper purposes: GL

The Joint Opposition said yesterday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had a responsibility to ensure its monies lent to Sri Lanka are utilised for proper purposes.

Sri Lanka must stop fearing investment

A friend of mine in Bengaluru recently made a remark that stayed with me. Sri Lankan governments constantly speak about attracting foreign investment. But if someone arrived with a billion dollars to invest, where exactly in Sri Lanka could they invest and obtain a reasonable return?

Sri Lankan family among migrant care workers facing UK “Leave the Country” letters for children

A Sri Lankan family living and working in the United Kingdom is among several migrant households left shocked after children as young as five, legally resident in the country, were instructed by the UK Home Office to leave—even in cases where their parents have permission to remain.