Deal to end fighting would lead to Hormuz reopening, Iran says

A deal with the US to end fighting in Iran is close and includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Foreign Minister has said

Song, dance and protests at World Cup

The 2026 World Cup began in Mexico City with an opening ceremony filled with colour, dancing and a performance by global music star Shakira.

Sri Lanka among countries to benefit from ADB’s US $ 4bn crisis package

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a US $ 4 billion financing package to help the countries cope with the economic fallout from the ongoing West Asia conflict, with Sri Lanka among 15 governments that have formally requested support.

CMTA warns of another Rs.40bn revenue leak from used vehicle tax break

Sri Lanka risks losing another Rs.40 billion in tax revenue this year, unless the authorities urgently scrap a long-contested concession granted on the used vehicle imports, according to the Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association (CMTA), which argued the measure is creating an unjustifiable advantage for the importers while depriving the Treasury of the much-needed funds.

Sri Lanka and India discuss labour law reform and knowledge sharing at ILC

On June 10, 2026, Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando held a bilateral meeting with India’s Labour and Employment State Minister Shobha Karandlaje, on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference (ILC).

Elon Musk Becomes the World’s First Trillionaire. What Does $1 Trillion Mean in Sri Lankan Rupees?

The SpaceX IPO pushes Musk past $1 trillion this month. Here is what that number actually looks like for Sri Lanka.

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.

CSE surges as peace deal optimism sparks broad-based rally

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) staged a strong recovery on Friday, with both benchmark indices posting significant gains as investor sentiment improved sharply following positive developments surrounding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Empty seats at World Cup match renews concerns over ticket prices

FIFA reported an attendance of 44,985 for Thursday’s World Cup ​match between South Korea and the Czech Republic in ‌Guadalajara, but swathes of empty seats around the stadium renewed concerns over ticket pricing and demand for the expanded tournament.

Online Safety Bill to be repealed this month

Parliament is to take up the debate on the Online Safety (Repeal) Bill on June 23 as per the decision made by the party leaders, the office of the Leader of the House said.

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.

Facebook and Instagram down for millions as users report issues

Facebook and several other Meta-owned platforms appear to have gone down worldwide, leaving millions of users unable to access their accounts.

U.S.-Iran peace memorandum could be signed on Sunday in Geneva, source says

A memorandum between the United States and Iran to halt the war in ​the Gulf could be signed as soon as Sunday, a Western source told Reuters on Friday, with Geneva emerging as the likeliest venue.

Port City Colombo pitches Sri Lanka as South Asia gateway at high-level Dubai investment forum

Sri Lanka stepped up efforts to attract Gulf investment this week as nearly 200 senior business and diplomatic leaders gathered in Dubai for a high-level forum positioning Port City Colombo as a gateway to South Asia.

Sri Lanka among countries to benefit from ADB’s $4Bn crisis package

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a $4 billion financing package to help countries cope with the economic fallout from the ongoing West Asia conflict, with Sri Lanka among 15 governments that have formally requested support.

FIFA to support construction of international football stadium in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is set to receive FIFA support for the construction of a new international football stadium in Negombo, a move expected to strengthen the country’s sports tourism sector and football infrastructure, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath said yesterday.

Kane Williamson retires from international cricket

New Zealand’s most prolific all-format run-scorer and widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest-ever batters, Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.

Committee appointed to oversee SriLankan Airlines restructuring

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of a high-level committee to carry out a strategic review and restructuring of SriLankan Airlines, aiming to establish a more financially sustainable and commercially efficient national carrier.

Attorney General withdraws move to call judge as witness

The Attorney General gave an undertaking before the Court of Appeal that an Awissawella High Court judge would not be called as a witness before the Colombo High Court in relation to judicial decisions made in the course of his official duties.

Colombo declared high-risk as special dengue control week announced

A special dengue control week will be launched across the Colombo District from June 15 to 21 amid concerns over the rapid spread of the disease, with health authorities identifying Colombo as a high-risk district.

Vesak celebrated at the White House

Sri Lanka on the brink of climate whiplash: Sajith

Sri Lanka is on the brink of a climate whiplash as it will be hit by extreme El Nino conditions soon, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament today.

What Do Sri Lankan Fans Think? Ranking the Top Contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2026

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 fast approaching, Sri Lankan football fans remain divided over who will lift the trophy. A Daily Mirror poll found no clear favourite, with support spread across Spain, France, Argentina, Portugal, England and Brazil.

Denied a US visa to watch the World Cup? Have a free TV, says Argentine company

Dozens of Argentines who were denied ​visas to travel to the United States to ‌see the World Cup will at least have a new free television to watch the games.

2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule in Sri Lankan Standard Time

Stay updated with the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule in Sri Lankan Standard Time (SLST), including all match fixtures, kickoff times, and key games. This complete guide helps Sri Lankan football fans follow every match live, from late-night kickoffs to early morning clashes. Plan your viewing and never miss a moment of the World Cup 2026 action from Sri Lanka.

Rupee weakens further against USD

The Sri Lankan rupee weakened further against the US dollar today (12), with several commercial banks recording higher exchange rates compared to Thursday.

Ex-South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to 30 years in jail over Pyongyang drone plot

A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison on Friday over charges linked to military drones sent over Pyongyang to help create a pretext for his failed December 2024 martial law declaration, Yonhap reported.

Defence Ministry fast-tracks veteran welfare

Deputy Minister of Defence, Aruna Jayasekara, chaired a special discussion at the Parliament Complex aimed at accelerating welfare assistance for Tri-Forces and Police personnel, including members of the Special Task Force (STF), who sustained disabilities due to terrorist activities during the country’s conflict.

Ragama Hospital equipment restored, saving millions

The Ministry of Science and Technology said that medical and technological equipment worth nearly Rs. 3 million at the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital in Ragama, which had been out of service for several years, was repaired and refurbished for less than Rs. 5,000 by engineers from the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT).

Former Chief Minister Shan Wijayalal de Silva granted bail

Former Southern Province Chief Minister and another suspect, who are accused of misusing public funds by distributing chairs to Southern Provincial Council members outside the government procurement process ahead of a Provincial Council election, were ordered to be released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.