When you’re that rich, you can speak that low...” Trump jokes with UAE president

US President Donald Trump shared a light-hearted moment with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the G7 Summit in France, drawing laughter with remarks about the Emirati leader’s soft-spoken style.

Economy moving as planned, says deputy Finance Minister

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando yesterday expressed confidence that Sri Lanka’s economy remains on course to achieve its medium-term growth targets, citing the country’s 5.1% economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 as a positive indicator.

Israel launches fresh strikes on Lebanon despite Trump criticism

Israeli forces have reportedly carried out new strikes in southern Lebanon despite renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump of Israel’s actions in the country.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa granted bail

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (17) granted bail to Yoshitha Rajapaksa, hours after he was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an ongoing investigation into his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy.

Upcountry line train services to resume from Saturday

Repair work on the damaged railway line between Nanu Oya and Ambewela on the Upcountry Line, which was affected by Cyclone Ditwah, has been completed, the Railway Department said.

Gotabaya’s writ petition fixed for tomorrow

The writ petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa seeking an order preventing his arrest in connection with the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks was today fixed for tomorrow by the Court of Appeal.

Telegram challenges India ban over exam paper leak fears

Telegram has taken the Indian government to court over its decision to temporarily ban the messaging platform days before millions of students retake a crucial medical entrance examination.

Foreign remittances up 32% in May

Sri Lanka received US$847 million in workers’ remittances in May 2026, marking a 32% increase compared to the US$641.7 million received in May 2025, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.

BCCI’s direct message to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after fight with Sri Lankan players: ’Media watch...’

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent a clear and calm message to India A players, including teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, following an on-field altercation during the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka.

Rs. 1bn approved to upgrade school hostels

The government has approved Rs. 1,008 million to repair and improve 126 school hostels across the country between 2026 and 2028, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said.

Lion cub viewing at Dehiwala zoo ends June 21

The public will have until June 21 to view the two newborn lion cubs at the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens, as the cubs will no longer be displayed after that due to safety concerns, Director General Chandana Rajapaksha said.

CID admits to stripping, conducting deep invasive search on Suresh Sallay, reveals wife

Manori Sallay, the wife of former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, today alleged that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has, for the first time, admitted to subjecting Suresh Sallay to a deeply invasive physical search.

Bribery Commission arrests Yoshitha over Navy probe

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (17) after appearing before the commission to provide a statement.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith never had prior knowledge on Easter Sunday attacks: Fr. Cyril Gamini

The Archbishop of Colombo was never given prior warnings on the Easter Sunday bomb attacks and he was informed about the mayhem on April 21st morning after he held a private service at Bishops House Colombo, spokesman for Cardinal Ranjith, Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando said today.

Sri Lanka unveils NEDP 2026–2030 aiming for US$ 36 billion export target

The National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030, launched in Colombo yesterday (16), sets a target of achieving US$ 36 billion in export earnings by 2030 while positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive, logistics- and knowledge-based export hub serving regional and global markets.

Serious shortage of essential and priority medicines in state hospitals – Health data shows

According to official data from the Ministry of Health, there is a serious shortage of essential and priority medicines in the government health system.

Ministry introduces healthy school canteen guidelines

The Health Ministry has introduced “Healthy School Canteen Guidelines,” which provide standards for school canteens, healthy food recipes, and lists of foods that should be avoided, as part of efforts to improve child nutrition in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka loses Rs. 9.4bn in tobacco tax revenue amid shifting market trends - report

Sri Lanka has recorded an estimated loss of Rs. 9.4 billion in tobacco tax revenue in 2024 due to changes in cigarette brand market shares following a 20% tax increase introduced in 2023, recent data cited by researchers at Verité Research said.

Gotabaya’s writ petition to be heard today

The writ petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa seeking an order preventing his arrest in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks is scheduled to be heard before the Court of Appeal today at 1.30 p.m.

Department of War restores U.S. Pacific Command designation

The Department of War announced today that the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) will officially restore its name to the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM).

Iranian tankers exit U.S. blockade ahead of deal signing

At least three Iranian tankers carrying nearly five million barrels of crude oil have exited the U.S. Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz in the first such outbound shipment in two months, as shipowners cautiously reposition ahead of a U.S.-Iran deal signing in Geneva on Friday.

Vegetable prices may rise further, farmers warn

Vegetable prices across Sri Lanka are beginning to feel the pressure of a deepening crisis in the agricultural sector, with farmers warning that the situation could worsen sharply in the coming weeks.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa appears before Bribery Commission

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (17).

G7 vows new Russia sanctions amid optimism for Ukraine peace

G7 leaders, such as German Chancellor Merz, are sounding more upbeat about the push for peace in Ukraine. The G7 is looking to hit Russia with new energy sanctions as the Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen.

Rough seas, strong winds forecast for multi-day fishing boats

The Meteorology Department has warned multi-day fishing vessels operating in Sri Lankan waters to exercise caution, as rough sea conditions and strong winds are expected over the next 24 hours.

Group planned to attack White House UFC event using snipers and drones, FBI says

The FBI thwarted a plot targeting Sunday’s UFC event at the White House and has arrested five men, the US justice department said on Tuesday.

Messi scores hat-trick against Algeria in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers

Lionel Messi has completed a hat-trick against Algeria in Group ’J’ of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. He gave Argentina a strong 3-0 lead in his first World Cup match with a hat-trick.

World crude oil prices ease below $80

Global crude oil prices remained below the key US$80 per barrel mark on Wednesday, easing from recent highs as expectations of improved oil supply and easing geopolitical tensions weighed on the market.

Struggling Pizza Hut chain to be sold for $2.7bn

Yum! Brands is selling its struggling Pizza Hut chain in a deal worth $2.7bn (£2bn), the company has announced.

No seat belts? don’t start the vehicle, warns Dilantha

Renowned Sri Lankan racing driver Dilantha Malagamuwa has issued a strong warning to motorists, urging them to ensure that all passengers are wearing seat belts before starting their vehicles, as Sri Lanka prepares to strictly enforce mandatory seat belt regulations from June 20.