Pakistan cuts petrol price by Rs74 after US-Iran peace deal eases oil costs

Pakistan on Friday slashed fuel prices by up to Rs74 per liter after a peace agreement between the United States and Iran helped ease pressure on global oil markets, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying the government was passing on the full benefit of lower international prices to consumers.

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz over ceasefire violations - MEHR

Iran’s top joint military command, ​Khatam al-Anbiya Central ‌Headquarters, said on Saturday that the Strait ​of Hormuz would ​be closed to vessel ⁠traffic, citing ​alleged violations of a ​ceasefire agreement by the U.S. and Israel, Iran’s ​Mehr state ​news agency reported.

Final weekend to see Dehiwala Zoo’s lion cubs up close

The special opportunity for visitors to see the two lion cubs born at the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens from close range will end on Sunday (June 21), with the Department of National Zoological Gardens urging the public to make the most of the final weekend.

At least seven killed in twin roadside bombings in northwest Pakistan

Two roadside bombs in restive northwestern Pakistan killed at least seven people on Saturday, authorities said.

Seat belt law comes into force across Sri Lanka from today

The National Council for Road Safety announced that the mandatory enforcement of Sri Lanka’s seat belt law comes into effect from today (20), following the conclusion of the grace period granted for motorists.

Australia vows to rein in any H5N1 birdflu after confirming first case

Australia will do all it can to curb any spread of H5N1 bird flu, Prime Minister Anthony ​Albanese said on Saturday, as the first mainland infection was confirmed ‌in a seabird a day after being detected in a remote southwestern region.

Suspect arrested in Meetiyagoda with over 1kg of ICE

A 32-year-old man was arrested in the Iranawila area of Meetiyagoda after police recovered more than one kilogram of the narcotic known as “ICE” and 750 grams of heroin during a raid conducted by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB).

Special security and traffic plan for Poson season

The Sri Lanka Police has announced a comprehensive island-wide security and traffic management plan in preparation for the upcoming Poson festival. This year’s Poson Full Moon Poya Day falls on June 29, 2026, and is expected to attract large numbers of devotees to religious sites across the country.

Australia confirms first case of H5N1 bird flu as virus reaches every continent

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has for the first time been found in Australia, the country’s agriculture ministry confirmed. It means the highly contagious variant has now reached every continent.

India ready for work once Sri Lanka green-lights project

India remains ready to initiate steps regarding the land connectivity project between the two countries once Sri Lanka gives the go-ahead, according to a top source familiar with the subject.

UNFPA facilitate mental health enhancement and psychosocial support for frontline responders of Ditwah

United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) has embarked on a mission to facilitate mental health enhancement and psychosocial support for frontline responders of Ditwah and other state workers.

Court dismisses Daya Group’s writ application against People’s Bank auction

The Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed a writ application filed by Daya Group Limited and Daya Apparel Export (Pvt) Ltd challenging People’s Bank’s move to auction mortgaged properties under its parate execution powers, holding that the bank was legally entitled to proceed with the recovery process.

Govt. to repeal PTA, introduce new law within two months: Minister

The Government intends to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and introduce a new people-centric piece of legislation within the next two months, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara said.

Over 225,000 students qualify for A/Ls

A total of 225,748 students who sat the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination have qualified for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Kumari Liyanage announced.

Principal, Vice Principal arrested over concealing sexual abuse of a schoolgirl by a schoolboy

The Principal, the Vice Principal of Ambalantota Therapuththa National School and a schoolboy of another school were arrested yesterday in connection with the grave sexual abuse of a schoolgirl during the sports meet of the school on May 21.

Trump unveils Qatari luxury jet for Air Force One fleet

President Donald Trump has unveiled a new Boeing 747-8 jet for Air Force One that the Qatari government donated last year as an ’’unconditional’’ gift to the US.

Court dismisses Daya Group’s writ application against People’s Bank auction

The Court of Appeal dismissed a writ application filed by Daya Group Limited and Daya Apparel Export (Pvt) Ltd challenging the People’s Bank’s move to auction mortgaged properties under its parate execution powers, holding that the bank was legally entitled to proceed with the recovery process.

IMF urged not to insist on removal of subsidies on fuel

A delegation of the Joint Opposition has requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) representative in Sri Lanka not to insist on the removal of fuel subsidies, as it would inflict unbearable hardship on the people at this time.

Dominican national nabbed with Hashish worth over Rs. 375Mn

A 24-year-old Dominican national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for allegedly attempting to smuggle a large stock of Hashish into the country.

Showers expected in several provinces

Several spells of showers are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, according to the Department of Meteorology.

Netanyahu actions may undermine Trump-Iran peace deal, US intelligence warns

US intelligence agencies have warned the Trump administration that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to take steps that could undermine Washington’s efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement with Iran, according to a report by The Washington Post.

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.

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.

TPA raises land rights, resettlement issues with Australian High Commissioner

A delegation of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), led by its leader and Member of Parliament Mano Ganesan, met Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Matthew Duckworth in Colombo on Thursday to discuss issues affecting the Malaiyaha Tamil community, including land rights, disaster resettlement, and inclusive national development.

Fire destroys processed tea stock at Elpitiya tea factory

A fire broke out at a tea factory located at Wathurawila Junction on the Elpitiya–Mapalagama Road this evening, causing extensive damage to the premises.

Italy cancels US visit after Trump says Meloni ‘Begged’ him for photo

Italy’s foreign minister has canceled a planned visit to the United States over comments President Donald Trump made about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier this week.

Delayed peace deal weighs on CSE as profit-taking pulls indices lower

The Colombo Stock Exchange ended Friday’s session in negative territory, reversing early gains as delays surrounding the formal signing of the peace agreement between the United States and Iran dampened investor sentiment. The market opened on a positive note, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) climbing 46 points to its intraday high. However,

ICC Chairman meets Dissanayake

A meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Mr Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), was held this afternoon (19) at the Presidential Secretariat.

Israel, Hezbollah agree to ceasefire starting on Friday - US official

Israel and Hezbollah have ​agreed to a ‌ceasefire set to begin at 4 ​p.m. local time ​on Friday, a senior ⁠U.S. official ​told Reuters.

Colombo Bank legal officer arrested for alleged theft

A 47-year-old female lawyer attached to the legal division of a Colombo-based commercial bank was arrested last night (18) at a supermarket in Ratmalana while allegedly attempting to steal multiple items.