US, Iran dialogue humanity’s greatest strength: Sajith

The reported breakthrough between the United States and Iran is a reminder that dialogue remains humanity’s greatest strength, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said while highlighting the need for the continuation of peace.

Sri Lankan Rupee strengthens against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee strengthened against the US Dollar today (15) after several days of depreciation, according to the latest exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Amber alert issued for rough seas

The Department of Meteorology has warned of deteriorating sea conditions off parts of Sri Lanka’s southern and southeastern coast, issuing an Amber advisory for strong winds and rough seas.

Parents urged to stay alert as multiple diseases spread among children

Parents should remain vigilant as several diseases are currently spreading among children across the country, Specialist Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) in Colombo said.

Trump celebrates 80th birthday with Iran deal and UFC cage fight

Trump delayed his attendance to the French region of Evian where leaders of the Group of Seven – or G7 – are set to meet to host his UFC fight birthday event.

Horror house publicity stunt goes wrong in Thoduwawa

A heightened security alert in several areas prompted the police to launch an immediate inquiry on Sunday after an ominous poster appeared near a church on the coastal road in Thoduwawa, Marawila.

Sri Lanka Navy launches publication on island’s seafaring glory

The Strategic Studies and Doctrinal Development Unit (SS&DDU) of the Sri Lanka Navy officially launched its new publication, ‘Sri Lanka’s Maritime Heritage and Historical Significance,’ at the Navy Headquarters. At the invitation of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).

Badulla Bar Association urges President not to increase retirement age of Superior Court Judges

The Badulla Bar Association 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.

No more paddy cultivation unless prices are increased, farmers warn

Paddy cultivators in the Rajarata region yesterday warned that they would abandon paddy cultivation from the next Maha season unless the guaranteed price for paddy was increased.

Man arrested with ornaments made of animal body parts

A jeweller who turned out ornaments with tusks, teeth, deer horns and bones was arrested and a stock of ornaments seized by a team of wildlife officers from Bulathkohupitiya and Kurunegala wildlife offices during a raid in Bulathkohupitiya area.

Minister Lal Kantha owns two luxury houses in Colombo: Chamara

The joint opposition which came up with a number of fresh allegations against the present government, yesterday said Minister K. D. Lal Kantha owns two luxury houses in Kaduwela and Maharagama.

El Niño puts Sri Lanka on alert, but severe impact unlikely

Sri Lanka is unlikely to experience severe impacts from the developing El Niño weather phenomenon, although hotter and drier conditions are expected in the coming months, climate experts and meteorological officials said.

UK MP appeals for urgent review of deportation order against Lankan family

A British Parliamentarian has urged the UK Government to intervene in the case of a Sri Lankan family facing deportation, arguing that they have become valued members of their local community through their work and public service.

Middle East crisis hits health sector; pharmaceutical prices set to rise

The prices of pharmaceuticals supplied by local manufacturers under buy back agreements with the Health Ministry are slated to increase by 12.5 percent from next month, an official said yesterday.

Treasury and CPC weigh options on fuel prices as Rs. 57 Bn fuel allocation nears exhaustion

The government is considering maintaining current domestic fuel prices without implementing an increase, even after the existing state subsidy concludes, provided that the current downward trend in the global oil market remains steady.

Sri Lanka’s economy will crash soon: Ranil

Sri Lanka’s economy has begun to crash and one will be able see a complete crash before long, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Rs. 13.2 bn fraud systemic failure of institutional governance: Harsha

The Rs. 13 billion fraud for which National Development Bank (NDB) is involved is a catastrophic failure of institutional governance, Chairman Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) Chairman Harsha de Silva said.

IMF asks Central Bank to be vigilant

In the wake of the multi-billion rupee fraud at the National Development Bank (NDB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked the Central Bank to strengthen the bank supervisory and regulatory mechanisms, according to the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF).

West Indies seal 2-1 T20I series win against Sri Lanka

The West Indies secured a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka after registering a five-wicket win in the third and final T20 International at Sabina Park.

11 skydivers and pilot killed in US plane crash

Eleven skydivers and one pilot have been killed in a plane crash in the US state of Missouri, officials said.

Woman falls to death in Brazil after bungee cord not attached

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, was thrown from the Ponte do Esqueleto, known as Skeleton Bridge, an abandoned rail crossing near São Paulo, according to Brazilian outlet G1.

Businessman held at BIA with Rs. 4 mn worth of smuggled cigarettes

A businessman from Kuliyapitiya was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, for allegedly attempting to smuggle a large stock of foreign-made cigarettes worth nearly Rs. 4 million into the country.

CID allows family visits but rejects daily legal access to Suresh Sallay

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has denied a request to grant daily legal access to the former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General (Rtd.) Suresh Sallay.

American singer Oliver Tree listed in deadly helicopter crash in Brazil

Two helicopters have collided in mid-air over the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, killing all six people on board, local authorities said.

Oil prices slide after Pakistan announces deal between US and Iran

Oil prices fell in early trade in Asia on Monday after Pakistan, which has been mediating an end to the US-Iran war, announced a deal that President Donald Trump said would see the reopening of the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

Swiss voters reject 10 million population cap

Voters in Switzerland have rejected a proposal to limit the country’s population to 10 million.

US-Iran ‘peace deal’ announced; Trump says Strait of Hormuz reopening

United States President Donald Trump has announced that a ceasefire deal with Iran has been agreed to and that toll-free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will now begin.

Hamilton wins first grand prix for Ferrari as Antonelli retires

An emotional Lewis Hamilton took his first victory for Ferrari in a compelling Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix as championship leader Kimi Antonelli retired from second place with four laps to go.

Refugee-Turned-Star Irankunda delivers

Irankunda creates football history at the World Cup as breaking news continues to emerge from the tournament.

Modified Dengue strain driving surge in cases: Health Ministry

A modified strain of the dengue virus is contributing to the current spread of the disease in Sri Lanka, increasing the risk of infection among the population, Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni said.