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.

Over 5,000 Bharatanatyam dancers in Colombo clinch Guinness World record

A historic cultural milestone was achieved in Colombo today as more than 5,000 Bharatanatyam dancers performed together, clinching the Guinness World Record for the largest Bharatanatyam dance lesson. The event, organised by Sangamam Global Academy, India and Samgamizh Liya, Sri Lanka, was held at Galle Face Green in Colombo and brought together thousands of dancers from Sri Lanka,

Court allows Tissa to seek answers from Prime Minister

The Colombo District Court on Friday (12) permitted Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser Tissa Attanayake to serve interrogatories on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, seeking answers regarding her educational background and her knowledge of the destruction allegedly caused by the JVP during the 1987–1989 insurrection, in connection with the defamation lawsuit filed by the Prime Minister against him.

Special programme launched to help healthcare workers curb tobacco use

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media has launched a series of training programmes to equip healthcare workers with psychological intervention techniques aimed at preventing tobacco use and helping users quit smoking.

Heavy rain expected as El Niño conditions set to develop globally after February: Officials

Meteorologists have predicted that the El Niño phenomenon, triggered by rising temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, will begin to have a global impact after February next year, with increased rainfall patterns expected in several regions.

“LTTE diaspora will not fund Government again, will not vote to bring it back,” Says MP Archchuna

Jaffna District Parliamentarian Ramanathan Archchuna has alleged that the LTTE diaspora, which he claimed had previously supported the government, will no longer provide financial backing or vote to return it to power.

Wild elephant, calf electrocuted in Okkampitiya

A wild elephant and a calf have died after getting entangled in an electric wire set up illegally at a farmland in the Jothi Amuna area of Maligawila, Okkampitiya.

Monsoon Lessons: What the rains teach Sri Lanka about resilience

Sri Lanka’s monsoon rains have brought floods, landslides, and rising dengue risk across the island. While transport and crops face disruption, the downpours also refill reservoirs, revive farmlands, and cool the air. The season, though harsh, reminds Sri Lankans of endurance — and the balance between nature’s challenge and its gift.

Funeral for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Khamenei to begin July 4, burial set for July 9

The funeral for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will begin in Tehran on July 4 and ​conclude with his burial in his hometown, the northeastern holy city of Mashhad, ‌on July 9, state media reported on Saturday.

Scotland hang on for first World Cup win since 1990 with 1-0 victory over Haiti

Scotland, roared on by their Tartan Army of travelling fans, savoured ​their first World Cup win in 36 years on Saturday when they edged past Haiti for a scrappy 1-0 victory settled ‌by a first-half strike from John McGinn.

Shanaka, Mishara star as Sri Lanka level T20 series against West Indies

Sri Lanka produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat the West Indies by 37 runs in the second T20 International, leveling the two-match series 1-1.

CAA raids Kollupitiya supermarket over missing food labels

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has carried out a special inspection raid on a leading supermarket in the Kollupitiya area over the sale of imported packaged food products allegedly lacking mandatory labeling information.

High waves expected in several sea areas

The Meteorology Department has warned that rough sea conditions and strong winds are expected in several sea areas around the island during the next 24 hours.

Rain and strong winds expected today

The Meteorology Department says showers or thundershowers will occur at times today (14) in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.

Two wanted crime suspects deported from UAE

Two alleged organized crime figures and drug traffickers wanted by Sri Lankan law enforcement were deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on last Friday night (12).

Trump says US-Iran deal to be signed on Sunday as Tehran casts doubt on timing

President Donald Trump has said a deal to end fighting between the US and Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday, after Iran cast doubt on the timing.

Gold fever sends some vintage luxury watches to the melting furnace

Omega’s Constellation watch has been flashed in campaigns, movies and at the Met Gala by stars like George Clooney and ​Nicole Kidman, turning it into a symbol of luxury and glamour.

Iran and US close on initial deal, Tehran says no signing on Sunday

Iran said on Saturday ​it could sign the framework for a peace deal with the United States in the coming days, but dismissed a suggestion by mediator Pakistan that it would be signed ‌within the next 24 hours.

Minor flood situation reported in Kuda Ganga sub-basin

A minor flood situation has been reported in the Kuda Ganga sub-basin of the Kalu River Basin following significant rainfall in the upper catchment areas, according to authorities.

Education will be protected in any crisis: PM

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says the government is firmly committed to protecting education in the face of any global crisis, stressing that significant budget allocations have been made for human resource development despite economic challenges.

Disabled university students to receive Rs. 5,000 allowance

University students with disabilities have started receiving a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000, with payments and outstanding arrears being disbursed from this month, according to the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Local organic ingredients to boost farmers and tourism: PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has said that the use of locally produced organic agricultural products in bakery items would be a significant boost for local farmers while also contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Trump’s name removed from Kennedy Center in predawn operation

Workers stripped U.S. President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center early on Saturday, less than six months after it went up, complying with a judge’s ruling that the performing arts landmark cannot be renamed without an act of Congress.

Prime Minister meets UNICEF delegation

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with a delegation from UNICEF on June 12 at Temple Trees to discuss ongoing efforts to support the recovery of the education sector following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

Heavy showers forecast in several areas over next 36 hours

The Meteorology Department has issued the general weather forecast for the next 36 hours.

Pakistan PM says US-Iran peace deal signing expected within 24 hours

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz ​Sharif said on ‌Saturday that the United States and ​Iran have ​agreed to a framework ⁠for a ​peace deal that ​would end the months-long conflict in the Middle ​East, with ​a final text of ‌the ⁠deal reached.

NBRO updates landslide early warning

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has updated its landslide early warning notice due to the prevailing rainy weather conditions.

Chinese-owned supermarket raided over consumer law violations

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has conducted a raid on a supermarket operated by a Chinese company in the Kollupitiya area, which is alleged to have sold goods in violation of Sri Lanka’s consumer protection laws.

Environmental protection needs public participation beyond laws: Minister

Environmental protection cannot be achieved through legislation alone and requires broad public participation and continuous dialogue across all sectors of society, Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi said during a stakeholder consultation on the amended National Environmental Act, which is scheduled to be debated in Parliament on June 24.

Joint Opposition seeks dialogue with CIABOC chief

The Joint Opposition sought a dialogue with Committee to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Chairman Neal Iddawela to discuss complaints lodged with the Commission against members of the government.