US lifts naval blockade as Iran’s supreme leader says Trump made deal ’out of desperation’

The US has dropped its naval blockade of Iran after the two countries signed a deal to end the war in the Middle East.

Mahayaya Vinita Thera no longer a monk, probe underway

A statement has been issued in response to the case involving Tufts Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Vineetha Mahayaye, who was among seven men arrested on Saturday by the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit on allegations of attempting to pay for sexual acts.

Sri Lanka find right combination in WI defeat

West Indies sealed the three-match T20 series (2-1) with a thrilling victory in the last game over Sri Lanka where the visitors were beaten in the final over.

Iran war casts fresh shadow over Sri Lanka’s recovery

Sri Lanka’s fragile economic recovery faces renewed external headwinds after Fitch Ratings downgraded its outlook on a growing number of emerging market sectors, warning that the ongoing Iran conflict is

Over 1,200 killed in road accidents in less than six months

The Sri Lanka Police has reported that 1,297 people were killed in road accidents across the country between January 1 and June 16, 2026.

No price hike for vehicles already imported by May 15: Deputy Minister

Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando says there is no possibility of increasing prices for vehicles that had already been imported to the country by May 15.

Three types of cardiac stents withdrawn immediately due to safety concerns

The Medical Supplies Division (MSD) have ordered the immediate withdrawal of three types of ’inferior’ cardiac stents and instructed hospitals across Sri Lanka to isolate all remaining stocks without using them, in a major nationwide safety alert affecting heart treatment services.

Sri Lanka, India recognize urgency, but no result on implementation yet

In the wake of the West Asian or Middle East crisis, Sri Lanka and India have recognized the need for the expeditious implementation of the Trincomalee petroleum hub project for energy security, but no specific timeline is carved out yet, Daily Mirror learns.

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.

Messi’s father recovering from 'health issue': family

Lionel Messi’s father is recovering from an unspecified ’’health issue’’, the Argentina star’s family said Thursday, appealing for privacy after a flurry of recent media reports.

‘Two leaves and a bud’ becoming fiction as climate change hits tea: Dilmah Chief

The centuries-old standard that defines premium Ceylon Tea is at risk of becoming “a fiction” as climate extremes disrupt growing conditions across Sri Lanka’s tea lands, Dilmah Tea Chairman and Chief

Wasim Akram Hails Sri Lanka as a World-Class Travel Destination

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has described Sri Lanka as one of the world’s finest holiday destinations, praising the island’s natural beauty and his long-standing connection with the country.

Ministry issues list of foods prohibited in school canteens

The Health Ministry has issued a revised list of foods prohibited for sale in school canteens, aimed at promoting a healthier generation of children and reducing the growing risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Govt to seek interpol notices for wanted ex-ministers, underworld figures

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala today said that Blue Notices or Red Notices will be issued in the future to bring back former ministers and underworld figures who have court-issued arrest warrants and are believed to be overseas.

Namal criticises dengue response and Government policies

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer, MP Namal Rajapaksa, has criticised the government’s dengue control measures, alleging inefficiency in local authority responses and broader policy failures.

Ancient ’Robin Hood’ tree is dead, experts say

The Major Oak, one of the UK’s most iconic trees due to its vast age, size and links to the legend of Robin Hood, is believed by experts to have died.

Over 1,200 killed in road accidents in less than six months

The Sri Lanka Police has reported that 1,297 people were killed in road accidents across the country between January 1 and June 16, 2026.

Hospital system may struggle if dengue cases increase further: Minister

Sri Lanka’s hospital system may struggle to cope if the number of dengue patients continues to rise, Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has warned.

South Korea’s Lee leaves G7 with Trump’s pen

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left the G7 summit in France with the souvenir of a pen from U.S. President Donald ​Trump and the promise of a golf game after a ‌dinner discussion he described as making progress over the issue of North Korea.

Unquenchable Scottish thirst for World Cup beer pushes Boston bars to the limit

Bars in Boston are gearing up for a second tidal wave of drinking by Scotland’s Tartan Army of football fans who nearly drained some pubs of all their beer in the first ​weekend of their World Cup occupation of the city.

Did Govt. ask for America’s FBI report ?If not why? asks UNP

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday raised questions over the failure of the present government to ask for the material on the investigation carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Easter Sunday attacks since it has restarted the investigations.

First tankers cross strait under Iran deal

Three Saudi-flagged supertankers carrying 6 million barrels of crude sailed through the Strait of Hormuz ​on Thursday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump signed a deal with Iran to end the war that has disrupted global energy supplies.

HSBC fined over Australian scam failures

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Sugeeshwara Bandara remanded until July 1

The leader of the New People’s Front, Sugeeshwara Bandara, who was arrested by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) this morning, was remanded until July 1 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Peace deal optimism lifts CSE

The Colombo Stock Exchange extended its gains on Thursday, supported by improving investor sentiment following reports that the United States and Iran had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paving the way for a potential peace agreement. The development boosted confidence across global markets and spilled over into the local bourse, helping both benchmark indices close in positive territory.

Minister Nalinda rejects claims of abuse, political revenge in Sallay probe

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa rejected allegations that former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Suresh Sallay was tortured, stripped or otherwise mistreated while in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), insisting that the investigation is being conducted strictly in accordance with the law and without political interference.

Ravi K urges President to review inflation target, proposes reducing it to 2–3%

Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to initiate an early review of Sri Lanka’s Monetary Policy Framework Agreement (MPFA), proposing that the country’s medium-term inflation target be reduced from the current 5% to between 2% and 3%.

Further hearing into Gotabaya’s writ petition fixed for June 24

Further hearing into 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 June 24 by the Court of Appeal.

Review of 2026 budget projects held

A review meeting on the implementation of ministry-level projects and key policy initiatives under the 2026 Budget proposals was held yesterday (17) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.