Nearly 30,000 new teachers to be recruited this year – PM

The government will recruit nearly 30,000 new teachers this year in what Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya described as the largest teacher recruitment drive in the country’s history.

Global crude oil prices fall further as U.S.-Iran peace deal eases supply fears

Global crude oil prices extended their decline on Thursday after the United States and Iran signed an interim peace agreement, easing concerns over oil supply disruptions in the Middle East and raising expectations of increased global crude exports.

Decisions on education must prioritise children’s best interests: PM

All decisions relating to education should be guided by the principle of providing the best possible opportunities for children, stressing that the government is making a significant sacrifice to ensure quality education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

’I’m the boss’, Trump says at G7, as he warms to Ukraine’s war aims

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday told a roomful ​of global leaders ’’I’m the boss’’, as he and other G7 heads acknowledged Ukraine’s improved battlefield fortunes with a unified pledge of ‌support and fresh sanctions against Russia.

Industry calls for direct European charters as shifting airline dynamics challenge Sri Lanka’s tourism yield

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) is urging the government to offer incentives for direct European charters to attract high-yielding affluent travellers and defend the core tourism revenue.

US and Iran presidents sign ceasefire agreement, but Trump says he could still resume attacks

The U.S. and Iran released the text of an interim agreement to end their war on ​Wednesday, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to resume attacks and kill Iranian officials if they failed to honour their commitments.

Daily vehicle import bill drops below USD 4Mn

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando said that Sri Lanka’s daily foreign exchange outflow for vehicle imports has fallen to below USD 4 million following the introduction of a temporary surcharge on Customs Import Duties for vehicles.

Medicine prices set to surge

Pharmaceutical prices are expected to rise after the government indicated its willingness to address concerns raised by Indian suppliers regarding the non-renewal of import licenses and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA)’s insistence on lowering prices.

Corporates must look beyond banks: SEC Chief

The capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is positioning equity and debt markets to play a larger role in financing economic growth, noting that the corporates will increasingly need to look beyond the traditional bank borrowing as the regulatory changes tighten the lending concentration limits and funding needs expand.

Trump threatens to resume bombing campaign if Iran does not ’’behave’’

U.S President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that an ​interim accord with Iran was not final, and that ‌he could resume a bombing campaign if he did not like it or if Tehran did not ’’behave’’.

DVT emerging as ‘silent killer’ among young due to sedentary lifestyles, doctors warn

A growing sedentary lifestyle among young people is increasingly being linked to a higher risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a condition medical experts describe as a “silent killer” due to its sudden and often undetected onset.

Iran sends tankers loaded with oil past US military blockade

Three Iranian tankers loaded with crude oil have passed the US blockade line in the Gulf of Oman, ship-tracking data shows.

Sathosa reduces prices of essential goods islandwide

Lanka Sathosa, the state-owned supermarket chain, has announced a reduction in prices of several essential consumer goods aimed at providing relief to the public.

’I’m the boss’, Trump tells G7 counterparts

’’I’m the boss,’’ Trump said as he strode in to the morning session of the last day of the three-day G7 summit, with the other leaders already in their seats.

India 'A' power into Tri-Series Final

India ’A’ bounced back from their Super Over loss to Sri Lanka ’A’ by defeating Afghanistan ’A’ by 101 runs and booking their place in the tri-series final.

Profit-taking erases early gains as market ends mixed; banking sector leads activity

The Colombo Stock Exchange ended Wednesday’s session on a mixed note, as early buying momentum faded amid profit-taking activity. The market opened positively, with the ASPI climbing to an intraday high of 93 points during early trading, reflecting improved investor sentiment and increased market volatility.

Expressway seat belt rule: Grace period ends June 19

The three-month grace period granted for the implementation of mandatory seat belt regulations will end on June 19, after which legal action will be taken against motorists and passengers who fail to comply, the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry said.

Norway’s crown princess undergoes successful lung transplant, palace says

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has undergone a successful lung transplant in Oslo, the country’s royal household has said.

No room for fuel price cut despite global price drop: Govt.

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said the government is currently unable to reduce domestic fuel prices despite the decline in global fuel prices, as Sri Lanka is still using fuel stocks purchased at higher prices.

Petition to prevent elephant electrocutions fixed for hearing

A petition seeking urgent action to prevent the electrocution and illegal killing of elephants was taken up before the Court of Appeal today, with the court fixing a date for the hearing and directing the respondent state institutions to file their objections.

Woman found dead inside parked vehicle near Teldeniya hospital

The body of a woman was found inside a vehicle parked near Teldeniya Hospital today.

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.