Prison population surges to over 42,000 following ’Ratama Ekata’ operation

Sri Lanka’s prison population has increased from around 28,000 inmates to more than 42,000 since the government took office in 2024, largely due to intensified anti-drug operations ’ Ratama Ekata’, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Midnight social media curfew proposed for older UK teens

Older teenagers in the UK will face an overnight social media curfew, the government has announced - though they will be able to opt out of it by changing their account settings.

Trump threatens to bomb bridges and power plants unless Iran resumes talks

US President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran’s bridges and power plants next week if it did not return to talks.

Environment agency demands for higher charge on plastic bags

The Sri Lanka Environmental Action Network (SLEAN) has urged the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to strengthen enforcement of the plastic shopping bag charge, saying inconsistent implementation by supermarkets, retail stores and small businesses is undermining the policy’s effectiveness.

Sri Lanka to launch South Asia’s first passenger drone service

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is preparing to launch a pilot project to introduce passenger-carrying drones, marking what is expected to be the first initiative of its kind in South Asia as the country moves towards adopting advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions.

Two Russian firms registered to supply crude oil to CPC

Two Russian companies have been registered as fuel suppliers for Sri Lanka, enabling them to bid to supply crude oil for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation’s (CPC) refinery operations.

Sri Lankan politicians have longer lifespans, study finds

A recent study conducted in India has found that doctors in Asian countries such as Sri Lanka have a shorter life expectancy than other professionals, while people involved in mainstream politics in Sri Lanka often live well beyond the age of 65, Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa claimed.

PM leaves for Doha to attend Qatar Emir’s funeral

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya left Sri Lanka for Doha, Qatar, last night (July 14) to attend the funeral of the Emir of Qatar.

Public urged to responsibly feed and care for stray dogs

Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), Dr. Sanjika Perera, has urged the public to continue feeding stray dogs but also take responsibility for their health and welfare.

Several found dead in lift shaft after fire in central Brussels building

Several people have died in a fire at a building under construction in Brussels on Tuesday, local authorities have said.

Negombo Prison officer who opened fire transferred to Pallekele

The prison officer who opened fire while attempting to control the violent clash at the Negombo Prison has been temporarily transferred to the Pallekele Prison.

Police warn public of fake GovPay websites, scam messages

Sri Lanka Police have warned the public to be vigilant against fraudulent websites and text messages impersonating the official GovPay platform in an attempt to steal money from unsuspecting users.

Further investigations continue into alleged USD 2 million Airbus bribery scandal

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today that further investigations are being carried out into the alleged payment of a USD 2 million bribe in connection with the purchase of a fleet of ten aircraft for SriLankan Airlines in 2013 from a European aerospace company.

Dengue Quiz Sri Lanka: How Much Do You Really Know?

Sri Lanka’s dengue outbreak has reached epidemic levels this year, with tens of thousands of cases reported nationwide. Ten questions, a few minutes, and a clearer sense of how dengue-smart you and your household really are.

Sri Lanka marks first with AI-assisted robotic surgeries

Sri Lanka has successfully carried out its first AI-assisted robotic surgeries.

Overseas travel ban on former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga relaxed temporarily

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today temporarily relaxed the overseas travel ban imposed on former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, who is facing proceedings over a corruption-related investigation.

Govt. refutes reports of VIP security for 11 individuals

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa today dismissed reports claiming that VIP security had been provided to 11 individuals, including several parliamentarians and monks.

Singapore court orders Bloomberg to pay $356,000 to ministers in defamation case

A Singapore court has ordered Bloomberg and one of its reporters to pay S$460,000 ($356,000; £266,000) to two ministers who had sued them for defamation over an article referencing their property transactions.

New alliances between political parties in the country will fall apart – Minister Chandrasekar

Minister of Fisheries Chandrasekar has stated that the new alliances formed between political parties in the country will eventually collapse.

MBAPPÉ vs YAMAL! World Cup Final Spot on the Line

The FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its biggest showdown yet as France and Spain clash in a blockbuster semi-final with a place in the final at stake. Kylian Mbappé’s free-scoring France face Lamine Yamal’s European champions in a battle between two of football’s brightest stars and leading title contenders.

The use and abuse of freedom of speech

Freedom of speech is one of the pillars of a democratic society. It gives every individual the right to express opinions, exchange ideas, criticise policies, and participate in public discussions without fear. This freedom has helped societies fight injustice, promote innovation, and protect human rights. However, like every fundamental right, freedom of speech must be exercised with responsibility. When misused,

Over 70 wild elephants killed by human activities in seven months

Seventy-five wild elephants have been killed due to direct human activities during the first seven months of this year, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Government refutes social media posts on President’s official visit to France

The government today refuted social media posts that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s scheduled official visit to France has been postponed due to visa issues.

Why should President cancel France tour just because a delegation member is denied visa?: Opposition

Referring to reports that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has cancelled his tour to France as a member of the delegation has been denied a visa, Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman today questioned whether this is necessary for a cancellation of an important official tour.

Prime Minister to attend Qatar’s Father Emir’s funeral: Nalinda

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya will leave for Qatar tonight to attend the funeral of Qatar’s Father Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Sri Lanka secures US$55.9 million in foreign funding to boost solar energy sector

Sri Lanka is set to receive a combined foreign financing package of nearly US$55.9 million to strengthen its solar power sector and expand renewable energy access through a new ground-based solar power consolidation project.

Cabinet approves contract for new BIA departure terminal expansion

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of the contract for the construction of a new building with 36 check-in counters and six boarding gates at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, as part of efforts to expand the airport’s passenger handling capacity.

Kotmale Radio Academy marks 10 years of media education

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation’s (SLBC) Kotmale S.L.B. Media Academy will complete 10 years of service today (July 15), having trained nearly 1,000 students through its radio education programmes.

New DG appointed to Government factories department

The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Mr. S. N. B. M. Padmasiri, a Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Engineering Service, as the new Director General of the Department of Government Factories with immediate effect.

Erling Haaland carries a raccoon from US as he returns to Norway. What’s the story here?

Norway’s FIFA World Cup campaign has ended, and its star footballer, Erling Haaland, has returned home to a hero’s welcome.