Government targets increase in average tourist spending of US$148

The government is targeting a significant increase in tourist spending by 2030 as part of its strategy to strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said.

Sri Lanka loses over Rs. 25 bn in cigarette tax revenue since 2025: Verité Research

Sri Lanka has lost more than Rs. 25 billion in potential tax revenue since 2025 due to cigarette taxes remaining below the benchmark recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), according to Verité Research.

Sri Lanka bans import of goods produced with forced labour

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in a gazette notification, has prohibitted the importation of any goods that are mined, produced or manufactured wholly or partly by forced labour.

Iran executes two ISIL terrorists for armed plot

Mohyeddin Abdollahi and Hossein Palani were identified as members of an ISIL cell that formed after the group’s collapse in Iraq and Syria, with the aim of rebuilding its network and carrying out attacks inside Iran. The cell had established a presence in the strategic Bamu heights along the Iran-Iraq border, where members recruited fighters, stockpiled arms and planned cross-border infiltration operations.

North Western Province extends Grade 6–11 second term exams due to delay in question papers

The North Western Provincial Education Department has postponed part of the second term examinations for Grades 6 to 11 after delays in the printing and distribution of question papers and answer scripts.

Police probe death of man following distressing Facebook live

Karandeniya Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 35-year-old man from the Thalgawatta area of Karandeniya, who died during a Facebook livestream.

STF Constable who died during operation posthumously promoted

Police Constable D.P. Ranasinghe of the Police Special Task Force (STF), who lost his life in the Mahaweli River while taking part in an operation to apprehend suspected illegal drug traffickers, has been posthumously promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector.

Asia-Pacific’s future depends on giving young people hope, says UNFPA official

The future of Asia and the Pacific will be shaped not by fertility rates or population trends alone, but by whether young people have reason to hope, according to UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Director Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza.

Houthis fire missiles at Saudi Arabia, breaking years of calm

Yemen’s Houthi movement fired missiles at Saudi ​Arabia after accusing the kingdom of bombing an airport under their control on Monday, breaking a four-year truce in the conflict between ‌the kingdom and the Iran-aligned group.

Harsha urges Colombo Mayor to repair damaged Independence Square walking path

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has urged the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar to immediately repair the walking path at Independence Square, warning that its deteriorating condition poses a safety risk, particularly to elderly walkers.

26-year-old arrested for allegedly killing parents in Embilipitiya

A 26-year-old man has been arrested for the murder of his parents in the Kiralawellakatuwa area of Embilipitiya.

CAA plans pilot project for passenger-carrying drones

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Sri Lanka is planning to launch a pilot project to introduce passenger-carrying drones in the country as part of efforts to explore advanced air mobility solutions.

UAE condemns Iran’s ’brazen’ attack on tankers as US launches fresh strikes

The UAE accused Iran of a ’’brazen’’ attack on two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, killing one and wounding eight, as Donald Trump said the US would impose a 20% charge as part of a new blockade on the waterway.

CID seeks Health Ministry probe into substandard cardiac devices

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has requested the Health Ministry Secretary to conduct a preliminary inquiry to identify the individuals and companies responsible for the alleged procurement of substandard cardiac stents and angiogram catheters supplied to hospitals, and to facilitate legal action, Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman Specialist Dr Chamal Sanjeewa said.

Quadruple murder accused acquitted after 16 years

An accused who stood indicted with quadruple murder was found not guilty and acquitted by North Central Province High Court Judge Indika Attanayake. The case had been pending for 16 years.

Magistrates, District Court judges up in arms against move

With pressure mounting on the Government from the country’s legal fraternity over the move for retirement age extension for Superior Court judges, the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka (JSASL), the sole organisation representing all District Court Judges and Magistrates in the country, has informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that it had unanimously passed a resolution opposing such extension for any judge.

Norway turn World Cup heartbreak into celebration as huge crowds pack capital

More than 100,000 fans flooded the streets of the Norwegian capital Oslo on ​Monday to give their soccer team a heroes’ welcome, turning the heartbreak of their World Cup exit into a ‌massive national celebration.

Govt. silence masks Rs 31 Bn cyber heist

Over US$ 88 million and 4 million Euros have been siphoned from Sri Lanka’s state coffers due to severe institutional negligence, a loss masked by official state silence until a recent Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) report exposed the crisis, according to an analytical article by Independent Researcher Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa.

Deadline set for school stationery grant process; No further extensions

The Education Ministry has announced the deadlines for the 2026 programme to provide grants for the purchase of stationery for schoolchildren, stating that no further extensions will be granted.

Filipino woman arrested at BIA with Rs. 61.8 mn worth of ’Kush’

A 63-year-old Filipino woman was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, in the early hours of today after Airport Police Narcotics Bureau officers allegedly seized ’’Kush’’ drugs worth an estimated Rs. 61.8 million from her luggage.

Grandfather arrested over rape

A 12-year-old schoolgirl suffering from a urine infection was examined by the doctors, to find that she had been raped at times for two years by her grandfather.

Cardinal calling the shots in military appointments, charges Opposition MP

There is a sinister move by the government to extend the term of the current army commander until January 2028 following the request of the Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake charged.

Negombo Prison clash death toll climbs to 31 after two more officers die

The death toll from the violent clashes at Negombo Prison has risen to 31 after two more prison officers died while receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo.

Sri Lanka emerges as fastest-growing destination for Indian weddings: Report

Sri Lanka has emerged as the fastest-growing overseas destination for Indian weddings in 2025, recording a 25% rise in popularity. Despite challenges posed by the ongoing West Asia crisis, couples are unlikely to scale back their destination wedding plans this year, according to a report.

Dubai plans new port to bypass Strait of Hormuz

DP World is planning to build a new port and a container terminal on the United Arab Emirates’ east coast that would reduce Dubai’s dependence on its flagship Jebel Ali hub and bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Container cargo ferry service between India and Sri Lanka to begin in September

A new container cargo ferry service connecting Karaikal in India with Kankesanthurai (KKS) and Trincomalee in Sri Lanka is scheduled to commence in late August or early September 2026, offering regular maritime freight services between the two countries.

Trump says US will become ‘guardian’ of Strait of Hormuz and collect tolls

United States President Donald Trump has said the US will restart its naval blockade of Iran and “become the guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz, amid the ongoing escalation with Iran that threatens to derail efforts towards a more lasting peace.

Minority parties to form common platform

A number of Tamil-speaking political parties representing the Tamil and Muslim communities in Sri Lanka have decided to form a common platform to address issues faced by the two communities, it was announced today.

Sri Lanka committed to upholding international standards in nuclear safety, security: Minister

Sri Lanka is firmly committed to upholding international standards in nuclear safety and security, Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena said today.

FINAL FOUR CONFIRMED! Only four World Cup Finals are Still Possible

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its defining stage, with Argentina, France, Spain and England now just one win away from the final. Four potential title clashes remain on the road to New York, each promising world-class stars, historic rivalries and unforgettable storylines.