Namal criticises ‘selective enforcement’ of PTA

SLPP National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has raised concerns over what he described as the “selective use” of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), following reports that a young artist from Kilinochchi had been arrested and remanded over the alleged use of LTTE-related material in a rap song.

Elders’ home fire: Director arrested

The Director of the elders’ home in Batagoda, Anguruwatota, where a fire broke out on Tuesday evening, has been arrested, Police said.

Unsafe food kills 1.5 million people each year; children most at risk: WHO

Unsafe food causes an estimated 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths worldwide every year, with young children bearing a disproportionate share of the burden, according to new estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Micro-learning to drive digital transformation of public service

The Government has taken initial steps to launch a national programme aimed at digitising the public service and equipping public officials with essential digital skills, with a strong focus on introducing ’’micro-learning’’ as a practical training method.

Death toll rises to 12 in Horana elders’ home fire

The death toll from the fire that broke out at an elders’ home in Anguruwatota, Horana, on Tuesday evening has risen to 12, police said.

One-fifth of under-five children face malnutrition: Health Secretary

Around one in every five Sri Lankan children under the age of five is affected by malnutrition, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said yesterday.

Nawammahara railway crossing to close for renovation work

The Railways Department has announced temporary traffic restrictions at the Nawammahara railway crossing near the Horape Sub-Station on the main railway line due to essential renovation work.

Youth arrested over alleged LTTE-promoting TikTok videos

A 24-year-old resident of Udayanagar in Kilinochchi has been arrested for allegedly uploading videos containing songs that glorify the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Police said.

Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire as Trump seeks to overcome barriers to Iran deal

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities, the Trump administration has announced, as the US looks to overcome one of the largest barriers to reaching a broader deal to end the war with Iran.

Fuel price crisis: Govt weighs options to reduce daily diesel consumption by 500 tonnes

In dealing with the fallout of the Middle East crisis, the government urgently needs to reduce diesel consumption by another 500 tonnes a day, but no specific measure has been agreed upon yet, a Minister said yesterday.

Govt officials struggle amid fuel price increases

Government officials entitled to fuel allowances are facing severe financial difficulties due to the failure to revise allowances in line with recent fuel price increases, The Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

Schoolboy, two women killed in tree fall accident

Three people, including a schoolboy, were killed after a tree collapsed onto a moving three-wheeler in the Mapakanda area of Nawalapitiya early this morning (04).

More troubles ahead: Harsha

Member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Harsha de Silva yesterday predicted more trouble when it comes to the Sri Lankan economy.

Fire at Horana elders’ home kills 11 people

A total of 11 people have been confirmed dead following a massive fire that broke out at an elders’ home in Anguruwatota, Horana on Tuesday evening, police said.

Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund lies idle

While many people affected by the Ditawah cyclone are still languishing in safe centres or in temporary locations waiting to be relocated, it was revealed yesterday that the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund established aiming to rebuild the country following the severe devastation has not been utilised.

US House votes to rein in Trump’s war powers in rebuke over Iran

The US House of Representatives passed a measure that seeks to halt President Donald Trump from taking further military action in Iran.

Kusal, Nissanka and Chameera Lead Sri Lanka to Series-Opening Win

Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series with a convincing 41-run victory over West Indies at Sabina Park, thanks to key contributions from Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera.

CPC to reduce fuel import bill to USD 198 million in July

Claiming that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) had to spend USD 520 million for fuel imports in May as more shipments were procured in April, CPC Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna said today the fuel bill will be reduced to USD 198 million in July.

NIC mandatory for 2026 G.C.E. (O/L) exam applications: Examinations Department

The Sri Lanka Examinations Department has announced that it is mandatory to include the National Identity Card (NIC) number when applying for examinations conducted by the department.

Three-wheeler operators expected Saradiel-style rule from Government

National Taxi App Three-Wheelers’ Professional Collective President Jasmine Lanka says many in the industry had expected the current government and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to follow the example of the legendary folk hero Utuwankande Sura Saradiel after coming to power.

Sri Lanka Schools Dialog Under-19 League Rugby Tournament 2026

Division 1 Segment ‘A’ – Weekly Fixtures

Trump says Iran has agreed to not have a nuclear weapon

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed not to have a nuclear weapon and that he would ​probably meet with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei at some point ‌if things ’’work out’’.

Reports claiming suspension of Suwa Seriya ambulance service false

Reports circulating on social media claiming that the Suwa Seriya ambulance service would cease operations from 8.00 p.m. today are false, informed sources confirmed.

Eleven missing, nearly 50 injured in fire at elderly care home in Horana

At least eleven persons are reported missing and nearly 50 others have been hospitalised after a fire broke out at an elderly care home in the Batagoda area of Horana today, police said.

23,000 teachers to be recruited by end of 2026, says PM

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Harini Amarasuriya said approval has been granted to recruit 23,000 teachers in line with a court ruling on teacher appointments, with the recruitment process expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Health Ministry to recruit 3,000 nursing students

The Health and Mass Media Ministry has issued a special gazette notification to recruit 3,000 nursing students as part of its plan to strengthen the country’s nursing workforce and achieve its target of recruiting 13,600 nurses between 2025 and 2029.

Rs. 35 million robbed from Horana People’s Bank

A sum of Rs. 35 million prepared for replenishing ATM machines was robbed from the Horana branch of People’s Bank by an unidentified individual this afternoon, police said.

Parliamentary Select Committee invites public proposals on review of election laws

The Select Committee of Parliament to review the laws dealing with Elections (excluding laws dealing with Provincial Council Elections) and report to Parliament and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard has commenced calling for public proposals and views.

Global tariffs and geopolitical shockwaves trigger broad market selloff on CSE

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended Wednesday’s session sharply lower as investor sentiment deteriorated amid escalating global geopolitical tensions and fresh trade policy concerns. Rising uncertainty surrounding ongoing war conditions, coupled with the announcement of new tariff measures imposed by the United States on foreign exporters, triggered a risk-off sentiment across regional and local markets.

Rs. 13.5 billion allocated for national school development in 2026

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Harini Amarasuriya said that Rs. 13.5 billion has been allocated in the 2026 Budget for the development of physical resources in national schools and colleges, the highest amount ever allocated for the purpose.