Market extends decline amid heightened geopolitical concerns

The Colombo Stock Exchange commenced the week on a sharply negative note, as intensified geopolitical tensions and continued uncertainty surrounding global economic conditions triggered broad-based selling pressure across the market. Investor sentiment remained largely bearish throughout the session, with both retail and institutional participants adopting a cautious stance amid rising external risks.

Police to take legal action against Weerawansa for obstructing duties

Police said legal action will be taken against former MP Wimal Weeransa and a group of 35 people who obstructed the rehearsal of the War Heroes’ Commemoration and duties of the police officers on duty.

104 new buses for Metro Transit by August

The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development today signed an agreement to import 104 new buses for Metro Transit, a subsidiary of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), in a move aimed at improving the country’s public transport service.

Iran submits new 14-point text via Pakistan

A source close to the Iranian negotiating team told Tasnim that Iran has submitted its latest text in 14 points through the Pakistani intermediary, who will present it to the Americans.

Wimal confronts police during War Heroes’ commemoration

A tense situation was reported between the police and a group led by former MP Wimal Weerawansa near the War Heroes’ Memorial in Battaramulla after the group attempted to hold a War Heroes’ commemmoration.

Technical failure disrupts Foreign Ministry attestation services

The Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism informed the public that all document attestation services have been temporarily suspended until further notice due to an unexpected technical failure of the Electronic Document Attestation System (e-DAS).

Iran announces new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s top security authority announces the formation of a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively closed and wants to charge ships to traverse.

Strike over high fuel prices paralyses transport in Kenya

Thousands of Kenyan commuters have been stranded and businesses paralysed as public transport operators went on a nationwide strike to protest against recent increases in the cost fuel.

5,289 Tri-Service personnel promoted for War Heroes Day

A total of 5,289 Tri-Service personnel have been promoted to their next respective ranks in line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls today (18).

DC’s Thriller over RR shakes up IPL 2026 Points Table

Delhi Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive with a five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on May 17, further shaking up the IPL 2026 points table. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to seal a playoff spot, the battle for the remaining knockout places is now tighter than ever.

PM Harini leaves for UK to attend Commonwealth meeting

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya left for the United Kingdom this afternoon (18) to attend a high-level meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Severe lightning warning issued for several provinces

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for severe lightning and thundershowers expected in several parts of the country after 1.00 p.m. today.

Handunnetti’s FR petition against alleged sugar scam fixed for July 27

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by Minister Sunil Handunnetti, during his tenure as an opposition Parliamentarian, seeking an order to recover Rs. 15.9 billion from those responsible for the alleged sugar fraud that occurred during sugar imports in 2020, was today fixed for support by the Supreme Court.

Evading tax payments due to valid reason cannot be considered a crime: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today that there is a sinister move to amend laws penalising evading the payment of taxes due to a valid reason, while considering it a crime.

Further evidence in case against Wimal Weerawansa, five others fixed for July 13

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that further evidence in the case filed against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa and five others over an alleged protest causing public nuisance by obstructing roads in front of the United Nations office in Colombo in 2016, be taken up on July 13.

LPL 2026 to Begin on July 17, Final Set for August 8

The Lanka Premier League 2026 will begin on July 17 with an opening clash between Jaffna and Galle at the SSC Grounds. The final is scheduled for August 8 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, while matches will also be played in Kandy and Dambulla.

Fighter jet crews parachute safely after collision at US air show

Four crew members are in stable condition after two fighter jets collided mid-air during a US air show, officials say.

Sri Lanka launches digital relief systems for Cyclone Ditwah victims

Sri Lanka on Monday launched two new digital platforms aimed at improving disaster relief services for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with support from the Government of Norway, UNICEF Sri Lanka, and UN Volunteers.

Students agree to vacate disputed Malwana property

A group of university students who had occupied the disputed Malwana residence since May 1 have agreed to vacate the premises following discussions with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today (18).

Over 5,200 people affected by adverse weather

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said that 5,267 people from 1,582 families have been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions across the island.

Delays in licence renewals threaten supply of essential medicines

Hundreds of import licence renewals are currently pending at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), creating serious disruptions to the pharmaceutical supply chain, the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) said.

Trump warns ’clock is ticking’ for Iran as peace progress stalls

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran the ’’clock is ticking’’ as talks to bring the war to an end have stalled.

Middle East war pushes CPC oil bill past US$1bn

The Middle East war has taken its toll on Sri Lanka, with the oil import bill of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) exceeding US$ 1 billion during the first four months of this year, whereas it stood at only US$ 1.5 billion for the whole of 2025, an official said.

Police issue warning over rise in teenage pregnancies

Sri Lanka Police issued an urgent public advisory in response to a reported rise in teenage and underage pregnancies, calling on parents, guardians and children to work together to prevent further incidents and protect children’s welfare.

Vehicle importers announce estimated vehicle price hikes

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has announced the estimated price increases following the Government’s decision to impose a 50% surcharge on vehicle imports.

Animal Welfare Coalition proposes crematoriums for dogs

The Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) has highlighted the need to establish animal crematorium facilities for dogs, arguing that such services would allow pets and stray animals to be treated with dignity after death, similar to humans.

Is the govt. higher up considering inviting Opposition MPs?

Following months of speculation of arguments and rifts within the NPP camp, the Daily Mirror reliably learns that some senior government members have told President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to consider inviting capable parliamentarians from the opposition to join the government in an attempt to take the nation forward.

Scotland rugby great Scott Hastings dead at 61

Scotland great Scott Hastings died at the age of 61 on Sunday after suffering from cancer, the Scottish Rugby Union announced Sunday.

Sri Lanka wins two Bronze medals

Sri Lankan school boxers Amodhya Jayarathna and Himaya Hettiarachchi secured two bronze medals at the Asian Under-15 and Under-17 Boxing Championship 2026, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Victoria Reservoir drowning: three youths dead

Three youths have drowned after an incident at the Victoria Reservoir in the Bambaragala Temple area in Teldeniya, police said.