FIFA World Cup 2026: The First Round Is Complete. Here Are All the Stories That Matter.

Germany ran riot. Spain was shocked. Messi showed that age is only a number. A complete match-by-match breakdown of every game across the opening round of the biggest World Cup in history.

Over 40 arrested in Walana STF raid on massage centres

A total of 43 individuals have been arrested following a series of raids carried out by the Walana Central Anti-Vice Strike Force on massage centres in the Thalawathugoda area.

Archchuna removes slipper-garlanded cut-out of himself

Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan was seen removing a life-size cut-out of himself that had been decorated with a garland made of slippers and placed by the roadside in the Gurunagar area of Jaffna.

Lebanon says Israeli strikes kill 18 as Israel says four soldiers killed by Hezbollah

At least 18 people have been killed in southern Lebanon following a series of Israeli air strikes overnight, the country’s health ministry has said - while the Israeli military says four of its soldiers were also killed.

’The last ride’: Trump takes final flight on old Air Force One

’’I was honoured to be aboard Air Force One last night on its final flight,’’ Monica Crowley, the US chief of protocol, said on X.

US-Iran talks postponed as Vance pulls out of Switzerland trip

A new round of direct talks between the US and Iran have been postponed after Vice-President JD Vance delayed a planned trip to Switzerland.

Sri Lanka’s Liberal Youth Movement joins global liberal youth federation

The Liberal Youth Movement (LYM) of Sri Lanka has secured official membership in the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY), marking a significant milestone for youth-led civic engagement in the country.

Sri Lankan Rupee appreciates further against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee appreciated further against the US Dollar today (19), with the selling rate falling to Rs. 338 compared to Thursday’s exchange rate.

Dengue cases rise to 44,480 with 28 deaths reported this year

Health authorities have recorded 44,480 dengue cases across Sri Lanka so far this year, with 28 deaths reported due to the disease.

SJB has no issues with Dayasiri: MP

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has no issues with MP Dayasiri Jayasekera as he is not a member of that party, SJB MP Chathura Gallappathi said today.

Lanka Salt Company GM arrested over Rs. 14.3M corruption allegation

The current General Manager of Lanka Salt Company has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over extensive corruption charges.

Ample world inventories may soften El Nino food supply shock

A super El Nino is likely to unsettle global weather and threaten food output in the coming months, but near record world inventories, expectations ​of near-normal conditions in some key producing regions and advanced planning could limit the fallout.

New Directors appointed to 17 key healthcare institutions

The Ministry of Health and Media has appointed new directors to 17 key healthcare institutions, with Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stating that policy decisions to strengthen the healthcare sector will be based on long-term national development rather than short-term political considerations.

Fisheries Ministry aids cyclone-affected fishermen

Fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah in the Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Mannar districts received boats and fishing nets under a recovery assistance programme at a special ceremony held at the Sea Nor Boat Factory premises in Karainagar.

No vaccine, conflict, mistrust: Ebola’s return to DR Congo

Ebola is spreading again in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where conflict, mistrust and the lack of a vaccine have made the outbreak hard to contain.

Govt clarifies new import monitoring rules

The Deputy Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said that the primary objective of the newly issued gazette notification is to systematically monitor import operations rather than impose restrictions on them.

President’s Fund provides laptops to 14 university students

The President’s Fund yesterday provided laptop computers to 14 university students selected from applications submitted through Divisional Secretariat offices across the country.

Sri Lanka tightens import remittance regulations

The Government has introduced new regulations aimed at strengthening the monitoring of outward remittances linked to import transactions through a Gazette Extraordinary issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969.

Sri Lanka could save billions by expanding EV use, says Energy Minister

Sri Lanka could save billions of rupees spent on fossil fuel imports by increasing the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging them with renewable energy, Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said.

Sri Lanka welcomes US-Iran ceasefire agreement

The Government of Sri Lanka has welcomed the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and the Iran, which establishes an immediate ceasefire between the two countries.

Kala Wewa renovation begins to stop water leaks

The long-delayed renovation of the historic Kala Wewa Reservoir to permanently stop water leakages that have continued for more than 42 years officially commenced on June 16, with authorities assuring that the project will not disrupt cultivation or pose any safety risks.

Thirty-five killed as gunmen attack Niger’s biggest airport

Thirty-five people have been killed after gunmen struck Niger’s largest airport on Thursday, officials say - the second attack in less than five months.

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0, become first team to reach World Cup knockouts

FIFA World Cup 2026 cohosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over South Korea at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

Switzerland says US-Iran talks planned for Friday are off

Talks that had been planned for ​Friday between the ‌United States and Iran at the Burgenstock mountaintop ​resort in Switzerland ​will not take place, ⁠according to a ​Swiss foreign ministry statement.

Shoe garland hung on MP Archuna’s portrait in Jaffna

A shoe garland has been placed on a portrait of Member of Parliament Archuna Ramanathan in Jaffna.

Direct Ahmedabad-Colombo flights to begin, boosting tourism and business travel

Direct flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo are set to begin this week, offering travellers from India’s Gujarat state easier access to Sri Lanka while reducing the need for connecting flights through Mumbai and Delhi.

Water Supply disrupted in Mahara and Gampaha until Saturday morning

Water supply to the Mahara Pradeshiya Sabha and Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha areas has been suspended from today (June 19) until 8.00 a.m. on Saturday (June 20) due to a sudden rupture in the main water supply line near the Kadawatha Central Expressway.

Indonesia to halt free meal scheme during holidays

Indonesia will suspend its free meal scheme during holiday periods, after mass protests in the capital condemned wasteful spending and demanded that the goverment address worsening economic conditions.

Andy Burnham’s election to parliament sets up bid to oust UK PM Starmer

Labour mayor Andy ​Burnham cleared a path to ousting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after winning a parliamentary seat in northern England on Friday in what could be most consequential ‌local election in more than six decades.

Investigation Board appointed over Kalpitiya Range incident

special Board of Inquiry has been appointed by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) to investigate a confrontation that occurred between Air Force personnel and a group of individuals, including a police officer, during a bomb disposal exercise at the Kalpitiya field firing range on June 17.