Iran attacks US forces at Qatar air base as missiles launched at US base in Iraq

Iran has claimed responsibility for an attack on American forces stationed at the Al Udeid air base in Qatar, one of the largest U.S. military installations in the Middle East.

Sri Lankan workers in Israel seek to return home due to conflict

An increasing number of Sri Lankan expatriates in Israel are choosing to return home as some of them have lost their livelihood due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, according to Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Tel Aviv Nimal Bandara.

Several explosions heard over Qatar capital Doha, Reuters witness says

Sounds of several explosions were heard over Qatari capital Doha, a Reuters witness said on Monday, following Tehran’s threats to retaliate against the U.S.’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Qatar closes airspace as UK and US tell citizens to shelter in place

Qatar has temporarily closed its airspace after the US and the UK told their citizens in the country to shelter in place ’’until further notice’’.

Flydubai celebrates 15 years of service to Sri Lanka

Flydubai marked a significant milestone this week, celebrating 15 years of continuous service to Sri Lanka. Since commencing operations, the airline has played a vital role in connecting Sri Lanka to the world, offering travellers reliable and memorable journeys.

Sri Lanka pacer ruled out of the second Bangladesh Test

The hosts will be eyeing to clinch their opening series in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle with all to play for in the series decider.

UN Chief to discuss Human Rights issues, impact of economic crisis: United Nations

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk will meet government, religious leaders, victims, civil society, UN representatives and diplomats during his visit in Sri Lanka.

Call national security council meeting to discuss Middle East crisis: Sajith tells Govt.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the government to call for an urgent meeting of the national security council to assess the risks that Sri Lanka has to face when it comes to the conflict in the Middle East.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights arrives in Sri Lanka

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk arrived in Sri Lanka this afternoon for a four-day official visit.

Venerable Udaeriyagama Dhammajiva Thero honoured at National Piriven Day ceremony

Venerable Udaeriyagama Dhammajiva Maha Thero, the founder of Sati Pasala and Universal Mindful Village, and the Chief Incumbent of Nissarana Vanaya Meethirigala Forest Monastery, was felicitated during the recent National Piriven Day ceremony held at Temple Trees, the official residence of the Prime Minister.

CSE declines sharply as Middle East tensions worsen

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a negative note today, recording a significant decline from the start of the trading session, as both the ASPI and S&P SL20 indices fell sharply. The downturn was primarily driven by escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel, which continue to deteriorate. Investor sentiment remains highly cautious, particularly amid growing concerns over U.S. involvement in the conflict.

Police warn against misusing Police Emergency Hotline 119

Steps have been initiated to take legal action against those who misuse the 119 hotline service by making false complaints, which minimises the accessibility to the Police Hotline 119 in an emergency situation, the Police Media Division said.

Briefed former President on plans to fight organised crime: Deshabandu

He briefed former President Ranil Wickremeisnghe of the programme he had in his mind to fight organised crime and drug related offences, IGP Deshabandu Tennekoon told the commission probing allegations against him.

Court of Appeal stays Wanathawilluwa Pradeshiya Sabha inaugural meeting

The Court of Appeal today issued an interim order suspending the inaugural meeting of the Wanathawilluwa Pradeshiya Sabha, which was scheduled to be held tomorrow (24).

US Embassy in India mandates public social media for visa applicants

The U.S. Embassy in India has announced that, effective immediately, all individuals applying for F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas must set their social media accounts to public as part of the vetting process required under U.S. immigration law.

TISL files Supreme Court challenge against Companies (Amendment) Bill

The Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has filed legal action in the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Bill to amend the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007, citing serious concerns over the transparency and effectiveness of its provisions on beneficial ownership disclosure.

Iran’s supreme leader asks Putin to do more after US strikes

Iran’s supreme leader sent his foreign minister to Moscow on Monday to ask President Vladimir Putin for more help from Russia after the biggest U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution over the weekend.

Over 1.6 Mn drug tablets confiscated so far

Over 1.6 million drug tablets have been confiscated so far as Sri Lankan authorities ramp up a comprehensive national programme aimed at preventing drug use and supporting recovery efforts islandwide, according to the Government Information Department.

Sri Lanka grants access to FAO research vessel

Sri Lanka has granted clearance for a research vessel operated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to conduct studies in the country’s waters from August 15 to 20, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.

Nissanka Senadhipathi leaves Bribery Commission

Chairman of Avant Garde Maritime Services, Nissanka Senadhipathi, appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (23).

Plate printing halt hits 15,000 vehicles

The disruption in license plate printing has resulted in a backlog of approximately 15,000 vehicles awaiting number plates since May 1 this year, according to the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).

US asks China to stop Iran from closing Strait of Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

Big names return as Bangladesh reveal ODI squad for Sri Lanka

A host of key players have been named as Bangladesh announced a strong squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Prison officials meet Justice Minister

Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara convened a special discussion this morning with Prison Commissioners and all prison superintendents islandwide at the Ministry of Justice.

Two tonnes of heroin, ICE seized within five months: Minister

Nearly two tonnes of heroin and ICE (Crystal methamphetamine) drugs have been taken into custody by the law enforcement authorities during the last five months, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said today.

Arrest warrant issued against Sajin de Vass Gunawardena

Colombo Additional Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeewani Pathiraja today issued an arrest warrant against former Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena for failing to appear in court in connection with a case filed by the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue over unpaid income tax amounting to Rs. 36.9 million.

Harshana Suriyapperuma appointed Secretary to Finance Ministry

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma has been appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, filling the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Mahinda Siriwardana.

SJB secures Hambantota Municipal Council

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) managed to secure the administration of the Hambantota Municipal Council, the office of party leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Sri Lanka calls upon all parties to take concrete steps to de-escalate situation in Middle East

Sri Lanka has called upon all parties to take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East region, claiming that Sri Lanka is gravely concerned about the latest developments in the Middle East.

U.S. issues ‘worldwide caution’ security alert

The U.S. Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution Security Alert on Sunday, advising American citizens overseas to exercise increased caution due to escalating instability in the Middle East following intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran.