Oil jumps 4% as new military strikes threaten Hormuz shipments

Oil prices surged over 4% on Monday as energy shipments via ​the Strait of Hormuz remained under threat, with the U.S. and ‌Iran announcing renewed military strikes.

President AKD expresses condolences on death of Qatar’s Father Emir

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his condolences over the passing of Qatar’s Father Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Israel sets October 27 election as Netanyahu faces crucial post-Gaza war test

Israel will hold national elections on October 27, the last date allowed by law, its parliament said on Sunday, with the vote widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership since the Gaza war erupted.

Underground chamber found under the school turns out to be neighbour’s garage

A large underground chamber, accidentally uncovered during a dengue prevention drive at a school in Gampola town, has turned out to be a garage and storage room belonging to a house located on the lower side of the elevated school premises.

Coming two weeks extremely critical as Dengue cases surge, warns expert

With dengue cases continuing to rise across the country, medical experts have warned that the next two weeks will be extremely critical in preventing a further escalation of the outbreak.

Ceylon Newspapers’ writ against arrests fixed for hearing

A writ petition filed by Ceylon Newspapers (Private) Limited seeking an order preventing the police from arresting its Chairman, former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, as well as its directors and employees over an ongoing investigation into allegedly dishonoured cheques issued to a newsprint supplier, has been fixed for argument by the Court of Appeal.

Police Sergeant arrested for raping own daughter

A Police Sergeant arrested by Dambagalla Police on suspicion of rape of his elder daughter was produced before Siyambalanduwa Magistrate and remanded till July 15.

CMC faces political drama amid dengue outbreak

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is facing political turmoil amid a dengue outbreak, with two members resigning from the Finance Committee, saying they cannot work with Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar and the ruling party members.

Drug peddler gets 76 calls from customers while in police custody

Indicating the heavy demand for illegal drugs, a drug peddler who was arrested by the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) established at Kandakuliya in Puttalam has received 76 telephone calls from his customers who wanted to purchase Ice (crystal methamphetamine) within the first day he was detained in the RDF unit.

19 investors eye Mattala Airport

A total of 19 investment proposals have been received under the Expression of Interest (EOI) process launched to attract investors to utilize the resources of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said.

Economic crisis hits marriages, parenthood

Delayed marriage and childbearing among young people should be understood as responses to current economic and social conditions rather than a rejection of family life, Professor Manori Kaluthantiri Weeratunga said.

Govt. will use state funds for repayment unless stolen money recovered

The government will use its funds to repay US $ 2.5 million to Australia unless the monies lost in the cyber theft are recovered, an official said.

AKD once called MR ’a culture of this country’: C.B. Ratnayake

Former Nuwara Eliya District MP C.B. Ratnayake alleged that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) had once described former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as ’’a culture of this country’’, but later came to power by campaigning against him.

At least 27 killed, eight critically injured in Bangkok bar fire

At least 27 people have been killed and eight left critically injured after a fire tore through a bar in Bangkok’s popular Chatuchak district.

Ukraine’s Zelenskiy dismisses Prime Minister Svyrydenko after only a year

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on ​Sunday he planned to replace Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko after only a year in office, triggering the resignation ‌of the government.

Schools allowed to relax uniform rules to protect students from dengue

The Ministry of Education has granted schools permission to allow students to wear clothing that offers better protection against mosquito bites as part of measures to safeguard children from dengue.

Sri Lanka ranked Asia’s most traffic-congested country

Sri Lanka has been ranked the most traffic-congested country in Asia, according to the Numbeo Traffic Index by Country 2026 Mid-Year.

Viral World Cup bet: Norwegian swaps Instagram logo for British Airways after England win

The playful, viral wagers were agreed before the July 12 clash as British Airways and Norwegian embraced the sporting rivalry online. Norwegian first challenged British Airways on Instagram, writing: “If Norway wins, you have to switch to our logo on Instagram on Sunday (one day). And vice versa. Deal?” British Airways confidently accepted, replying: “Don’t make bets you can’t win.”

China evacuates nearly two million people as powerful typhoon makes landfall

A powerful typhoon has made landfall in China, the second to hit the country in a week, with nearly two million people evacuated from areas in the path of the storm.

Budget 2027 to be presented on November 12

The Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the 2027 fiscal year is scheduled to be presented in Parliament on November 12.

Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74

Qatar’s Father Emir ⁠Sheikh Hamad bin ⁠Khalifa Al Thani ‌has died at the age of ⁠74, the country’s Amiri ⁠Diwan said.

Argentina beat Switzerland to set up World Cup 2026 semifinal with England

Defending champions Argentina will face England in the semifinals of FIFA World Cup 2026 after beating ten-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to a decisive long-range effort by Julian Alvarez.

Urban trees key to building cooler, climate-resilient cities: Environment Ministry

Urban trees play a vital role in creating cooler, safer and more climate-resilient cities by providing benefits that extend far beyond shade, the Environment Ministry said.

Rs. 500,000 only initial compensation for fallen prison officers: Spokesman

The Department of Prisons said that the Rs. 500,000 paid to the families of prison officers who lost their lives in the recent clash at Negombo Prison was only an initial compensation payment.

Toronto active shooter incident leaves 5 people injured, 2 dead, police say

Five people were injured and two were ​pronounced dead following an active shooter incident ‌in Toronto on Saturday, according to a police emergency alert on X.

Iran’s supreme leader pledges revenge for slain father and predecessor

A written statement from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei threatened vengeance for the death of his predecessor and father on Saturday, ​but added that it would depend not only on Iran but also ‌on ’’free people around the world’’.

Bellingham double fires England past Norway into World Cup semis

Jude Bellingham scored twice, including the extra-time winner, as England ground out a 2-1 victory over a battling Norway side at Miami Stadium on Saturday to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the ​fourth time.

US launches fresh strikes as Iran closes Strait of Hormuz

The US said it launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran after Tehran struck a ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

SLPP opposes move to extend judges’ retirement age

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has strongly criticised the government’s reported move to extend the retirement age of higher court judges, alleging that the proposal is politically motivated and poses a threat to democracy.

Irrigation Department urges water conservation amid El Niño concerns

The Irrigation Department has urged the public, including farmers, to use water sparingly in view of a possible El Niño situation in the future.