’Now it’s over’ – Neymar announces Brazil retirement after World Cup exit

Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s exit from the World Cup.

Sri Lanka’s next IMF decision must be about transformation, not another rescue

Sri Lanka is once again approaching a consequential economic debate. As the present programme with the International Monetary Fund moves towards its concluding stages, the country will inevitably have to confront a difficult question: should Sri Lanka seek a further arrangement with the IMF?

TikTok love affair becomes an ordeal

A 17-year-old youth has been arrested for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl whom he had made friends with through TikTok, the police said.

QR code fuel issuance system to continue; no change to quota

The QR code-based fuel issuance system will continue without interruption, as the government has not taken any decision to discontinue the programme, Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Mayura Neththikumara, said.

World Bank cautions Sri Lanka’s income upgrade remains fragile

Sri Lanka’s return to upper-middle-income status has revived memories of an earlier promotion that proved short-lived, with the World Bank cautioning that the latest achievement remains vulnerable unless the country sustains reforms, strengthens growth and avoids the vulnerabilities that culminated in the 2022 economic crisis.

Norway knock out Brazil in shock win

Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, sending one of the tournament favourites crashing out.

NTC launches islandwide inspections as revised bus fares take effect

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has begun islandwide inspections today (06) to ensure strict compliance with the newly revised bus fare structure, which came into effect with increases ranging from 12% to 20%.

Last turbines delivered for Mannar wind farm

The final batch of turbines required for the 50 MW HayWind wind power project in Mannar has arrived in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Kite flying near airports strictly prohibited

Authorities have reminded the public that flying kites or any other airborne devices above 300 feet within a five-kilometer radius of Sri Lanka’s international airports is strictly prohibited due to the serious risks posed to aviation safety and public security.

AWS to charge 18% VAT on unregistered Sri Lankan customers, but implementation date still pending

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has notified its Sri Lankan customers that it will begin charging 18 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on invoices for AWS cloud services and AWS Marketplace purchases, unless customers are VAT-registered and have submitted a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN) to the company.

Trump thanks Fifa after USA striker Balogun’s ban suspended

Folarin Balogun is available to play for the United States in their World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium after his one-game ban was suspended by Fifa.

SEVEN HEAVEN! Australia Crowned Women’s T20 World Cup Champions

Australia underlined their dominance in world cricket with a commanding seven-wicket victory over England to lift a record-extending seventh ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title at Lord’s.

’One shot can take them all out’: Trump says Iran leaders are within reach

US President Donald Trump said Iran’s leaders were all within reach at the funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claiming ’’One shot [and we can take them all out]’’ but insisting he would not act because Washington still needed someone to negotiate with, as talks between the two sides were paused for a week during the mourning period.Speaking to Axios,

Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association urges Sri Lanka to withdraw proposed judicial retirement age amendment

President of the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association (CLA), Steven Thiru, has urged the Sri Lankan Government to withdraw its proposed constitutional amendment seeking to extend the retirement age of judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, warning that the move could seriously undermine judicial independence and public confidence in the justice system.

Trump offers to help end Russia-Ukraine war in Putin call, Kremlin says

US President Donald Trump has offered to help Russian President Vladimir Putin find a solution to the Ukraine war, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said.

Babar back as captain as Pakistan name upcoming Test squads

Former skipper Babar Azam has been named to return as captain as Pakistan revealed their Test squads for upcoming ICC World Test Championship assignments against the West Indies and England.

Female inmates stage rooftop protest following deadly clash at Negombo Prison

A tense situation unfolded at the Negombo Prison on Sunday (05) as female and male inmates staged separate rooftop protests following a deadly clash between two groups of prisoners that left two inmates dead and dozens injured.

’’I didn’t think a podium would come this early’’: Yevan

’’It’s a pretty crazy feeling, honestly. Walking into the F1 paddock now... it’s just an incredible feeling,’’ said Yevan David after making history with a sensational second-place finish in the FIA Formula 3 Sprint Race at the iconic Silverstone Circuit.

Update: Two prisoners killed, over 25 injured in Negombo Prison violence

Two inmates were killed and more than 25 others injured following a clash between two groups of prisoners at the Negombo Prison on Saturday, hospital sources said.

8 shot, including 4 children, in Coney Island, NYPD says

At least eight people, including four children, were shot during an incident in Brooklyn’s Coney Island late on the Fourth of July, the New York Police Department said.

16 injured in Negombo Prison clash; STF deployed to restore order

At least 16 inmates were injured following a clash between two groups of prisoners at the Negombo Prison, police said.

75 drowning fatalities recorded so far this year

At least 75 people have lost their lives in drowning incidents during the first months of this year.

Missing service weapon of Yatiyantota Traffic OIC recovered from Kelani River

The official service firearm belonging to the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Traffic Branch of the Yatiyantota Police, which had been reported missing, has been recovered from the Kelani River.

Fuel station to be established on Delft Island for first time

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) said that a fuel station will be established on Delft Island for the first time.

Mexico return luxury watches gifted by YouTuber

The American YouTuber, whose real name is Stephen Deleonardis, says he spent $1m (£747,000) on Rolex watches for every Mexico player and member of staff.

Govt has ample funds to fast-track development projects: Minister Bimal Rathnayaka

Minister Bimal Rathnayaka said that the government has ample funds to implement major infrastructure, education and development projects across the country, adding that the next phase of governance will focus on accelerating development in all sectors.

Mahinda Rajapaksa confident Opposition can form new government

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed confidence that a new government could be formed if all opposition parties unite, stating that the opposition is currently in a strong position.

National Commission on Women briefs Prime Minister on operational progress

The Chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Women, Ambassador Grace Asirwatham, together with the Commissioners, met with the Prime Minister to brief her on the progress made in operationalising the Commission.

Three sons of Iran’s slain leader Khamenei appear at funeral, not his successor

Three sons of slain Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei prayed beside his coffin and those of four ‌other family members on Sunday, but Mojtaba, the son who has succeeded him as Iran’s supreme leader, did not make an appearance.

Trump gives campaign-style July 4 speech on National Mall for US 250th anniversary

President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of the United States on Saturday with ​a campaign-style speech that repeated his calls for new voting restrictions, warned that ’’communists’’ could gain ground in the country and cycled through what he touted ‌as his achievements.