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.

Red notice fugitive in Akuregoda double murder extradited from Maldives

A suspect wanted in connection with the Akuregoda double murder and the subject of an International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Red Notice was arrested upon his arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, after being extradited from the Maldives on 4 July 2026.

Government committed to equipping children with modern skills: PM

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Government is committed to equipping Sri Lankan children with the knowledge, skills and modern technologies needed to realise their full potential, while fostering creativity and critical thinking through education reforms.

Road access restricted in Riverston, Hatton–Nuwara Eliya road partially blocked: DMC

Road access in parts of the Matale and Nuwara Eliya districts remains affected following recent adverse weather conditions, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

Train services remain suspended on Mannar, upcountry lines: DMC

Train services on sections of the Mannar and Upcountry railway lines remain suspended due to track obstructions caused by adverse weather, the Disaster Management Centre said.

A/L 2025 re-examination results released

The Examinations Department has released the results of the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Examination 2025 re-examination today (5).

Ukraine hits major oil terminal in Russia’s St Petersburg

A major oil terminal in Russia’s second city of St Petersburg in the north-west was struck overnight by Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

Morocco reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-finals after ending Canada’s historic run

Morocco became the first nation to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0.

Keiko Fujimori declared winner of Peru’s presidential election weeks after vote

Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori has been declared the winner of Peru’s tight presidential election, nearly a month after the vote took place.

Pope urges Europe to do more for migrants while visiting gateway island

The pontiff urged Europe to help new arrivals integrate better and improve conditions in their home countries, during a mass on the island, which receives tens of thousands of migrants a year.

Dengue cases rise due to unplanned construction concerns: Deputy Minister

The number of dengue patients in the country has risen to around 2,300, with the spread largely attributed to unplanned construction activities that create breeding grounds for mosquito larvae, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said.

Pakistan Defence Secretary calls on Deputy Minister of Defence

Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo.

Joint investment powers Sabaragamuwa Medical Faculty development

The construction of the new Faculty Complex at the Sabaragamuwa University has been made possible through a major joint financial commitment from the Government of Sri Lanka and international development partners, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s medical education infrastructure.

Showers to occur at night across the island

Showers will occur tonight in several parts of the country, with fairly heavy rainfall expected in some areas, according to the latest 36-hour, the Meteorology Department said.

Local gold prices slightly down despite global rise

Global gold prices continued to remain at elevated levels today (04), with the price of an ounce of gold increasing by 1.52 percent from the previous day to reach US$4,175.07.

Restaurant owners slash food prices after LP gas price cut

The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has announced a reduction in the prices of several popular food items with effect from midnight on Friday (4), following the recent cut in domestic LP gas prices.

National human-elephant coexistence plan launched

The Environment Ministry has launched a national programme to prepare a new National Action Plan for Human-Elephant Coexistence under a Cabinet-approved expert committee.

Yevan David makes history with Silverstone Sprint Race Podium

Sri Lankan racing driver Yevan David made history by securing a runner-up finish in the FIA Formula 3 Sprint Race at the British Grand Prix held at the iconic Silverstone Circuit.

Trump says US gave Iran ’a week off’ for funeral of Iran’ late supreme leader amid stalled talks

US President Donald Trump said on Friday evening that Tehran is eager to settle with Washington, adding that the US had paused negotiations to allow for the slain former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral processions, which officially began in Iran.

Elephant corridor restoration programme launched

The government has launched several immediate measures to reduce human-elephant conflict while a new National Action Plan for Human-Elephant Coexistence is being prepared.

Special dengue prevention operation in Western Province from tomorrow

The government has decided to implement a special dengue prevention operation from tomorrow (5), covering 23 high-risk dengue zones in the Western Province.

Fisherman missing after boat overturns off Trincomalee

One fisherman went missing missing while two others were rescued after their fishing boat reportedly overturned in the seas off Trincomalee, police said.

Parents may soon be able to test children for drug use

The government is planning to introduce drug testing kits through pharmacies, allowing parents to privately check whether their children have become involved in drug use as part of a broader national strategy to combat narcotics.

Over 3,000 dengue cases reported within three days

The dengue epidemic continues to hit the country with 3,422 dengue cases having been reported within three days this month, Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara said today.

Sajith calls for amendment of Mosquito Breeding Act

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today called for the amendment of the Mosquito Breeding Act no 11 of 1987 to meet the needs of today where the country is experiencing an outbreak of dengue.

Beware of walking on roads while using phones! Police watchful!

Police said that legal action will be taken in the future against pedestrians who walk on roads while listening to music through headphones or earphones, citing the growing risk of road accidents.

Special talks on cooperative fuel station challenges

A special discussion was held at the Ministry of Energy to address a range of issues affecting cooperative fuel stations, with the participation of government ministers, senior officials and representatives of cooperative societies.

Applications for 2026 GCE O/L exam open until July 23

The Examinations Department has called for applications for the 2026 General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination, with the online application process open from July 3 to July 23, 2026.

Port City secures US $ 300mn FDI commitment due to renewed investment drive

China Harbour Engineering Company’s Port City Colombo confirmed a US $ 300 million foreign direct investment (FDI) commitment in January 2026, according to a Global Finance Magazine analysis, as Sri Lanka works to convert the Chinese-financed special economic zone into a genuine regional financial hub.

GovTech Sri Lanka appoints Shevan Goonetilleke as CEO

GovTech Sri Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd has announced the appointment of Shevan Goonetilleke as its Chief Executive Officer, effective August 19, 2026.