President doesn't answer MPs’ phone calls: Dayasiri

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake never answers MPs’ phone calls, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera told Parliament today.

Seven more battery energy storage systems arrive at Colombo Port

A consignment of seven additional Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) arrived at the Colombo Port yesterday evening.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government imposes smartphone ban on government officials

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has ordered a nationwide ban on civil servants’ smartphone use, a military court order showed, prompting ​warnings from rights activists that the move could further restrict access ‌to information.

Country loses US $ 1 billion in fraudulent transactions, certain banks involved

In a shocking disclosure, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in Parliament yesterday that the country had lost as much as US $ 1 billion because of the transfer of a whopping Rs.300 billion ill-gotten cash in terms of Telegraphic Transfers and Advanced Payments for imports. He said that certain banks had been implicated in the fraudulent transactions.

At least 40 injured in head-on bus collision in Matara

At least 40 people have been hospitalized following a head-on collision between two private buses along the Matara-Talalla road, police said.

Philippines bans video game played by alleged high school shooter

The Philippines has temporarily blocked gaming app Gorebox after an initial investigation found that a teenage suspect in a rare school shooting had been playing the game.

UN halts escort of ships through Hormuz after vessel comes under attack

The U.N. International Maritime Organization paused its operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after a vessel reported an attack, reigniting concerns about ‌whether a preliminary deal to end the Iran war will hold.

Chief Inspector arrested over death of female physiotherapist

A Chief Inspector of Police has been arrested in connection with the death of a female physiotherapist found inside a car in Teldeniya.

Australia considers tougher enforcement of social media ban for teens

Australia’s prime minister ​said on Friday he was keen to make sure the country’s social media ban ‌for children was as strong as possible, as a new study found that the measure — the first of its kind and now six months old — had little impact on teen use.

Malaysia deports alleged underworld gunman to Sri Lanka

An alleged underworld gunman linked to organized crime figure Kehelbaddara Padme was deported from Malaysia and taken into custody by Sri Lankan authorities upon his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake last night (25).

Rescuers search rubble for survivors as Venezuela earthquakes kill at least 235

Rescuers are searching through rubble in a rush to save lives after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela near the capital, killing at least 235 people and injuring more than 1,500.

Contract farming gains momentum as IFC backs local poultry sector

The local poultry sector is seeing a renewed push towards contract farming and sustainable production, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) backing an expansion by New Anthony’s Farm Group

CCC outlines three-year plan to strengthen Sri Lanka’s competitiveness

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) yesterday said it is working with a three-year strategy to accelerate investment, boost exports and strengthen support for small businesses, as the private sector seeks to play a larger role in sustaining the country’s economic recovery.

Trade Ministry seeks closer collaboration with retailers, says Minister

The Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Ministry is looking forward to strengthening its collaboration with the Sri Lanka Retailers Association (SLRA), Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said while addressing the association’s 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Two fined Rs. 450,000 each for trading protected wildlife parts

Two men from Wariyapola and Minuwangate were fined Rs. 450,000 each by the Wariyapola Magistrate’s Court for possessing and trying to sell protected wildlife items.

Govt aims to complete national digital land database this year

The Government plans to complete a nationwide digital land information system within this year to improve land administration and speed up investment-related processes, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha said.

Sri Lanka participates in UN public service forum 2026 in Georgia

The United Nations Public Service Forum and Awards Ceremony 2026 commenced on June 23 at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace in Tbilisi, Georgia, under the theme “Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Accountability, Participation and Inclusion.”

People want cost of living answers, not arrest commentary: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa has urged the government to focus on addressing the rising cost of living instead of discussing arrests and investigations in Parliament.

Dengue surge: Around 700 patients a day strain hospitals

Hospitals are facing severe pressure as dengue infections surge across the country, with around 700 patients being reported daily based on the latest weekly figures, Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical & Civil Rights, Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said today.

Iraq warns it might leave OPEC if oil quota not raised, sources say

Iraq has considered leaving OPEC if the oil producer group does not allow Baghdad to ​significantly increase oil production, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

US judge blocks Trump’s mail-in voting executive order

A federal judge in Boston on Thursday blocked implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order aiming to tighten rules for mail-in voting, preventing it from taking ​force ahead of November elections that will decide control of Congress.

CSE closes higher as buying interest strengthens

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) continued its upward momentum on 25th June 2026, with both benchmark indices posting strong gains amid renewed investor confidence and broad-based buying interest. The market opened on a firm footing and maintained its positive trajectory throughout the session, supported by steady accumulation of fundamentally strong counters across multiple sectors.

Grade one admissions circular for 2027 issued

The Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Ministry has issued Circular No. 25/2026 outlining the procedure for the admission of children to Grade One in government schools for the 2027 academic year.

Brazil through as Three Nations make history

Brazil booked their place in the World Cup last 32 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Scotland, while South Africa, Canada, and Bosnia-Herzegovina celebrated historic breakthroughs by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

Rakitha Rajapaksa, Charith Abeysinghe remanded

The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Asanga S. Bodaragama, today remanded until July 3 the son of a former Justice Minister, a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) electorate organiser, and another individual over allegations that they accepted a Rs. 120 million bribe from the wife of alleged organised crime figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias “Harak Kata.”

President Dissanayake to visit France

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to undertake an official visit to France on July 16, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and attracting increased French investment to Sri Lanka.

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s son, Charith Abeysinghe produced before court

Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Nirmala Rajapaksa, the son of former Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, was today produced before court along with two other suspects arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Showers, strong winds expected over next 36 hours

The Meteorology Department says showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts during the next 36 hours.

Central Bank submits report to COPF on missing USD 2.5 Million

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has submitted its report to the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) regarding the disappearance of USD 2.5 million that had been held by the Treasury for the repayment of state debt.

Retired engineer loses over Rs. 9 mn in WhatsApp investment scam

A retired professional engineer in her late 60s has lost more than Rs. 9 million after falling victim to an online investment scam promoted through WhatsApp, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) said.