Messi sets World Cup scoring record as Argentina advances to knockout stage

Lionel Messi scored twice, including a record-breaking 17th World Cup goal, to become the all-time leading goal-scorer in tournament history.

WhatsApp to be led by Indian start-up founder as Will Cathcart steps back

WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart has announced that he is leaving his role.

US Assistant Secretary of State meets President Dissanayake

United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Dr. Paul Kapur met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat during his visit to Sri Lanka.

US Treasury eases sanctions, issues 60-day license for Iranian oil amid progress in peace talks

In a major shift in Middle Eastern energy and security dynamics, the US Department of the Treasury on Monday issued a temporary 60-day general license authorising transactions related to the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals, and petroleum products.

US provides Rs. 1.2 Billion satellite communications system to Sri Lanka Navy

The United States today announced the provision of a Fleet Broadband satellite communications system worth approximately US$4 million (over Rs. 1.2 billion) to the Sri Lanka Navy, in a move aimed at strengthening maritime security and connectivity across the Indian Ocean.

Ex-Wimbledon champion Vondrousova given four-year ban

Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has been banned for four years for refusing an anti-doping test last year.

Qatar says gas export terminal blast killed 13 as workers tried to resume operations

An explosion tore through Qatar’s key natural gas export terminal Sunday night as workers tried to resume operations after Iran bombed it during the war , causing a fire that killed at least 13 people and hurt dozens more.

CSE extends decline as cautious sentiment and thin trading weigh on market activity

The Colombo Stock Exchange commenced the week on a negative note, with both benchmark indices closing lower amid subdued investor participation and the absence of strong near-term catalysts. The market gradually trended downward throughout the session, as thin turnover and lower share volumes reflected weak trading activity and a cautious investor mood.

Three dead in Philippines high school shooting over bullying ’grudge’

Three students have been killed and more injured after two of their peers opened fire at a high school in central Philippines, police say.

SC to hear appeal on Minister Wijepala’s parliamentary eligibility

The Supreme Court today granted special leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal ruling that dismissed a challenge to the parliamentary eligibility of Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala.

Pushpika de Silva crown removal case: Verdict scheduled for September 14

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today fixed September 14 to deliver judgment in the case concerning the alleged forcible removal of the crown from Pushpika de Silva, the winner of the Mrs. Sri Lanka 2021 pageant, causing her injuries.

One dead, 10 injured in multi-vehicle crash in Kegalle

A woman was killed and ten others were injured following a multi-vehicle accident in the Mangalagama area of Molagoda, Kegalle today (June 22).

Emotional Chamari takes blame for Sri Lanka loss at T20WC

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu believes she has let her side down and missed what could be her final chance to guide them to the knockout stages of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Delft, Nainativu and Analaitivu set for round-the-clock power

Residents of Nainativu (Nagadeepa), Analaitivu and Delft islands will soon benefit from a 24-hour uninterrupted electricity supply through a new hybrid renewable energy system currently under construction, Energy Minister Anura Karunatilaka said during an inspection tour of the project.

PMD responds to Daily Mirror article on Sri Lanka Cricket

The President’s Media Division (PMD) has issued a statement in response to today’s Daily Mirror article titled “Hold SLC Elections or Get Blacklisted, ICC Informs President AKD.”

UK’s Starmer resigns as prime minister

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned in a televised statement after coming under mounting pressure from his own Labour Party.

Rupee edges lower against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee recorded a marginal depreciation against the US Dollar today (22), compared to last Friday, with the selling rate rising to Rs. 339.

Sri Lanka reaffirms neutral foreign policy in talks with senior US Official

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath has reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and adhering strictly to international law during discussions with Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur.

Oil falls after US-Iran talks conclude in Switzerland

Oil prices declined on Monday after U.S.-Iran talks concluded in ​Switzerland with Tehran saying it had secured waivers for oil and petrochemical exports, easing worries about a supply shortage ‌in global markets.

Explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility injures 54, leaves 18 missing

An explosion at Qatar’s main liquefied natural gas processing facility has injured 54 people and left 18 others missing, authorities have said.

Beware of fake PHIs extorting money

The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Union has warned the public to be alert to individuals impersonating Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and extorting money from households and institutions under the guise of official duties.

Sri Lanka Army calls for applications for Officer Cadet Courses

The Sri Lanka Army has invited applications for vacancies in the Officer Cadets Short Course (Diploma) and the Lady Officer Cadets Course (Diploma) in the Regular Force.

Indian expat dies while playing badminton in Dubai

A 42-year-old Indian expatriate from Kerala died after collapsing while playing shuttle badminton in Dubai, according to a report by Manorama Online.

Over 1,000 Dengue cases logged in 24 hours

Sri Lanka recorded 1,069 dengue cases in the past 24 hours, Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara said.

Businesses earning over Rs. 100,000 daily must register for VAT and SSCL from July 1st

Nuwara Eliya District Senior Deputy Commissioner of Inland Revenue E.D. Karunaratne said that all service providers and businesses with a daily income exceeding Rs. 100,000 must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) and the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) from July 1st.

Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur arrives in Sri Lanka

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur arrived in Colombo on a three-day visit from June 21 to June 24.

Global Sri Lankan Forum urges President to intervene over Suresh Sallay’s health and legal rights

The Global Sri Lankan Forum (GSLF) has called on the President to urgently intervene on humanitarian grounds regarding the rapidly deteriorating health condition of the former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay.

School Principal arrested over sex abuse

The principal of a school in Koslanda in Bandarawela who had been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a ten year old schoolgirl was produced before Bandarawela Magistrate Gemunu Chandrasekara and remanded till July 10,’’The 56 year old suspect was a father of two children.

Safeguard existing apparel factories before producing fabrics from banana tree bark: Sajith

The government should focus on safeguarding the existing apparel factories first rather than focusing on producing fabrics from banana tree barks, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Russian State-Owned Companies Cleared to Bid for Sri Lanka Fuel Tenders

In a bid to improve competitiveness in fuel purchasing from the global market, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has registered two Russian state owned companies allowing them to participate in the tender process, an official said yesterday.