Kelani Valley train services to resume from today

The Railways Department has announced that two previously cancelled train services on the Kelani Valley (KV) line will resume operations from today (3).

Private bus driver arrested following reckless road race in Kotavila

Police have taken a private bus into custody and arrested its driver following a viral video showing a highly dangerous and competitive incident of reckless driving.

Sri Pada off-season entry restricted to two routes; Pass made mandatory

The Wildlife Conservation Department has announced that during the off-season, access to Sri Pada is strictly permitted only through two designated routes, with all visitors required to obtain an official pass.

Vedda Chief wants permanent solution to human-elephant conflict

Vedda Chief Wanaspathi Uruwarigelage Vannila Ettho’s house had been ruined by a rogue elephant on Thursday night.

NTC announces new bus fare hike effective July 6

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced a revision of bus fares, which will come into effect from Monday (July 6).

Jumbo attack on Wannila Aththo’s house...

Sri Lanka calls for Asia-Pacific support for blue carbon and climate action frameworks

Sri Lanka has called for stronger regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific to advance integrated climate action and blue carbon financing through shared frameworks involving governments, academia, the private sector, and local communities.

INFRACON 2026 kicks off at BMICH

12-hour water cut in Dehiwala, Moratuwa, Ratmalana and surrounding areas

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced that water supply will be temporarily suspended for 12 hours on Saturday (4) due to essential maintenance work on the power supply system feeding the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Commander Chaminda Walakuluge returns to head Naval Media

Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy has appointed Commander (N) Chaminda Walakuluge as the new Director of Naval Media with effect from July 1, 2026.

Fire destroys 10 acres of Haputale forest reserve

A fire that broke out in the Turpentine Forest Reserve near the Haputale Y-junction has spread rapidly, destroying around 10 acres of land, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

Tibetan man dies after setting himself on fire near UN headquarters

Police in New York City said on Thursday a man ​died from severe burns near the United Nations headquarters, and activists and a media outlet of ‌exiled Tibetans identified him as a Tibetan who set himself on fire in an appeal for independence.

Strong wind advisory for several areas

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for strong winds over the Central, Northern, North- Central and North-Western Provinces and in the Ratnapura, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts due to the active south-west monsoonal condition.

Russia bombards Kyiv in deadliest strike this year, killing at least 30 people

Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Ukraine’s capital Kyiv in the early hours of Thursday, killing at least 30 people, wounding scores more and damaging around 130 buildings in the deadliest attack on the capital this year.

Former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda arrested

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has arrested former Navy Commander Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda in connection with an ongoing investigation into the recruitment of Yoshitha Rajapaksa to the Sri Lanka Navy.

Court dismisses Yoshitha’s revision application relating to “Menik Malla” case

The Court of Appeal today dismissed a revision application filed by Yoshitha Rajapaksa in connection with the money laundering case widely known as the “Menik Malla” case.

Sri Lanka, Pakistan discuss stronger cooperation in maritime and aviation sectors

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the maritime and aviation sectors during a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation.

Court puts off hearing of Rakitha Rajapaksa’s case until 2 pm

The case against Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Nirmala Rajapaksa, Samagi Jana Balawegaya Horana organiser Charith Wasantha Kumara Abeysinghe and former Airport Director of the Civil Aviation Authority Aruna Sri Chathuranga, who were arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over the alleged solicitation and acceptance of a Rs. 120 million bribe from the wife of an alleged organised crime figure in exchange

Sinopec promises accurate fuel dispensing

Sinopec Energy Lanka has said that its fuel dispensing equipment is designed to ensure accuracy and reliability at every fuel station.

70% of accident outpatient cases are animal bites: Health data

Seventy percent of patients treated for accident-related injuries in hospital outpatient departments are people who have been bitten by animals, the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases of the Ministry of Health said.

Govt. yet to reach final decision on Sinopec refinery

The government is yet to reach any final decision on the proposed investment of US$ 3.7 billion by Chinese state giant Sinopec mainly due to disagreements on terms and conditions of the project despite the lapse of more than one and half years after signing the MoU.

Reduce polythene use, protect environment: CEA

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA), marking International Polythene Bag Free Day, has called on the public to minimize the use of polythene and switch to environmentally friendly, reusable alternatives.

UNP has always worked to deepen ties with China : Wajira

Chairman of the UNP Wajira Abeywardena said his party had always worked to deepen friendship with China, and under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka threw its weight behind the Belt and Road Initiative as one of its earliest partners and advanced the Colombo Port City, the most ambitious investment project in the nation’s history.

Venezuela quake survivor pulled out alive after eight days

A man has been rescued alive after being trapped for eight days in the rubble of a building that collapsed after twin earthquakes in Venezuela.

IFRS 17 to bring transparency to life insurance sector, push industry toward protection-led growth

Sri Lanka’s life insurance industry is bracing for a fundamental shift in how its performance is measured and reported, as the country prepares to adopt IFRS 17, the new global accounting standard for insurance

Sri Lanka named world’s top trending wellness destination for 2026  

Sri Lanka has secured the top spot on BookRetreats.com’s list of the world’s top trending wellness destinations for 2026, marking a significant milestone for the island’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Govt. reviews FTAs, targets new market opportunities to strengthen trade ties

A high-level discussion on the review and future direction of Sri Lanka’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) was held this week at the Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Ministry,

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals fall 10% in June

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals recorded a 9.9 percent year-on-year decline in June 2026, totalling 124,551 visitors compared to the 138,241 arrivals registered during the same month last year.

70% of prison population linked to drug addiction, overcrowding concerns raised

Around 70 per cent of the prison population comprises individuals addicted to narcotic substances, highlighting a major challenge facing the country’s correctional system, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

225 awareness programmes conducted to protect schoolchildren from drug use

Efforts to prevent schoolchildren from being drawn into drug use have intensified, with officials reporting that 225 awareness programmes have already been carried out for teachers and students across schools, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.