Pakistan-Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue concludes in Colombo

The 6th Pakistan-Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue concluded today at the Navy Headquarters in the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Google hit with £3.5bn fine following 8-year battle

Google has been handed a European Union fine of €4.1 billion (£3.5bn) following an eight-year battle for using its Android mobile operating system to block rivals.

Ponnambalam-led TNPA meets Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, submits demands

A delegation of the Tamil National People’s Assembly (TNPA), led by its leader and MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, today met with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Joseph Vijay at the Tamil Nadu Government Secretariat in Chennai and held discussions on several issues concerning Sri Lankan Tamils.

Bus crashes into ravine, killing at least 40 in Pakistan

At least 40 people were killed and eight others injured after a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province on Friday, officials said.

Wasantha Karannagoda granted bail

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered the release on bail of former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Kumara Jayadeva Karannagoda, who is accused of committing acts of corruption in connection with the recruitment of Yoshitha Rajapaksa to the Executive Branch of the Sri Lanka Navy in 2006.

Rakitha, Charith and Aruna further remanded

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Nirmala Rajapaksha, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Horana Organiser Charitha Wasantha Kumara Abeysinghe and former Airport Director of the Civil Aviation Authority Varushahennadige Aruna Sri Chathuranga be further remanded till July 17.

Colombo Law Society urges President to abandon plan to extend judges’ retirement age

The Colombo Law Society (CLS), a premier professional association serving attorneys-at-law in Sri Lanka has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to refrain from proceeding with any Constitutional amendment seeking to extend the retirement age of judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, warning that such a move could undermine public confidence in the independence of the judiciary.

Opposition leaders meet Amarapura Mahanayake

The Mahanayake of the Amarapura chapter, Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Thero, was visited by leaders of the People’s United Opposition, including former ministers G.L. Peiris, Vajira Abeywardena, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Sagala Ratnayake, and Lasantha Alagiyawanna, at Devuram Vehera in Pannipitiya, on July 3, 2026.Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

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.