Private sector labour shortage forces industries to recruit foreign workers: Minister

Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti has said that the private sector currently has more than 400,000 job vacancies, forcing local industries to recruit foreign workers due to a shortage of both skilled and unskilled labour.

Russia says it downed 419 Ukrainian drones overnight

Russia’s Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 419 Ukrainian drones overnight, including several that were heading toward Moscow.

No reduction in school transport, three-wheeler fares

Associations representing school transport service providers and three-wheeler operators have stated that they will not be able to reduce school transportation charges and three-wheeler rental fees despite the recent reduction in fuel prices.

Lal Kantha blocks camera while dodging questions on paddy procurement

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, K.D. Lal Kantha, drew criticism after abruptly halting a media interaction and physically blocking a camera lens to avoid further questioning regarding the ongoing Yala season paddy procurement crisis.

Indonesia's education minister sentenced to years in jail for corruption

The co-founder of super-app Gojek who became Indonesia’s education minister has been sentenced to several years in jail for corruption.

Pillayan remanded over Eastern Province murders

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias ’’Pillayan’’, has been remanded until July 13 in connection with ongoing investigations into five murders that took place in several parts of the Eastern Province in 2008.

Former National Lotteries Board Chairperson Shyamila Perera arrested

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has arrested Shyamila Perera, the former Chairperson of the National Lotteries Board (NLB), a short while ago.

Suspect arrested with five unregistered high-capacity motorbikes

A 25-year-old suspect has been arrested for possessing five unregistered high-capacity motorbikes during a raid carried out by officers of the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Unit.

Navy Commander Kanchana Banagoda promoted to Admiral ahead of retirement

The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, has been promoted to the rank of Admiral.

Sniper rifle and ammunition recovered in Damana Forest Reserve

A sniper rifle and ammunition have been recovered during a special operation conducted by officers attached to the Thirukkovil Police Special Task Force (STF) camp.

Sajith Premadasa urges science-based national preparedness for emerging climate risks

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa today called for Sri Lanka to adopt a whole-of-government, science-based approach to climate resilience and disaster preparedness, emphasising that climate security has become a national priority that transcends political differences.

Mr. Kottu restaurant chain owner arrested over alleged assault of employee

The owner of the popular ’’Mr. Kottu’’ restaurant chain, Viraj Wickramanayake, has been arrested in connection with the alleged assault of one of his employees.

Bribery Commission issues notice on asset and liability declarations

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has announced an extension of the deadline for submitting annual and post-retirement asset and liability declarations without a penalty, following severe congestion on its centralized electronic system.

Rs. 80,000 bill puts Aluthgama station in the dark

The electricity supply to Aluthgama Railway Station is set to be disconnected after the station reportedly failed to settle an outstanding electricity bill of nearly Rs. 80,000.

IMF concludes visit to Sri Lanka

The International Monetary Fund staff have concluded their visit to Sri Lanka, the head of the IMF’s Sri Lanka mission Evan Papageorgiou said on Tuesday.

Water plant turns out to be illegal liquor factory; 18,575 bottles seized

A large-scale illegal liquor manufacturing operation disguised as a bottled drinking water business has been busted in Kaduwela, with police seizing more than 18,500 bottles of illicit liquor and arresting six suspects during a raid.

Oil stocks in US Strategic Petroleum Reserve fall by 5.5 million to lowest level since 1983

Stocks of ​crude oil in the U.S. ‌Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell by 5.5 million barrels to 325.7 million barrels, ​the lowest level since May ​1983, according to data from the ⁠Department of Energy.

Two drown after boat capsizes in Loggal Oya

A double canoe raft conveying a group of individuals on a picnic capsized in the Loggal Oya, and two of them drowned. The bodies were recovered last morning by Hasalaka Life Guard Unit and the Maduru Oya STF with the help of the Hasalaka Police.

CoPF member wants Central Bank, 13 commercial banks to be held to account

New Democratic Front (NDF) MP who is a member of Committee on Finance (COPF) Ravi Karunanayake in a letter addressed to the Chairman of COPF Harsha de Silva urged him to hold the Central Bank Supervision Unit and its Financial Investigation Unit answerable for what he called lethargic and oversight blindness of the institution with regard to the billion dollar illegal transfer of funds which was revealed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Enhanced rains no cause for alarm: Met. Dept.

Though it was reported yesterday that rains have enhanced in some parts of the country, including the catchment areas, the Department of Meteorology yesterday ruled out disaster in the coming days.

US and Iran negotiators head to Doha, but meeting uncertain

Iranian and U.S. negotiating ​teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both sides tested the interim ceasefire ‌to end the four-month-old war.

Sri Lanka woos U.S. investments for Colombo Port development

Sri Lanka has wooed U.S. investment in the development of the Colombo port and integrated infrastructure at a recent summit in Washington, a Deputy Minister said yesterday.

President attends Thanthirimale Aloka Pooja

Six people shot dead at centre for mothers and children in Germany

Six people have been fatally shot at a centre for mothers and children by a suspect who was in a custody dispute over his baby daughter, German police say.

Asset declaration deadline ends today; CIABOC warns of legal action

The deadline for public officials and other individuals required by law to submit their annual declarations of assets and liabilities without incurring penalties expires today (30), the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said.

Chinese tycoon sentenced to 30 years in US jail

Guo Wengui, who was once believed to be one of China’s richest businessmen, has been sentenced to 30 years in jail in the US for running a billion dollar scam.

WhatsApp now lets you reserve usernames

WhatsApp announced a much-awaited feature: usernames, which will allow users to share their profiles without disclosing their phone number. However, WhatsApp will still require a phone number to create an account on the chat app.

Petrol,diesel prices reduced

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced a reduction in the prices of selected fuel types with effect from last night (29).

Paraguay Stun Germany on Penalties in One of the Greatest FIFA World Cup Upsets

Germany’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a stunning end as Paraguay pulled off one of the greatest upsets in tournament history, defeating the four-time champions 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash.

NDB fraud probe reveals bigger transaction trail than first disclosed

Nearly three months after National Development Bank (NDB) disclosed what became one of the largest fraud cases to hit a listed Sri Lankan bank, a forensic review has identified the suspicious transaction amount to be higher than what was initially disclosed.