If the Presidential Secretariat needed a dengue clean-up, what about the rest of the country? – Namal

SLPP National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa questioned the government’s response to the worsening dengue situation, stating that the clean-up campaign carried out around the Presidential Secretariat highlighted the authorities’ delayed response to a crisis that has already reached epidemic proportions.

Water levels rise in Castlereagh and Maussakelle reservoirs

Water levels in the Castlereagh and Maussakelle reservoirs have increased following intermittent heavy rainfall in their catchment areas, according to engineers in charge of the reservoirs.

Ram Madhav rejects report of India-Pakistan Track 2 talks in Colombo

Senior BJP leader and India Foundation president Ram Madhav on Saturday rejected a media report claiming he participated in fresh India-Pakistan Track 2 talks in Colombo, calling it a ’’complete spin to a non-story.’’

Tamil Nadu moves to monetise Nagapattinam-Sri Lanka ferry route

Less than two years after India and Sri Lanka relaunched the passenger ferry, the Tamil Nadu state is moving to commercialise the route’s onshore infrastructure, inviting bids for duty-free retail and foreign-exchange concessions at the Nagapattinam International Passenger Terminal.

Suspect arrested over viral dog cruelty video in Kalmunai

The Kalmunai Police have arrested a suspect following the widespread circulation of a social media video showing an individual brutally assaulting a dog.

Five arrested at BIA with Hashish and Kush

Officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) attached to the Katunayake Unit arrested five suspects during a series of raids at the arrival terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on the evening of June 27, following intelligence received on an alleged drug smuggling operation.

Clarke steps down as Scotland boss after World Cup exit

Steve Clarke has resigned as head coach following Scotland’s exit from the World Cup.

117 dead dogs found at California ’no-kill’ animal rescue - many with gunshot wounds

Investigators have found the remains of 117 dogs in various states of decomposition - many of which were found with gunshot wounds - on the grounds of a purported ’’no-kill’’ animal shelter in northern California.

Death toll in Venezuela quake tops 1,400 as rescue efforts intensify

The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes rose above 1,400 on Saturday as ​foreign rescue teams poured into the country and authorities pressed on with the search for survivors in the hardest-hit coastal areas.

Heavy rain, strong winds to continue across several areas today

The Meteorology Department has forecast continued rainy and windy conditions across several parts of the country today (28), with fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm expected in some areas.

International Dhamma programme on ’Kamma’ to be held on Poson Poya Day

An international Dhamma programme titled ’’Kamma’’ will be held online on Poson Full Moon Poya Day, June 29, with the sermon to be delivered by the Venerable Henepola Gunaratana Mahathera.

Digital liquor bottle stickers cost same as paper version: Finance committe

The cost of security stickers used on liquor bottles has remained unchanged despite most of them now being printed digitally instead of being affixed as paper labels, officials informed the Committee on Public Finance.

US launches strikes on Iran after second shipping attack

The US has conducted new strikes on Iran, following a drone attack on a Panama-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.

Sri Lanka out of Women’s T20 World Cup despite Ireland’s stunning victory over West Indies

Despite Ireland pulling off a stunning six-wicket upset over the West Indies, Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup came to an end on Saturday, as their inferior net run rate proved decisive.

Police tighten action against reckless driving to prevent fatal accidents

Police have instructed all traffic officers to take direct legal action against drivers involved in reckless driving instead of issuing on-the-spot fines, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety W.P.J. Senadheera said.

Dr. Chandika Epitakaduwa elected new GMOA president

Dr. Chandika Epitakaduwa has been elected as the new President of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) for the 2026/27 term.

Education Ministry ready to implement grade 6 reforms next year

The Education Ministry has confirmed that it is fully prepared to implement the new education reforms for Grade 6 from next year.

Supreme Court conducts fully digital, paperless 735 Attorneys-at-Law oath ceremony

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka successfully conducted a fully digital, paperless Attorneys-at-Law oath ceremony, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing

35 still hospitalised after Diyatalawa bus crash

Thirty-five people remain hospitalised following the road accident near the Diyatalawa railway crossing on Saturday morning, police said.

More Poson dansals registered than Vesak; PHIs warn against plastic use

A higher number of Poson Dansals have been registered across Sri Lanka this year compared to Vesak, with the largest concentration reported from the North Central Province, according to the Acting Chairman of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association, Upul Rohana.

Heavy rain expected over next 36 hours

The Meteorology Department has forecast continued rainy and windy conditions across several parts of the country over the next 36 hours, with fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm expected in some areas.

Presidential secretariat dengue drive

Iran says it struck US-linked targets in response to US attacks

Iran said it struck ​targets linked ‌to U.S. forces in response ​to U.S. ​airstrikes on its ⁠southern coast, ​which it said ​violated the U.N. Charter and the ​war-ending memorandum ​between the two countries, ‌according ⁠to a statement by its foreign ​ministry.

LAWASIA urges Sri Lanka to halt judicial retirement age amendment

The Law Association for Asia and the Pacific (LAWASIA) has called on the Sri Lankan Government to refrain from proceeding with the proposed Constitutional amendments aimed at increasing the retirement age of judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, warning that such a move could undermine judicial independence and public confidence in the country’s legal system.

Nearly 1,000 cancer patients at risk over CT Simulation delay

The Health Professionals’ Association has raised concerns over a serious crisis in radiotherapy services in Sri Lanka’s government health sector, warning that nearly 1,000 cancer patients are facing delays in essential treatment.

Environment Ministry launches WhatsApp service for complaints

The Ministry of Environment has launched an official WhatsApp service to strengthen public participation in environmental conservation and improve communication between citizens and authorities.

Suresh Sallay transferred to cardiology unit

Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Suresh Sallay has been transferred to the Cardiology Unit of the Colombo National Hospital.

Trade Ministry moves to speed up food import clearance

A high-level discussion was held at the Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Ministry recently to address delays in the inspection and release of imported food items by government institutions.

Sri Lanka is the world’s top trending wellness destination for 2026

Wellness travel is no longer just about booking a massage and calling it self-care. According to the State of Retreats 2026 Report by BookRetreats.com, more travellers are now booking holidays that promise something beyond a tan and an overworked camera roll.

Youth unemployment declines: Deputy Minister

Youth unemployment has declined significantly over the past year, with the government creating new employment opportunities through the tourism and information technology sectors, as well as partnerships with the private sector, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake said.