Contract farming gains momentum as IFC backs local poultry sector

The local poultry sector is seeing a renewed push towards contract farming and sustainable production, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) backing an expansion by New Anthony’s Farm Group

CCC outlines three-year plan to strengthen Sri Lanka’s competitiveness

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) yesterday said it is working with a three-year strategy to accelerate investment, boost exports and strengthen support for small businesses, as the private sector seeks to play a larger role in sustaining the country’s economic recovery.

Trade Ministry seeks closer collaboration with retailers, says Minister

The Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Ministry is looking forward to strengthening its collaboration with the Sri Lanka Retailers Association (SLRA), Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said while addressing the association’s 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Two fined Rs. 450,000 each for trading protected wildlife parts

Two men from Wariyapola and Minuwangate were fined Rs. 450,000 each by the Wariyapola Magistrate’s Court for possessing and trying to sell protected wildlife items.

Govt aims to complete national digital land database this year

The Government plans to complete a nationwide digital land information system within this year to improve land administration and speed up investment-related processes, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha said.

Sri Lanka participates in UN public service forum 2026 in Georgia

The United Nations Public Service Forum and Awards Ceremony 2026 commenced on June 23 at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace in Tbilisi, Georgia, under the theme “Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Accountability, Participation and Inclusion.”

People want cost of living answers, not arrest commentary: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa has urged the government to focus on addressing the rising cost of living instead of discussing arrests and investigations in Parliament.

Dengue surge: Around 700 patients a day strain hospitals

Hospitals are facing severe pressure as dengue infections surge across the country, with around 700 patients being reported daily based on the latest weekly figures, Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical & Civil Rights, Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said today.

Iraq warns it might leave OPEC if oil quota not raised, sources say

Iraq has considered leaving OPEC if the oil producer group does not allow Baghdad to ​significantly increase oil production, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

US judge blocks Trump’s mail-in voting executive order

A federal judge in Boston on Thursday blocked implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order aiming to tighten rules for mail-in voting, preventing it from taking ​force ahead of November elections that will decide control of Congress.

CSE closes higher as buying interest strengthens

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) continued its upward momentum on 25th June 2026, with both benchmark indices posting strong gains amid renewed investor confidence and broad-based buying interest. The market opened on a firm footing and maintained its positive trajectory throughout the session, supported by steady accumulation of fundamentally strong counters across multiple sectors.

Grade one admissions circular for 2027 issued

The Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Ministry has issued Circular No. 25/2026 outlining the procedure for the admission of children to Grade One in government schools for the 2027 academic year.

Brazil through as Three Nations make history

Brazil booked their place in the World Cup last 32 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Scotland, while South Africa, Canada, and Bosnia-Herzegovina celebrated historic breakthroughs by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

Rakitha Rajapaksa, Charith Abeysinghe remanded

The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Asanga S. Bodaragama, today remanded until July 3 the son of a former Justice Minister, a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) electorate organiser, and another individual over allegations that they accepted a Rs. 120 million bribe from the wife of alleged organised crime figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias “Harak Kata.”

President Dissanayake to visit France

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to undertake an official visit to France on July 16, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and attracting increased French investment to Sri Lanka.

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s son, Charith Abeysinghe produced before court

Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Nirmala Rajapaksa, the son of former Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, was today produced before court along with two other suspects arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Showers, strong winds expected over next 36 hours

The Meteorology Department says showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts during the next 36 hours.

Central Bank submits report to COPF on missing USD 2.5 Million

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has submitted its report to the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) regarding the disappearance of USD 2.5 million that had been held by the Treasury for the repayment of state debt.

Retired engineer loses over Rs. 9 mn in WhatsApp investment scam

A retired professional engineer in her late 60s has lost more than Rs. 9 million after falling victim to an online investment scam promoted through WhatsApp, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) said.

Dambulla court fines traders for selling kiri samba above regulated price

The Dambulla Magistrate’s Court has imposed fines on two business establishments for selling Kiri Samba rice above the government-approved Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

Audio leak surfaces hours after arrests of Rakitha Rajapaksa, SJB Organiser

A controversial audio recording allegedly linked to a bribery investigation has surfaced online, just hours after the arrest of Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Rajapaksa and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Horana organiser Charith Abeysinghe by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Work begins on UK’s new £750m supercomputer

Construction work has started on the UK’s new £750m national supercomputer.

BOI Director General Renuka Weerakone retires

Director General of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka, Renuka M. Weerakone, will retire from her position on June 30, bringing to a close a distinguished 32-year career at the country’s premier investment promotion agency, the BOI said.

Two Indian witnesses to be summoned in Namal’s Krrish deal case

The Colombo High Court today ordered summons to be issued to two Indian nationals to provide evidence in the controversial Krrish deal case involving Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa.

Speaker reaffirms Parliament’s support for National Commission on Women

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to providing every possible support to strengthen the work of the National Commission on Women and safeguard its independence.

Rohitha Rajapaksa leaves CCIB after five-hour statement

Rohitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, left the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) after nearly five hours, having recorded a statement in connection with an investigation into an investment he had made in an institution located in Mirihana.

In Colombo, Bangkok this week, India and Pakistan met again for track 2 talks

Indian and Pakistani delegates have held a fresh round of Track Two diplomacy talks in Colombo and Bangkok earlier this week. The primary objective was to strengthen mechanisms for dialogue during crises, alongside measures to prevent and manage potential escalations. During the meetings both sides exchanged notes, and had frank exchanges on issues related to terrorism and water.

IOC Launches Historic $140M Athlete Grant Programme

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a landmark $140 million funding programme that will provide a $10,000 grant to every eligible Olympian competing at the Games.

Court of Appeal enters digital era with historic first E-Filing case

Sri Lanka’s judicial system marked a historic milestone today as the Court of Appeal successfully accepted and heard its first-ever electronic filing (E-Filing) case, ushering in a new era of digital justice and paperless court administration.

FIFA suspends Nepal over third-party interference

World football’s governing body FIFA has suspended Nepal’s football association, officials said Thursday, barring the country from all international competitions.