President’s Fund provides laptops to 14 university students

The President’s Fund yesterday provided laptop computers to 14 university students selected from applications submitted through Divisional Secretariat offices across the country.

Sri Lanka tightens import remittance regulations

The Government has introduced new regulations aimed at strengthening the monitoring of outward remittances linked to import transactions through a Gazette Extraordinary issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969.

Sri Lanka could save billions by expanding EV use, says Energy Minister

Sri Lanka could save billions of rupees spent on fossil fuel imports by increasing the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging them with renewable energy, Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said.

Sri Lanka welcomes US-Iran ceasefire agreement

The Government of Sri Lanka has welcomed the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and the Iran, which establishes an immediate ceasefire between the two countries.

Kala Wewa renovation begins to stop water leaks

The long-delayed renovation of the historic Kala Wewa Reservoir to permanently stop water leakages that have continued for more than 42 years officially commenced on June 16, with authorities assuring that the project will not disrupt cultivation or pose any safety risks.

Thirty-five killed as gunmen attack Niger’s biggest airport

Thirty-five people have been killed after gunmen struck Niger’s largest airport on Thursday, officials say - the second attack in less than five months.

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0, become first team to reach World Cup knockouts

FIFA World Cup 2026 cohosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over South Korea at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

Switzerland says US-Iran talks planned for Friday are off

Talks that had been planned for ​Friday between the ‌United States and Iran at the Burgenstock mountaintop ​resort in Switzerland ​will not take place, ⁠according to a ​Swiss foreign ministry statement.

Shoe garland hung on MP Archuna’s portrait in Jaffna

A shoe garland has been placed on a portrait of Member of Parliament Archuna Ramanathan in Jaffna.

Direct Ahmedabad-Colombo flights to begin, boosting tourism and business travel

Direct flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo are set to begin this week, offering travellers from India’s Gujarat state easier access to Sri Lanka while reducing the need for connecting flights through Mumbai and Delhi.

Water Supply disrupted in Mahara and Gampaha until Saturday morning

Water supply to the Mahara Pradeshiya Sabha and Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha areas has been suspended from today (June 19) until 8.00 a.m. on Saturday (June 20) due to a sudden rupture in the main water supply line near the Kadawatha Central Expressway.

Sleep on beach

Indonesia to halt free meal scheme during holidays

Indonesia will suspend its free meal scheme during holiday periods, after mass protests in the capital condemned wasteful spending and demanded that the goverment address worsening economic conditions.

Andy Burnham’s election to parliament sets up bid to oust UK PM Starmer

Labour mayor Andy ​Burnham cleared a path to ousting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after winning a parliamentary seat in northern England on Friday in what could be most consequential ‌local election in more than six decades.

Investigation Board appointed over Kalpitiya Range incident

special Board of Inquiry has been appointed by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) to investigate a confrontation that occurred between Air Force personnel and a group of individuals, including a police officer, during a bomb disposal exercise at the Kalpitiya field firing range on June 17.

World Cup Matchweek 2: Qualification Race Heats Up

The opening matchweek of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is complete, and the race for places in the newly expanded Round of 32 is already heating up. With 12 group winners, 12 runners-up and the eight best third-placed teams advancing, every point could prove crucial.

US lifts naval blockade as Iran’s supreme leader says Trump made deal ’out of desperation’

The US has dropped its naval blockade of Iran after the two countries signed a deal to end the war in the Middle East.

Mahayaya Vinita Thera no longer a monk, probe underway

A statement has been issued in response to the case involving Tufts Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Vineetha Mahayaye, who was among seven men arrested on Saturday by the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit on allegations of attempting to pay for sexual acts.

Sri Lanka find right combination in WI defeat

West Indies sealed the three-match T20 series (2-1) with a thrilling victory in the last game over Sri Lanka where the visitors were beaten in the final over.

Iran war casts fresh shadow over Sri Lanka’s recovery

Sri Lanka’s fragile economic recovery faces renewed external headwinds after Fitch Ratings downgraded its outlook on a growing number of emerging market sectors, warning that the ongoing Iran conflict is

Over 1,200 killed in road accidents in less than six months

The Sri Lanka Police has reported that 1,297 people were killed in road accidents across the country between January 1 and June 16, 2026.

No price hike for vehicles already imported by May 15: Deputy Minister

Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando says there is no possibility of increasing prices for vehicles that had already been imported to the country by May 15.

Three types of cardiac stents withdrawn immediately due to safety concerns

The Medical Supplies Division (MSD) have ordered the immediate withdrawal of three types of ’inferior’ cardiac stents and instructed hospitals across Sri Lanka to isolate all remaining stocks without using them, in a major nationwide safety alert affecting heart treatment services.

Sri Lanka, India recognize urgency, but no result on implementation yet

In the wake of the West Asian or Middle East crisis, Sri Lanka and India have recognized the need for the expeditious implementation of the Trincomalee petroleum hub project for energy security, but no specific timeline is carved out yet, Daily Mirror learns.

Messi’s father recovering from 'health issue': family

Lionel Messi’s father is recovering from an unspecified ’’health issue’’, the Argentina star’s family said Thursday, appealing for privacy after a flurry of recent media reports.

‘Two leaves and a bud’ becoming fiction as climate change hits tea: Dilmah Chief

The centuries-old standard that defines premium Ceylon Tea is at risk of becoming “a fiction” as climate extremes disrupt growing conditions across Sri Lanka’s tea lands, Dilmah Tea Chairman and Chief

Wasim Akram Hails Sri Lanka as a World-Class Travel Destination

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has described Sri Lanka as one of the world’s finest holiday destinations, praising the island’s natural beauty and his long-standing connection with the country.

Ministry issues list of foods prohibited in school canteens

The Health Ministry has issued a revised list of foods prohibited for sale in school canteens, aimed at promoting a healthier generation of children and reducing the growing risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Govt to seek interpol notices for wanted ex-ministers, underworld figures

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala today said that Blue Notices or Red Notices will be issued in the future to bring back former ministers and underworld figures who have court-issued arrest warrants and are believed to be overseas.

Namal criticises dengue response and Government policies

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer, MP Namal Rajapaksa, has criticised the government’s dengue control measures, alleging inefficiency in local authority responses and broader policy failures.