Special dengue prevention operation in Western Province from tomorrow

The government has decided to implement a special dengue prevention operation from tomorrow (5), covering 23 high-risk dengue zones in the Western Province.

Fisherman missing after boat overturns off Trincomalee

One fisherman went missing missing while two others were rescued after their fishing boat reportedly overturned in the seas off Trincomalee, police said.

Parents may soon be able to test children for drug use

The government is planning to introduce drug testing kits through pharmacies, allowing parents to privately check whether their children have become involved in drug use as part of a broader national strategy to combat narcotics.

Over 3,000 dengue cases reported within three days

The dengue epidemic continues to hit the country with 3,422 dengue cases having been reported within three days this month, Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara said today.

Sajith calls for amendment of Mosquito Breeding Act

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today called for the amendment of the Mosquito Breeding Act no 11 of 1987 to meet the needs of today where the country is experiencing an outbreak of dengue.

Beware of walking on roads while using phones! Police watchful!

Police said that legal action will be taken in the future against pedestrians who walk on roads while listening to music through headphones or earphones, citing the growing risk of road accidents.

Special talks on cooperative fuel station challenges

A special discussion was held at the Ministry of Energy to address a range of issues affecting cooperative fuel stations, with the participation of government ministers, senior officials and representatives of cooperative societies.

Applications for 2026 GCE O/L exam open until July 23

The Examinations Department has called for applications for the 2026 General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination, with the online application process open from July 3 to July 23, 2026.

Port City secures US $ 300mn FDI commitment due to renewed investment drive

China Harbour Engineering Company’s Port City Colombo confirmed a US $ 300 million foreign direct investment (FDI) commitment in January 2026, according to a Global Finance Magazine analysis, as Sri Lanka works to convert the Chinese-financed special economic zone into a genuine regional financial hub.

GovTech Sri Lanka appoints Shevan Goonetilleke as CEO

GovTech Sri Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd has announced the appointment of Shevan Goonetilleke as its Chief Executive Officer, effective August 19, 2026.

Trump, Netanyahu agree to meet in the US soon during phone call

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have agreed to meet in the United States in the near future following a phone conversation on Friday, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Germany bans workers from calling in sick

New rules designed to boost stagnating economy require ill employees to get doctors’ notes immediately

International call to pause PTA use till new law introduced

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has told the Government that the draft Anti-Terrorism Bill retains and expands the shortcomings identified in the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), while introducing new risks and concerns.

Deputy Speaker Salih, Rauf Hakeem attend Khamenei’s funeral

Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih left for Tehran to attend the State funeral services of Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Reconstruction of damaged Kandy–Colombo railway line accelerated

A special operation to expedite the reconstruction of the Kandy–Colombo main railway line between Kadugannawa and Rambukkana, which was severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, commenced today (July 3).

LAUGFS gas slashes domestic LP gas prices

LAUGFS Gas has announced a significant reduction in domestic LP gas prices, effective from midnight today.

French heat wave death toll rises to 2025

France has said it recorded an increase of more than 2,000 deaths during the last week of a record-breaking European heatwave in June as forecasters warn of further extreme temperatures on the continent in the next few days.

Spa Association complains to IGP over alleged police action

The Sri Lanka Spa Association says it has lodged complaints with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), alleging harassment of licensed spa establishments by police and calling for an impartial investigation into recent incidents.

CIABOC says Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was in Dubai during alleged bribe transaction

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption yesterday informed court that it has been revealed that former Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was in Dubai at the time the alleged bribe was received.

Early gains fade as profit-taking pushes CSE into negative territory

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended the trend observed over the past few trading sessions, with early buying interest failing to sustain momentum as profit-taking emerged later in the day. After opening on a positive note, both benchmark indices gradually slipped into negative territory, resulting in a modest decline by the close.

Rail compartment transported by road

Litro cuts domestic LP gas prices by up to Rs. 300

Litro Gas Lanka today announced a reduction in the prices of domestic LP gas cylinders, with the revised rates taking effect from midnight.

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