Yoshitha Rajapaksa appears before Bribery Commission

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (17).

G7 vows new Russia sanctions amid optimism for Ukraine peace

G7 leaders, such as German Chancellor Merz, are sounding more upbeat about the push for peace in Ukraine. The G7 is looking to hit Russia with new energy sanctions as the Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen.

Rough seas, strong winds forecast for multi-day fishing boats

The Meteorology Department has warned multi-day fishing vessels operating in Sri Lankan waters to exercise caution, as rough sea conditions and strong winds are expected over the next 24 hours.

Messi in action

Group planned to attack White House UFC event using snipers and drones, FBI says

The FBI thwarted a plot targeting Sunday’s UFC event at the White House and has arrested five men, the US justice department said on Tuesday.

Messi scores hat-trick against Algeria in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers

Lionel Messi has completed a hat-trick against Algeria in Group ’J’ of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. He gave Argentina a strong 3-0 lead in his first World Cup match with a hat-trick.

World crude oil prices ease below $80

Global crude oil prices remained below the key US$80 per barrel mark on Wednesday, easing from recent highs as expectations of improved oil supply and easing geopolitical tensions weighed on the market.

Struggling Pizza Hut chain to be sold for $2.7bn

Yum! Brands is selling its struggling Pizza Hut chain in a deal worth $2.7bn (£2bn), the company has announced.

No seat belts? don’t start the vehicle, warns Dilantha

Renowned Sri Lankan racing driver Dilantha Malagamuwa has issued a strong warning to motorists, urging them to ensure that all passengers are wearing seat belts before starting their vehicles, as Sri Lanka prepares to strictly enforce mandatory seat belt regulations from June 20.

Transparency, regulations should be convincing; Indonesian envoy

Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing was the latest foreign envoy to assert that transparency and regulations related to the investment climate in Sri Lanka should be convincing to the private sector.

Buckle up or face legal action

Amid the increasing number of road accidents and fatalities, the National Council for Road Safety said that the mandatory use of seat belts by motorists and passengers will be strictly enforced from June 20, 2026.

Probe illegal online advertising by betting centers

Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has directed the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) and other relevant institutions to carry out a probe on illegal online advertising by betting centres, it was revealed yesterday.

Hospitals under pressure as Dengue cases spike

Health authorities have raised concerns that Sri Lanka’s healthcare system could come under severe pressure if the current rise in dengue admissions continues.

Open letter from Rosy Senanayake to the Government of Sri Lanka

Former Colombo Mayor and former Member of Parliament Rosy Senanayake has issued an open letter calling for urgent action to address what she describes as a deepening child protection crisis in Sri Lanka, urging both domestic and international authorities to intervene.

Soft drinks, sedentary lifestyles fuel rise in childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is increasing in Sri Lanka, with health authorities pointing to higher consumption of carbonated beverages and unhealthy lifestyles as key contributing factors.

Used vehicle prices could rise again after removal of 15% valuation reduction: VIASL

The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has warned that the prices of imported used vehicles could increase significantly following the removal of the 15 percent valuation reduction previously applied when determining the Customs value of used vehicles.

Sri Lanka launches export roadmap targeting US$ 36bn by 2030

Sri Lanka yesterday unveiled an ambitious five-year export roadmap targeting annual export earnings of US$36 billion by 2030, as the government seeks to deepen the country’s post-crisis recovery by diversifying exports, expanding market access and addressing long-standing constraints that have limited competitiveness.

Build stronger export engine for lasting recovery: CBSL Governor

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery will struggle to gain lasting momentum unless the country significantly expands its export base and improves access to trade finance, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said yesterday, positioning export-led growth as the next critical phase of the country’s post-crisis rebuilding effort.

Manufacturing, services return to growth path in May

Private sector activity regained momentum in May, with both manufacturing and services expanding after a softer April, although businesses remained wary of risks linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Elon Musk Becomes the World’s First Trillionaire. What Does $1 Trillion Mean in Sri Lankan Rupees?

The SpaceX IPO pushes Musk past $1 trillion this month. Here is what that number actually looks like for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka shock New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup thriller

Sri Lanka Women secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over New Zealand Women in Match 7 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, successfully chasing down a target of 151 with two balls to spare at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

25% of private bus fleet operated on kerosene; LPBOA Chairman

Lanka Private Bus Owners Association Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne has revealed that around 25 percent of the country’s private bus fleet had been operating using kerosene, describing the situation as a “tragic” and “illegal” practice within the sector.

Over 40% of schools found with Dengue breeding sites

Dengue inspections carried out across Sri Lanka have revealed a high prevalence of mosquito breeding sites within school premises, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Namal thanks Nalinda for court reminder

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa said he was grateful to Minister Nalinda Jayatissa for reminding him of his upcoming court date and humorously requested that the minister remind him again before the hearing scheduled for next month.

Rs. 14m Kendu leaves, beedi seized in Chilaw coast guard raid

Based on intelligence received, a special operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy led to the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of a lorry transporting a large stock of illicit goods in the Kammala Wella beach area in Chilaw yesterday (15).

Namal can continue campaigning when not attending court: Nalinda

Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said it is acceptable for opposition politician Namal Rajapaksa to engage in campaign-related activities while travelling around the country, as long as he attends court proceedings on scheduled dates.

Former Atamasthanadhipathi gives blood sample for DNA testing

Former Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera has provided a blood sample to the Government Analyst for DNA testing in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl.

Rs. 15Bn project launched to upgrade BIA Terminal 1

Sri Lanka has launched a Rs. 15 billion project to renovate Terminal 1 of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, using domestic funds, authorities said.

Early rally fades as profit-taking leaves market mixed

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended Tuesday’s session on a mixed note, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) closing marginally lower while the S&P SL20 Index managed to post a slight gain. The market began the day on a strong footing, with the ASPI surging more than 180 points during the first half hour of trading as buying interest supported broad market momentum.

Only option left for Sallay is to reveal what he knows: Govt.

Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that the most appropriate step that former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay can take in relation to the Easter Sunday terror attacks is to disclose all information in his possession and assist the ongoing investigations.