Dubai plans new port to bypass Strait of Hormuz

DP World is planning to build a new port and a container terminal on the United Arab Emirates’ east coast that would reduce Dubai’s dependence on its flagship Jebel Ali hub and bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Container cargo ferry service between India and Sri Lanka to begin in September

A new container cargo ferry service connecting Karaikal in India with Kankesanthurai (KKS) and Trincomalee in Sri Lanka is scheduled to commence in late August or early September 2026, offering regular maritime freight services between the two countries.

Trump says US will become ‘guardian’ of Strait of Hormuz and collect tolls

United States President Donald Trump has said the US will restart its naval blockade of Iran and “become the guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz, amid the ongoing escalation with Iran that threatens to derail efforts towards a more lasting peace.

Minority parties to form common platform

A number of Tamil-speaking political parties representing the Tamil and Muslim communities in Sri Lanka have decided to form a common platform to address issues faced by the two communities, it was announced today.

Sri Lanka committed to upholding international standards in nuclear safety, security: Minister

Sri Lanka is firmly committed to upholding international standards in nuclear safety and security, Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena said today.

FINAL FOUR CONFIRMED! Only four World Cup Finals are still possible

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its defining stage, with Argentina, France, Spain and England now just one win away from the final. Four potential title clashes remain on the road to New York, each promising world-class stars, historic rivalries and unforgettable storylines.

Eye donation pledges surpass 2.3 million: Eye Donation Society

More than 2.3 million people have pledged to donate their eyes after death, the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society announced.

Warm weather advisory issued for several places tomorrow

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department has issued a warm weather advisory for the Mullaittivu, Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee and Moneragala districts during the daytime tomorrow.

CSE opens the week lower as retail selling and geopolitical concerns weigh on market sentiment

The Colombo Stock Exchange commenced the week on a weak note, with both benchmark indices closing sharply lower as investor sentiment remained subdued amid persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and cautious positioning ahead of the upcoming quarterly earnings season. Retail-driven selling pressure dominated the session,

UK bans support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will be designated a threat to national security.

Public transport must be given same level of attention as healthcare system: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that a quality and accessible public transport system that benefits every individual must be developed, adding that such a system would reduce the personal financial burden borne by the public for transportation while ensuring a quality transport service across the country.

JVP led government is more right wing than RW: Sajith

The present government led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) is more right wing than former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Sri Lanka has survived its crisis. Or has it?

Sri Lanka’s economic comeback has won praise from the creditors, multilaterals and investors. Yet, beneath the headline numbers is hidden a more uncomfortable question: Can the island nation create enough jobs, attract enough investment and remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain world?

India pledges Rs. 600M for Deniyaya Base Hospital

The Government of India has pledged to provide medical equipment worth approximately Rs. 600 million for the new Deniyaya Base Hospital, further strengthening healthcare services in the Matara District. The assistance forms part of the ’’Aftermath Cyclone Ditwah Project,’’ which supports the restoration of health infrastructure affected by environmental and geological risks following the cyclone.

Delay, drift and decline

Sri Lanka has moved past its 2022 economic crisis, but its recovery remains “far from over,” the World Bank’s Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives said, warning that the country must now convert stability into competitiveness and jobs.

Environment Ministry unveils USD 38.2m mercury and waste management project

The Environment Ministry today officially launched a USD 38.2 million project supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen Sri Lanka’s chemical, mercury and healthcare waste management systems, while handing over advanced laboratory equipment to key institutions.

HIV cases rising in Sri Lanka; Colombo, Gampaha record highest numbers

HIV infections are on the rise in Sri Lanka, with Colombo and Gampaha reporting the highest number of cases, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Sathya Herath said.

NAF seeks probe into satellite TV and solar panel firms

The National Action Front (NAF) has requested the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to launch an investigation into the financial activities of companies providing satellite television services and solar panel installation services, alleging the possibility of money laundering through such businesses.

Police warn public of fake traffic fine SMS scam

Police have warned the public about a phishing scam in which fraudsters are sending fake SMS messages claiming to be from the Sri Lanka Police, informing motorists of alleged unpaid traffic fines for speeding offences.

South Korea court sentences ex-president Yoon to two years in illegal polling case

A South Korean ​court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to ​two years in prison on Monday after finding him guilty of illegally receiving opinion polling services worth 270 million ​won ($179,800) ‌for free from a political broker, ⁠local media said.

MEPA launches ’Ocean Watch’ app to strengthen coastal waste management

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has launched the ’’Ocean Watch’’ web-based mobile application as part of the government’s digitalization policy to improve waste management along Sri Lanka’s coastline and in fishing harbours.

Women MPs push for 33% political representation

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has called for urgent policy and legal reforms to ensure that women receive greater representation in Sri Lanka’s Provincial Council and Local Government elections, proposing that female representation be increased to a minimum of 33%.

Heavy rains and flash floods in Bangladesh leave 51 dead

At least 51 people have died and more than a million affected by heavy rainfall in Bangladesh in recent days.

Sri Lanka’s oldest woman passes away at 114

Punchage Kalumenike, a resident of Sangili Kanadarawa in the Anuradhapura District, who was widely recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s oldest living women, has passed away at the age of 114.

Europe recorded 10,000 excess deaths during late-June heatwave, data show

European countries reported more than 10,000 excess deaths during the record-breaking heatwave that engulfed the west of the continent in late June, official data showed.

Breaking Down the Israel–Iran Conflict: What We Know So Far - Day 135

More than four months after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, the fragile peace agreement that halted more than 100 days of war is on the verge of collapse as Washington and Tehran exchange their heaviest attacks since signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Sam Neill, star of ‘Jurassic Park,’ has died, family says

Legendary New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who starred in ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Peaky Blinders,’ died Monday in Sydney, Australia at age 78, his family said.

Fire reported at Kalutara District Secretariat

A fire was reported at the Kalutara District Secretariat this afternoon (13), with emergency services swiftly responding to the incident.

University of Visual and Performing Arts reopens

The University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo resumed its academic activities today (13) after the institution was temporarily closed for nearly two weeks due to a surge in dengue and viral fever cases.

Oil jumps 4% as new military strikes threaten Hormuz shipments

Oil prices surged over 4% on Monday as energy shipments via ​the Strait of Hormuz remained under threat, with the U.S. and ‌Iran announcing renewed military strikes.