Hi Life fashion exhibition opens

Harsha urges Colombo Mayor to repair damaged Independence Square walking path

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has urged the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar to immediately repair the walking path at Independence Square, warning that its deteriorating condition poses a safety risk, particularly to elderly walkers.

26-year-old arrested for allegedly killing parents in Embilipitiya

A 26-year-old man has been arrested for the murder of his parents in the Kiralawellakatuwa area of Embilipitiya.

CAA plans pilot project for passenger-carrying drones

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Sri Lanka is planning to launch a pilot project to introduce passenger-carrying drones in the country as part of efforts to explore advanced air mobility solutions.

UAE condemns Iran’s ’brazen’ attack on tankers as US launches fresh strikes

The UAE accused Iran of a ’’brazen’’ attack on two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, killing one and wounding eight, as Donald Trump said the US would impose a 20% charge as part of a new blockade on the waterway.

CID seeks Health Ministry probe into substandard cardiac devices

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has requested the Health Ministry Secretary to conduct a preliminary inquiry to identify the individuals and companies responsible for the alleged procurement of substandard cardiac stents and angiogram catheters supplied to hospitals, and to facilitate legal action, Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman Specialist Dr Chamal Sanjeewa said.

Quadruple murder accused acquitted after 16 years

An accused who stood indicted with quadruple murder was found not guilty and acquitted by North Central Province High Court Judge Indika Attanayake. The case had been pending for 16 years.

Magistrates, District Court judges up in arms against move

With pressure mounting on the Government from the country’s legal fraternity over the move for retirement age extension for Superior Court judges, the Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka (JSASL), the sole organisation representing all District Court Judges and Magistrates in the country, has informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that it had unanimously passed a resolution opposing such extension for any judge.

Norway turn World Cup heartbreak into celebration as huge crowds pack capital

More than 100,000 fans flooded the streets of the Norwegian capital Oslo on ​Monday to give their soccer team a heroes’ welcome, turning the heartbreak of their World Cup exit into a ‌massive national celebration.

Govt. silence masks Rs 31 Bn cyber heist

Over US$ 88 million and 4 million Euros have been siphoned from Sri Lanka’s state coffers due to severe institutional negligence, a loss masked by official state silence until a recent Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) report exposed the crisis, according to an analytical article by Independent Researcher Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa.

Deadline set for school stationery grant process; No further extensions

The Education Ministry has announced the deadlines for the 2026 programme to provide grants for the purchase of stationery for schoolchildren, stating that no further extensions will be granted.

Filipino woman arrested at BIA with Rs. 61.8 mn worth of ’Kush’

A 63-year-old Filipino woman was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, in the early hours of today after Airport Police Narcotics Bureau officers allegedly seized ’’Kush’’ drugs worth an estimated Rs. 61.8 million from her luggage.

Grandfather arrested over rape

A 12-year-old schoolgirl suffering from a urine infection was examined by the doctors, to find that she had been raped at times for two years by her grandfather.

Cardinal calling the shots in military appointments, charges Opposition MP

There is a sinister move by the government to extend the term of the current army commander until January 2028 following the request of the Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake charged.

Negombo Prison clash death toll climbs to 31 after two more officers die

The death toll from the violent clashes at Negombo Prison has risen to 31 after two more prison officers died while receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo.

Sri Lanka emerges as fastest-growing destination for Indian weddings: Report

Sri Lanka has emerged as the fastest-growing overseas destination for Indian weddings in 2025, recording a 25% rise in popularity. Despite challenges posed by the ongoing West Asia crisis, couples are unlikely to scale back their destination wedding plans this year, according to a report.

MBAPPÉ vs YAMAL! World Cup Final Spot on the Line

The FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its biggest showdown yet as France and Spain clash in a blockbuster semi-final with a place in the final at stake. Kylian Mbappé’s free-scoring France face Lamine Yamal’s European champions in a battle between two of football’s brightest stars and leading title contenders.

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?