Drone operation in Parliament

A drone operation was conducted within the Parliament premises for several hours yesterday, Parliament sources said.

Warning issued for rough seas from Galle to Pottuvil

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department has advised naval and fishing communities not to venture into sea areas extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota over the next 24 hours due to rough sea conditions.

Bribery Commission indicts Keheliya, four family members

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) filed an indictment before the Colombo High Court against former Minister of Mass Media, Health and Environment Keheliya Rambukwella and four of his family members, over the alleged acquisition of illicit assets amounting to Rs. 97 million.

Danish woman arrested with Rs. 57 million worth of ’Kush’ at BIA

A 23-year-old Danish woman was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on Tuesday night (16) while attempting to smuggle a consignment of the narcotic drug ‘Kush’ valued at Rs. 57 million.

China donates full school uniform requirement for 2025

The Chinese government has donated the entire fabric requirement for Sri Lanka’s 2025 school uniform programme, amounting to Rs. 5,171 million, as a grant. A formal ceremony to mark the handover was held yesterday (16) at the Ministry of Education.

13 jumbos being treated for gun-shot wounds: Wildlife Department

In the wake of shocking death of ’Bathiya’ tusker, the Wildlife Department yesterday revealed that thirteen more elephants including two tuskers were currently receiving treatment due to gun-shot injuries.

Army donates copra for Dalada Perahera illuminations

Hambantota Bird Park owner arrested over illegal import of motorcycle

The owner of the Hambantota Bird Park has been arrested over the illegal import of luxury motorcycles into Sri Lanka, police said.

Fire engulfs main stage of Tomorrowland festival days before opening

A fire has destroyed the main stage at Tomorrowland festival in Belgium, just two days before the event was set to open.

Largest Mars rock ever found on Earth sells for $4.3m at auction

An ’’unbelievably rare’’ piece of Mars - the largest ever found on Earth - has sold for $4.3m (£3.2m) at a New York auction on Wednesday.

Dynastic politics no longer rules the roost in SL

Dynastic politics which once dominated Sri Lankan politics as in other South Asian countries, is no longer a factor for voters in the exercise of their franchise, a survey funded by the European Union found.

Hasan duo guides Bangladesh to first T20i series win

Right-arm spinner Mahedi Hasan, with a four-wicket haul, and Tanzid Hasan, who slammed an unbeaten 73 off 46 balls, shone for Bangladesh in their convincing eight-wicket win in the deciding third T20I matchagainst hosts Sri Lanka.

US tariff blow puts SL’s US $ 857mn coconut export industry at risk: Industry

The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industry (CCCI) yesterday issued an urgent appeal to the government in response to the US’ decision to impose a 30 percent import tariff on coconut-based products from Sri Lanka, effective August 1, 2025.

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Half-naked Thai tourist gets one-and-a-half month’s jail term suspended for five years

The Thai female tourist who walked half-naked through the Arugam Bay tourist zone was sentenced to one-and-a-half month’s jail term suspended for five years by Potuvil Magistrate A.L.M. Hilmy.

Chemmani mass grave excavations to resume on July 21

JMO Jaffna general hospital Dr. Pranavan Selliah has informed court that excavations of the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna will resume on July 21.

Former UPFA PS member sentenced to death

Former United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) member of the Weligepola Pradeshiya Sabha, Kodithuwakku Arachchilage Wasantha, alias Alibaby, has been sentenced to death.

Spike in skin diseases sparks health warning

A sudden rise in skin-related illnesses has been reported across the country, causing concern among health officals, the Health Promotion Bureau said.

Shani Abeysekara named as witness in Ekneligoda disappearance case

The Attorney General has informed the Colombo Trial-at-Bar Judges Namal Balalle, Mahesh Weeraman and Sujeewa Nishshanka that the current Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Shani Abeysekara, has been named as a witness in the ongoing case concerning the abduction and disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda on January 25, 2010.

President wants more focus on digitalization, public transport in 2026 budget

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to focus more on projects centered around areas such as digitalization, strengthening public transport and integrating rural communities into the economic framework when preparing the budget for 2026.

CSE records 7th highest turnover despite market decline

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed heightened activity today, initially gaining nearly 80 points during the first hour of trading.

Dates confirmed for cricket’s return to the Olympics

Cricket will officially return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028 and the dates have been officially revealed.

Constable linked to murder of ’Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ released on bail

Hasitha Roshan, a constable attached to the Athurugiriya Police, who was in remand custody over allegations of aiding and abetting the murder of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa, was ordered to be released on bail by Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne last Friday.

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Sri Lanka reaffirms commitment to regional solar cooperation

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening regional solar cooperation and securing sustainable energy for the future, as she addressed delegates at the Seventh Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Asia and the Pacific.

Court bars YouTuber ’Sudaa’ from defaming Diyawadana Nilame

The Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order restraining YouTuber Sudantha Thilakasiri, also known as ’’Sudaa,’’ and another individual from publishing defamatory statements or content against the Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa, Pradeep Nilanga Dela.

Passenger nabbed at BIA with kush drug stock

A SriLankan air passenger was arrested this morning (16) by customs officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) after attempting to smuggle a stock of ’’Kush’’ drugs valued at over Rs. 31.17 million into the country.

Sujeewa Senasinghe released on bail over Rs. 100 Mm luxury vehicle case

Former State Minister and Parliamentarian Sujeewa Senasinghe was today released on a surety bail of Rs. 200,000 by Fort Chief Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura over a case involving the alleged illegal assembly of a luxury vehicle valued at approximately Rs. 100 million.

Driving under influence may lead to U.S. visa revocation: Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has issued a strong reminder to all U.S. visa holders and applicants that driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense under U.S. law, which could result in visa revocation or future ineligibility.

Parliament to use AI to prepare Hansard

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has successfully tested the Google AI integration system to prepare the Hansard, its Chairman Harsha de Silva said.