LPBOA slams bus fare revision as misleading and ineffective

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has strongly criticized the government’s recent bus fare revision, calling it both misleading and meaningless.

Texas floods update: At least 24 dead, up to 25 children reported missing

At least 24 people have died, and up to 25 people at a girls’ camp remained missing, as flash floods hit the US state of Texas on Friday, according to officials.

Pada Yatra pilgrimage through Kumana National Park concludes

Pada Yatra journey on foot to attend Kataragama Maha Devala festival ended yesterday with the closureof the main entrance in Kumana National Park.

Admission to Grade 1 in 2026: Education Ministry issues official circular

The Education Ministry has issued the official circular regarding the admission of children to Grade 1 in government schools for the year 2026.

Govt. will implement IMF proposals to the letter despite any public protest, political pressure: Lalkantha

Minister of Agriculture, Land, Irrigation and Livestock Development K.D. Lalkantha asserted that the government would comply with the IMF programme regardless of public protests.

Granting ad hoc, non-transparent and large tax exemptions has created significant issues for Govt.: IMF

Granting ad hoc, non-transparent and large tax exemptions in the past has created significant issues, obviously on the fiscal space and revenue - not only in terms of losses in foregone revenue for the government but rise in corruption vulnerability, according to Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.

At least 13 killed and 20 children missing in Texas floods

Thirteen people have died in Kerr County in the US state of Texas, according to authorities, after severe weather and flooding hit parts of the state.

UNDP warns household debt crisis worsening

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned that Sri Lanka’s household debt crisis has likely intensified since last measured in 2023, as it threw its weight behind a major new financial literacy drive with the Central Bank.

Sri Lanka to showcase organic products at BioFach 2026 in Germany

Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) of the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry has announced its participation in the most renowned organic trade fair worldwide, BioFach 2026.

Tea Auction sees stronger demand for better grades

The auction offerings totalled 6.4 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs), marginally lower to the 6.5 M/Kgs on offer the previous week.

Rubber export revenues slide in May on weak sheet rubber demand

Sri Lanka’s export earnings from rubber and rubber-finished products fell 9.33 percent year-on-year to US $ 73.60 million in May, as sheet rubber exports slumped 40.91 percent, indicating the persistent pressure on the key product categories in international markets, commodity broker Forbes and Walker said in its June rubber market report.

Eradication of corruption a prerequisite for restoring confidence for investments – Japanese Ambassador

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata stressed that the eradication of corruption and good governance is a prerequisite for restoring confidence of both public and private entities, including those of Japan, in making investments in Sri Lanka, according to a press release from the Japanese Embassy.

CSE closes higher following early dip triggered by U.S. Reciprocal tariff concerns

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the trading day on a positive note. The market initially experienced significant selling pressure during the early hours of the session, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) declining by nearly 150 points.

Further investigation needed into release of red-labelled containers: Opposition MP

Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman has called for deeper investigations into the controversial release of 309 red-labelled containers, asserting that critical questions remain unanswered.

Death threats against Bribery Commission counsel at court premises

The Colombo Chief Magistrate today directed that a complaint be lodged with the Keselwatta Police following an allegation that death threats were made against Sulochana Hettiarachchi, Assistant Director of the Bribery Commission.

UAE beat Sri Lanka in Rugby World Cup qualifier

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured a 29–21 victory over Sri Lanka at the Race Course Ground in Colombo strengthening their bid for a spot in the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification pathway.

Lanka Indian Oil Company donates Rs. 100Mn to President’s Fund

The Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) has donated Rs. 100 million to the President’s Fund, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

613 killed at Gaza aid distribution sites, near humanitarian covoys, says UN

The U.N. human rights office said on Friday it had recorded at least 613 killings both at aid points run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and near humanitarian convoys run by other relief groups including the U.N.

S.M. Chandrasena remanded

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena was ordered to be remanded by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga until July 18, in connection with the alleged distribution of seed paddy worth Rs. 25 million to associates during the 2015 Presidential Election period.

Russia launches massive aerial attack on Kyiv, injuring at least 23

Russia launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine overnight on Friday, deploying 550 drones and missiles in strikes across the country.

Namal calls for urgent E-Commerce policy reform

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has called on the government to urgently finalise a progressive national e-commerce policy, warning that delays could hold back the country’s digital economy and limit opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Government aims to modify public sector: President

The government is expecting to allocate funds through the next budget to develop physical resources in the government sector, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Judge arrested for accepting bribe at Kaduruwela Quazi Court

A judge and a clerk attached to the Kaduruwela Quazi Court were arrested today (04) by officers from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over a bribery incident.

Sri Lankan arrested at Bangkok airport for smuggling snakes in underwear

A Sri Lankan man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi airport for attempting to smuggle wildlife out of the country after three ball pythons were found hidden in his underwear.

Bus crashes against wayside tree, 21 injured

A SLTB bus bound to Colombo from Point Pedro veered off the road at Deduruoya on the Chilaw- Puttlam main highway and crashed against a wayside tree causing serious injuries to 21 passengers and the driver.

Three Motor Traffic Department officials granted bail

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed court that all CCTV footage recorded at the Narahenpita branch of the Department of Motor Traffic between April 9 and May 29 had been deleted.

Invitation only for Shah Rukh Khan event

The management of City of Dreams Sri Lanka has issued an official announcement warning the public about unauthorized tickets being circulated for its Grand Opening event, scheduled to take place on August 2.

Joint statement with US over tariffs turns out to be another tall story: Harsha

The government earlier said a joint statement was to be issued by Sri Lanka and the United States over the reciprocal tariffs but that turned out to be another tall story like most of the stories of the government, SJB MP Dr. Harsha De Silva said.

Climbing Wedihiti Kanda

Bypass patient compelled to bring drugs worth over Rs. 100,000 from outside

Patients seeking life-saving procedures such as bypass surgeries at the Colombo National Hospital are compelled to bring surgical and pharmaceutical items from outside, costing over Rs. 100,000 due to a severe shortage of critical drugs and surgical supplies, a top hospital source revealed.