Trump eyes simple tariff rates over complex talks, says letters going out Friday

President Donald Trump said Washington will start sending letters to countries on Friday specifying what tariff rates they will face on imports to the United States, a clear shift from earlier pledges to strike scores of individual deals.

Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan

Russia said on Thursday it had accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan, making it the first nation to recognise the Taliban government of the country.

Driver and conductor suspended over ‘Sisu Sariya’ school bus incident

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has suspended both the driver and conductor of a ‘Sisu Sariya’ school bus (NA-7668) after they were found responsible for a recent incident where a student fell from the footboard while the bus was in motion.

Excise Chief slams Liquor Licensee’s Association for organizing unlawful tax awareness workshop

The Chief of Excise yesterday slammed the Sri Lanka Liquor Licensee’s Association for organizing an unlawful awareness programme for its members in line with the National Tax Week ‘Badu Shakthi’, saying a leading liquor company that sponsored the event had promoted its brands instead.

S.M. Chandrasena arrested

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Rise in alcohol, drug abuse among pregnant mothers in coastal areas

There is an increase in alcohol and drug use among pregnant mothers living along Sri Lanka’s coastal areas including Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Ratmalana, Moratuwa and Egoda Uyana, thus raising serious concerns, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Opposition Leader and Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

'Praja Shakthi' rural poverty eradication drive begins today

The Praja Shakthi National Programme, aimed at eradicating rural poverty and uplifting communities, will officially commence today under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lankan Bishop gets post in Vatican

Bishop of Badulla Jude Nishantha Silva has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as a member of the Inter Religious Dicastery in the Vatican.

Sigiriya stone stairway fast worn out: Minister

Claiming that several aspects need to be focused on with regard to the Sigiriya archaeological site, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi yesterday said that the stone stairway in Sigiriya has fast worn out.

Well known banker Rienzie Wijetilleke passes away

Well known banker Rienzie Wijetilleke passed away this morning, according to family members.

Legendary elephant ’Kadol’s tusks displayed at Kataragama Perahera

The tusks of ’Kadol’, the legendary elephant that supported King Dutugemunu in his battle against King Elara, have been brought out for public display in conjunction with the sixth day procession (Perahera) of the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya. The tusks will remain on display until the Perahera concludes on the 2nd.

Bureaucracy not aligned with Govt. - Minister

A key minister admitted that bureaucracy does not fall in line with the government in the realization of its targets in an expeditious manner.

SJB to file legal action against LG Commissioners who played politics: Sajith

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) plans to take legal action against the Local Government Commissioners who worked according to the whims and fancies of the ruling National People’s Power (NPP), Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.

Ami Upul shot dead in Ragama gun attack

A man identified as Ami Upul, a known associate of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa, was shot dead in a gun attack in the Batuwatte area of Ragama last night (3), police said.

Kadawara Yak Kankariya

Sri Lanka’s provision of inaccurate data comes under IMF scrutiny

The government’s provision of inaccurate data to the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) has come under review by its Executive Board.

Kataragama Perahara 7th day...

Customs exceeds Rs. 1 Trillion in revenue in first half of 2025

Sri Lanka Customs has collected over Rs. 1 trillion in revenue during the first six months of 2025.

CTU protests over delay in investigating Dilshi Amshika’s suicide

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) raised serious concerns over the lack of progress in the investigations into the tragic suicide of 15-year-old Dilshi Amshika, a Grade 10 student of Ramanathan Hindu Ladies’ College in Bambalapitiya.

CSE closes lower but holds above 18,000

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the trading day on a negative note, reflecting a decline in overall market momentum. Despite the downward movement, market sentiment remained mixed, with notable selling pressure observed as investors engaged in profit-taking.

Police fire tear gas after tense confrontation in Kahawatte

Police were forced to use tear gas to control a tense situation that erupted between residents and police in Kahawatte following the funeral of a youth who was shot dead recently.

Fire breaks out at vehicle spare parts store in Kurunegala

A fire has broken out at a vehicle spare parts store in Kurunegala, the Kurunegala Fire Department said.

Suspect remanded over fraudulent registration

A suspect arrested for aiding and abetting the illegal registration of a Toyota vehicle that had not been cleared by the Sri Lanka Customs and had no prior registration, was ordered to be remanded till July 8 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga.

Abdul Wazeeth appointed to Parliament from SLMC national list

Abdul Wazeeth of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has been appointed as a Member of Parliament, the National Election Commission announced.

37 habitual fare evaders arrested through WhatsApp alerts

A total of Rs. 112,480 in fines was recovered after 37 habitual fare evaders were arrested during a special raid targeting passengers travelling without tickets.

Fifteen injured in Wattegama bus accident

Fifteen passengers were injured when a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus travelling to Kandy via Kudugala veered off the road and overturned near the Araliya Uyana area in Wattegama, police said. The injured were admitted to the Wattegama Hospital.

Liverpool ’devastated’ and request privacy for Jota family

Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

Applications called for 2026 Grade One admissions

The Instructions relating to the admission of students to Grade One for the Year 2026 in State schools had been released today, the Education Ministry said.

Rise in dog bites linked to growing population, lack of awareness: Health Official

The increase in dog bites in the country is largely due to the growing canine population and a lack of public understanding, education and awareness about how people should behave around animals, Public Health Veterinary Services Director Dr. N.M.N. Darshanie Dissanayake said.

Motorcyclist injured as Police open fire

A motorcyclist sustained injuries after police opened fire when he failed to comply with an order to stop in the Dungalpitiya area, Negombo, Police said.