CEA urges responsible waste disposal at Kataragama Festival

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has urged devotees attending the 2026 Kataragama Esala Festival to dispose of waste responsibly and help protect the environment in the sacred city and surrounding areas.

New Chairman and members appointed to Public Service Commission

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed S. A. Nimal Saranatissa as the new Chairman of the Public Service Commission.

Confirmed Ebola deaths in DR Congo hit 600

At least 600 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have died from Ebola, as the number of confirmed cases of the illness rose to 1,759, according to government data.

National early childhood care week from July 14

The Women and Child Affairs Ministry will mark the National Week on Early Childhood Care and Development from July 14 to 20, with a series of islandwide programmes aimed at promoting the healthy growth and well-being of young children.

Second reading of Money Laundering Amendment Bill approved by two-thirds majority

The second reading of the Money Laundering Amendment Bill was approved by a majority of 152 votes in Parliament today.

Proper handwashing practices...

Mulgampola railway crossing to close for repairs from July 10 to 13

The Mulgampola (Randon Hills) railway crossing between Kandy and Peradeniya railway stations will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic from Friday evening to Monday morning to facilitate essential repair work, the Railways Department said.

Tilvin wins copyright case against Wimal

The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal filed by former Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa, affirming that he infringed the copyright of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva by reproducing the book titled ’Neththa Venuwata Aththa’.

Refereeing chief denies bias claims in Argentina-Egypt game

FIFA refereeing chief ‌Pierluigi Collina has defended the officiating in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World ⁠Cup round of ⁠16, dismissing allegations of bias and saying match officials operated with complete independence.

Eight Colombo PHIs contract Dengue

Eight Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) attached to the Colombo District, who are actively engaged in dengue control operations, have contracted dengue, the Public Health Inspectors’ Association said.

Heatwave linked to more than 5,000 deaths in Germany, RKI says

Germany has recorded an estimated 5,120 heat-related ​deaths so far this year, ‌most of them in late June when weekly average temperatures far exceeded ​20 degrees Celsius, the Robert ​Koch Institute (RKI) for public health ⁠said on Thursday.

China, Taiwan brace for Typhoon Bavi, possibly the most powerful storm in years

China and Taiwan were bracing for possibly the most destructive tropical storm in years as Typhoon Bavi churned southeast of Taiwan ​on Thursday, with winds near 200 kph (124 mph), and as parts of China were still reeling from Typhoon Maysak.

Amnesty International says Israel ‘wiping out families’ in Lebanon

The London-based rights group has accused Israel of “wiping out families” in its attacks on Lebanon, and called for the attacks to be treated as “war crimes”.

Negombo Prison declared crime scene, no longer suitable for housing inmates

The prison authorities determined that the Negombo Prison premises, which were damaged during the recent unrest, were no longer suitable for housing inmates.

India, Australia sign nuclear and defence pacts to bolster Indo-Pacific ties

India and Australia on Thursday signed a set of major agreements covering civil nuclear energy, maritime security and critical minerals, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese underlined the importance of their partnership in ensuring a peaceful Indo-Pacific. After wide-ranging talks, the two sides unveiled a joint declaration on defence and security

UN praises Sri Lanka’s green initiatives, opens doors for new climate financing

Sri Lanka has gained international recognition for its climate action initiatives and environmental programmes, with the United Nations commending the country’s efforts to engage youth in environmental conservation.

Jaffna airport control tower upgraded with air situation display system

The Electronics & Air Navigation Engineering (E&ANE) Division of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) has successfully implemented an Air Situation Display System at the Jaffna International Airport Control Tower, enhancing air traffic management capabilities.

Dengue death toll rises to 45; daily case count tops 1,200

Sri Lanka’s dengue death toll has increased to 45 this year, while the total number of reported cases has climbed to 65,034, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said.

Western Europe records its hottest June as heatwaves surge

Western Europe this year experienced its hottest June on record as a searing heatwave swept across a continent facing increasingly frequent and intense heat extremes, the EU’s climate monitor said on Thursday (July 9, 2026).

Sri Lankan Rupee hits Rs. 340 against USD

The Sri Lankan rupee weakened further against the US dollar today, with the dollar’s selling rate crossing the Rs. 340 mark, according to the latest daily exchange rates released by the Central Bank.

House of underworld figure ’Thembili Lahiru’ set ablaze in Middeniya

The house of alleged underworld figure known as ’’Thembili Lahiru’’ was set on fire by an unidentified group in the Kudagalara area of Middeniya on Tuesday night (July 8), police said.

Couple transforms AC train coach into ‘honeymoon coupe’, Indian Railways takes action

A viral video showing a train’s First AC cabin decorated like a lavish ‘honeymoon suite’ has prompted the Indian Railways to suspend a ticket checker and order an inquiry.

Archchuna threatens to remove clothes after Govt MP questions his attire

Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna in Parliament today threatened to remove his clothes after ruling party MP M. Jeganeeswaran questioned his attire.

LRT project will not be implemented?

The Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is not likely to see the light of the day, Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake hinted in Parliament today.

Iran launches retaliatory strikes on Gulf states as Trump warns US bombing could get ’much worse’

Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain and Kuwait overnight after Iran vowed to respond to renewed US strikes on the country.

New vehicle registrations to get priority in number plate printing

Priority will be given to vehicles with new registrations when printing and issuing vehicle number plates, Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) Commissioner General said.

CID probe underway as Excise security stickers found on counterfeit liquor bottles

A Criminal Investigation Department probe is currently underway over a large seizure of counterfeit liquor bottles recently from Malambe had the Excise Department approved security sticker pasted on the bottle necks, thus giving the impression whether the perpetrators have forged the sticker too.

No point in associating MR with underworld figures now: MP

In what seemed humorous but a fact at the same time, Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake yesterday highlighted that there is no point in associating former President Mahinda Rajapaksa with underworld figures and criticising him as he is no longer engaged in active politics.

Sri Lanka to make fresh U.S. engagement to ensure child labour-free export supply chains

Sri Lanka is planning fresh engagements with the United States (U.S.) in a bid to avert new tariffs linked to child or forced labour, with the country’s export authorities seeking to demonstrate that it deals with the possible import of raw materials or intermediary goods tainted with such concerns for export industries, an official said.

1993 murder case finally sees justice

Eight men convicted of murdering a woman by assaulting her with sharp weapons and clubs and causing grievous injuries to two others were today sentenced to death by Colombo High Court Judge Buddhika Sri Ragala.