Toastmasters District 82 begins new leadership year for 2026–2027

Toastmasters International District 82 has commenced its 2026–2027 leadership year with a newly elected District Executive Committee, pledging to strengthen member engagement and promote leadership and communication excellence across the district.

Series Won! West Indies hold Sri Lanka to draw to end long drought

West Indies secured their first Test series victory in three years after a high-scoring draw against Sri Lanka in the second and final Test at North Sound on Tuesday, clinching the two-match series thanks to their victory in the opener.

Djokovic wins five-set epic to set up Sinner semi-final

Novak Djokovic produced an astonishing performance to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set thriller lasting over five hours to set up a blockbuster Wimbledon semi-final against defending champion Jannik Sinner.

England hammer India in Record-Breaking T20 thrashing

England delivered a ruthless all-round performance to inflict India’s heaviest-ever T20 International defeat, cruising to a commanding 125-run victory in the third T20 at Trent Bridge to move 2-0 up in the five-match series.

Former SEC chief slams banking sector and professionals over SME neglect

Former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Ranel T. Wijesinha sharply criticised the banking sector, the accounting profession, and corporate entities for their collective failure to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing the capital market.

Online marketplaces require clarity on VAT calculations

A separate issue emerging from Sri Lanka’s proposed digital VAT regime is how tax authorities will determine the value on which VAT should be charged when transactions are facilitated through online platforms.

Woman suspected of Monaco bombing found shot dead near Kyiv

A woman suspected of carrying out last week’s bomb attack in Monaco that seriously injured a Ukraine-born business tycoon has been found shot dead near Kyiv, in the latest twist in a case that has shaken the wealthy Mediterranean principality.

Central Bank warns public against urgency-based online scams

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has urged the public to remain vigilant against online scams that create a false sense of urgency to trick victims into sharing personal and financial information.

VIASL elects 2027 office bearers

UN calls for prison reforms after Negombo Prison violence

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka has called for renewed investment in the country’s prison system following the deadly violence at the Negombo Prison, while welcoming the appointment of an independent committee to investigate the incident.

Zimbabwean football star survives gun attack in South Africa

Zimbabwean footballer Divine Lunga has survived a gun attack in Johannesburg, South African police have said.

Navy joins dengue prevention drive for third consecutive day

The Sri Lanka Navy has continued its support for the national dengue prevention campaign for the third consecutive day, joining efforts to strengthen the ’’Towards a Dengue-Free Colombo’’ initiative.

Three platforms reopened at Colombo Fort after train derailment

Three of the four platforms blocked following a train derailment at the Colombo Fort Railway Station have now been reopened after the affected train was rerouted and moved to Maradana Railway Station, railway authorities said.

Committee appointed to probe Negombo prison unrest

The government has appointed a three-member Committee of Inquiry to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the unrest that erupted at Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6.

CSE extends decline as cautious investors await earnings season

The Colombo Stock Exchange continued its downward movement on Tuesday, with both benchmark indices closing lower as investors remained cautious ahead of the upcoming quarterly earnings season. The market opened on a negative note and gradually moved lower throughout the session, with subdued turnover and share volumes reflecting limited investor participation and a lack of strong market conviction.

Minister visits injured prison officers and inmates at National Hospital

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa today visited the National Hospital of Sri Lanka to review the condition of those injured in the recent unrest at the Negombo Prison.

Indonesia, India announce long-range missile deal

India will supply Indonesia with long-range missiles, an Indian official said on Tuesday (Jul 7) as their leaders agreed to deepen ties in defence, critical minerals and other areas.

Train derails at Colombo Fort, disrupting rail services

A train scheduled to depart from Colombo Fort Railway Station for Rambukkana at 4.45 p.m. derailed at around 4.50 p.m. today while approaching its designated platform.

Floral tribute to Edward Henry Pedris

Officer opened fire to prevent prison breach, says Acting Prisons Chief

Acting Commissioner General of Prisons Prasad Hemantha Kumara has defended the actions of an officer seen opening fire through a gate during the recent unrest at Negombo Prison, saying the officer acted to prevent a catastrophic prison breach and protect prison officers trapped inside.

No prior intelligence received on Negombo Prison violence: Prisons Chief

Authorities had received no prior intelligence indicating that a violent incident was likely to occur at Negombo Prison, Acting Commissioner General of Prisons Prasad Hemantha Kumara has confirmed, as multiple investigations continue into the deadly unrest.

Kerawalapitiya industrial zone road left in disrepair despite strategic importance

The main access road leading from the Kerawalapitiya Expressway exit to the Elakanda Junction, which serves the Kerawalapitiya Industrial Estate, has fallen into a state of disrepair, with residents and businesses alleging that no government has taken steps to properly maintain it.

Thalatha calls for Harshana’s resignation over Negombo prison clash

Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara should resign from his post to show that he is taking responsibility for his actions, United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala said.

Prisons Dept. pays tribute to seven officers killed in Negombo Prison unrest

The Department of Prisons has paid tribute to the seven prison officers who lost their lives during the recent unrest at Negombo Prison, describing them as ’’heroes who sacrificed their lives in duty.’’

Namal-led group launches “A Team – Next Wave”

Opposition MPs Namal Rajapaksa, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Anuradha Jayaratne, D. V. Chanaka and Chanaka Madugoda on Tuesday launched a new political platform titled “A Team – Next Wave”, saying it aims to unite opposition voices both inside and outside Parliament.

Zelensky to press Nato for air defence systems after intense Russian strikes

Ukraine’s president plans to use the Nato meeting in Turkey to urge Kyiv’s allies to deliver the air defence systems it urgently needs to protect it from escalating Russian attacks.

Namal’s Krrish deal case fixed for trial

The controversial Krrish deal case filed against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa was today fixed for trial by the Colombo High Court.

Rs. 1 mn compensation for patients who lost eyesight during Keheliya’s tenure

The Government has decided to pay compensation of Rs. 1 million each to four patients who lost their eyesight or suffered vision impairment following eye surgeries after the use of Prednisolone Acetate eye drops at government hospitals during the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Peradeniya University added to Kandy wastewater project

The Government has approved the expansion of the Kandy Urban Wastewater Management Project to include the premises of the University of Peradeniya.

Rohana Randombage appointed Director General of Sustainable Energy Authority

Chartered Engineer Rohana Randombage has been appointed as the new Director General of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority.