Ukraine hits major oil terminal in Russia’s St Petersburg

A major oil terminal in Russia’s second city of St Petersburg in the north-west was struck overnight by Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

Morocco reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-finals after ending Canada’s historic run

Morocco became the first nation to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0.

Keiko Fujimori declared winner of Peru’s presidential election weeks after vote

Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori has been declared the winner of Peru’s tight presidential election, nearly a month after the vote took place.

Pope urges Europe to do more for migrants while visiting gateway island

The pontiff urged Europe to help new arrivals integrate better and improve conditions in their home countries, during a mass on the island, which receives tens of thousands of migrants a year.

Dengue cases rise due to unplanned construction concerns: Deputy Minister

The number of dengue patients in the country has risen to around 2,300, with the spread largely attributed to unplanned construction activities that create breeding grounds for mosquito larvae, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said.

Pakistan Defence Secretary calls on Deputy Minister of Defence

Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo.

Joint investment powers Sabaragamuwa Medical Faculty development

The construction of the new Faculty Complex at the Sabaragamuwa University has been made possible through a major joint financial commitment from the Government of Sri Lanka and international development partners, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s medical education infrastructure.

Showers to occur at night across the island

Showers will occur tonight in several parts of the country, with fairly heavy rainfall expected in some areas, according to the latest 36-hour, the Meteorology Department said.

Local gold prices slightly down despite global rise

Global gold prices continued to remain at elevated levels today (04), with the price of an ounce of gold increasing by 1.52 percent from the previous day to reach US$4,175.07.

Restaurant owners slash food prices after LP gas price cut

The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has announced a reduction in the prices of several popular food items with effect from midnight on Friday (4), following the recent cut in domestic LP gas prices.

National human-elephant coexistence plan launched

The Environment Ministry has launched a national programme to prepare a new National Action Plan for Human-Elephant Coexistence under a Cabinet-approved expert committee.

Yevan David makes history with Silverstone Sprint Race Podium

Sri Lankan racing driver Yevan David made history by securing a runner-up finish in the FIA Formula 3 Sprint Race at the British Grand Prix held at the iconic Silverstone Circuit.

Trump says US gave Iran ’a week off’ for funeral of Iran’ late supreme leader amid stalled talks

US President Donald Trump said on Friday evening that Tehran is eager to settle with Washington, adding that the US had paused negotiations to allow for the slain former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral processions, which officially began in Iran.

Elephant corridor restoration programme launched

The government has launched several immediate measures to reduce human-elephant conflict while a new National Action Plan for Human-Elephant Coexistence is being prepared.

Special dengue prevention operation in Western Province from tomorrow

The government has decided to implement a special dengue prevention operation from tomorrow (5), covering 23 high-risk dengue zones in the Western Province.

Fisherman missing after boat overturns off Trincomalee

One fisherman went missing missing while two others were rescued after their fishing boat reportedly overturned in the seas off Trincomalee, police said.

Parents may soon be able to test children for drug use

The government is planning to introduce drug testing kits through pharmacies, allowing parents to privately check whether their children have become involved in drug use as part of a broader national strategy to combat narcotics.

Over 3,000 dengue cases reported within three days

The dengue epidemic continues to hit the country with 3,422 dengue cases having been reported within three days this month, Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara said today.

Sajith calls for amendment of Mosquito Breeding Act

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today called for the amendment of the Mosquito Breeding Act no 11 of 1987 to meet the needs of today where the country is experiencing an outbreak of dengue.

Beware of walking on roads while using phones! Police watchful!

Police said that legal action will be taken in the future against pedestrians who walk on roads while listening to music through headphones or earphones, citing the growing risk of road accidents.

Special talks on cooperative fuel station challenges

A special discussion was held at the Ministry of Energy to address a range of issues affecting cooperative fuel stations, with the participation of government ministers, senior officials and representatives of cooperative societies.

Applications for 2026 GCE O/L exam open until July 23

The Examinations Department has called for applications for the 2026 General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination, with the online application process open from July 3 to July 23, 2026.

Port City secures US $ 300mn FDI commitment due to renewed investment drive

China Harbour Engineering Company’s Port City Colombo confirmed a US $ 300 million foreign direct investment (FDI) commitment in January 2026, according to a Global Finance Magazine analysis, as Sri Lanka works to convert the Chinese-financed special economic zone into a genuine regional financial hub.

GovTech Sri Lanka appoints Shevan Goonetilleke as CEO

GovTech Sri Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd has announced the appointment of Shevan Goonetilleke as its Chief Executive Officer, effective August 19, 2026.

Trump, Netanyahu agree to meet in the US soon during phone call

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have agreed to meet in the United States in the near future following a phone conversation on Friday, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Germany bans workers from calling in sick

New rules designed to boost stagnating economy require ill employees to get doctors’ notes immediately

International call to pause PTA use till new law introduced

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has told the Government that the draft Anti-Terrorism Bill retains and expands the shortcomings identified in the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), while introducing new risks and concerns.

Deputy Speaker Salih, Rauf Hakeem attend Khamenei’s funeral

Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih left for Tehran to attend the State funeral services of Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Reconstruction of damaged Kandy–Colombo railway line accelerated

A special operation to expedite the reconstruction of the Kandy–Colombo main railway line between Kadugannawa and Rambukkana, which was severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, commenced today (July 3).

LAUGFS gas slashes domestic LP gas prices

LAUGFS Gas has announced a significant reduction in domestic LP gas prices, effective from midnight today.