Former State Minister’s son arrested over Rs. 20M robbery

The son of former State Minister Shanta Bandara has been arrested by the Colpetty Police in connection with the alleged robbery of Rs. 20 million belonging to a Chinese national.

CIABOC begins probe on former Minister Akila Viraj

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has launched an investigation into allegations that former United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam committed an offence of corruption by recruiting employees to the Presidential Secretariat and deploying them for his personal and political activities.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra detained by Delhi Police amid protest near PM residence

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by the Delhi Police on Tuesday while leading a protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, where Congress leaders were demanding accountability over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Pakistan steps in as US-Iran war widens and Hormuz shipping stalls

Diplomatic efforts intensified on Tuesday to revive the collapsed interim agreement between Iran and the United States, even as both sides continued attacks for a 10th day of renewed fighting. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni travelled to Pakistan, which has been trying to mediate between the two countries, but it was not immediately clear what fresh arrangement could emerge to end the war.

Crossings dominate market activity as ASPI extends decline

The Colombo Stock Exchange ended Tuesday’s session on a mixed note, with the ASPI closing lower despite a strong start to the day, as renewed selling pressure erased early gains. The benchmark index climbed nearly 70 points within the first 15 minutes of trading, supported by buying interest in selected large-cap counters. However,

Govt. has purchased over 1,900 metric tons of paddy since July

The government has purchased a total of 1,910 metric tons of paddy as of yesterday (20), Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

My last days in Parliament: MP Archchuna

Referring to his political future, independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna today said he is currently spending his last days in Parliament.

Dengue risk to remain high for next three weeks: Health Minister

The risk of dengue transmission in Sri Lanka is expected to remain elevated for the next three weeks, with the period leading up to mid-August identified as a high-risk phase, Cabinet Spokesperson and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Full probe ordered into Homagama factory fire that killed five

Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe has instructed officials of the Labour Department to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the fire that broke out at a factory in the Katuwana Industrial Zone, Homagama, this morning (21), and submit a report urgently.

Special Cabinet panel reviews preparedness for possible El Niño impacts

The Special Cabinet Subcommittee and Officials’ Committee appointed to assess measures in response to possible El Niño conditions met for the second time at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (20).

PM meets UK delegation on rabies eradication

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today (21) held discussions with a delegation from the United Kingdom on implementing a more systematic and accelerated national programme to eradicate rabies, improve animal welfare and manage Sri Lanka’s stray dog population.

LRH urges parents to bring key medical documents due to dengue surge

The Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital (LRH) in Colombo has issued an urgent notice requesting parents and guardians to bring essential medical documents when bringing children for treatment or clinic visits, as the hospital faces a sharp rise in pediatric admissions due to the ongoing dengue epidemic.

Govt to revise power generation plan to boost renewable energy share

The government will revise its electricity generation plans to increase the share of renewable energy beyond the current target while strengthening the national transmission network to maximise the use of renewable power, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody told Parliament today.

CAA raids 112 shops and restaurants near bus stands over consumer law violations

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) carried out 112 special emergency raids on shops and restaurants located near bus stands, transport hubs and major long-distance bus stops across the island on July 20 as part of a nationwide operation to protect consumers.

French lawmakers expected to pass social media ban for children under 15

French lawmakers are expected to approve a bill banning social media access for children under 15 on Tuesday, putting France at the forefront of similar efforts in the European Union.

New Sri Lanka foreign employment law to replace 1985 Act

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the drafting of a new law to modernise Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector and replace the existing Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act, No. 21 of 1985.

SLTB to get 600 new deluxe AC buses for intercity travel

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the procurement of 600 deluxe air-conditioned buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) to upgrade intercity and long-distance passenger transport services.

Harsha lauds Southern Expressway emergency roadside assistance

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva has praised the Southern Expressway’s emergency roadside assistance service after he and his wife experienced a tyre-related incident while travelling on the expressway.

Court issues order against Sumathi Studios over Chandran Rutnam’s film ’Rizana: A Caged Bird’

The Colombo Commercial High Court issued an Enjoining Order restraining Jagath Sumathipala and Sumathi Studios from screening, releasing, distributing, broadcasting, selling, licensing or otherwise commercially exploiting the film presently titled ’Rihanna’, formerly titled ’Rizana: A Caged Bird’, without the consent of its director and co-producer, Chandran Rutnam.

Sri Lanka’s sprint star Yupun Abeykoon announces retirement from athletics

Sri Lankan sprint star Yupun Abeykoon, the first South Asian athlete to break the 10-second barrier in the 100 metres, has announced his retirement from competitive athletics, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in the region’s sprinting history.

US issues ‘worldwide caution’ alert for American citizens over Mid-East tensions

The US State Department issued on July 20 an alert urging American citizens around the world to “exercise increased caution” over the war with Iran.

Five dead in Homagama factory fire

Five people have died following a fire that broke out at a helmet manufacturing factory in the Katuwana Industrial Zone in Homagama this morning (July 21).

No confidence motion on Justice Minister handed over to Speaker

The Opposition handed over the no confidence motion on Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne today.

Animals Amendment Bill presented to Parliament

The Animals Amendment Bill which aims to amend the Animals Act, No. 29 of 1958, was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock today.

Cattle meant for milking killed for meat: MP

Cattle meant for milking are killed for meat due to lack of grasslands, Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake alleged in Parliament today.

At least 27 dead and 83 missing after passenger ferry capsizes off Guyana

At least 27 people have drowned after a passenger ferry capsized off the coast of Guyana on Saturday night local time.

National Environmental Act comes into force from today

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne today endorsed the certificate for the National Environmental (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by Parliament.

Flash floods kill at least 20 in Afghanistan and leave more than 100 missing

Flash floods in eastern Afghanistan have killed 20 people, injured about 80 more and left more than 100 missing, Afghan authorities said Monday.

Detention fees force importers to abandon luxury cars

Around 1,000 imported luxury vehicles are being abandoned at the Hambantota Port because importers cannot afford the high detention fees charged to release them, Sri Lanka Customs officials said.

Fire breaks out at helmet factory in Homagama

A fire broke out at a helmet manufacturing factory in the Katuwana Industrial Estate in Homagama this morning, the Homagama Headquarters Police said.