Way forward for victims of Microfinance crisis towards recovery

Following the recent enactment of the Microfinance and Money Lending Act, the Avanka Lanka Foundation has issued an open letter urging President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to grant special approval for over two million debt-trapped Sri Lankans to form dedicated, village-based Thrift and Credit Cooperative Societies.

Cruelty accounts for most child abuse cases in Sri Lanka

Cruelty has remained the most frequently reported form of child abuse to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) over the past 15 years, according to official statistics released by the Department of Census and Statistics.

US $ 715 million siphoned off on false import documents

In what appeared to be a massive financial irregularity, the police informed the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) yesterday that approximately US$ 715 million (Rs. 240 billion) , is likely to have been earned through criminal activities such as drug trafficking, had been remitted on false import documents, an official said yesterday.

More than 140 dead, missing on refugee boat stranded off Mauritania

At least 143 refugees and migrants are dead or missing from a single boat off the coast of Mauritania that was trying to reach Europe, the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, says.

Feasibility study begins for landmark Canal-Top Solar Project over Vienna Canal

A preliminary feasibility study has been launched to introduce a Canal-Top Solar Power Project above the Vienna Canal in Mahiyangana, following a concept proposed by Plantations and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyarathna.

Gunmen open fire at Devinuwara house

A group of unidentified individuals who arrived in a car opened fire at a house behind the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Devalaya before fleeing the scene, police said.

Three-wheeler plunges into Mohini Ella ravine, two killed

Two people were killed and two children were critically injured after a three-wheeler traveling from Nallathanniya towards Maskeliya plunged down a steep ravine near Mohini Ella, police said.

Central Bank keeps policy rate at 8.75% due to inflation rise

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 8.75%, citing the need to carefully assess evolving domestic and global economic conditions.

Godzilla vs Kong actress Kaylee Hottle dies in crash at 18

US actress Kaylee Hottle, who starred in the Godzilla vs Kong movie series, has died in a car crash at age 18.

Four-hour water cut in several Kandy areas today

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced that water supply to several areas in Kandy will be temporarily suspended for four hours today (22) due to essential maintenance work at the Kandy Main Water Supply Project.

Iran war has cost US $37.5bn so far, Hegseth says, as Pentagon seeks billions more

The war with Iran has cost the US some $37.5bn (£28bn) so far - an increase of nearly $8bn since the last estimate in May, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said.

Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top army commander after days of protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the country’s army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Police urge vehicle rental firms to tighten security amid rising fraud

Police have urged vehicle rental companies to strengthen their security measures, warning that fraudsters are using fake identities, suspicious payment methods and deceptive tactics to obtain rental vehicles before disappearing without a trace.

June inflation jumps to 6.5%

Headline inflation accelerated to 6.5 percent in June from 5.4 percent in May, driven by rising transport and food prices, as consumer prices continued to edge higher despite the economy’s broader recovery.

State entities face heat over delayed annual reports and financial mismanagement

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya this week rebuked ministries and state institutions over years-long delays in filing annual reports and financial statements, revealing that some audit reports remain pending after several years.

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.