Fire engulfs main stage of Tomorrowland festival days before opening

A fire has destroyed the main stage at Tomorrowland festival in Belgium, just two days before the event was set to open.

Largest Mars rock ever found on Earth sells for $4.3m at auction

An ’’unbelievably rare’’ piece of Mars - the largest ever found on Earth - has sold for $4.3m (£3.2m) at a New York auction on Wednesday.

Dynastic politics no longer rules the roost in SL

Dynastic politics which once dominated Sri Lankan politics as in other South Asian countries, is no longer a factor for voters in the exercise of their franchise, a survey funded by the European Union found.

Hasan duo guides Bangladesh to first T20i series win

Right-arm spinner Mahedi Hasan, with a four-wicket haul, and Tanzid Hasan, who slammed an unbeaten 73 off 46 balls, shone for Bangladesh in their convincing eight-wicket win in the deciding third T20I matchagainst hosts Sri Lanka.

US tariff blow puts SL’s US $ 857mn coconut export industry at risk: Industry

The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industry (CCCI) yesterday issued an urgent appeal to the government in response to the US’ decision to impose a 30 percent import tariff on coconut-based products from Sri Lanka, effective August 1, 2025.

Half-naked Thai tourist gets one-and-a-half month’s jail term suspended for five years

The Thai female tourist who walked half-naked through the Arugam Bay tourist zone was sentenced to one-and-a-half month’s jail term suspended for five years by Potuvil Magistrate A.L.M. Hilmy.

Chemmani mass grave excavations to resume on July 21

JMO Jaffna general hospital Dr. Pranavan Selliah has informed court that excavations of the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna will resume on July 21.

Former UPFA PS member sentenced to death

Former United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) member of the Weligepola Pradeshiya Sabha, Kodithuwakku Arachchilage Wasantha, alias Alibaby, has been sentenced to death.

Spike in skin diseases sparks health warning

A sudden rise in skin-related illnesses has been reported across the country, causing concern among health officals, the Health Promotion Bureau said.

Shani Abeysekara named as witness in Ekneligoda disappearance case

The Attorney General has informed the Colombo Trial-at-Bar Judges Namal Balalle, Mahesh Weeraman and Sujeewa Nishshanka that the current Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Shani Abeysekara, has been named as a witness in the ongoing case concerning the abduction and disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda on January 25, 2010.

President wants more focus on digitalization, public transport in 2026 budget

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to focus more on projects centered around areas such as digitalization, strengthening public transport and integrating rural communities into the economic framework when preparing the budget for 2026.

CSE records 7th highest turnover despite market decline

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed heightened activity today, initially gaining nearly 80 points during the first hour of trading.

Dates confirmed for cricket’s return to the Olympics

Cricket will officially return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028 and the dates have been officially revealed.

Constable linked to murder of ’Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ released on bail

Hasitha Roshan, a constable attached to the Athurugiriya Police, who was in remand custody over allegations of aiding and abetting the murder of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa, was ordered to be released on bail by Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne last Friday.

Sri Lanka reaffirms commitment to regional solar cooperation

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening regional solar cooperation and securing sustainable energy for the future, as she addressed delegates at the Seventh Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Asia and the Pacific.

Court bars YouTuber ’Sudaa’ from defaming Diyawadana Nilame

The Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order restraining YouTuber Sudantha Thilakasiri, also known as ’’Sudaa,’’ and another individual from publishing defamatory statements or content against the Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa, Pradeep Nilanga Dela.

Passenger nabbed at BIA with kush drug stock

A SriLankan air passenger was arrested this morning (16) by customs officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) after attempting to smuggle a stock of ’’Kush’’ drugs valued at over Rs. 31.17 million into the country.

Sujeewa Senasinghe released on bail over Rs. 100 Mm luxury vehicle case

Former State Minister and Parliamentarian Sujeewa Senasinghe was today released on a surety bail of Rs. 200,000 by Fort Chief Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura over a case involving the alleged illegal assembly of a luxury vehicle valued at approximately Rs. 100 million.

Driving under influence may lead to U.S. visa revocation: Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has issued a strong reminder to all U.S. visa holders and applicants that driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense under U.S. law, which could result in visa revocation or future ineligibility.

Parliament to use AI to prepare Hansard

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has successfully tested the Google AI integration system to prepare the Hansard, its Chairman Harsha de Silva said.

“I don’t want to be under pressure all the time’’: Jayasuriya

While acknowledging some shortcomings, particularly in the batting department, Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya said the team is not under any pressure ahead of the final T20 against Bangladesh in Colombo, despite their embarrassing defeat in the second match in Dambulla on Sunday.

Kandy perahera tickets sold at exorbitant prices

Alarming reports have surfaced that tickets for viewing the Kandy Esala Perahera are being sold at exorbitant prices ranging between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 65,000, prompting concerns from local authorities.

Trial on assassination attempt on Sarath Fonseka postponed

Colombo High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne today postponed the trial of three individuals accused of attempting to assassinate former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka in a 2006 suicide bomb attack at Army Headquarters.

Veteran actress robbed at National Hospital, Colombo

Someone had opened veteran actress Damayanthi Fonseka’s handbag while she was at the National Hospital, Colombo and stolen her cash, bank cards and national identity card.

New SOP introduced to streamline shrimp re-export industry in Sri Lanka

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry introduced a comprehensive new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for shrimp re-export operations, aiming to address longstanding challenges and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the global shrimp market.

S Jaishankar meets Xi Jinping in China, first since 2020 Galwan clash

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from the SCO member nations on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Still not decided on accepting position in SJB: Dayasiri

Referring to a news report being circulated on social media that he is to be appointed as the Assistant Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said he is yet to finalise any decision on his political future.

Trump announces trade agreement with Indonesia, including 19% tariff

President Donald Trump said Tuesday the United States has reached a trade agreement with Indonesia after speaking with the country’s President Prabowo Subianto.

Gen Z delays parenthood over economic hardships

Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, is in the habit of postponing child births due to economic barriers such as rising living costs and economic uncertainty looming over the country, eventually leading to the low birth rate, a top scholar said.

Foreigners misusing tourist visas engage in spas and brothels

Sri Lankan immigration authorities have raised alarm over the growing number of foreign nationals entering the country, especially on tourist visas and engaging in unauthorized businesses, particularly operating or working in spas, massage parlours, and suspected brothels, posing a serious concern for law enforcement and immigration control.