Water cut in Rajagiriya, Nawala and Kolonnawa areas

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that water supply to several areas will be suspended until 8.00 p.m. today due to a sudden rupture in the main water transmission pipeline from Ambatale to Kolonnawa.

UK universities face ban on recruiting foreign students under new immigration rules

The United Kingdom (UK) has introduced new immigration rules that could see universities banned from recruiting foreign students if they fail to meet stricter compliance requirements.

No talks yet on fresh IMF programme

As calls emerge from various political quarters for the Government to secure a fresh programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to be implemented after the current bailout package, a spokesperson for the global lender said that Sri Lanka’s engagement for such an initiative is yet a matter to be discussed.

Cancer drug shortage, price hikes threaten patients

Cancer patients and their families are facing severe difficulties due to the ongoing shortage of several essential cancer drugs, including Neupogen S.C., and the exorbitant prices of medicines available outside the state hospital system, Senior Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

Gas, water and electricity tariffs set to rise: Ananda Palitha

The prices of essential services and commodities, including domestic LP gas, water and electricity, could increase in the coming months, Media Spokesperson and Convener of the Samagi Energy and Joint Trade Unions Force, Ananda Palitha warned.

Principal service grade III recruitment exam on June 7

The limited competitive examination for recruitment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Principal Service for the year 2025 is scheduled to be held on the June 7.

CSE extends losses as geopolitical risks and tariff concerns weigh on sentiment

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its downward trajectory on Thursday, with both benchmark indices recording sharp losses as investor sentiment remained under pressure from escalating tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over the United States’ proposed tariff measures on foreign exporters.

OIC accused in gem theft probe granted bail

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Eheliyagoda Police Station, who was arrested in connection with an investigation conducted by the National Police Commission, was released on bail by the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court today.

Iran’s IRGC says ‘no peace in region’ without Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says there will be “no peace in the region” without Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association opposes proposed extension of judges’ retirement age

The Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to abandon a reported proposal to increase the retirement age of judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, warning that such a move could undermine judicial independence, disrupt career progression within the Judicial Service and erode public confidence in the judiciary.

Bondi Beach shooting hero charged with domestic assault

The man who disarmed one of the alleged perpetrators of the deadly Bondi Beach shooting has been charged with assault.

‘Suicide risk’ vs ‘Oscar-worthy act’: Court hears contrasting claims on Sallay

During submissions before court, President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, appearing for former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Sallay, contended that based on the findings contained in the reports of the five consultant psychiatrists who examined the suspect, the court should consider granting appropriate relief under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Navy arrests 44 for illegal fishing activities

The Sri Lanka Navy arrested 44 individuals and seized several vessels and vehicles used in illegal fishing operations conducted across island waters between May 16 and 31.

National plan for early warning, early action launched

The “Sri Lanka National Anticipatory Action Roadmap 2026-2030” was launched today (June 4) at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, marking a key step forward in enhancing the country’s disaster preparedness and climate resilience through proactive measures.

31 canals renovated for flood control, irrigation; project to finish by October

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara said that 31 canals have been renovated and maintained under a joint government programme aimed at flood control and improving irrigation, with the project scheduled to be completed before October this year.

Rupee further weakens against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee depreciated further against the US Dollar today (04), compared to Wednesday, with the selling rate rising to Rs. 340, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

US Lawmakers vote to halt military action by Trump

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a war powers resolution seeking to halt American military action against Iran, delivering a rare bipartisan rebuke to President Donald Trump as opposition to the three-month conflict continues to grow.

Over 350 online fraud cases reported so far in 2026– SLCERT

A total of 360 cyber-related financial fraud incidents have been reported so far this year in Sri Lanka, according to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT).

Namal criticises ‘selective enforcement’ of PTA

SLPP National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has raised concerns over what he described as the “selective use” of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), following reports that a young artist from Kilinochchi had been arrested and remanded over the alleged use of LTTE-related material in a rap song.

Elders’ home fire: Director arrested

The Director of the elders’ home in Batagoda, Anguruwatota, where a fire broke out on Tuesday evening, has been arrested, Police said.

Unsafe food kills 1.5 million people each year; children most at risk: WHO

Unsafe food causes an estimated 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths worldwide every year, with young children bearing a disproportionate share of the burden, according to new estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Micro-learning to drive digital transformation of public service

The Government has taken initial steps to launch a national programme aimed at digitising the public service and equipping public officials with essential digital skills, with a strong focus on introducing ’’micro-learning’’ as a practical training method.

Death toll rises to 12 in Horana elders’ home fire

The death toll from the fire that broke out at an elders’ home in Anguruwatota, Horana, on Tuesday evening has risen to 12, police said.

One-fifth of under-five children face malnutrition: Health Secretary

Around one in every five Sri Lankan children under the age of five is affected by malnutrition, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said yesterday.

Nawammahara railway crossing to close for renovation work

The Railways Department has announced temporary traffic restrictions at the Nawammahara railway crossing near the Horape Sub-Station on the main railway line due to essential renovation work.

Youth arrested over alleged LTTE-promoting TikTok videos

A 24-year-old resident of Udayanagar in Kilinochchi has been arrested for allegedly uploading videos containing songs that glorify the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Police said.

Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire as Trump seeks to overcome barriers to Iran deal

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities, the Trump administration has announced, as the US looks to overcome one of the largest barriers to reaching a broader deal to end the war with Iran.

Fuel price crisis: Govt weighs options to reduce daily diesel consumption by 500 tonnes

In dealing with the fallout of the Middle East crisis, the government urgently needs to reduce diesel consumption by another 500 tonnes a day, but no specific measure has been agreed upon yet, a Minister said yesterday.

Govt officials struggle amid fuel price increases

Government officials entitled to fuel allowances are facing severe financial difficulties due to the failure to revise allowances in line with recent fuel price increases, The Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

Schoolboy, two women killed in tree fall accident

Three people, including a schoolboy, were killed after a tree collapsed onto a moving three-wheeler in the Mapakanda area of Nawalapitiya early this morning (04).