President Anura congratulates Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected PM

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended warm congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India.

Provincial Council elections will be held only after amending electoral system: Harini

Ruling out the possibility of holding the Provincial Council elections under the proportional representation system, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today that the polls will be held only after introducing a new electoral system.

Father of two shot dead after entering cashew estate

A 36-year-old father of two was shot dead after he and a group of villagers entered a cashew plantation in Wanathawilluwa to collect fallen cashew nuts, prompting police investigations and the arrest of eight suspects.

No decision to extend retirement age of judges: Minister

Amidst controversy over reports of the extension of retirement age of judges, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday that the government has not taken any decision, claiming that there has been no discussion on the matter within the government.

Sallay’s treatment could be meted out to others in the Opposition: UNP

The United National Party (UNP) while highlighting that the treatment meted out to former State Intelligence Services (SIS) Chief Major General Suresh Sallay in violation of the Constitution and international conventions, said the treatment meted out to Sallay may be applied on other opposition groups.

Sri Lankan doctor found guilty of sexually touching female patient in Perth

A Sri Lankan immigrant doctor has been found guilty of indecently assaulting a female patient during an acupuncture appointment in Perth.

Enthusiasm among local, foreign investors galore to take Mattala airport

With as many as 47 parties initially responding to the call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development of the Mattala International Airport (MIA), which is a strategic asset being eyed by countries involved in geopolitical contestation, the authorities have extended the deadline by one more month at the request of participants, an official said yesterday.

Millions including NDB monies siphoned out of Sri Lanka under guise of importing goods

While Sri Lanka is grappling with a dollar crisis, investigations conducted by the police and Sri Lanka Customs have uncovered a massive scam where millions of US Dollars including the Rs.13 billion NDB fraud was siphoned out of the country under the guise of importing goods since 2023.

Iran’s lakes are vanishing: Satellite images show a deepening water crisis

For many Iranians, the most immediate threat is no longer just war, but water.

Nasa names next astronauts for Artemis Moon programme

NASA has named its crew for its next major Moon mission, Artemis III, though the astronauts will not walk on the Moon or go anywhere near it.

Iran strikes Bahrain and Jordan in retaliation for US attacks in Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed attacks on United States military bases in Bahrain and Jordan in retaliation for US strikes on ports and islands in the Strait of Hormuz.

France bans Israel’s finance minister

France on Tuesday banned Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entry, slamming the far-right politician’s calls for the annexation of the occupied West Bank, new settlements in the area and the “recolonisation” of Gaza. Smotrich was among dozens of Israelis who were slapped with sanctions by France, Britain, Canada, ​Australia, New Zealand and Norway.

US-Iran strikes intensify after American patrol helicopter downed in Hormuz

The US and Iran have exchanged fire after the US threatened retaliation for the downing of an American military helicopter over the Iran Strait of Hormuz on Monday that President Donald Trump attributed to Iran.

Trains to operate normally as strike called off

Railway services will operate as normal today (10) after railway controllers called off the trade union action that was scheduled to commence at midnight yesterday (09).

Carry out investigations, but don’t turn them political – Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said that investigations into matters relating to national security and the Easter attacks must be conducted properly, but should not be politicized for political advantage.

EU plans to ban Russian soldiers from bloc in fresh sanctions on Moscow

The EU hopes to ban Russian soldiers from entering its territory as part of further sanctions against Moscow that also target banks, crypto firms and the Kremlin’s oil revenues.

‘Corruption led to economic collapse’ - Court

While delivering the judgment, the High Court Judge underscored the far-reaching consequences of corruption in State institutions, observing that such misconduct not only damages the country’s economy but has also contributed to its economic downfall.

Hayleys obtains enjoining order against Wimal Weerawansa

The District Court of Kaduwela has issued an enjoining order against former MP Wimal Weerawansa on an application filed by Hayleys PLC over an alleged defamatory statement.

Train services likely to be disrupted amid planned trade union action

Railway services are expected to face major disruption tomorrow due to planned trade union action by railway controllers, the Sri Lanka Railway Controllers’ Union (SLRCU) said.

CSE rebounds as lower oil prices and strong crossings lift sentiment

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recovered from the previous session’s losses on Tuesday, with both benchmark indices closing higher as improving external factors helped restore investor confidence. The rebound was largely driven by a sharp decline in global oil prices and a modest appreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar, easing concerns over the potential economic fallout from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

14-hour water cut in Galle tomorrow

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 14-hour water cut in the Galle Municipal Council area tomorrow (10) to facilitate essential maintenance work.

Dr. Satyanjal Pandey pays farewell call on Defence Secretary

The outgoing Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, paid a farewell call on Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, at the Ministry of Defence today.

Tickets for Iran fans revoked, says federation

The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, begins on Thursday, with Iran scheduled to play New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June - both in Los Angeles - before facing Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.

Lord’s pitch gets sanctioned by ICC

The Lord’s and the Gaddafi stadium pitches where England took on New Zealand and Australia faced Pakistan in a Test and ODI respectively were rated as unsatisfactory by the ICC under the Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

Dengue surge as thousands of breeding sites found in major national inspection drive

A nationwide dengue control operation has revealed a worrying number of mosquito breeding sites, raising concerns over public health safety in key institutions including schools, government offices, and construction sites.

Principals’ starting salaries revised; Promotion relief granted

The starting salary of officers in the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service has been revised following Cabinet approval, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education announced.

Extension of emergency approved by Parliament

The extension of the state of emergency for another month was approved by a majority of 128 votes.

Lanka Sathosa to reduce prices of 18 essential food items from tomorrow

Lanka Sathosa has announced a reduction in the prices of 18 essential food items with effect from tomorrow (10), as part of a government initiative aimed at providing relief to consumers amid rising global prices.

10-hour water cut in several Kalutara areas tomorrow

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that water supply will be suspended for 10 hours in several areas of the Kalutara District tomorrow (10), due to an interruption in electricity supply to the Kehena Water Treatment Plant.

Permanent appointments for temporary staff recruited since 2018

The Government yesterday formally granted permanent appointments to a group of employees recruited on temporary, casual, substitute, contract and concessionary basis under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development.