Jun 16 (AD) The mandatory seat belt regulation will be strictly enforced from June 20, National Council for Road Safety announced. Chairman of the council, Manjula Kularatne, stated that all occupants of vehicles travelling on expressways will be required to wear seat belts. The govt has made it compulsory for both front-seat and rear-seat passengers to wear seat belts while travelling in vehicles on expressways. A grace period had previously been granted to allow the public to more..

Jun 16 (NW) Cabinet has approved the appointment of a Senior Officials Committee to study the feasibility of integrating the operations of the EPF and ETF under a unified governance framework. EPF, established in 1958, covers more than 2.5 million members and holds assets exceeding Rs. 4.9 trillion. Its custodianship, investment management, financial administration, and benefit payments are overseen by the CB, while the Dept of Labour handles registration, compliance, arrears recovery, and more..

Jun 16 (MK) Lanka Premier League (LPL) is set to enter its sixth season with a major commercial push after its promoter, Innovative Production Group FZ, secured multimillion-dollar backing through a strategic all-stock merger with Flash Sports & Media, Inc. The development comes weeks before LPL Season 6, which is scheduled to begin on 10 July 2026. IPG said the transaction brings its portfolio of T20 league commercial rights, including the LPL, more..

Jun 16 (EN) SL’s cabinet has approved getting a 200 million dollar funding from the Asian Development Bank for a post-cyclone infrastructure reconstruction and livelihood assistance project, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said, 7 months after the disaster. “Extreme damages occurred to national infrastructure such as highways, railway tracks and irrigation systems as well as livelihoods, economic activities due to cyclone Ditwah that struck SL in November 2025,” more..

Jun 16 (NW) Sri Lanka A cricketer Vishen Halambage’s Instagram account has reportedly been blocked after the young player became the target of online trolls following an on-field altercation involving India A batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Halambage drew widespread attention after Sri Lanka A’s dramatic Super Over victory over India A in the Tri-Nation Series in Dambulla on Monday, with videos of a heated exchange between the two players circulating widely on social media. more..

Jun 16 (AD) Dinana Dakuna collective has strongly condemned what it describes as politically motivated interference by police and the CID in matters related to contempt of court allegations, claiming that such actions are being used to restrict freedom of expression. In a statement issued by the collective’s leadership board and executive committee, spokesperson Shiral Lakthilaka said the organization expresses strong opposition to what it terms the targeting of citizens’ speech more..

Jun 16 (NW) SL’s javelin throw champion Rumesh Tharanga is set to compete at the prestigious Ostrava Golden Spike athletics meet in the Czech Republic today, with the event scheduled to take place at 22:37 SL time. Tharanga’s participation comes on the heels of his remarkable performance at the Rome Diamond League, where he delivered a record‑breaking throw that boosted his global standing. Currently ranked third in the world, his showing in Ostrava is expected to play a decisive role more..

Jun 16 (DM) In the wake of tens of millions of US dollars being transferred out of the country through fraudulent transactions, the govt is planning to strengthen laws governing money laundering by introducing fresh legal amendments, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said. Earlier, Minister told Parliament that as much as US$85 million had been transferred out of the country under the guise of import payments. He said that, according to one investigation, more..

Jun 16 (NF) Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has filed a petition before the Court of Appeal seeking an order preventing his arrest under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The petition is linked to investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks. The petition was filed through Attorney-At-Law Sanath Wijewardena. Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, Director of the CID Shani Abeysekara, and several others have been named as respondents in the petition. more..

Jun 16 (NF) The newly appointed Defence Attaché of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in SL, Senior Colonel Fu Xiao, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Aruna Jayasekara, at his office in Colombo yesterday. During the meeting, the Deputy Minister and the Chinese Defence Attaché engaged in cordial discussions on matters of bilateral defence cooperation and mutual interest. The Deputy Minister acknowledged China's longstanding defence cooperation, more..

Jun 16 (ST) Six months after Cyclone Ditwah tore through SL, women-led households in the informal sector are struggling to validate their compensation needs. In the immediate aftermath of the cyclone, the government announced a sweeping compensation package covering everything from damaged homes and disrupted livelihoods to temporary accommodation and schoolchildren’s expenses. Yet, affected families who function in the informal sector describe a different reality: more..

Jun 16 (AD) Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Major General (Rtd) Suresh Sallay should fully cooperate with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks by disclosing all relevant information in his possession, according to Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. Minister stated that as a former intelligence and military officer, Major General Sallay should provide investigators with any information that could assist the inquiry. more..

Jun 16 (NW) The Govt of India has donated defence and medical equipment valued at USD 5 million to the SL Army, strengthening the long‑standing friendship and defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and India. The consignment was officially handed over at Army Headquarters in Akuregoda, by India’s High Commissioner to SL, Santosh Jha, to Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyyakontha. Commander of the SL Army, Lt General Lasantha Rodrigo, was also present. more..

Jun 16 (FT) There are widespread misunderstandings about key economic concepts such as economic growth, inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, taxation, Govt debt, and fiscal and monetary policies. These misconceptions are propagated by various commentators through newspapers, TV talk shows, and social media. Such economic myths distort public opinion, create market uncertainty, and lead to imprudent decision-making in both the private and public sectors. more..

Jun 16 (TM) The prospective signing of a peace treaty between the United States and Iran in Switzerland this Friday (19) offers a critical window of relief for global energy markets, but its long-term viability remains highly questionable. Following over one hundred days of active conflict since the US-led offensive in late February, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the ceasefire breakthrough, subsequent to official confirmations from Washington and Tehran. more..

Jun 16 (FT) Sri Lanka’s economy grew 5.1% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 4.8% in the Dec 2025 quarter. 1Q 2026 was particularly challenging. The period covered the first two months (Jan and Feb) after the devastating Ditwah Cyclone and the first full month of the US-Israel war on Iran (March). However, while lower than the 5.4% growth in 3Q 2025, it was higher than the 4.9% 2Q and 4.8% 1Q growth rates of 2025. more..

Jun 16 (DN) Minister Chrishantha Abeysena highlighted how drone technology is an excellent solution to the severe labour shortage the agriculture sector is currently facing. Speaking at a special drone technology workshop in the Kurukulawa paddy fields area in Wattala recently, he said it is a highly efficient method that saves time. ‘Introducing these modern technological tools also paves the way to create a young smart farmer generation that uses technology in the country. more..

Jun 16 (NF) Ministry of Health states that 70 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across the island have been identified as dengue risk areas. Its Acting Director, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, noted that among these, the highest risk areas have been identified as the Biyagama, Matara, and Ratnapura MC areas, as well as the Kaduwela, Maharagama, Piliyandala, and Moratuwa MOH divisions. Due to this situation, residents living in these MOH divisions must remain highly vigilant. more..

Jun 16 (BBC) US Prez Donald Trump has said a preliminary deal to end the war with Iran has already been signed and suggested that details of the agreement are set to be published pretty soon. "I am very happy to say it's signed, the deal is all signed," he said during talks with French Prez Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit on Monday. Senior US officials also began giving some details about the contents of the deal, more..

Jun 16 (DM) A British MP has urged the UK Govt to intervene in the case of a Sri Lankan family facing deportation, arguing that they have become valued members of their local community through their work and public service. Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins highlighted the case of a person called Rasika, who works as a care worker, and his wife Chamila, a teaching assistant in Northchurch who supports children with special educational needs and volunteers at her local church. more..

Jun 16 (AD) SL Railway Station Masters' Association (SLRSMU) has raised concerns over what it describes as a worsening crisis in the railway service, claiming that the number of daily train journeys has fallen to below 200, compared to more than 420 services operated before the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, more than 420 daily train services, including passenger, mixed, fuel transport and freight trains, were in operation. That figure dropped to around 350 after more..

Jun 16 (DM) Sri Lanka is moving closer to establishing a regulatory framework for virtual assets, as the policymakers and financial regulators grapple with the growing risks posed by the unregulated cryptocurrency trading, offshore platforms and cross-border digital transactions. The issue took centre stage yesterday as the Digital Economy Ministry and Securities and Exchange Commission of SL (SEC) brought together the regulators, policymakers & industry experts more..

Jun 16 (AD) CID has informed the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court regarding ongoing investigations into a series of killings in 2008 in the Eastern Province, in which five people were shot dead using T-56 firearms. Former State Minister S. Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan, has been named among the suspects. The report was submitted following extensive investigations into the incidents, which occurred in several locations within Batticaloa and Vavunathivu. more..

Jun 16 (Island) Director CID SSP Shani Abeysekera has declined to grant permission for Asith Siriwardena, Counsel for Maj. Gen. Suresh Sallay, detained under the PTA, and now warded at the National Hospital, to visit him five days of the week, from Monday to Friday. Responding to a letter received from Manori, wife of the detainee, SSP Abeysekera has emphasised that the Counsel could meet Sallay on Wednesdays, more..

Jun 16 (FT) Rupee yesterday opened the week stronger against the US dollar in the spot market. USD/LKR spot rate closed at Rs. 333.00/334.50 compared with Friday’s close of Rs. 335.50/336.00. Currency had recorded a sharp appreciation on Wednesday after CB reduced the period within which exporters are required to convert export proceeds into rupees to 30 days from the previous 90 days. The rupee strengthened to Rs. 332.25/333.00 on Wednesday from more..

Jun 16 (DN) SL A dished out a superb display to beat India A in a super over thriller in their Tri Nation series fixture played at Dambulla Stadium yesterday. India A made 265 all out in 49.2 overs while SL A finished with 265 for 9 wickets in 50 overs. The game continued with a super over where Sri Lanka A made 16 runs in the super over while restricting India A to just 9 runs. Avishka Fernando and skipper Sahan Arachchige batted for SL in the super over while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and more..

Jun 16 (NW) Former SL captain Anura Tennekoon has advised Indian teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi to stay focused on his game and ignore the outside noise surrounding his rapid rise in cricket. Tennekoon, who had travelled to Dambulla to watch the India A-SL A Tri-Nation Series match, met the 15-year-old after the game and offered words of encouragement. According to reports, Suryavanshi sought Tennekoon’s blessings before the former SL captain shared his advice. more..

Jun 16 (FT) SL’s manufacturing sector is undergoing a gradual shift towards greater automation, precision engineering and sustainability driven production, with companies increasingly investing in technologies aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening long term industrial competitiveness. Against this backdrop, Alumex PLC has unveiled a major expansion of its aluminium extrusion capabilities with the introduction of a new high-capacity production line at its fully owned more..

Jun 16 (FT) SL and India are exploring the potential to convert the $ 6 billion bilateral trade to Rupee basis on the basis of multiple advantages. A top level roundtable titled Rupee to Rupee: Strengthening the India-SL Commercial Corridor was held yesterday in Colombo involving multiple stakeholders to drive home the benefits as well as address challenges and tap the potential. India’s High Commissioner Santosh Jah told the forum at which more..

Jun 16 (FT) SL’s banking sector must strengthen governance, internal controls, and institutional resilience to navigate an increasingly complex operating environment marked by cyber threats, technological disruption, climate risks, and evolving regulatory demands, leading banking executives and regulators said at a webinar on future-proofing the industry. Speaking at the event, CB Governing Board Member Manil Jayesinghe said governance should remain the foundation of sustainable banking, more..

Jun 16 (DN) Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth has reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting SL’s efforts to strengthen evidence-based governance, emphasizing that accurate and reliable data remains the cornerstone of effective policy-making for tourism. Echoing sentiments recently expressed by Minister Vijitha Herath in Parliament, High Commissioner Duckworth underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and and data integrity in shaping the future more..

Jun 16 (FT) SL’s fiscal position strengthened sharply in the first four months of 2026, with the Govt posting a Budget surplus of Rs. 105 billion compared to a deficit of Rs. 261.6 billion in the corresponding period of last year, driven by a surge in revenue collection led by taxes linked to motor vehicle imports. Total revenue and grants increased by 34.6% to Rs. 1.958 trillion during Jan-Apr 2026 from Rs. 1.455 trillion a year earlier, more..