June 16 (CT) The dairy industry in SL has long been a nationally significant sector, serving as both a nutritional cornerstone and a vital source of livelihood for rural communities. From early colonial efforts to enhance livestock to state-led reforms in the post-independence era, the sector has experienced a complex journey shaped by public policy, international trade, and domestic challenges. A pivotal moment came with the establishment of the Ceylon Milk Board in 1954 under more..

June 16 (CT) The recent incident of plastic nurdles washing ashore along SL’s Northern coastline has once again brought the pressing issue of marine pollution to the forefront. According to media reports, large quantities of these nurdles have been found scattered along the southern coastal belt of Pungudutivu, Kurikattuwan, Nainativu, and Neduntivu in the Jaffna District. These small, lentil-sized pellets are the raw materials used in the production of plastic and polythene, more..

June 16 (TM) As Covid-19 cases slowly begin to rise across SL, a familiar debate is re-emerging: should the public be wearing masks again? Ministry of Health says no – unless you are sick. But others, including the GMOA and leading medical specialists, say yes – as a precaution. This division is fuelling confusion on the ground, especially as public PCR testing has become limited and case tracking less visible, and more..

June 16 (TM) The topic of private universities, especially private medical education, has long been a topic of discussion often leading to controversy. Critics frequently raise concerns about the quality and integrity of such institutions while questioning whether they merely sell degrees. These concerns have resurfaced in recent months as the Govt’s efforts to recruit graduates for supplementary medical roles were met with opposition from several parties including trade unions representing more..

June 16 (ST) In SL’s far from glorious post-independence electoral history, have we ever seen such a verita-ble song and dance over a local govt election or various groups of council aspirants quarrelling over their seats so nonsensically? Breathless excitement grips the nation’s newsreaders as the time that should be spent on construc-tive reporting regarding matters of national importance impacting on the lives of ordinary Sri Lankans is frittered away on power-politics. more..

June 16 (SO) Following months of growing friction surrounding the Tissa Raja Maha Vihara in Jaffna, a new wave of unrest is taking shape, fuelled by religious symbolism, land disputes, and politically charged narratives. In continuation of the Sunday Observer’s earlier coverage on how religious and national symbols are increasingly being misused in election campaigns, recent events around the temple on Poya days have more..

June 16 (DM) In the early hours of 13 June 2025, Israel without any warning launched a large-scale strike targetting Iranian nuclear facilities. The aim of the sneak attack according to the Israeli premier was to protect Israel by preventing Iran from manufacturing nuclear weapons. Israel itself is nuclear armed. Prior to the attack, the Israeli premier informed its ally the US of the pending attack. Hours later, on the evening of 13 June, Iran retaliated launching a large-scale attack more..

June 16 (DM) The recent, dramatic escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel - with reports of 200 Israeli fighter jets striking Iranian military and nuclear facilities on June 13 and Iran responding with 100 drone attacks and vows of harsher retaliation - signals a perilous new phase in Middle Eastern geopolitics. On June 14 Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles towards Israel in a retaliatory strike. While Israel’s Iron Dome and US assistance intercepted majority of projectiles, more..

June 15 (ST) When a group of opposition parties first started talks last month on reaching an agreement to form administrations in local councils where the combined number of seats won by political parties and independent groups outnumbered those won by the ruling NPP, the development was met with both anger and mockery by the govt. NPP had won 151 local councils outright, but the party insisted it had both more..

June 15 (ST) The govt committee appointed to inquire into the controversial release of 323 containers over two days from the Colombo Port has called for a further audit and made several urgent recommendations following containers marked as red label, thereby requiring Customs scrutiny, being released without inspection. Committee’s report was submitted to Finance Ministry to be handed over to Prez Dissanayake after the completion of an inquiry lasting four months. more..

June 15 (ST) The govt has deleted from the action plan of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration its commitment to abolish the pensions and special privileges of retired presidents and their families, a document obtained through the RTI Act shows. In March, the secretary to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake issued a circular to the secretaries of all ministries pointing to a Cabinet decision taken that month to accept the NPP election manifesto— more..

June 15 (ST) A CID report has revealed that 69 prisoners who were not officially approved for release have been freed under the presidential pardon since December last year. The report was presented to court this week as part of an investigation into an unapproved presidential pardon granted to an inmate at the A'pura Prison to mark Vesak. According to the report, 57 inmates were released from 29 prisons on Dec 25 last year more..

June 15 (DM) SL’s economic growth is forecast to decelerate to 3.5% this year, reflecting the scarring effects of the crisis, structural impediments to growth, and heightened global economic uncertainties, according to the World Bank. Economic growth is expected to drop further in 2026 and 2027 to 3.1%. World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report states that, after unexpectedly weak growth of 6% in 2024, activity in South Asia is decelerating amid rising global more..

June 15 (Island) IPD Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. has partnered with the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) to launch the first-ever IPD Power Systems Laboratory at the SLIIT Malabe campus. The facility, inaugurated following the signing of a MoU officially opened recently providing cutting-edge training and hands-on experience in switchgear and power systems to hundreds of Electrical Engineering undergraduates. Registered under Colombo Port City project, more..

June 15 (AD) A charred body, identified as that of a police officer, was discovered inside a three-wheeler on the Kochchikade Kammal Thotupola seashore in Negombo this morning (14), police said. The deceased has been identified as 56-year-old Police Sergeant Driver Jayantha Pushpakumara of the Negombo Divisional CIU. He was a resident of the Dalupatha area in Negombo. According to police, the incident was witnessed by local residents earlier this morning, who promptly alerted Kochchikade more..

June 15 (CT) Large quantities of plastic nurdles — the raw materials used in the production of plastic and polythene — have washed ashore along the southern coastal belt of Pungudutivu, Kurikattuwan, Nainativu, and Neduntivu in the Jaffna District, sparking concern among environmental experts and local authorities. While speculation suggests that the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has collected some of the materials for laboratory testing, marine specialists remain uncertain more..

June 15 (EN) SL is planning to overhaul the country’s electricity pricing methodology, regulatory officials said after a clawback clause had undermined cost-reflective tariff and made it impossible to project prices within a reasonable range for businesses. SL’s regulator cut electricity prices by 20% in January, falling foul of an IMF requirement to match costs with prices as part of efforts to prevent a 2nd sovereign default. more..

June 15 (ST) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set fit and proper criteria for all major stakeholders of the capital market industry, after suspending three stockbrokers over alleged violations of securities law, while bringing in a high-powered NASDAQ surveillance system, which will go live within a month. SC Securities CEO – Roshantha Fernando, First Capital CEO – Jaliya Wijeratne and Capital Alliance – Milanka Induruwage, Executive Vice President at more..

June 15 (DM) SL peacebuilder Pushpi Weerakoon has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to receive the prestigious Rotary Alumni Global Service Award, the highest honour bestowed by Rotary International upon an outstanding alumnus. In recognition of her decades-long work in conflict resolution, legal reform, and humanitarian service across SL and beyond, Pushpi has also been invited to address the Rotary Int'l Convention 2025, to be held from June 21–25 in Calgary, Canada. more..

June 15 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayaka’s first official visit to Germany, which took place from 11 to 13 June, successfully concluded with bilateral political meetings, a business roundtable, and an engagement with the German tourism industry. Prez Disanayaka undertook the visit at the invitation of the Prez of Germany, Frank- Walter Steinmeier, who welcomed him at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin on 11 June, with a ceremonial Guard of Honour accorded by the German Armed Forces. more..

June 15 (IANS) In a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation between India and SL, Lt General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the SL Army, is on a two-day official visit to the Sapta Shakti Command headquartered in Jaipur from June 12 to 13. Upon his arrival, Lt Gen Rodrigo was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command. Visit underlined deep-rooted defence ties more..

June 15 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake said the NPP govt was formed with the united will of all the nation’s people, transcending ethnic and religious divides, with the paramount objective of making Sri Lanka a better state. He firmly stated that he would not allow the expectations placed upon the govt by the SL people to be shattered in any way. Prez made these remarks yesterday (13) afternoon during a meeting more..

June 15 (AD) Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment has announced that the Govt of SL is closely monitoring the evolving military situation between Israel and Iran. In a statement issued by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, it was emphasized that under the current circumstances, all Sri Lankans residing in or visiting the affected regions are strongly advised to maintain regular contact with nearest SL diplomatic mission. more..

June 15 (EN) India will subsidize a ferry service from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka for another year to strengthen regional connectivity and people to people links. “It is aimed at ensuring the affordability and operational sustainability of the service by covering key logistical and operational costs, on terms similar to the previous year,” India’s HC in Colombo said. “It stands as a key milestone in revitalizing maritime connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.” more..

June 15 (TM) Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) yesterday (14) ruled out any immediate impact of rising global fuel prices on local fuel prices. Oil prices had surged sharply on Friday (13) following escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, marking the largest single-day increase in over two years. US crude oil (WTI) jumped 7.26%, settling at $ 72.98 per barrel, while Brent crude rose 7% to $ 74.23 per barrel. more..

June 15 (Island) With a week to go for the Thailand Open Athletics Championship, Ambagamuwa Central athlete Ayomal Akalanka flexed his muscles with a new SL National Junior record time in the 400 metres hurdles at the Junior National Athletics Championship at Diyagama on Friday. One of the brightest prospects to emerge from the schools set up in recent years, Akalanka clocked 50.20 seconds to win the Under 20 400 metres hurdles. The athlete trained by veteran coach Anura Bandara more..

June 15 (CI) At 12.45pm on a sunny Saturday at Lord's, South Africa secured the most significant moment in their cricket history with the World Test Championship title. It was not without nerves - how could it be? - but this time there was no agony at the end. Aiden Markram took them to the brink with an epic 136, an innings that will go down as the country's most important in Tests, before the winning runs were driven through the covers by Kyle Verreynne to spark the celebrations. more..

June 15 (TM) The Govt has no plans to reduce the current taxation on imported vehicles as it hopes to control the annual outflow of foreign exchange for the purpose of importing vehicles at $ 1,200 million for 2025 in order to ensure exchange stability, according to the Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways. Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena stated that the Govt had no plans of reducing the current taxation on vehicles. more..

June 15 (Island) Third edition of the World Test Championship kicks off in the sweltering south with Galle set to host the curtain-raiser as SL lock horns with Bangladesh on Tuesday. This time around, the Sri Lankans have the luxury of playing India and South Africa at home in addition to Bangladesh, while away tours to WI, NZ and Pakistan lie ahead. Its not a bad schedule at all. In the last cycle which came to a climax at Lords this week with Australia squaring off against South Africa in the final. more..

June 15 (CT) In SL’s mist-veiled Central Highlands, the rhythmic rustle of nimble fingers plucking the famed two leaves and a bud is fading into the background —replaced by the mechanical buzz of harvesting machines. Once the proud domain of thousands of skilled women pluckers, the tea plantations are now undergoing a profound transformation. As SL’s tea estates grapple with an unprecedented labour crisis—caused by more..

June 15 (Island) On a wonderful morning in May in the year 1975, a group of around 140 young men and women entered the engineering faculty at the Katubedda Campus of the Uni of SL. Only around 12% of them were women, a statistic that has improved slightly to around 20% over the past 50 years! There appeared little to differentiate us from previous entrants to this campus. However, Dr L.H. Sumanadasa, who had previously been instrumental in setting up both the Institute of more..

June 15 (Island) Glorious uncertainties define both cricket and power politics—where nothing is more certain than the unexpected. Explosive starts therein do not necessarily guarantee smooth sailing or easy victories; unforeseen trouble comes from unexpected quarters. Whoever would have thought that the people would ever rise against the SLPP govt elected by them with a two-thirds majority in 2020, and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a former military officer, would head for the hills more..