June 20 (AD) DIG of Police for Traffic Control and Road Safety, Indika Hapugoda, has revealed that nearly 2,000 people have lost their lives in fatal road accidents during the first six months of 2025. From Jan 1 to June 15, 2025, a total of 1,133 fatal accidents were reported, resulting in the deaths of nearly 2,000 individuals. He described the situation as catastrophic and alarming. DIG emphasized that the primary causes of these accidents are unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving. more..

June 20 (NF) In preparation for the annual Esala Perahera festival at the sacred Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, the entrance to Kumana National Park will be opened today to accommodate pilgrims arriving on foot from the Northern and Eastern provinces. This centuries-old tradition, revered by Hindu devotees, involves a spiritual foot pilgrimage through Yala and Kumana National Parks to reach Kataragama. Over 30,000 pilgrims are expected to participate in this year’s journey. more..

June 20 (EN) Less than a handful of the nearly 20,000 Sri Lankans in Israel have requested to come back amidst its conflict with Iran, and arrangements are being made to bring them back after moving them to third countries through ground transport, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said. Sri Lanka was under a 30-year civil war until 2009. “They said they are following the security arrangements of the country,” Herath said. more..

June 20 (FT) SL Chief Justice Murdu Fernando last week underscored the urgent need to reform legal education to meet the evolving demands of a rapidly changing world. Addressing the SL Law Faculty Alumni Association organised felicitation ceremony, she stressed the significance of legal education in moulding an inclusive and responsive society. Drawing parallels with global reforms in legal education, she emphasised that law must remain responsive to contemporary challenges more..

June 20 (NW) Central Bank has issued guidelines pertaining to overseas property investments, following an increase in advertisements promoting such ventures. CBSL said it has recently observed advertisements published in the print and social media that promote overseas investments in immovable properties (overseas property investments) among SL resident individuals. CBSL said that such advertisements also offer guidance on obtaining foreign financing for such more..

June 20 (AD) The latest episode of Guardians, the acclaimed wildlife docuseries spearheaded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme, has been released — this time spotlighting the brave efforts of SL’s wildlife rangers in their fight to save the island’s endangered elephants. Launched in May, Guardians aims to reframe how the world sees rangers, championing the critical but more..

June 20 (NW) PM Harini Amarasuriya says the support of the Maha Sangha is essential to establish Pirivena education as a model for all. PM made these remarks while addressing the 2025 National Pirivena Day celebration held at Temple Trees yesterday, in conjunction with the commemoration of the birth anniversary of the late Most Venerable Welivita Pindapathika Asarana Sarana Saranankara Sangharaja Thero, who pioneered the revitalization of Pirivena education as a central more..

June 20 (AD) Deputy Minister Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, has confirmed that the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination will not be suspended immediately. Speaking in Parliament today, He stated that the govt has decided to conduct the scholarship examination for the year 2029 without any changes. He further noted that a committee will be appointed in 2028 to evaluate the future of the Grade 5 Scholarship Exam and determine whether it should continue beyond 2029. more..

June 20 (CT) NPP MP Nihal Galappaththi, accused a coalition of senior political figures—including former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and Ranil Wickremesinghe, as well as former Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, P. Harrison, Wijith Wijithamuni de Soysa, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, and Lakshman Wasantha Perera—of orchestrating a massive financial scam involving USD 110 million in public funds. “None of them will be shown any mercy,” Galappaththi asserted. more..

June 20 (DM) The CID announced that it has received more than 30 complaints related to ragging incidents within the first six months of this year. The highest number of complaints, over 10, were reported from the Sabaragamuwa Uni. Additional complaints of new ragging incidents have also been received from the Eastern University and the Oluvil Uni. An investigating officer said that comprehensive investigations are currently underway regarding these cases and emphasised that more..

June 20 (AFP) Sri Lanka deported 85 Chinese nationals on Friday, months after they were detained on suspicion of carrying out cybercrimes against banks. The suspects were expelled for violating the terms of their tourist visas and fined around $250 each. "They were arrested by police in October over allegations that they were carrying out online scams targeting international banks," a senior immigration official who asked for anonymity more..

June 20 (AD) Nimal Karunathilaka, representing the NPP, has been elected as the Chairman of the Ukuwela PS in Rattota, Matale. Ukuwela PS comprises 16 opposition members and 11 members from the NPP. However, Karunathilaka secured 14 votes to win the chairmanship. Meera Saibu Mohamed Rafi, representing the United National Alliance, was elected as Vice Chairman with 12 votes. The election for the chairmanship of the Ukuwela PS was conducted amidst more..

June 20 (PMD) A group of students from Thambuttegama Central College, Anuradhapura, visited the Presidential Secretariat and President’s House this afternoon during their annual educational tour. The students had the opportunity to participate in the Vision programme, an initiative for schoolchildren jointly organised by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education, and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. more..

June 20 (CI) After a day-long tug of war, where Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ran each other neck and neck, the first Test will go into day five in Galle no closer to knowing which of these sides has the edge necessary to convert a likely draw into an improbable win. At stumps, Bangladesh lead by 187 runs with seven wickets in hand, and Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim - both first innings centurions - are at the crease. more..

June 20 (AD) NPP has established power in the Galle Municipal Council following the inaugural council meeting held today, under the patronage of the Commissioner of Local Government. A vote was conducted to decide whether the election of the Mayor of the Galle MC should proceed via secret ballot or open vote. 19 members voted in favor of a secret ballot, while 17 supported an open vote. The decision to proceed with a secret ballot led to a tense situation within the council. more..

June 20 (CT) US State Department has announced that all applicants for student and exchange visitor visas under the F, M, and J nonimmigrant categories must set their social media profiles to public as part of a more comprehensive vetting process. “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” State Department said, emphasising that a US visa is a privilege, not a right. The Department noted that it will use all available information —including online presence — to screen applicants more..

June 20 (AD) SL Customs has announced that it has earned a revenue of around Rs. 165 billion from vehicle imports alone so far this year, following the government’s decision to lift the ban on automobile imports. Additional Director General of Customs, Seevali Arukgoda, stated that Customs is on track to surpass its revenue target for 2025. “The revenue target allocated to SL Customs for 2025 is Rs. 2,115 billion. In 2024, our target was Rs. 1,533 bil, which we exceeded by generating Rs. 1,535 bil. more..

June 20 (EN) The World Bank Group will be partnering with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to provide technical assistance on designing a strategic action plan for the national policy on child day care centers to support the national efforts on child care, the multilateral lender said. The move will be supported by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Facility for Investment Climate Advisory Services (FIAS) program. more..

June 20 (AD) The Secretary General of Parliament has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission in writing that a vacancy has arisen in Parliament due to the resignation of Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma. Dr. Suriyapperuma, a National List MP representing the NPP and the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, has submitted his letter of resignation to Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Rohanadeera. more..

June 20 (AD) Chamithri Jayanika Rambukwella, daughter of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was previously remanded after failing to meet bail conditions, was released on bail today (June 20) after fulfilling the stipulated requirements. She had earlier been granted bail following her arrest under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. However, had been placed in remand custody owing to failure to fulfil the bail conditions. more..

June 20 (DM) Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has criticised the NPP for allegedly assisting the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) to gain control of the Vakarai Pradeshiya Sabha. The TMVP, led by former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, widely known as Pillayan, is a controversial political group, with its leader currently in remand custody over the 2006 abduction and disappearance of a university vice chancellor in the Eastern Province. more..

June 20 (PMD) Board of Investment (BOI) of SL has successfully increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by US$96 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024. This was disclosed today during a progress review meeting of the BOI, chaired by Prez. BOI officials also noted that, relative to the first quarter of 2024, domestic investment rose by US$21 million, while export income increased by US$176 m more..

June 20 (DM) SL Police announced that a programme to remove unauthorized equipment and illegal modifications from vehicles will be reintroduced starting July 1. According to DIG of Traffic Control and Road Safety, Indika Hapugoda, the operation would target modifications such as high-intensity headlights, loudspeakers, and metal poles, which are often added without proper authorization. DIG noted that these alterations pose serious dangers to road users, more..

June 20 (EN) Sri Lanka has engaged a head hunting firm to find independent directors for state-owned banks, the Finance Ministry said, following a cabinet decision. “This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of the Boards and increase the representation of independent directors, thereby enhancing governance and oversight within these institutions,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement. KPMG Executive Search has been hired to find the directors. more..

June 20 (FT) SL’s natural heritage continues to reflect the importance of responsible environmental stewardship, and one such treasure, the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, is now the focus of a significant national initiative. Recognising both the ecological and recreational value of this remarkable site, the Institute of Environmental Professionals SL (IEPSL) is launching a comprehensive biodiversity and recreational value assessment, in collaboration with more..

June 20 (FT) Shanmuganathan Sivashankar alias Pottu Ammaan, the former intelligence chief of the LTTE is a keen topic of discussion these days within a Europe based segment of the SL Tamil diaspora. Although the much feared head of the Tiger intelligence division died during the final phase of the war in May 2009, there is a clique of ex-LTTE members based in Europe spreading fake news that Pottu Ammaan is yet alive and that he would emerge soon and revive the LTTE more..

June 20 (DM) Sri Lankans consume medicines at above-normal levels, with the health sector procuring pharmaceuticals under 863 generic categories - two-thirds imported and the rest locally manufactured - a volume that could be nearly halved through proper therapeutic guidelines, resulting in significant cost savings, Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said. Health Ministry had given mind to develop guidelines to be followed by more..

June 20 (DM) New Zealand has added Sri Lanka and eight other countries to its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), making it easier for skilled Sri Lankans to apply for work and residence visas, according to the NZ Immigration. The revised list, effective from June 23, 2025, eliminates the need for an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) for eligible qualifications, streamlining key visa pathways such as the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List roles. more..

June 20 (FT) Chamithri Rambukwella, one of the daughters of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was granted bail earlier yesterday, was remanded after failing to meet the Court imposed bail conditions. The CIABOC arrested two daughters of Keheliya—Chamithri and Amali, and her husband, Isuru Polgasdeniya, in connection with an investigation into allegations of money laundering. They are implicated in the investigation into undeclared assets worth over Rs. 134 m more..

June 20 (DM) Listed companies posted 57.4% year-on-year increase in earnings for the March 2025 quarter, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth. This is as banking and consumer-led sectors outperformed on the back of lower finance costs and improved operating conditions. Sharp recovery in corporate profitability was driven by a boost in net interest income within the banking sector, alongside reduced more..

June 20 (CT) SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, yesterday, criticised the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), describing it as a mere reality show that lacks the authority to take meaningful decisions. Rajapaksa stated that most media coverage of parliamentary proceedings revolves around COPE sessions, not because of their effectiveness, but due to their theatrics. He emphasised that this was not unique to the current Govt, but has been the nature of COPE more..

June 20 (DN) Since the procurement process has been completed and the agreements have been signed until December and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) maintains sufficient oil stocks for the next two and a half months, there will be no shortage of petroleum oil. Energy Kumara Jayakody said that the supply of crude oil required for the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery has been confirmed until December. Therefore, there is no possibility of an oil crisis or shortage in the near future. more..