Jun 15 (Island) Chairman of CoPF Dr. Harsha de Silva dismissed Free Lawyers’ claim that his Committee had helped delay a proper investigation into the theft of USD 2.5 mn (nearly Rs 1 bn) from the Treasury. SJB MP said that he wouldn’t comment on frivolous accusations against his Committee. “We conduct ourselves in keeping with the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility.” Dr. de Silva said so when more..

Jun 15 (NW) Police in Kandy have announced stricter enforcement against pedestrians who cross main roads illegally instead of using designated underpasses, citing concerns over public safety and traffic congestion. According to Kandy Police, the underpasses were constructed at significant cost to improve pedestrian safety and ease traffic flow within the city. However, many pedestrians continue to cross busy roads at undesignated locations, creating risks for both themselves and motorists. more..

Jun 15 (NW) SL A secured a dramatic Super Over victory over India A in the Tri-Nation A Series in Dambulla on Monday, but the match ended amid tense scenes involving players from both sides. After scores were tied at 265 apiece at the end of the regulation 50 overs, SL A prevailed in the Super Over to seal victory in a contest filled with drama and controversy. The tension spilled over after the match, with India A youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi becoming involved in a heated exchange with more..

Jun 15 (AD) Ministry of Transport, Highways & Urban Development has introduced measures to further promote the use of the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway, aiming to provide motorists with a faster and more convenient toll payment experience. Awareness programmes on the enhanced ETC facilities were conducted toda. Motorists can now make toll payments using cash, cards, or ETC system, with dedicated entry more..

Jun 15 (DM) Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has directed officials to urgently convene all relevant stakeholders, including District Secretaries from 14 high-risk districts, to strengthen measures against the ongoing dengue outbreak. The directive was issued during a special discussion held this morning to review urgent interventions aimed at curbing the spread of dengue. The meeting, chaired by the Minister, focused on enhancing national dengue control efforts, including more..

Jun 15 (CI) There are heists, and then there are heists, and the one at Sabina Park on Sunday will live long in the memory of those who watched it. For 16 overs of the chase, SL had looked in total control of their defence of 169. But in a frenzied finish, West Indies ransacked 60 runs off just 22 deliveries to complete the chase with two balls to spare. Sherfane Rutherford was dropped twice on the way to an unbeaten 54 off 40, and more..

Jun 15 (DM) Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando, has called for a global shift in the way Artificial Intelligence (AI) is viewed in the world of work, stressing that it should be used to uplift humanity to greater heights rather than replace human labour. Speaking at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference, currently underway in Geneva, Minister said SL supports international cooperation to ensure fair value distribution and living wages in AI-integrated production systems. more..

Jun 15 (FT) In a significant ruling delivered on 11 June, Court of Appeal allowed the appeal of Wealthtrust Securities Ltd, against the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue (CGIR), setting aside the Tax Appeals Commission (TAC) determination. Wealthtrust Securities Ltd, is a licenced primary dealer in Govt securities, appointed by the CB. Its principal activity comprises bidding at primary auctions, purchasing Treasury Bills and Treasury Bonds, engaging in secondary more..

Jun 15 (DM) CSE recorded a powerful rebound on 15th June 2026, with both benchmark indices posting substantial gains as improving global sentiment and a more favorable regional outlook restored investor confidence. Following a period of heightened uncertainty, the market witnessed broad-based buying interest from the opening bell, driving one of the strongest single-day performances in recent sessions. more..

Jun 15 (DM) Govt of SL has reiterated its Zero Tolerance Policy on torture, stating that a range of legislative, administrative and institutional measures are being implemented to strengthen human rights protections. Minister Vijitha Herath made the remarks during a special programme held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment and Tourism, attended by a 4-member delegation of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT), which visited SL from 15 to 24 June more..

Jun 15 (DM) Embassy of SL in Beijing, with the support of the SL Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), successfully hosted a Sri Lanka Tourism Briefing and Networking Reception on 8 June 2026, bringing together over 120 representatives from China’s travel trade, media, tourism investment sector, airlines, content creation industry, and the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The event was attended by leading Chinese travel companies and media org more..

Jun 15 (NW) The REVE Luxury Awards celebrate the world’s most exceptional luxury hotels, resorts, destinations, and travel experiences, recognising properties that consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences, innovation, service excellence, and destination leadership. Located within the buffer zone of Sri Lanka’s renowned Yala National Park, Hilton Yala Resort has established itself as a unique luxury destination where wildlife, sustainability, & world-class hospitality converge. more..

Jun 15 (AD) CID informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today that it has initiated an investigation into allegations of contempt of court involving six individuals, including former Ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila and MP Dilith Jayaweera. Investigators informed court that the probe was launched over statements allegedly made via electronic media, which they said could obstruct ongoing investigations related to former Director of SIS, Major General more..

Jun 15 (EN) Sri Lanka has spent only 17.4% of the allocated total capital expenditure of Rs. 1,380 billion rupees so far this year. SL has spent only around Rs. 240 billion rupees out of the total allocated in the 2026 budget, Jude Nilukshan, Director General of National Budget Department told CoPF last week. “Some procurements have already started and are proceeding. We expect some capital expenses more..

Jun 15 (NW) A 41-year-old suspect was arrested in the Horombawa area of Narammala on Sunday (14) after police intercepted a container truck carrying a large quantity of imported goods allegedly brought into the country without paying customs duties. The arrest was made by officers of the Kuliyapitiya Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau following a tip-off. The suspect, a resident of Horombawa, was handed over to the Kuliyapitiya Police for further investigations. more..

Jun 15 (NW) The Clean Manning programme to clean the premises of the Peliyagoda Manning Market, SL’s oldest and principal wholesale market for vegetables and fruits, was held this morning under the patronage of Minister Upali Pannilage. The wholesale market, currently located in Peliyagoda, was observed to lack the environmental comfort and cleanliness required for traders to carry out their business activities under suitable conditions. Authorities have also identified concerns more..

Jun 15 (EN) SL’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.1% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, accelerating from a 4.7% expansion in the previous quarter. GDP at constant (2015) prices reached 3,653 billion rupees in Q1 2026, up from 3,477 billion rupees in Q1 2025. This marks a sustained recovery from the 10.6% contraction suffered during the economic crisis peak in Q1 2023. more..

Jun 15 (NW) A massive 16‑storey Heart Treatment Centre with advanced facilities will be established within the premises of the SL National Hospital this year at a cost of Rs. 12,000 million, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced. He said that construction is scheduled to begin this year and is expected to be completed within three years. Minister made the announcement while attending the occasion of Specialist Dr. Sampath Indika Kumara assuming duties as Deputy Director General of more..

Jun 15 (AD) CIABOC has directed all public officials that annual asset and liability declarations must be submitted by June 30, warning that failure to comply will result in mandatory penalties. Issuing a special statement, CIABOC Director General Ranga Dissanayake said individuals who do not submit their declarations before the deadline will be subject to fines, which he described as unavoidable and substantial. He further cautioned that non-compliance could also lead to legal more..

Jun 15 (TM) As a Nation, we pride ourselves on our collective resilience and our deeply ingrained community values. Yet, the latest data from the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) reveals a damning indictment of our public responsibility. A staggering 80% of mosquito breeding sites identified across the country are located not in hidden, inaccessible corners, but in our most frequented public spaces. Numbers are more than just statistics; they are a record of collective neglect. more..

Jun 15 (FT) There has been some public outcry on social media regarding the reported errors and omissions figures in SL’s Balance of Payments (BOP) compiled by the Central Bank. Quoting figures reproduced from the Central Bank database by the IMF staff in their report to the Executive Board, questions have been raised as to whether the Central Bank has incurred a loss amounting to some $ 808 million under the category of errors and omissions in the 2025 BOP numbers. more..

Jun 15 (AV) A historic cultural milestone was achieved in Colombo as more than 5,000 Bharatanatyam dancers performed together, clinching the Guinness World Record for the largest Bharatanatyam dance lesson. Event, organised by Sangamam Global Academy, India and Samgamizh Liya, SL, was held at Galle Face Green in Colombo and brought together thousands of dancers from SL, India & several other countries, more..

Jun 15 (DN) Since Dengue has currently developed into a highly critical risk situation in Sri Lanka, the Govt has decided to implement a National Dengue Prevention Week from today (15) to June 20 with the aim of controlling its spread. This programme is being implemented jointly by the Public Admin, PCs and LG Ministry and the Health Ministry and Education Ministry and the SL Police. At a special discussion held under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister Ruwan Senarath, it was revealed more..

Jun 15 (NW) The official website of SL Railways came under a cyberattack today (14), railway authorities said. According to officials, the attack has affected only the railway timetable system available on the website. As a precautionary measure, authorities have temporarily disabled the affected section of the website while efforts are underway to rectify the damage and restore normal operations. Railway authorities said the remainder of the website remains unaffected and more..

Jun 15 (FT) CoPF has raised concerns over gaps in the availability and accessibility of public debt and Government securities market data following the transfer of debt management responsibilities from the CBSL to the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), warning that reduced transparency could contribute to speculation and market distortions. The issue was discussed during a CoPF meeting attended by CBSL Governor more..

Jun 15 (ST) Bashwara Gunaratne, who served as the Chairman of the SLTPB during the period of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has agreed to appear as a state witness against former Minister Basil Rajapaksa. Mr Gunaratne is seen as a close associate of Basil Rajapaksa and is currently in remand custody after being arrested in connection with the misappropriation of Rs. 7.8 million belonging to the SLTPB in 2014. When the case was taken up before Colombo Fort Magistrate more..

Jun 15 (AD) CID has declined a request to grant daily legal access to former Head of the SIS Major General (Rtd) Suresh Sallay, who is currently receiving treatment at National Hospital after commencing a hunger strike while in CID custody under a detention order. The decision was communicated in writing by CID Director Shani Abeysekara to Sallay’s wife, Manori Sallay. Manori Sallay had requested the CID to allow her husband's lawyer to meet him 5 days a week. more..

Jun 15 (DM) Colombo District Court on Friday permitted SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake to serve interrogatories on PM Harini Amarasuriya, seeking answers regarding her educational background and her knowledge of the destruction allegedly caused by the JVP during the 1987–1989 insurrection, in connection with the defamation lawsuit filed by the PM against him. PM has filed a plaint seeking Rs. 100 million in damages from Tissa Attanayake & Asia Broadcasting Corp for more..

Jun 15 (Island) UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned that Sri Lanka is heading towards a severe economic crisis, alleging that the current administration is steering the country towards total collapse. Addressing a meeting of the UNP Working Committee at the party hq on Flower Road on Thursday, Wickremesinghe claimed that the govt was facing mounting difficulties on multiple fronts, with the economy continuing to deteriorate. He also accused the administration of pursuing more..

Jun 15 (FT) India has raised serious concerns over the inordinate delay by SL authorities in clearing over 1,000 import licences of pharmaceutical products. Indian Govt has conveyed its disappointment in writing to the relevant authorities including the Health Ministry. Indian companies have alleged undue pressure on them to reduce the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of their products, with reference being made to those prevalent in more..

Jun 15 (DM) SL’s tourism sector has encountered a surprisingly sluggish start to June, with arrivals in the first ten days contracting by 14.8% year-on-year to 37,459 visitors. The early slump, which dragged the daily average down to 3,746, starkly contrasts the positive momentum recorded in the preceding month, where arrivals grew by 9.65% to reach 145,745. The sharp localised downturn is heavily driven by steep declines across traditional Western source markets, raising fresh concerns more..

Jun 15 (DM) Inter-Company Employees Union of SriLankan Airlines, a trade union affiliated with the ruling JVP, has publicly condemned the permanent appointment of Dimal Arandara as the Chairman of the national carrier. The union strongly warned that the Prez was likely misled into making this controversial appointment, a move they argue threatens the airline’s future stability and could entirely derail the govt’s critical restructuring efforts for heavily indebted state-owned enterprise. more..