Jun 22 (NW) Sri Lanka has recorded 1,069 dengue patients within the past 24 hours, Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara said. He said that the detection has raised the total number of cases this year to 47,179. 28 deaths have been recorded as of yesterday. He noted that while daily patient numbers in non‑epidemic periods average between 150 and 200, the current outbreak has pushed daily figures to 600–650, with numbers continuing to rise. more..

Jun 22 (DM) University of West London (UWL) formally opened the University of West London Sri Lanka Branch Campus, the country’s first full UK university branch campus, marking a landmark development in SL’s higher education sector. The University of West London Sri Lanka Branch Campus is designed to bring a UK university learning experience closer to the students in Sri Lanka. The campus is operated by ANC Campus, a pioneer in the higher education sector in SL, more..

Jun 22 (Island) SL exporters selling into Europe may soon face one of the most significant regulatory shifts in recent years as the European Union prepares to enforce sweeping new rules aimed at eliminating misleading environmental and sustainability claims. The regulation, known as the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EmpCo) – Directive (EU) 2024/825, will become fully enforceable across all EU more..

Jun 22 (EN) Sri Lanka has urged investors from Belgium and Luxembourg to seize opportunities in the island nation, citing economic reforms, affordable real estate and cheap labour. Speaking at a panel discussion during the BELGOLUX -SL Business Forum with a number of Belgian and Luxembourg delegates at Colombo Port City, deputy minister of Industries Chaturanga Abeysinghe called on investors to capitalize on early-stage opportunities to maximize returns. more..

Jun 22 (TM) SL Govt’s attempt to broaden its tax base by lowered the annual VAT registration threshold from Rs 60 million to Rs 36 million, and quarterly payable threshold from Rs 15 million to Rs 9 million will have a sizeable impact on compliancy of SL’s small and medium enterprises, EY Partner and Head of Tax Sulaiman Nishtar said on a recent livestream hosted by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (CMA) of SL. Speaking of SL’s bill to amend the VAT Act 2026, more..

Jun 22 (ICC) SL captain Chamari Athapaththu believes she has let her side down and missed what could be her final chance to guide them to the knockout stages of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. SL missed a major opportunity to stay in contention for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup when they fell to the West Indies by five wickets in Bristol on Sunday and now must win their remaining two fixtures at the tournament and rely on more..

Jun 22 (NW) Private Bus Owners Association has raised concerns over the govt’s introduction of new Metro buses under the SLTB, alleging that the project will place an additional burden on taxpayers. Association Chairman Gamunu Wijeratne claimed that the buses are being operated illegally and questioned the govt’s decision to import and deploy them. Wijeratne argued that the new buses would not attract motorists who currently use private vehicles and alleged that the project more..

Jun 22 (AD) Leader of the PHU, former Minister Udaya Gammanpila today (22) presented a set of 10 questions addressed to the Spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini Fernando. Gammanpila also called on journalists to repeatedly raise these questions at future press conferences if Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando declines to respond. Former Minister Gammanpila made a series of allegations and posed questions relating to Easter Sunday attacks more..

Jun 22 (AD) The corruption case filed by the CIABOC against former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and another accused was taken up today (22) before the Colombo High Court. The matter was heard before Colombo High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela. During today’s proceedings, evidence was recorded from prosecution witnesses, Ada Derana reporter said. Following the hearing, the High Court Judge ordered that the case be called again for further proceedings on July 30. more..

Jun 22 (NF) Colombo Magistrate’s Court has fixed October 17 as the date to deliver the final verdict in the case involving the alleged forcible removal of the crown from Pushpika De Silva during the Mrs. World pageant held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre. The order was issued today by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, following the conclusion of all evidentiary proceedings related to the incident. Two individuals have been named as accused in the case, Caroline Jurie, more..

Jun 22 (FT) SL’s foreign exchange earnings from tourism declined in May despite recording its highest-ever monthly increase in visitor arrivals, highlighting persistent pressure to convert rising tourist numbers into stronger revenue growth. Tourism earnings fell 5.13% year-on-year (YoY) to $ 155.7 million in May 2026 from $ 164.1 million a year earlier. Revenue also declined marginally from $ 157.1 million recorded in April. more..

Jun 22 (Island) The NPP govt has not taken a final decision regarding filling of the vacancies in the judiciary. A group of Opposition MPs, led by SJB leader Sajith Premadasa, on 12 June, requested Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremeratne to take up the issue of judicial vacancies with President Dissanayake. Opposition sources said that there were four vacancies, each in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, and the inordinate delay had adversely affected the judiciary. more..

Jun 22 (NW) Court of Appeal has dismissed a writ application filed by Daya Group Ltd and Daya Apparel Export (Pvt) Ltd challenging People’s Bank’s move to auction mortgaged properties under its parate execution powers. In a judgment delivered on 19 June, Court ruled that People’s Bank was legally entitled to proceed with the recovery process after the companies failed to settle outstanding loan obligations secured by mortgage bonds. Case centred on an outstanding debt of US$1.42 m more..

Jun 22 (NW) The govt has launched a major programme to strengthen diagnostic services in the country’s hospital system with the provision of 11 advanced CT scanner machines at a cost of Rs 1,950 million, aimed at improving diagnosis of stroke, cancer, heart disease and other critical conditions. Ministry of Health is currently implementing a broad initiative to modernise and expand diagnostic services as part of more..

Jun 22 (FT) Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe has defended the Govt’s tax and economic reform agenda, pushing back against criticism from Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva and arguing that efforts to formalise the economy are critical to improving SL’s fiscal position. In a statement, Abeysinghe accused Dr. de Silva of taking a political stance against measures introduced by the Finance Ministry to expand the tax base and reduce the economy’s dependence more..

Jun 22 (DM) Train guards operating on the resumed Nanu Oya–Badulla railway service have allegedly collected money from tourists in exchange for access to train compartments, railway sources said. According to a senior Railway Department official, train guards are alleged to have collected nearly Rs. 100,000 on the first day of the service's resumption yesterday (20). Train services between Nanu Oya and Badulla resumed yesterday following the completion of restoration work on more..

Jun 22 (NW) SL Police have issued a public warning over a rise in incidents involving women being targeted through social media and other communication platforms by individuals who deceive victims for financial gain, sexual exploitation and other criminal activities. Reports have been received from various parts of the country regarding cases where women were befriended online, manipulated and subsequently subjected to sexual abuse or cheated out of money and valuables. more..

Jun 22 (NW) Ministry of Health has issued a new circular banning the sale of high-sugar, high-fat and processed food items, including hot dogs, burgers, pizzas, biscuits, cakes, carbonated drinks, extruded snacks and packaged beverages, in school canteens. Nutrition Division Specialist Dr Monika Wijerathne said a guideline handbook has also been introduced to regulate and monitor school canteens. Health authorities said the move comes amid rising rates of overweight and obesity more..

Jun 22 (DM) The FCID has arrested the alleged mastermind behind a large-scale money laundering operation accused of illegally transferring more than Rs. 21 billion (over US$700 million) out of SL under the guise of importing goods. The operation had been active since 2023 and involved the unlawful remittance of foreign currency through a company identified as A.Y. Investments, based in Colombo Fort. more..

Jun 22 (DN) Dept of Import and Export Control has issued a gazette notification to prevent the illegal outflow of foreign exchange from the country. Accordingly, the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Monetary Planning and Economic Development, issued a gazette notification containing new regulatory measures effective from last Friday to effectively monitor foreign currency payments related to import activities. The imposition of these regulations will prevent illegal outflow more..

Jun 22 (EN) Central Bank has invited the general public to share their views on the inflation target and related parameters as part of the inflation target review process ahead of the decision in October this year. Central Bank was given an inflation target of 5% in October 2023 under the previous govt and that agreement will elapse later this year with the completion of three years as per the new Central Bank Act. The CB was unable to maintain its inflation target range between 3-7% mainly due to more..

Jun 22 (Island) Sri Lanka’s semi-final hopes in the Women’s T20 World Cup went up in smoke on Sunday as they suffered a disappointing eight-wicket defeat to West Indies in Bristol. Expectations had soared following their stunning upset win over defending champions New Zealand earlier in the week, but it was back to square one as the batting once again let the side down. Asked to bat first on a green-tinged surface, Sri Lanka were bundled out inside 20 overs for a meagre 98. more..

Jun 22 (EN) The Commander of US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) is in Sri Lanka and will meet with senior SL govt and defense leaders, including leadership from the Ministry of Defense and the Sri Lanka Air Force, the US embassy in Colombo said. “Discussions will focus on expanded cooperation across air and maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity, disaster response, and regional security.” General Kevin Schneider oversees all US Air Force personnel and assets. more..

Jun 22 (FT) India has signalled its readiness to fast-track an upgrade of the 26-year-old India-SL Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) in a move that could significantly expand SL’s export, investment, and services opportunities at a time when the island is seeking new growth drivers amid its economic recovery. The neighbouring economic powerhouse has conveyed its openness to accelerating discussions on an enhanced agreement and more..

Jun 22 (NW) SL suffered a dramatic batting collapse as the West Indies Select XI secured a 15-run victory in their four-day warm-up match in the Caribbean. Resuming the final day in a strong position while chasing a target of 124, SL were bowled out for just 108, falling 15 runs short of victory. The visitors had entered the day needing fewer than 100 runs with nine wickets in hand after taking a 76-run first-innings lead. However, SL batting lineup failed to capitalise on more..

Jun 22 (FT) LOLC Divi Saviya has earned international recognition at the International CSR Excellence Awards 2026 for Community Commitment, organised by The CSR Society, a subsidiary of The Green Organisation UK. The recognition highlights its sustained commitment to uplifting communities across SL during the nation’s most challenging periods. The initiative was honoured among global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) leaders for its more..

Jun 22 (ST) The govt has taken prompt action to prevent the outflow of dollars via forged companies registered in the country in the wake of a massive US $85 million foreign exchange fraud. Investigations revealed an organised network of 105 local companies that frequently changed names, operated for about six months, and used fraudulent Telegraphic Transfers (TT) for phantom imports before dissolving. more..

Jun 22 (SO) The number of human skeletal remains identified at the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna has risen to 394, making it the largest mass grave uncovered in Sri Lanka intensifying calls for accountability over alleged wartime disappearances. Excavations entered their 29th day this week, with archaeologists identifying seven additional skeletons on Friday. According to officials overseeing the court-directed excavation, 370 skeletons have so far been fully exhumed, while investigations continue more..

Jun 22 (DM) Port of Colombo recorded significant growth in container transhipment volumes in April 2026, building upon its record-breaking performance in the previous year. Transhipment volumes for the month surged by 22.6% to 607,240 TEUs compared to 495,456 TEUs handled in April 2025. Cumulatively, transhipment throughput for the first four months of 2026 expanded by 14.2% to 2,321,704 TEUs. This ongoing boom follows a historic 2025, during which the port reached more..

Jun 22 (FT) Treasury and IRD officials have defended the Govt’s proposal to lower the VAT registration threshold, arguing that SL’s longstanding failure to broaden the tax base has contributed to fiscal imbalances and entrenched economic distortions. Appearing before the CoPF, officials said the proposed reduction of the annual VAT registration threshold from Rs. 60 million to Rs. 36 million is expected to bring around 10,000 additional businesses into the tax net. more..

Jun 22 (FT) Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe expressed confidence that SL’s ambitious target of increasing exports to $ 36 billion under National Export Development Plan (NEDP) is achievable, but only if the country urgently delivers long-delayed reforms, attracts strategic foreign investment and tackles high energy costs that are eroding competitiveness. Speaking at a panel discussion during the launch of the NEDP, he argued that the biggest challenge facing SL was more..