The Presidential Task Force for the implementation of Sri Lanka’s Tourism Development Programme met at the Presidential Secretariat today (16) under the chairmanship of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath.

The National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for the period 2026–2030 has been presented to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat, marking an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s economic development.

Doubts swirled around the U.S.-Iran interim deal to end the war in the Middle East with warnings that shipping and energy exports could take weeks to recover, although U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the text would be made public soon.

A total of 54,465 tourists have arrived in the country thus far in June, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows.

A 15-year-old school student has been arrested over his alleged involvement in a narcotics distribution network said to be operated under the direction of a known underworld figure identified as “Saman Kolla,” police said.

Five individuals have been arrested by Pulmoddai Police for allegedly attempting to sell a rare stone believed to have possible historical or archaeological significance for Rs. 20 million.

A large-scale development project has been planned to expand, modernise and enhance operational capacity at the BIA, aimed at improving passenger handling and reducing congestion during peak travel periods, the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation has announced.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stated that special attention should be directed towards food security, water management, and energy management in preparation for the anticipated impacts of El Niño. MORE..

The third report of the Committee on Public Petitions has been presented to Parliament by the Chairman of the Committee, Member of Parliament R.M. Gamini Rathnayake.

A total of four suspects arrested in connection with the fatal road accident near the Meegoda Junction on Vesak Day, which claimed six lives, has been further remanded.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit the ​northwestern Chinese province of Qinghai ‌on Tuesday, killing at least one person and injuring four others, state media ​reported, citing emergency authorities. MORE..

The Rebuilding Sri Lanka Presidential Task Force met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Presidential Secretariat to review progress made in restoring normalcy following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah

Iran said Tuesday (Jun 16) that talks with the United States on its nuclear programme and sanctions relief would likely begin later this week, as President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would "completely open" once the foes sign their deal.

Former SIS Director Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay should fully cooperate with ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks by disclosing all relevant information in his possession, according to Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today (16) that the government is paying close attention to the El Nino climate phenomenon, which is predicted to occur in the near future, and is formulating plans to deal with it. MORE..

Dengue inspections conducted across the country have revealed a high prevalence of dengue mosquito breeding sites within school premises, the Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Health, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated.

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to initiate the implementation of the “Post Ditwah Cyclone Renovation and Livelihood Assistance Project” with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). MORE..

US President Donald Trump claimed the next phase of negotiations with Iran would be “easier” than the initial round that led to the recently announced Memorandum of Understanding.