The number of dengue-related deaths reported in Sri Lanka has risen to 71 as of today (20), according to the latest figures released by the National Dengue Control Unit.

A circular has been issued to ensure uninterrupted water supplies in areas affected by drought conditions that may arise due to a future El Niño phenomenon, Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi said today.

Cigarette production in the country has fallen by 32% between 2022 and 2025, following successive increases in taxes imposed on tobacco products, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera told Parliament today (20).

A fisherman has gone missing after a fishing boat met with an accident in the Chilaw estuary early this morning (20), despite warnings issued over rough sea conditions.

The President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Rajeev Amarasuriya has addressed the High Court of Bhutan during the first-ever visit by a BASL delegation to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

An Amber advisory has been issued for strong winds and rough seas in the sea areas extending from Kankesanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar, and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

The Attorney General has informed the Colombo High Court that an appeal has been filed against a recent court order holding that charges filed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) against alleged drug trafficker “Harak Kata” and several other defendants cannot be maintained.

The government is looking to diversify sources of foreign exchange and attract more foreign direct investments (FDIs) as Sri Lanka prepares to meet significant external debt obligations, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando told Parliament today (20).

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Parliament a short while ago.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called for a proposed briefing for Members of Parliament on the extension of the retirement age of judges to be postponed until bipartisan participation can be assured.

Former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda and Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, have been served indictments before the Colombo High Court in connection with corruption allegations.

A group travelling to Sri Pada during the off-season narrowly escaped injury after the car they were travelling in veered off the Nallathanniya–Maskeliya main road and plunged into a canal near Mohini Falls.

Speaker of House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne today (20) informed Parliament that he has received copies of four additional petitions filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

Eight individuals have been arrested while allegedly carrying out excavations in search of archaeological artifacts in Bharathipuram, Kilinochchi.

Gold prices remained near a more than two-month high on Thursday after a surprise U.S. Treasury liquidity support announcement pushed Treasury yields and the dollar lower.

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union has decided to suspend all dengue control duties across the country from today (20), in protest against the transfer of a senior health official at the Bandaranaike International Airport Health Office.

The Bowatenna Reservoir, a key water source supplying the Kala Wewa basin, will be completely drained from August 24 to facilitate essential repair and maintenance work, authorities said.

A foreign-manufactured revolver and 12 live rounds of ammunition have been seized from a house in Mattakkuliya based on information uncovered during an ongoing investigation, police stated.