Boeing flight catches fire on runway at U.S. airport

A Boeing 737 Max 8 operated by American Airlines caught fire on the runway at Denver International Airport on Saturday, prompting a swift emergency evacuation of more than 170 passengers. The aircraft, operating Flight 3023 to Miami, experienced a mechanical issue involving a tire while accelerating for takeoff. This led to smoke and a small fire near the plane’s landing …

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30% U.S. Tariff: Sri Lanka’s Tea and Rubber exports under threat

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) has voiced serious concerns following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on all goods imported from Sri Lanka, effective August 1, 2025. The U.S. is one of Sri Lanka’s key markets for both tea and rubber. In 2024, the U.S. bought 6.4 million kg of Ceylon Tea worth USD 45 million. …

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Temple Trees to open for MICE events

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) plans to open the 4,000-seat hall at Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s official residence, for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), according to Chairperson Dheera Hettiarachchi. Speaking at the launch of Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2025, Hettiarachchi said the venue has not been publicly promoted for such events due to political restrictions but holds …

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Japan grants Rs.687M for public sector scholarships

The Government of Japan has granted Japanese Yen 332 million (approximately Rs. 687 million) to Sri Lanka under the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS) Programme for 2025. An Exchange of Notes and a Grant Agreement were signed yesterday, 24 July 2025, at the Ministry of Finance by Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury, Ambassador ISOMATA …

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SC orders X-Press Pearl owners to pay $1 Billion

The Supreme Court ordered the owners and operators of the MV X-Press Pearl to pay US$1 billion in compensation for the environmental and economic damage caused by the 2021 ship disaster off Colombo. A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Murdu Fernando and including Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Shiran Gooneratne, Achala Wengappuli, and Priyantha Fernando, described the incident as the worst …

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Russian plane crash kills 49

A Russian passenger plane carrying 49 people, including six crew members and five children, crashed today in the eastern Amur region near the town of Tynda, close to the Chinese border. The aircraft, an An-24 operated by Siberia-based Angara Airlines, vanished from radar while approaching its destination. Russian authorities fear there are no survivors. The cause of the crash is …

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Sri Lanka and Thailand aim to boost trade ties

The Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Paitoon Mahapannaporn, expressed hope for the full implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries during a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, on July 22 at the Parliamentary premises. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, highlighting the strong cultural and religious links …

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Central Bank,SL holds rates amid U.S. Tariff talks

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has kept its main interest rate steady at 7.75%, saying the current policy is right for the country’s recovering economy. However, the bank also said it might lower rates again later this year if inflation stays low. Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said inflation is expected to rise slightly in the coming months …

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New school system from 2026

Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced today ,July 23 at a media briefing in Isurupaya that Sri Lanka will introduce a module-based education system from 2026. The new system will start with Grades 1 and 6 in 2026, with the first G.C.E. O/L exam under the revised curriculum set for 2029. The aim is to promote continuous …

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TRINEX-25: SL Navy’s major joint naval-air exercise

The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) commenced its annual naval exercise, Trincomalee Naval Exercise 2025 (TRINEX–25), at the Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee on Monday 22, July under the patronage of Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera.  The exercise, which will continue until 26 July, is taking place in Trincomalee Harbour and the eastern seas, bringing together a range of …

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