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The International Maritime Organization, a specialized United Nations agency, said it is launching an evacuation of thousands of stranded seafarers following easing of restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.

“After months of hardship and distress for thousands of innocent seafarers, and negative impact for the whole world, I welcome with deep satisfaction the peace agreement concluded between the United States and Iran, marking a decisive step towards restoring maritime security and bringing to an end the unacceptable attacks against civilian shipping,” IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said in a statement.

Dominguez said the agency “will begin the implementation of the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the region. This large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal States in the region, the United States and the maritime industry.”

Restrictions imposed on the Strait of Hormuz by Iran during the war sparked an unprecedented crisis in the region, which left thousands of crews trapped on ships with no clear way out. When the US imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports, the situation worsened.

The competing measures created a standoff that brought traffic through the strategic chokepoint to a near halt, with only a handful of vessels transiting the waterway each day compared to more than a hundred in normal conditions.

The IMO reported that 14 seafarers were killed in attacks during the conflict.

Source: CNN

A Police Inspector attached to the Kalutara Special Crime Investigation Unit has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of soliciting a bribe from a businessman.

According to reports, the officer was serving in the Special Crime Investigation Unit operating under the Kalutara Senior Superintendent of Police’s Office.

The arrest follows an investigation linked to a vehicle belonging to a businessman in the Kalutara area. It is alleged that the officer demanded Rs. 1 million in exchange for refraining from filing criminal charges before court in relation to the ongoing inquiry.

Investigators further revealed that the officer had initially accepted Rs. 100,000 from the complainant. Authorities later conducted an operation at a hotel in Kalutara where the suspect was reportedly attempting to collect the remaining Rs. 900,000.

Following the arrest, the officer was taken into custody by CIABOC officials.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court as further legal proceedings continue.

The Department of Examinations has officially opened applications for the General Information Technology (GIT) Examination 2026, inviting eligible Grade 12 students to register through their respective schools.

According to an announcement issued by the Department, the online application process commenced on June 22 and will remain open until July 16, 2026. The examination is intended for students currently studying in Grade 12 at government and private schools across the country.

Education authorities have emphasized that applications cannot be submitted directly by students. Instead, all registrations must be processed through school principals or heads of institutions using the Department's online application system.

School administrators have been instructed to access the Department's official websites and carefully follow the prescribed guidelines before forwarding student applications. Existing usernames and passwords previously provided to schools will be used to complete the registration process.

The Department has also advised schools to retain printed copies of submitted applications, highlighting their importance for future reference and verification purposes.

Eligibility for the examination has been restricted to students who are studying in Grade 12 during 2026 and who plan to sit for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination for the first time in 2027.

For candidates enrolled in private schools, examination fees must be paid only after student information has been entered into the relevant database. Officials further noted that no additional candidates can be added once the payment process has been finalized.

The Department has encouraged students and school authorities to complete the registration process within the given timeframe to avoid last-minute difficulties.

Those seeking further clarification regarding the examination or application procedures may contact the Department of Examinations through its 1911 hotline or the dedicated inquiry numbers provided by the Department.

The launch of the application process marks the beginning of preparations for one of the country's key information technology examinations, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their digital knowledge and readiness for future academic pursuits.

Skipper Chamari Athapaththu hit a superb unbeaten 106 as Sri Lanka cruised to a nine-wicket win against Ireland to keep their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive.

Ireland were reduced to 18-3 in sun-drenched Bristol before skipper Gaby Lewis (59) and Leah Paul (20) put on a 66-run partnership to help their side to a total of 130-5.

Sri Lanka captain Athapaththu raced to her best World Cup score - and the highest so far in the tournament - from just 61 balls, as victory was secured on 134-1 with 4.3 overs to spare.

The Lions, who move up to four points, need to beat Scotland on Friday and hope results elsewhere go their way to secure a top-two spot in Group 2 and a place in the semi-finals.

Ireland have now lost all 21 of their World Cup games and the bottom side finish their campaign against West Indies on Saturday.

Sri Lanka won the toss and their decision to bowl first looked a good one when they took two wickets with just three runs on the board.

Amy Hunter was run out before Orla Prendergast was stumped and Rebecca Stokell was next to go before Lewis and Paul rescued the innings.

Lewis starred for Ireland as she made a second straight half-century but Sri Lanka's attack restricted boundaries to leave their team needing 131 for victory.

It was easily achieved thanks to a memorable knock from Athapaththu, who smashed two maximums to go along with 17 boundaries.

Athapaththu and Imesha Dulani (20) put on an opening stand of 98 as Sri Lanka not only took the two points but also boosted their net run-rate.

(Adaderana.lk)

Police have launched an investigation following reports of a suspicious death at a house in the Yaya 05 area of Thambuttegama.

The deceased has been identified as a 54-year-old resident of Rajanganaya, Yaya 05, police said.

The body has been placed at the mortuary of the Anuradhapura Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Thambuttegama Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

(Adaderana.lk)

Sri Lanka has recorded a total of 47,530 dengue cases and 29 related deaths so far this year, according to the latest figures released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).

Health data indicates that June alone has accounted for a significant share of infections, with 13,689 dengue cases reported during the month to date.

The Western Province continues to record the highest concentration of infections, contributing 51.90 percent of all reported cases nationwide. The Southern Province follows with 16.18 percent of the total case count.

Authorities have also identified 112 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions as high-risk zones for dengue transmission, highlighting areas that require closer monitoring and preventive measures.

District-level figures show Colombo reporting the highest number of infections with 9,983 cases. Gampaha follows with 8,809 cases, while Matara has recorded 3,446 cases.

The latest statistics reflect the continued spread of dengue across several regions as authorities monitor transmission patterns and identify areas facing elevated risk.

A routine road in Kadawatha became the centre of a major anti-narcotics operation after Special Task Force officers intercepted a three-wheeler carrying a massive stock of crystal methamphetamine, leading to the arrest of a suspected drug network operative.

The operation was carried out yesterday by the Special Operations Unit of the Gonahena Police STF following intelligence received regarding suspicious narcotics movement in the area.

Officers conducted the raid on the road opposite St. Andrew’s Avellino Church in Kadawatha, where they stopped and searched a three-wheeler travelling through the location.

Inside, police discovered a large quantity of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) weighing 6 kilograms and 288 grams. Authorities estimate the seized narcotics to have a street value exceeding Rs. 100 million.

The suspect taken into custody is a 38-year-old resident of Kandaliyadda Paluwa in Ganemulla.

According to investigators, preliminary findings indicate that the arrested individual is believed to be a key figure involved in the local operations of a drug network linked to ‘Podi Suresh’ and ‘Sanka Sameera’, who police identify as large-scale drug traffickers and organized criminals currently operating from overseas.

During the operation, officers also seized an electronic scale suspected to have been used for measuring narcotics, cash believed to have been generated through illegal drug activities, and the three-wheeler allegedly used to transport the consignment.

Following the arrest, the suspect and the recovered items were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigations as authorities continue efforts to trace wider links connected to the operation.

The seizure marks another significant interception in ongoing efforts to disrupt organized drug trafficking networks and prevent large-scale narcotics distribution.

Two fatal road accidents reported in Kokkuvil and Kilinochchi have claimed the lives of two individuals, according to police.

The first incident occurred along the Kokkuvil–Panichchiadi road when a motorcycle travelling towards Thiramadu collided with a three-wheeler approaching from the opposite direction.

Police stated that the motorcyclist sustained severe injuries in the collision and was rushed to Batticaloa Hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he later died while receiving care.

The deceased was identified as a 42-year-old resident of the Batticaloa area. Kokkuvil Police have launched further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

In a separate incident, another fatal road accident was reported near the Northern Provincial Sports Complex in Kilinochchi town along the A9 road.

According to police, a motorcycle travelling towards Jaffna struck a pedestrian who was crossing the road. The pedestrian, motorcyclist, and pillion rider sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Kilinochchi Hospital.

Police said the pedestrian later succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment. The deceased was identified as a 62-year-old man.

Kilinochchi Police are continuing investigations into the incident to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Sri Lanka’s rising athletics sensation Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage delivered another unforgettable performance on the international stage, producing a commanding victory in the men’s javelin throw at the Doha Diamond League 2026 in Qatar on Friday.

Facing one of the strongest line-ups in world athletics, the 23-year-old Sri Lankan once again proved he belongs among the elite. Competing against decorated names including former world champions, Olympic medallists and globally ranked throwers, Pathirage remained composed and in control throughout the competition.

His decisive moment arrived with his fourth attempt, launching the javelin to an impressive distance of 88.68 metres — a throw that no competitor could surpass. Although short of his world-leading personal best of 92.62 metres achieved earlier this month in Rome, it was more than enough to secure another major international title.

The result left Grenada’s Anderson Peters in second place after a best throw of 86.38 metres, while American athlete Curtis Thompson completed the podium.

India’s former Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra, returning to competition after an injury setback, finished fourth with a throw of 85.69 metres.

Following the event, an emotional Pathirage reflected on the significance of the achievement.

“I’m glad I had a win today... it was one of my dreams to compete here as the first ever Sri Lankan in the Diamond League circuit,” he said.

The Doha triumph marks Pathirage’s second Diamond League victory this month and further strengthens his remarkable season. Just weeks ago, he stunned the athletics world with a massive 92.62m throw in Rome, announcing himself as one of the sport’s biggest emerging forces.

His recent performances have also transformed the global rankings. Earlier this week, Pathirage climbed to second place in the world standings with a score of 1,333 — a historic milestone for Sri Lankan athletics.

Only Germany’s Julian Weber currently stands ahead with 1,360 points.

With back-to-back victories and growing international recognition, Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage is not only rewriting personal records but also carrying Sri Lankan athletics into a new era of global success.

Residents in several areas are set to experience a temporary disruption to their water supply as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) prepares to carry out essential maintenance work on a major transmission line.

According to the NWSDB, the interruption will affect areas supplied through the main water pipeline running from Labugama and Kalatuwawa to Maharagama.

The areas scheduled to be impacted include Galagedara, Homagama, Kottawa, Pannipitiya, Pelenwatte, and Maharagama.

Water supply to these locations will be suspended from 6.00 p.m. tomorrow (24) and is expected to resume at 6.00 p.m. on June 25 following the completion of maintenance activities.

The Board stated that the temporary shutdown is necessary to facilitate work on the main pipeline and apologised for the inconvenience caused to consumers.

Residents in the affected areas have been advised to manage their available water supplies carefully and use water sparingly during the maintenance period until normal distribution resumes.

Gold prices in Sri Lanka moved downward today (19), reflecting a broader decline in the international market and bringing noticeable relief to local buyers.

According to the latest market updates, the value of gold in the local market dropped by approximately Rs. 9,000 compared to the previous day.

The price of a 24-carat gold sovereign, which stood at Rs. 391,000 yesterday (18), fell to Rs. 382,000 today, marking a significant single-day reduction.

Similarly, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign also recorded a decline. After being priced at Rs. 359,700 yesterday, the value dropped to Rs. 351,500 today.

The downward movement in local prices follows changes observed in the international market, where the price of an ounce of gold was recorded at USD 4,138 today.

The latest adjustment highlights the direct influence of global gold trends on local market values, with domestic prices responding to shifts in international trading conditions.