25 June 2025

World leaders were gathering in the Netherlands on Tuesday for the start of a historic two-day NATO summit that could unite the world’s biggest security organization around a new defense spending pledge or widen divisions among the 32 allies. The allies are expected to endorse a goal of spending 5% of their gross domestic product on their security, to be able to fulfil the alliance’s plans for defending against outside attack. U.S. President Donald Trump’s first appearance at NATO since returning to the White House was supposed to center on how the U.S. secured the historic military spending pledge from others in the security allianceRead More →

A meeting between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and representatives of the Bank of Ceylon (BoC) Employees’ Union was held at the Presidential Secretariat, focusing on current challenges in the banking sector. According to a statement issued by the President’s Media Division (PMD), the discussion extensively examined existing issues and explored effective, sustainable solutions. Dr. Kumanayake emphasized the importance of establishing a broadly acceptable policy framework to address these concerns in a systematic and long-term manner. Also in attendance were Director General (Legal) of the Presidential Secretariat, Senior Attorney-at-Law J.M. Wijebandara, Director General of Public Relations D. Gamagae, and representatives from the BoC Employees’ Union. The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by the Presidential Secretariat toRead More →

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (June 24) that it has commenced an investigation into the overseas trips made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his time in office. According to CID officials, the inquiry is being conducted under the provisions of the Public Property Act, which governs the use and protection of state resources. Details of the investigation were officially presented to the court, but further specifics regarding the nature or scope of the alleged misuse have not yet been disclosed. The post CID Launches Probe Into Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Overseas Trips appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.Read More →

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused both Israel and Iran of violating the recently declared ceasefire, but expressed particular frustration with Israel, urging it to cease airstrikes and “bring your pilots home now!” Speaking on Tuesday, Trump said he was “really unhappy” with Israel’s actions, despite calling it a “great honour” to have destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities and then mediated an end to the war initiated by Israel on June 13. Tensions escalated further when Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday, in retaliation for the strikes that destroyed key nuclear sites within its territory a day earlier. According to Iranian officials, more than 400 people, including 13 children, haveRead More →

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening infrastructure and protecting the livelihoods of Sri Lanka’s coastal communities. At the Mannar District Fisheries Coordination Committee meeting held yesterday (June 24) at the Mannar District Secretariat, key decisions were made to address persistent challenges faced by the region’s fishing communities. Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, speaking to the media after the meeting, announced that the Government will move forward with the construction of a fully-fledged fisheries port in Pesalai, Mannar District. Slated for implementation in 2026, the project will be funded with assistance from the World Bank and is expected to significantly uplift the local fisheries sector and associated infrastructure. “ThereRead More →