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Trump says Iran talks begin Monday; Tehran says no talks are under way
Trump says negotiations with Iran start Monday afternoon with no deadline, but Iran's foreign ministry says it is not holding talks with Washington.
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Two killed as firefighting helicopters collide over Greek wildfire
Two aircrew died when two leased Bell firefighting helicopters collided midair west of Athens, as wildfires destroyed more than 100 homes across Greece.
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Five dead and 41 missing after Indonesian ferry catches fire
A ferry carrying 271 people caught fire off Madura Island in Indonesia, killing five and leaving 41 unaccounted for. Rough seas hampered the rescue operation.
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Iran denies asking US to hold off strikes, says Hormuz stays closed
Iran denies Trump's claim, says Strait of Hormuz stays closed while US hostilities continue — denying relief Sri Lanka's fuel bill needed.
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Trump cancels planned Iran strikes, says a deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Trump cancels Iran strikes, citing agreed deal 'perimeters.' Hormuz reopening would ease Sri Lanka's fuel costs.
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Sri Lanka marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with warning on scam networks
Trafficking victims are coerced into online scams; perpetrators may be victims, Defence Secretary warns.
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Sri Lankan-born man given eight months over Brisbane train bottle attack
Saranees Sivakumar, 22, was released on parole after 89 days in custody. The magistrate said the affray charge's 12-month maximum limited the sentence.
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Sri Lanka and India review stalled progress on Indian-funded projects
Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha reviewed delays in India-funded projects and a US$450m disaster recov…
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Sri Lanka opens first honorary consulate in the Philippines at Davao City
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath opened the mission in Mindanao as Colombo and Manila marked 65 years of diplomatic relations.
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22 Sri Lankan Army officers complete intelligence course in India
Officers finished a tailor-made intelligence training programme at the Indian Army's Military Intelligence Training School and Depot on July 25.
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Two Sri Lankan fishermen rescued off Bangladesh after weeks adrift
A father and son who drifted for weeks after their boat failed off Matara have been rescued off Bangladesh, as Sri Lanka moves to bring them home.
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Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigns citing ill health
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigns citing serious health problems.
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India restores free visa facility for Sri Lankan pilgrims, says no fee change
Indian High Commission reintroduces free visa facility for eligible Sri Lankan pilgrims.
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Japan grants seven low-floor buses to Sri Lanka for public transport
Japan donates low-floor buses to improve public transport accessibility.
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Sri Lanka seeks China's support for bamboo industry and forest fire management
At a China-led green development workshop, Sri Lanka sought Chinese support for its bamboo industry, forest fire management and forestry training.
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Herath holds talks with Russian, US, Indian envoys at Manila forum
FM Vijitha Herath held bilateral meetings with Russian, US, Indian and Bangladeshi counterparts on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila.
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Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong bids farewell to Kandy Mahanayake Theras
Chinese envoy Qi Zhenhong visits Kandy before ending six-year posting on July 31.
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Sri Lankan Passport Climbs to 94th on 2026 Henley Passport Index
Sri Lanka's passport rose to 94th on the 2026 Henley Passport Index, its strongest ranking in years, with visa-free access to 39 destinations.
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Chemmani mass grave tally rises to 454 as EU delegation visits site
The number of skeletal remains recovered from the Chemmani mass grave near Jaffna has risen to 454, as an EU delegation was granted access to the excavation.
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India approves its first dengue vaccine, QDENGA
India's drug regulator has granted market authorisation to QDENGA, developed by Takeda, making it the country's first approved dengue vaccine.
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Taiwan suspends tourist visa applications for Sri Lankan nationals
Taiwan has stopped accepting tourist visa applications from Sri Lankan passport holders with immediate effect, its Foreign Ministry announced.
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Iran says it struck two US bases in Kuwait with drones as war escalates
Iran strikes two US bases in Kuwait with drones in retaliatory escalation of regional conflict.
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US completes third consecutive night of strikes on Iran; Tehran claims hits on Gulf bases
US completes third consecutive night of strikes on Iran; Tehran claims hits on bases in Kuwait and Bahrain as Strait of Hormuz conflict escalates.
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Bangkok pub fire death toll rises to 30 as police probe safety lapses
Bangkok's pub fire death toll has risen to 30 as police probe possible negligence, amid reports of locked doors and poorly marked emergency exits.