President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for stronger investment in research and innovation to improve public livelihoods and support economic growth. Speaking at a review meeting of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the President stressed the need to better coordinate research funding, commercialise scientific innovations, and expand research in key sectors including agriculture, disaster management and emerging technologies.

President calls for research and innovation to boost economy and public livelihoods 

The Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) has purchased 19,592 metric tonnes of paddy since July under its Yala season purchasing programme. PMB Chairman Manjula Pinnalanda stated that paddy purchases are continuing without interruption, with more than 100 warehouses currently in operation. He added that additional storage facilities will be opened in line with harvesting activities to support farmers across the country.

PMB purchases nearly 20,000 MT of Yala paddy

Iran has warned Gulf states that any new U.S. attack on its territory would trigger retaliation against critical energy infrastructure across the region, according to five sources, as Tehran seeks to raise the cost of military action by threatening Washington's closest regional allies.&nbsp;The warning was delivered through a flurry of high-level diplomatic contacts after President Donald Trump threatened on July 28 to strike Iran's energy network and infrastructure, the sources said.&nbsp;Two senior Iranian officials, two Gulf sources and a senior regional diplomat with knowledge of the discussions said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke with his Saudi, Turkish and Qatari counterparts, as well as Pakistan's army chief. All spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.&nbsp;Araqchi urged Washington's Gulf allies to use their influence with Trump to dissuade him from launching renewed strikes, the senior diplomat said, warning that any attack on Iran would prompt retaliation against U.S. assets and energy facilities across the Gulf.&nbsp;His message was consistent in every conversation, the diplomat said: “We're ready to retaliate, but finding a diplomatic solution is the best way to avoid wider ⁠escalation and destruction across the region.”&nbsp;"The Iranian warning was unequivocal: if America targeted Iran's infrastructure, they would retaliate by striking Gulf energy facilities and other regional targets," one Gulf source said.&nbsp;The diplomatic maneuvering underscores how Iran is attempting to use the threat of wider regional destruction as leverage against further U.S. strikes, putting Gulf states that host U.S. military bases and depend on energy exports in a difficult position between Washington and Tehran.&nbsp;Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman subsequently spoke with Trump, urging him to delay military action, return to negotiations, secure a ceasefire and pursue a diplomatic settlement, the senior diplomat and Gulf sources said.&nbsp;The warning was intended for every Gulf state, another Gulf source said, but was conveyed primarily through Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Iran has in recent years repaired ties with its Gulf neighbours, including former regional rival Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia have all urged Washington to resume talks with Tehran and avert renewed conflict amid Iranian warnings that another round of U.S. strikes could "turn the region into a fireball", the second Iranian official said.&nbsp;On August 2, Trump said he agreed to cancel the attack on Iran "subject to being able to rapidly make a deal".&nbsp;THREATS OF WIDER REGIONAL ESCALATION, SAYS IRANIAN OFFICIAL&nbsp;"Saudi Arabia believes further escalation will only bring more destruction," ⁠the first Gulf source said. "That is why it urged Trump to give diplomacy a chance." While urging Washington to pursue diplomacy, Riyadh also made clear it would defend itself if threatened. The second Gulf source said Saudi Arabia warned that any attack on its territory would be met with a military response.&nbsp;Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst close to the Royal Court, said the kingdom’s assessment is that further escalation is unlikely to achieve the desired result. "The Kingdom believes a combination of proportionate military responses and sustained pressure on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz offers the strongest path toward a practical diplomatic settlement,” Shihabi said.&nbsp;Iran's clerical leadership has repeatedly demanded the closure of U.S. military bases in the ⁠Gulf and called on Gulf Arab states to stop sharing intelligence with Washington, which Tehran believes has been used to facilitate attacks against it.&nbsp;According to one Iranian official, Tehran's warning made clear that any new U.S. strike would be met with attacks on energy facilities, refineries, electricity grids, water infrastructure, transport networks and oil fields across the Gulf.&nbsp;"The enemy continues to threaten Iranian infrastructure. If Iran suffers damage, it will inflict far greater damage in return,” the official ⁠said.&nbsp;"They still remember Saudi Arabia's Aramco," he added, referring to the September 2019 drone and missile attacks on the Abqaiq and Khurais facilities that temporarily knocked out more than half the kingdom's crude oil production and exposed the vulnerability of Gulf energy infrastructure.&nbsp;By threatening infrastructure critical to Gulf economies, Tehran is seeking to convince both Washington and its Arab partners that another attack on Iran would carry unacceptable economic and strategic consequences, ⁠encouraging regional states to press Trump to avoid renewed military action.&nbsp;From Tehran's perspective, Trump now faces two unpalatable choices, the senior Iranian official said: escalate a conflict that could engulf the Gulf and disrupt global energy supplies, or accept a negotiated outcome that falls short of the decisive victory Washington seeks.One of the principal obstacles to an agreement, the senior regional diplomat said, is Washington's reluctance to allow Tehran to emerge claiming victory.&nbsp;"The United States wants something it can present as proof that it won the war," the diplomat said. Source: Reuters

Iran threatens to hit Gulf states if US launches new strikes

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has warned that landslide-prone areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah could become active again due to continuous heavy rainfall. NBRO Senior Scientist Dr. Wasantha Senadheera said saturated soil has increased the risk of landslides, rockfalls and soil erosion, with heavier rainfall forecast for 7 and 8 August. The public has been urged to remain vigilant, avoid landslide-prone areas where possible, and evacuate immediately if warning signs such as ground cracks, new water springs or leaning electricity poles are observed. The NBRO said 21 weather-related incidents, including five landslide deaths, have been reported so far and assured that further warnings will be issued if conditions worsen.

NBRO warns of renewed landslide risk

The Department of Meteorology has issued a Red Warning for strong winds and very rough seas from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota, effective until 10.00 a.m. tomorrow (07). Winds of 60–70 kmph are expected in the affected sea areas, with fishing and naval communities advised not to venture out to sea until further notice. Meanwhile, sea areas from Batticaloa to Matara via Trincomalee, Kankesanthurai, Puttalam, Colombo and Galle are expected to be rough, with winds of 50–60 kmph. The Department has urged fishing and naval communities to remain vigilant and closely follow future weather advisories.

Red warning issued for strong winds and rough seas

Russia fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Kyiv and the surrounding region on Wednesday, killing at least 17 people and destroying warehouses and logistics centres of major retailers, Ukrainian officials said, as a shortage of air defence missiles leaves Ukraine vulnerable.&nbsp;Multiple explosions ripped through the area during the night, and fires lit up the dark skies over the Ukrainian capital, which has come under missile attack every three to four days in recent weeks as Russia has escalated its air war.&nbsp;"Ballistic missile interceptors could have saved the lives of those killed today," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram, urging Ukraine's foreign allies to replenish its supplies of interceptors. Deliveries of air defence missiles were three times smaller than in 2025, he added.&nbsp;Ukrainian air defences downed nearly 90% of the 115 drones launched by Russia but failed to intercept a single one of the ⁠24 ballistic missiles and four Zircon cruise missiles, the air force said.&nbsp;Russia's Defence Ministry said it had struck seven logistics centres in Kyiv and the region, accusing them of being used to store or distribute dual-use goods and drone components.&nbsp;For months, Ukraine has suffered from a critical shortage of air defence missiles for U.S. Patriot systems, the only weapon in its arsenal capable of downing Russia's ballistic missiles, which travel at many times the speed of sound.&nbsp;Since the Iran war broke out in February, Patriots earmarked for Ukraine have been diverted to the U.S. military and U.S. allies in the Gulf.&nbsp;Russia, meanwhile, has intensified its ballistic strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities as its advances on the frontline have slowed considerably this year.&nbsp;BODIES SCATTERED ACROSS PLATFORM&nbsp;Officials said more than 40 people were injured in the attack.&nbsp;At a commuter station in the Kyiv suburb of Brovary, seven bodies were scattered across the platform. The body of an eighth victim lay in the bushes nearby, Reuters TV images showed.&nbsp;"People missed their last train. For now, we know of eight dead," said Volodymyr Bigun, head of Brovary's local administration, adding that five logistics warehouses had been hit in the district, ⁠including food retailer Fozzy. "The enemy continues to hit civilian infrastructure." Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in the war triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;As Kyiv aims to bring the war back to Russia, Ukraine hit a logistics hub of Russian online retailer Wildberries overnight, adding to more than a dozen it has damaged recently.&nbsp;FACILITIES DESTROYED WITHIN MINUTES&nbsp;Epicentr, Ukraine's largest home improvement and DIY retail chain, said two key logistics facilities and a factory were destroyed within minutes during the attacks, and it was still assessing the full scale of the damage.&nbsp;"This is a deliberate attack on Ukrainian manufacturing, logistics, jobs and the country’s ability to ⁠recover," Epicentr said in a statement.&nbsp;Food retailer Silpo said on Facebook at least six of its employees had been killed and two distribution centres set ablaze by the strikes.&nbsp;Iryna Chechotkina, co-founder of leading online retailer Rozetka, said she watched overnight as the work of her entire life went up in flames after strikes by three ballistic missiles. "How did I feel that night? Devastation and pain," she said on Facebook. “A feeling that I must carry ⁠on despite everything. ROZETKA is still operating.”&nbsp;Ukraine's economy has proved remarkably resilient over more than four years of war, backed by billions in financial aid from Western partners. But this year the business losses are piling up.&nbsp;The Kyiv regional military administration said 13 warehouses were damaged in Wednesday's attack, as well as a manufacturing facility and four private homes, and dozens of vehicles.&nbsp;Prime Minister Sergii ⁠Koretskyi, who took office last month in a reshuffle, said the government would call an emergency meeting with businesses to work out how to secure smooth operations of logistics and trade companies.&nbsp;Kyiv sought more PAC-3s, the newest type of Patriot interceptor missile.&nbsp;The United States is pressing ahead with talks to allow Ukraine to make Patriot missiles, even after President Donald Trump cast doubt on such a deal, four sources familiar with the discussions said.&nbsp;Source: Reuters

Russia kills 17 in missile strikes on Ukraine, destroys warehouses, logistics

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) will impose a five-hour water cut in several areas of Kandy today (06) due to essential maintenance work. The interruption will affect areas supplied by the Poojapitiya Water Supply Scheme, including the Medawala (Old and New), Gallenawatta, Galagedara and Mawathagama service reservoirs. Water supply will be suspended from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. in the affected areas. The NWSDB has advised consumers to use water sparingly during the interruption and said further information is available via its 1939 hotline.

Five-hour water cut for parts of Kandy

The Department of Meteorology has warned that rainy and windy conditions will intensify from today (06) as the active southwest monsoon strengthens. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is expected in parts of the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Galle districts. Strong winds of 40–50 kmph are also forecast at times in several provinces over the next few days. The public has been urged to take precautions against strong winds, lightning and other weather-related hazards.

Heavy rainfall above 100 mm forecast for several areas

<ul><li>Cadre revision for 290 service categories nearing&nbsp;completion </li><li>Staffing per hospital level, services provided, service demand </li><li>Discrepancies to be addressed via transfers, recruitments </li><li>KPI-based performance targets for resource use including HR&nbsp;</li></ul> The Health Ministry is nearing the completion of a scientific cadre revision covering all categories of health workers, while also planning to introduce performance-based targets to ensure the effective use of human and other resources, Deputy Health Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni said. Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (5), Dr Wijemuni said the new cadre revision is being carried out using a set of guidelines developed under the leadership of the Additional Secretary for Medical Services following concerns over previous revisions. He said that although cadre revisions had been carried out in 2017, 2018 and 2019, they had not been based on a sound scientific methodology and had, therefore, not been accepted by everyone. "We have prepared a set of guidelines that everyone can accept and are now carrying out a scientific cadre revision for all categories of staff. The work is almost complete," he said. Dr Wijemuni said that the review covered around 290 health service categories, including doctors and the professions supplementary to medicine. He said that staffing requirements are being assessed based on several factors, including the level of the hospital, the services that it provides and the demand for those services, with the aim of ensuring that future staffing decisions are made on a scientific basis. However, he stressed that completing the cadre revision would not automatically result in additional staff being appointed. "If there is an imbalance in staff distribution, we can address it through the transfer scheme. However, if there is an overall shortage in the system, it can only be corrected through new recruitment," he said. Dr Wijemuni said that the Government is continuing to recruit health workers while also working to improve the distribution of existing staff across the health sector.He also said the Ministry is planning to introduce a performance monitoring system similar to the key performance indicators (KPIs) used in the private sector to assess whether hospitals are achieving the expected outcomes from the resources allocated to them. "We want to provide institutions with the resources that they need, including human resources (HR), medical equipment, medicines and surgical consumables, while also monitoring whether those resources produce the expected outcomes," he added.

President calls for research and innovation to boost economy ...

PMB purchases nearly 20,000 MT of Yala paddy

PMB purchases nearly 20,000 MT ...

Iran threatens to hit Gulf states if US launches new strikes

Iran threatens to hit Gulf sta ...

NBRO warns of renewed landslide risk

NBRO warns of renewed landslid ...

Red warning issued for strong winds and rough seas

Red warning issued for strong ...

Russia kills 17 in missile strikes on Ukraine, destroys warehouses, lo ...

Russia kills 17 in missile str ...

Five-hour water cut for parts of Kandy

Five-hour water cut for parts ...

Heavy rainfall above 100 mm forecast for several areas

Heavy rainfall above 100 mm fo ...

Major health sector cadre shake-up

Major health sector cadre shak ...

PMB purchases nearly 20,000 MT of Yala paddy

PMB purchases nearly 20,000 MT ...

Iran threatens to hit Gulf states if US launches new strikes

Iran threatens to hit Gulf sta ...

NBRO warns of renewed landslide risk

NBRO warns of renewed landslid ...

Red warning issued for strong winds and rough seas

Red warning issued for strong ...

Russia kills 17 in missile strikes on Ukraine, destroys warehouses, lo ...

Russia kills 17 in missile str ...

Five-hour water cut for parts of Kandy

Five-hour water cut for parts ...

Heavy rainfall above 100 mm forecast for several areas

Heavy rainfall above 100 mm fo ...

Major health sector cadre shake-up

Major health sector cadre shak ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

PMB purchases nearly 20,000 MT of Yala paddy

PMB purchases nearly 20,000 MT ...

Iran threatens to hit Gulf states if US launches new strikes

Iran threatens to hit Gulf sta ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

NBRO warns of renewed landslide risk

NBRO warns of renewed landslid ...

Red warning issued for strong winds and rough seas

Red warning issued for strong ...

Russia kills 17 in missile strikes on Ukraine, destroys warehouses, lo ...

Russia kills 17 in missile str ...

Five-hour water cut for parts of Kandy

Five-hour water cut for parts ...