News Archive

Court postpones verdict in 4 corruption cases against ex-Dy Minister Sarana Gunawardena

The Colombo High Court has postponed the announcement of verdicts in four cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena, who is accused of corruption. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  12:02 pm

Maldivian President to arrive in Sri Lanka on Monday

President of the Republic of Maldives Dr. Mohammed Muizzu is scheduled to undertake a State Visit to Sri Lanka from 4–5 May 2026, on the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  2:01 pm

EU mobilises €2.6 million to strengthen civil society in Sri Lanka

The European Union (EU)-funded “Together We Rise” initiative, implemented by World Vision and SAFE Foundation in Sri Lanka, is a €2.6 million project designed to strengthen civil society and promote human rights, inclusion and accountable governance. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  4:19 pm

Israeli navy intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla vessels heading to Gaza

The Israeli navy intercepted vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters late Wednesday as they headed toward Gaza to break a blockade on the enclave. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  1:09 pm

Finance Ministry official interdicted over $2.5M cyber fraud found dead at home

An Assistant Director at the External Resources Department of the Finance Ministry, who had been interdicted over the alleged theft of USD 2.5 million by hackers, has reportedly been found dead under suspicious circumstances at his residence in Kuliyapitiya. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  4:31 pm

Treasury Secretary arrives in parliament to appear before COPF

The Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma has arrived at the Parliamentary Complex, a short while ago, to appear before the Committee on Public Finance (COPF). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  2:22 pm

Italy recovers 337 looted antiquities from United States

The United States has handed back 337 antiquities looted from Italy in one of the largest recent returns of stolen cultural property, officials said on Wednesday, highlighting deepened cooperation between Rome and Washington. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  7:07 am

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Central provinces and in Vavuniya, Mullaittivu, Kurunegala, and Trincomalee districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  3:37 pm

Researchers find moringa seeds remove 98.5% of PVC microplastic from drinking water

The moringa tree, known as the ‘‘miracle tree’’, is one of the most nutrient-dense plants on the planet and is prized for its healing qualities. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  10:30 am

Trump welcomes Artemis II astronauts to Oval Office and fields questions on Iran, Comey and UFOs

The Artemis II astronauts’ journey to the moon and back landed them at the White House Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon — standing by while President Donald Trump talked UFOs, the Space Force and the Iran war. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  6:00 am

Fairly heavy rainfall above 50 mm expected in some parts of the island

Showers or thundershowers will occur in the most parts of the island after 1.00 pm today (30), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  5:46 am

Finance Secretary’s COPE no-show could trigger legal action, Free Lawyers Organization warns

The Free Lawyers Association states that Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, Dr. Harsha de Silva, has the authority to take action through parliamentary mechanisms if the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, fails to appear before Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  8:26 am

Oil price rises above $120 after reports of ‘extended’ Iran blockade

Oil prices have soared following reports that the US is preparing for an ‘‘extended’’ blockade of Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  7:25 am

6 crew members freed from US-seized Iranian container ship

Six Iranian crew members aboard an Iranian-flagged container ship held by the US have been freed and returned to Iran, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  5:38 am

Treasury Secretary to appear before COPF today

The Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma is scheduled to appear before the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) at 1.00 p.m. today (30).

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  11:07 am

Finance Ministry to brief Parliament on alleged USD 2.5 million theft by hackers

The Ministry of Finance is set to make a special statement in Parliament regarding the alleged misplacement of USD 2.5 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  12:41 pm

Special security and traffic plan in Colombo for May Day rallies - Police

In line with International Workers’ Day, which falls tomorrow (01), numerous May Day rallies, processions, meetings, and celebrations have been organized across many parts of the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  9:38 am

Govt. seek to establish Central Highlands Protection Authority promptly

A discussion to review the progress of the process to establish a new authority for the protection and restoration of the Central Highlands has been held yesterday (29) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  6:40 am

Proposal submitted for smoking ban for people born after 2010 in Sri Lanka

A concept paper proposing the creation of a “tobacco-free generation” comprising all children born after 2010 has been formally submitted to the Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  3:33 pm

Indian carriers plan to resume operations at Hamad International Airport as fragile ceasefire holds in West Asia

In a significant move, India’s leading airlines are set to restore full-scale operations at Hamad International Airport (DOH) starting today, May 1. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  9:02 am

US seeks international help to reopen Strait of Hormuz as crude prices surge

The US is pushing for other countries to form an international coalition to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a State Department cable seen by Reuters, as oil prices surged to their highest in more than four years on fears of longer-term disruptions to global fuel supplies. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  4:12 pm

Indictments served against Gnanasara Thero over anti-Islamic remarks

Indictments have been served before the Colombo High Court against Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, regarding an allegedly derogatory statement made by him on Islam. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  1:38 pm

Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western provinces and the Monaragala district. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  5:37 pm

Colombo’s inflation rises to 5.4% in April 2026

The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) on a year-on-year basis, increased to 5.4% in April 2026, up from 2.2% recorded in March 2026, according to the Department of Census and Statistics. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  3:51 pm

India hit by $25bn digital fraud surge as central bank plans crackdown

A sharp rise in cybercrime has shaken India, where nearly 2.5 million people lost an estimated $25 billion to digital fraud in 2025, highlighting growing risks in the country’s fast-expanding online payment ecosystem. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  10:55 am

SLC Transformation Committee’s priority to overhaul governance and implement new constitution - Eran

The Chairman of the newly appointed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Transformation Committee, Eran Wickramaratne, has stated that the committee’s immediate priority is a complete overhaul of Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance structure, alongside the implementation of the proposed new constitution. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 30, 2026  10:20 am

15 Tamil Nadu fishermen released from Sri Lanka land in Chennai

A total of 15 Tamil Nadu fishermen landed this morning following their release from the Sri Lankan custody. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  9:52 am

Trump tells aides to prepare for lengthy Hormuz blockade: Report

US President Donald Trump told his aides to prepare for an extended US Naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reported, as the US looks to intensify economic pressure on Iran as the war enters its third month. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  12:51 pm

Bus accident leaves two injured after driver suffers medical emergency

A bus travelling from Moratuwa to Panadura veered off the road and crashed into a house after the driver suffered a sudden illness, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  10:20 am

Ven. Pannakara Thero and delegation leave Sri Lanka after concluding “Ehipassiko” Peace Walk

The group of Buddhist monks and participants who concluded the seven-day “Ehipassiko” peace walk in Sri Lanka departed the island this morning (29). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  7:35 am

Trader fined Rs. 200,000 for selling rice above controlled price

A trader in Colombo 11 has been fined Rs. 200,000 by court for selling samba rice above the regulated maximum retail price, the Consumer Affairs Authority said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  9:29 am

Suspected gunman linked to foreign-based underworld figure arrested in Homagama

A suspected gunman linked to an organized criminal known as “Homagama Gagana” who is currently residing overseas has been arrested by police. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  12:01 pm

Robot dogs with Musk and Zuckerberg heads roam around Berlin museum in Beeple’s new exhibit

Robot dogs with hyper-realistic silicone heads modeled after world-renowned figures — including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso — can be seen roaming around a Berlin museum, occasionally “pooing” printed images of their surroundings which they’ve previously captured with integrated cameras. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  9:58 am

Godage Publications founder Sirisumana Godage passes away

Deshabandu Sirisumana Godage, the founder of Godage Publications, has passed away at the age of 90. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  6:21 am

Sri Lanka Cricket placed under Sports Ministry control after Executive Committee resigns

The resignation of the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), including its President Shammi Silva, has been accepted by the Minister of Sports. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  12:07 pm

Aamir Khan confirms 3 Idiots 2 with 10-year leap, returns as Phunsukh Wangdu

Aamir Khan has officially confirmed that a sequel to 3 Idiots is in the works, ending years of speculation around one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic films. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  11:43 am

MP Ramanathan Archchuna granted bail

Jaffna District Member of Parliament Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna, who was arrested by the Ilavalai Police on Monday, has been granted bail. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  10:54 am

MP Ramanathan Archchuna to be produced in court today

Jaffna District Member of Parliament Ramanathan Archchuna, who is currently in remand custody, is scheduled to be produced before court today (29). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  5:22 am

Price of wheat flour increased by Rs. 5

The price of wheat flour will be increased with effect from today (29), the Prima Ceylon (Pvt) Limited has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  12:19 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall above 50 mm likely in several areas today

Showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (29), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  5:34 am

State of Public Emergency in Sri Lanka extended

The State of Public Emergency in Sri Lanka, declared by the President, has been extended by one month. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  7:05 am

Donald Trump to put his picture in some US passports

Donald Trump’s picture will soon appear in some US passports, officials said on Tuesday (Apr 28), shattering another norm as the president aggressively puts his personal stamp on government institutions. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  5:48 am

Anant Ambani offers to save Pablo Escobar’s hippos

An Indian billionaire’s son has offered to help Colombia get rid of a problem it has grappled with for years - a herd of hippos linked to notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  7:45 am

Nipuni Wasana claims Gold in Beach Wrestling 50kg event at Asian Beach Games

Sri Lanka’s Nipuni Wasana won the gold medal in the Beach Wrestling - Women’s 50kg event at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  8:16 am

SLC President Shammi Silva and Executive Committee resign with effect from today

The President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Shammi Silva has tendered his resignation from the post with effect from today (29), SLC said in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  11:32 am

Case against ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe to be taken up today

The case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe under the Public Property Act is scheduled to be taken up again today (29) at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  6:35 am

Trump says King Charles does not want Iran to have nuclear weapon

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday Britain’s King Charles did not want Iran to have a nuclear weapon, introducing the fraught subject of the Middle East conflict into comments at a White House state dinner for the visiting royal. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  8:44 am

King Charles urges Western unity in speech to US Congress

King Charles III urged the United States on Tuesday to stand firm with its Western allies, as strains over Iran and Ukraine risk undermining transatlantic ties facing their most serious test in years. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  5:01 am

Final decision on proposed electricity tariff revision on May 9

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced that its final decision on the proposed revision of electricity tariffs will be made public on May 9. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  10:08 am

Fisheries Minister condemns assault on Sri Lankan national in India

The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekhar has strongly condemned the incident in which a Sri Lankan national was arrested and severely assaulted in India. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  11:10 am