News Archive

Court fixes May 12 for further evidence in Diana Gamage case

Court fixes May 12 for further evidence in Diana Gamage case

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the further examination of evidence on May 12 in the case filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against former State Minister Diana Gamage. MORE..

Full medical and safety arrangements for ‘Aloka’ ahead of ‘Walk for Peace’ journey in Sri Lanka: Vet Association

Full medical and safety arrangements for ‘Aloka’ ahead of ‘Walk for Peace’ journey in Sri Lanka: Vet Association

The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) has announced that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of ‘Aloka’, the rescue dog arriving in Sri Lanka to participate in the peace march titled “Walk for Peace.” MORE..

Former Minister Premalal Jayasekara arrested

Former Minister Premalal Jayasekara arrested

Former Minister Premalal Jayasekara has been arrested, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..

Trump says ceasefire expires Wednesday but it’s ‘highly unlikely’ he would extend it further

Trump says ceasefire expires Wednesday but it’s ‘highly unlikely’ he would extend it further

US President Donald Trump says he now considers the ceasefire with Iran over “Wednesday evening Washington time” but that it’s “highly unlikely” he would extend it further if a deal is not reached. MORE..

Two close associates of “Panadura Kudu Salindu” arrested in Payagala

Two close associates of “Panadura Kudu Salindu” arrested in Payagala

Two close associates of organized criminal and large-scale drug trafficker Salindu Malshitha, also known as “Panadura Kudu Salindu,” have been arrested in the Payagala area. MORE..

Trump says US will not lift Hormuz blockade until deal made with Iran

Trump says US will not lift Hormuz blockade until deal made with Iran

The US will not lift its blockade on Iranian ports until a deal has been reached with Tehran, US President Donald Trump has said, amid continuing uncertainty over whether fresh talks to end the war will take place. MORE..

Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces

Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces

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

Trump says negotiations with Iran will be completed ‘and everybody’s going to be happy’

Trump says negotiations with Iran will be completed ‘and everybody’s going to be happy’

US President Donald Trump said Monday that negotiations with Iran will be finalized “and everybody’s going to be happy,” amid an apparent impasse in the talks. MORE..

Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO - as tech giant names successor

Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO - as tech giant names successor

Tim Cook will be stepping down from his role as Apple CEO, to be replaced by John Ternus, the company has announced. MORE..

Sri Lanka receives USD 2.6M from Japan to strengthen climate resilience and gender equality

Sri Lanka receives USD 2.6M from Japan to strengthen climate resilience and gender equality

The Government of Japan, through its Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB), has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s development journey by announcing two new projects aimed at fostering climate resilience in vulnerable communities and advancing gender equality. MORE..

UK regulator investigates Telegram over child sexual abuse concerns

UK regulator investigates Telegram over child sexual abuse concerns

Britain’s communications regulator on Tuesday launched an investigation into Telegram after evidence suggested child sexual abuse material was being shared on the platform and teen chat sites were being ⁠used by predators to groom children. MORE..

Sri Lanka’s inflation increases to 2.4% in March 2026

The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), has increased to 2.4% in March 2026, compared to 1.6% in February 2026, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics. MORE..

67 drunk drivers arrested yesterday; 51 nabbed for reckless driving

67 drunk drivers arrested yesterday; 51 nabbed for reckless driving

A total of 25 individuals identified as directly linked to criminal activities have been arrested during operations carried out yesterday (20) under the ‘‘Nation United - National Drive’’ campaign aimed at eradicating narcotics from the country. MORE..

Indian national arrested with over 1kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

Indian national arrested with over 1kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

A foreign national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayaka with a consignment of ‘Kush’ narcotics weighing over one kilogram. MORE..

Middle East tensions push up costs, dampen sentiment in India’s housing market

Middle East tensions push up costs, dampen sentiment in India’s housing market

Tensions in the Middle East are starting to ripple through India’s housing market, pushing up construction costs and making homebuyers more cautious. MORE..

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched today (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC). MORE..

President Anura Kumara expresses support for nationwide ‘Walk for Peace’ journey

President Anura Kumara expresses support for nationwide ‘Walk for Peace’ journey

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his full support for the “Walk for Peace” journey, which will be officially commenced in Sri Lanka today (21). MORE..

Apple may add ‘undo’ and ‘redo’ to iPhone home screen in iOS 27

Apple may add ‘undo’ and ‘redo’ to iPhone home screen in iOS 27

In a move aimed at refining everyday usability, Apple is reportedly testing two new Home Screen customisation features, ‘Undo’ and ‘Redo’, for its upcoming iOS 27 update. MORE..

Walk for Peace: Ven. Pannakara Thero and 07 monks arrive in Sri Lanka

Walk for Peace: Ven. Pannakara Thero and 07 monks arrive in Sri Lanka

Seven Buddhist monks, led by Vietnamese national Venerable Pannakara Thero has arrived in the country this morning (21) to take part in ‘‘Walk for Peace’‘ in Sri Lanka. MORE..

Suspect arrested for Rs. 1 mln fraud involving fake bank website

Suspect arrested for Rs. 1 mln fraud involving fake bank website

A suspect has been arrested for allegedly defrauding Rs. 1,000,024 by creating a fraudulent website resembling an official website of a private bank. MORE..

War in Iran is causing biggest energy crisis in history, IEA says

War in Iran is causing biggest energy crisis in history, IEA says

The conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel is creating the worst energy crisis ever faced by the world, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday. MORE..

Expressway revenue during festive period exceeds Rs. 536 million

Expressway revenue during festive period exceeds Rs. 536 million

The Ministry of Transport states that more than Rs. 536 million was earned from operators of vehicles using expressways during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period from April 10 to 20. MORE..

Govt to expedite compensation for farmers affected by Matara salinity barrier

Govt to expedite compensation for farmers affected by Matara salinity barrier

The government has moved to expedite compensation payments to farmers affected by crop losses resulting from the salinity barrier constructed across the Nilwala River in Matara. MORE..

Japan on high alert for ‘huge’ second quake after lifting tsunami warning

Japan on high alert for ‘huge’ second quake after lifting tsunami warning

Officials in Japan have warned of an increased risk of a ‘‘huge’’ earthquake in the next week after a 7.7 magnitude quake struck off the north-east coast, triggering an evacuation order and warnings of 3m (10ft) tsunami waves. MORE..

‘‘Some findings in Auditor General’s coal import report unacceptable’’ – Minister Wasantha

‘‘Some findings in Auditor General’s coal import report unacceptable’’ – Minister Wasantha

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe has stated that certain findings in the Auditor General’s report on the controversial coal importation cannot be accepted. MORE..

Oil prices rise and US stocks give back a bit of their record-breaking rally

Oil prices rise and US stocks give back a bit of their record-breaking rally

Global oil prices climbed Monday following the latest rise of tensions between the United States and Iran, but the moves were more modest than they were earlier in the war. MORE..

Heavy rainfall expected in most parts of the island today

Heavy rainfall expected in most parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm, today (21), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

Special religious ceremonies to be held island-wide to mark 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks

Special religious ceremonies to be held island-wide to mark 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks

Seven years have elapsed since the Easter Sunday attacks, and island-wide religious observances are being conducted today (21) in solemn remembrance of the victims. MORE..

Indian Navy Ship ‘Nireekshak’ arrives in Sri Lanka for training and operational visit

Indian Navy Ship ‘Nireekshak’ arrives in Sri Lanka for training and operational visit

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) ‘Nireekshak’ arrived in Sri Lanka for an Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit today (21). MORE..

Spain starts program to legalize up to half-million migrants

Spain starts program to legalize up to half-million migrants

Spain has kicked off a program aimed at grantinglegal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants, in a move that goes against a trend of anti-immigration rhetoric and policies in the United States and much of Europe. MORE..

Advisory issued for severe lightning

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, North-Central, Southern and Uva provinces and in Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, and Batticaloa districts. MORE..

UN urges Sri Lanka to deliver results in Easter bombing probe

UN urges Sri Lanka to deliver results in Easter bombing probe

The United Nations urged Sri Lanka on Tuesday to deliver concrete results after long-running investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners. MORE..

Cardinal raises concerns over attempts to obstruct Easter Attack investigations

Cardinal raises concerns over attempts to obstruct Easter Attack investigations

The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has alleged that certain state officials are attempting to undermine ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, despite what he described as a positive approach by the incumbent government. MORE..

Iraq and Syria tout their reopened border crossing as an alternative oil route

Iraq and Syria tout their reopened border crossing as an alternative oil route

Iraq and Syria have reopened a key border crossing between the two nations for the first time in more than a decade, with officials highlighting its potential for trade and oil exports. MORE..

New regulations issued for Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessels entering Maldivian waters

New regulations issued for Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessels entering Maldivian waters

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has announced a new set of procedures to be followed by multi-day fishing trawlers navigating through Maldivian waters. MORE..

Michael Jackson movie: Daughter Paris slams dad’s film as ‘lies’

Michael Jackson movie: Daughter Paris slams dad’s film as ‘lies’

A new Michael Jackson biopic will shortly arrive in cinemas telling the story of the King of Pop’s early career, but it’s a tightly controlled story that avoids any reference to the child sex abuse allegations that dogged his later life. MORE..

South Korean police seek to arrest K-pop mogul behind BTS

South Korean police seek to arrest K-pop mogul behind BTS

South Korean police said Tuesday they are seeking to arrest music mogul Bang Si-Hyuk, chairman of the agency behind K-pop supergroup BTS, as they expand an investigation into allegations that he illegally gained more than $100 million in an investor fraud scheme. MORE..

NASA rover adds to the list of organic compounds detected on Mars

NASA rover adds to the list of organic compounds detected on Mars

Performing a type of experiment never before tried beyond Earth, NASA’s Curiosity rover has identified more organic compounds on Mars as scientists strive to learn whether the Red Planet ever harbored life. MORE..

Two suspects arrested over drug trafficking links

Two suspects arrested over drug trafficking links

Two individuals have been arrested by police in the Kottawa and Homagama areas in connection with drug trafficking offenses. MORE..

Chinese national arrested with cigarettes at BIA

Chinese national arrested with cigarettes at BIA

A foreign national has been arrested by airport customs officers earlier this morning (20) for illegally bringing a large consignment of China- manufactured cigarettes into the country. MORE..

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm, today (20), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

98 individuals arrested on open warrants in special island-wide raids

98 individuals arrested on open warrants in special island-wide raids

Sri Lanka Police stated that a total of 98 individuals with open warrants were arrested during special island-wide crime prevention and anti-narcotics operations. MORE..

Two Indonesian nationals arrested with over 5kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

Two Indonesian nationals arrested with over 5kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

Two foreign nationals have been arrested earlier this morning (20) by officers of the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) while attempting to leave the country with a stock of ‘Kush’ narcotics through the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake. MORE..

Oil prices jump as Strait of Hormuz standoff escalates

Oil prices jump as Strait of Hormuz standoff escalates

Crude oil prices rose in early trading Sunday. MORE..

Second school term for 2026 begins today

Second school term for 2026 begins today

The second school term for the year 2026 in all government and government-approved private Sinhala and Tamil schools commences today (20). MORE..

In 45-minute phone call with Pezeshkian, PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to advancing regional peace

In 45-minute phone call with Pezeshkian, PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to advancing regional peace

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, reaffirming during the conversation that Pakistan would ‘‘remain fully committed to its honest and sincere efforts to advance regional peace and security." MORE..

Public services of Dept. for Registration of Persons resume today

Public services of Dept. for Registration of Persons resume today

The Department for Registration of Persons has announced that the issuance of National Identity Cards (NICs), which had been temporarily suspended, will resume from today (20). MORE..

Iranian state media suggest new talks won’t take place

Iranian state media suggest new talks won’t take place

There has been no comment from Iranian officials on U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of new talks in Pakistan this week. MORE..

Indian Vice President visits Nuwara Eliya

Indian Vice President visits Nuwara Eliya

India’s Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan has undertaken a visit to Nuwara Eliya this morning (20). MORE..

Over 80 killed in road accidents, drowning incidents during New Year period - Police

Over 80 killed in road accidents, drowning incidents during New Year period - Police

More than 80 persons have lost their lives due to road accidents and drowning incidents during the New Year season, according to police. MORE..