News Archive

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

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

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

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

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

Treasury Secretary informs he will not appear before COPF tomorrow

The Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma has informed the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) in a letter that he will not appear before the committee tomorrow (30), according to COPF Chairman Dr Harsha de Silva. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  6:40 pm

Sri Lanka and Indonesia consider granting visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders

Sri Lanka and Indonesia have held discussions to grant visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders of both countries. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  1:53 pm

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

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

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

Around 20 injured after bus plunges into precipice in Hatton

At least 20 people have sustained injuries in an accident after a passenger transport bus veered off the road and plunged into a precipice this afternoon (29) in the Wataragala Estate area on the Hatton–Dikoya main road. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  4:03 pm

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

Case against ex-President Ranil adjourned till July, CID ordered to submit progress report

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (29) ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to submit a progress report on an ongoing investigation into a complaint filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake over alleged misappropriation of public funds. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  3:05 pm

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

EU urges fast rollout of age-verification app to protect minors online

The European Commission on Wednesday urged member states to quickly adopt its new age verification app to protect minors from harmful content online, and to make sure the technology is available everywhere before the end of the year. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  8:04 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

Trump urges Iran to sign a deal and discusses prolonged blockade

Donald Trump discussed how to mitigate the impact of a possible months-long U.S. blockade of Iran’s ports with U.S. oil companies, a White House official said on Wednesday, as the US president urged Tehran to ‘get smart soon’ and sign a deal. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  8:53 pm

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

Eran Wickremaratne steps down from SJB committees

Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Eran Wickremaratne has resigned from the party’s Working Committee and Management Committee after assuming duties as Chairman of the Restructuring Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  9:21 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

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

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

Hatton bus crash: One succumbs to injuries, over 30 hospitalised

One person has succumbed to injuries after a private bus veered off the road and plunged nearly 35 feet down a precipice in the Battalgalla Estate area of Dickoya along the Hatton - Fordyce main road today (29), Police Media Division said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  7:36 pm

Ex-MP Eran Wickramaratne appointed chairman of SLC interim committee

An interim committee headed by former Member of Parliament Eran Wickramaratne has been appointed to run Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the resignation of SLC president Shammi Silva and his Executive Committee. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  5:36 pm

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

British police arrest suspect after two Jewish men stabbed in London

Two Jewish people were stabbed in north London on Wednesday by a man who ran down a street trying to stab Jews, a local security group said, the latest in a spate of antisemitic attacks which Prime Minister Keir Starmer called “utterly appalling”. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  7:47 pm

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

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

Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the North-Central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kurunegala, Monaragala, Vavuniya, Mullaittivu, and Kilinochchi districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  3:57 pm

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

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 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

Electric train services under Colombo suburban railway project to commence next year

A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and officials of the Ministry of Transport and Highways was held today (29) at the Presidential Secretariat on the modernisation of railway services in the Colombo suburban area and related plans. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  2:20 pm

Two dead after small plane crashes into Australia airport hangar

Two people have died after a small plane crashed into a hangar at an airport in South Australia, authorities say. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  4:55 pm

South Korean appeals court gives 7-year jail term to former President Yoon in arrest obstruction case

A South Korean appeals court on Wednesday gave a seven-year jail term to former President Yoon Suk Yeol on ⁠charges including obstructing investigators trying to execute an arrest warrant since his short-lived 2024 martial law declaration. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  1:11 pm

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

Russian Health Minister to visit Sri Lanka

Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko and a delegation will arrive in Sri Lanka on May 3 for a three-day official visit. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  2:40 pm

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

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

President meets Ven. Pannakara Thero following “Ehipassiko” peace walk

Following the state closing ceremony of the seven-day “Ehipassiko” Peace Walk held in Sri Lanka, during which a message of peace was shared with people around the world and the heritage of Buddhism...MORE..

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

Dambulla restaurant fined for selling bottled water at inflated prices

The Dambulla Magistrate’s Court today (29) imposed a fine of Rs. 510,000 on a restaurant in the Dambulla area for selling bottled drinking water, which were passed their expiry date, at a price exceeding the maximum retail price. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  4:41 pm

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

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern, North-Central, Southern, North-Western provinces and in the Trincomalee district. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 29, 2026  2:12 pm

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

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