News Archive

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  12:12 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  10:40 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  8:30 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  6:07 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  12:54 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  9:03 am

Former Minister Premalal Jayasekara arrested

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

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  12:40 pm

‘‘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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  7:03 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  10:24 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  1:34 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  11:22 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  11:18 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  1:06 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  6:27 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  1:57 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  12:04 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  7:33 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  5:59 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  1:48 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  6:34 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  10:58 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  9:23 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, North-Western, North-Central, Southern and Uva provinces and in Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, and Batticaloa districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  1:13 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  8:12 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  11:43 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  8:54 am

Makumbura MMC serves over 150,000 passengers during festive period

It is reported that more than 150,000 passengers have utilized the services of the Makumbura Multimodal Centre (MMC) during the festive season. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  11:09 am

PHIs take legal action against over 1,200 shops after raids during festive season

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) across Sri Lanka have conducted inspections at 21,796 business establishments island wide targeting the festive season, according to the Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  12:17 pm

VP Radhakrishnan reaffirms India’s commitment to welfare of Tamil people in Sri Lanka

The Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan, today (20) visited houses built with the assistance of the Government of India under the Indian Housing Project (Phase III) at the Liddlesdale Estate, Ragala, Nuwara Eliya, and interacted with the beneficiaries. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  1:36 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  6:02 am

Measures introduced to regulate tourist boat services at Gregory Lake

The Mayor of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, Upali Wanigasekera, has announced that steps will be taken to regulate tourist boat services at Gregory Lake under strict safety guidelines. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  12:18 pm

Iran executes two men accused of involvement in ‘spy network linked to Israel’

Iran executed two men convicted of cooperating with Israel’s Mossad intelligence service and planning attacks inside the country, the judiciary’s news outlet Mizan reported on ⁠Sunday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  12:55 pm

Three injured in motorcycle collision on Neluwa–Morawaka road

Three individuals have been injured and hospitalized in a motorcycle accident that had occurred this morning (20) along the Neluwa-Morawaka road. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  11:24 am

US seizes Iranian cargo ship, Tehran vows to retaliate

The United States said on Sunday that it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade and Iran said it would retaliate, raising the possibility that the ceasefire between the two countries might not last for even the two days it is set to remain in force. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  6:01 am

Advisory issued for severe lightning across all provinces

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning across all provinces of Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  1:18 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  8:19 am

Gold prices rise in Sri Lanka; 24-carat exceeds Rs. 400,000

In line with global market trends, gold prices in Sri Lanka have increased by around Rs. 2000, according to local market data. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  12:02 pm

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..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  7:04 am

Oil prices jump as Strait of Hormuz standoff escalates

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

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  9:43 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  9:43 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  6:21 am

Skilled workforce essential to strengthen primary healthcare – Health Minister

The Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized that the service of skilled and dedicated health professionals is essential for achieving future targets in the healthcare sector. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  11:44 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  8:51 am

Indian Vice President visits Nuwara Eliya

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

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  10:31 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  6:18 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  9:30 am

Fairly heavy rainfall over to 75 mm expected in several provinces – Met. Dept

The Department of Meteorology has announced that fairly heavy rainfall between 75 mm and 100 mm is expected today (April 20) in certain areas of the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Western, North-Central, and Southern provinces. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  11:03 am

Commissioner General of Motor Traffic granted bail

The Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, Kamal Amarasinghe, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has been granted bail by the Pilessa Magistrate’s Court in Kurunegala. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  11:55 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  8:16 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 20, 2026  10:32 am