News Archive

Magnitude 6.2 earthquake shakes part of northern Japan

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook part of northern Japan early Monday, but no damage or casualties have been reported. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  7:39 am

31-year-old arrested with heroin in Katana

A suspect has been arrested in the Jayabima area in Katana for the possession of 52 grams and 200 milligrams of heroin. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  9:04 am

Iran’s FM blames US’s demands for talks failure as he lands in Russia

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the excessive demands of the United States have caused peace negotiations to fail in Islamabad, in comments to local reporters after arriving in Russia. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  1:44 pm

SJB extends invitation to UNP for Colombo May Day rally

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has extended an invitation to the United National Party (UNP) to attend its May Day rally, which is scheduled to be held in Colombo this year. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  3:36 pm

Main suspect detained for questioning following arrest of 22 monks with narcotics at BIA

The alleged main suspect, a Buddhist monk, who is accused of orchestrating the movement of 22 members of the clergy arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with a large consignment of narcotics, has been ordered to be detained and interrogated for seven days until May 2. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  6:16 pm

Complaint lodged with Bribery Comm. over alleged diesel import irregularities

A complaint has been lodged with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) requesting an investigation into alleged corruption and irregularities in diesel imports carried out by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  12:21 pm

Guidelines issued for optimal use of digital technologies in govt. institutions

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Public Administration has introduced a set of guidelines for heads of institutions on the optimal use of digital technologies in delivering public services remotely. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  10:56 am

22 questions directed to President over alleged Treasury cyberattack probe delay

The Free Lawyers Organisation has stated that although five days have passed since the alleged cyberattack involving a USD 2.5 million Treasury transaction, the relevant facts have not yet been reported to a Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  11:33 am

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in most parts of the island

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the most parts of the island after 1.00 pm, today (27), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  6:05 am

Russia will do everything to bring peace to the Middle East, Putin tells Araghchi

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iran’s top diplomat that Moscow would do everything it could to help secure peace in the Middle East during a meeting in Saint Petersburg on Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  7:18 pm

Investigations launched into monks arrested with narcotics at BIA

Investigations have been initiated into an incident involving several saffron-robed individuals arrested with narcotics at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), the Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  2:02 pm

Sagarika train resumes service today after major derailment

The Sagarika Train, which derailed, will resume operations from today (27), according to the Department of Railways. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  7:16 am

52-year-old man bound for overseas travel drowns in Deduru Oya

A 52-year-old man has drowned while bathing in the Deduru Oya in the Balagollagama area of Mahawa. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  6:53 am

No irregularities in Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, Dy Minister states

Donations received for the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund are securely held in the Treasury, according to the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  5:22 pm

Trump portrays shooting as proof of his presidency’s power

Donald Trump’s tuxedo still looked freshly pressed when he stepped to the White House podium Saturday night, barely an hour after the latest apparent attempt on his life. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  6:12 am

Dy Minister denies claims of irregular RDA payments, calls allegations baseless

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has not made any duplicate payments to companies or contractors from its primary account or any related accounts, according to the Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Prasanna Gunasena. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  2:32 pm

MP Ramanathan Archchuna remanded

Jaffna District Member of Parliament Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna, who was arrested by the Ilavalai Police this morning (27), has been remanded.

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  4:57 pm

Violence has no place in democracy: Barack Obama condemns White House Correspondents’ dinner shooting

Former US President Barack Obama on Sunday condemned the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, stressing that violence has no place in a democratic society and praising the courage of security personnel. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  7:37 am

Oil at three-week high after US-Iran peace talks stall

Oil prices are climbing today (27), after US officials cancelled a planned trip to Pakistan over the weekend for peace talks, dimming hopes for a swift end to a conflict that has choked off much of the Middle East’s vast oil and natural gas supplies from global markets. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  2:44 pm

Female lawyer arrested over Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder case remanded

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered that Attorney-at-Law Thamara Kumari Abeyratne, who has been named as a suspect in the “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” murder case and was detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), be remanded until May 7. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  2:14 pm

Legal action taken against traders for overpricing rice and bottled water

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has taken legal action against several retail outlets found to be selling rice and bottled drinking water at inflated prices. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  9:04 am

‘‘Ehi Passiko’‘ Peace Walk enters day six; Set to reach Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya today

The sixth day of the ‘‘Ehi Passiko’‘ Peace Walk is set to commence today (27) near the Abeysekaraaramaya, Yakkala. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  6:52 am

Advisory issued for severe lightning in several provinces

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

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  3:15 pm

Sarvajana Balaya stages protest over alleged USD 2.5M cyber heist

The Sarvajana Balaya organised a protest today (27) expressing opposition to the alleged incident in which a USD 2.5 million loan instalment owed by the government to a foreign entity was reportedly diverted to an external party. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  1:06 pm

WhatsApp will stop working on these phones from September 8

The Meta-owned popular instant messaging app will drop support for versions older than Android 6 starting September 8, 2026. This means if you have a smartphone running an older Android OS, WhatsApp will stop working on that device. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  11:00 am

European Commission Chief says ‘too early’ to lift Iran sanctions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that it was too early to drop sanctions imposed on Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  4:09 pm

King Charles’ visit to US to proceed after Washington shooting

King Charles’ state visit to the U.S. will go ahead as planned on Monday despite a shooting at a White House dinner attended by President Donald Trump, Buckingham Palace said after discussions with U.S. officials. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  8:11 am

‘Michael’ scores biggest music biopic opening ever with $97M debut

Michael is already shattering box office records. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  9:54 am

Iran reaches agreements with Oman during Hormuz talks, FM says

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that “some agreements have been reached” with Oman during his meeting with officials in Muscat, citing the Strait of Hormuz as a key area of common interest. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  5:30 pm

Trump says King will be ‘very safe’ during US visit after security talks

Donald Trump has said King Charles III will “be very safe” during his state visit to the US, which is due to begin later on Monday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  6:49 pm

Discussion held to broaden IRD’s tax revenue and recover outstanding tax arrears

A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and officials the Department of Inland Revenue was held this afternoon (27) at the Presidential Secretariat. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  7:40 pm

Iran gave US a proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war – report

Iran through Pakistani mediators gave the U.S. a new proposal on reopening of the Strait ⁠of Hormuz and the ending of the war, with nuclear negotiations postponed for a later ⁠stage, Axios reported on Sunday, citing a U.S. ⁠official and two sources with knowledge ⁠of the matter. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  12:02 pm

Iran offers to reopen Strait of Hormuz if US lifts its blockade and the war ends: Officials

Iran has offered to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade on the country and an end to the war, while proposing that discussions on the larger question of its nuclear programme would come in a later phase, two regional officials said on Monday (Apr 27). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  5:49 pm

Death toll in Colombia highway bus bomb attack rises to 20

The death toll from a bombing on a Colombian highway on Saturday has risen to 20, with another 36 people injured, including minors. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  11:08 am

State officials under investigation over USD 2.5 million cyber heist

The Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy, Anura Karunathilaka has described the payment of USD 2.5 million by the Treasury to cybercriminals as an act of serious irresponsibility by state officials. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  5:46 pm

Political influence behind Vesak Poya date change: Kotapitiye Rahula Thero

The Deputy Chief Prelate and the Chief Secretary of the Kotte Sri Kalyāni Sāmagridharma Mahāsaṇghasabhā, Most Venerable Kotapitiye Rahula Anunāyaka Thero has alleged that the date of the Vesak Poya has been altered due to political motives. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  7:07 pm

Special traffic plan in Colombo tomorrow in view of “Walk for Peace”

A special traffic plan will be in place in Colombo tomorrow (28) in view of the “Walk for Peace” program, the Police Media Division stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  3:32 pm

MP Ramanathan Archchuna arrested

Jaffna District Member of Parliament Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna has been arrested by Ilavalai Police this morning (27). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  10:33 am

Locomotive operators to strictly observe speed limits, warn of possible train delays

Locomotive engine drivers will strictly adhere to prescribed speed limits in future, the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union has announced while warning that this may result in delays to rail services. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  4:35 pm

Govt. to launch program to resettle 1,000 persons affected by Cyclone Ditwah in May

A coordination meeting on the construction of interim shelters for communities affected by the Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ was held at the Army Headquarters under the patronage of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  6:41 pm

SC Justice recuses himself from Rishad Bathiudeen’s Wilpattu appeal hearing

A justice of the Supreme Court today (27) recused himself from hearing an appeal filed by former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, which challenges a prior ruling in a case concerning the clearing of protected forest lands adjacent to the Wilpattu reserve for resettlement purposes. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 27, 2026  2:32 pm

Trump safe after being rushed from White House correspondents dinner as attendees take cover

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner by Secret Service agents on Saturday night after a loud, unidentified noise. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 26, 2026  6:55 am

Trump says incident won’t deter him from winning Iran war

US President Donald Trump has said that the suspect involved in the shooting at the annual White House Correspondents’ dinner was carrying several weapons. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 26, 2026  10:04 am

Trump responds after shots fired at correspondents’ dinner, says shooter arrested

President Donald Trump responds after an alleged shooter opened fire inside the hotel where the correspondents’ dinner was being held. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 26, 2026  7:29 am

Man arrested for financial fraud using forged documents in Balummahara

An individual has been arrested by police for allegedly committing financial fraud using a forged identity card and a fake driving licence. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 26, 2026  8:23 am

Global investors invited to submit EOIs for Mattala Airport investment opportunities

The Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation has invited global investors to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for aviation investment opportunities for the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).

(0)Comments | April 26, 2026  10:38 am

‘Ehi Passiko’ Peace Walk enters fifth day; Set to reach Kelaniya Temple tomorrow

The fifth day of the ‘‘Ehi Passiko’‘ Peace Walk, led by Venerable Pannakara Thero and a group of monks visiting from the United States, commenced today (26) from near Tholangamuwa National School. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 26, 2026  9:51 am

Mainly fair weather expected in parts of the island

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Northwestern provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts after 2.00 pm, today (26), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 26, 2026  6:52 am

MP Archchuna accused of threatening woman with firearm over land dispute in Jaffna

Jaffna District Member of Parliament (MP) Ramanathan Archchuna has allegedly threatened a woman while holding a firearm in Periyavillan, Jaffna. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 26, 2026  12:31 pm

Vehicle imports surge in 2025, recording third-highest expenditure in history

Sri Lanka’s vehicle import expenditure has reached its third-highest level in history in 2025, according to the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review for 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 26, 2026  11:31 am