News Archive

Migrant worker remittances increase 26.5% in 1Q 2026

Remittances sent by migrant workers to Sri Lanka have increased by 26.5% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  12:43 pm

Air India mulls broad flight cuts amid high fuel costs

Tata Group-owned Air India is weighing a significant scale-back of its flight operations after reportedly posting a loss of nearly Rs 20,000 crore in FY26, amid persistent operational headwinds and elevated aviation fuel costs, businessline newspaper reported on Thursday quoting industry sources. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  11:35 am

High-stakes Tamil Nadu, West Bengal election begins in India amid voter roll row

Voters will cast their ballots on Thursday as high-stakes state elections get under way across India, with key contests in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  7:04 am

Ping-pong robot Ace makes history by beating top-level human players

An autonomous robot ping-pong player dubbed Ace has achieved a milestone for AI and robotics in Tokyo by competing against and sometimes defeating top-level human players at table tennis, a feat that could presage an array of other applications for similarly adept robots. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  9:49 am

“China debt trap” narrative is baseless, pushed by the West, says European scholar

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is far more ambitious than the ports, railways and highways that it is often reduced to in Western commentary, said Hussein Askary, a prominent Iraqi-Swedish scholar of international relations and geo-economics. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  4:23 pm

Sri Lanka, Iran Foreign Ministers hold phone conversation

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath has held a telephone conversation with Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran in relation to the conflict in the Middle East and related development. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  6:12 am

Sri Lankan delegation engages with international investor community in Washington

The Sri Lankan delegation headed by the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Nandalal Weerasinghe has engaged extensively with the international investor community, on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund–World Bank Spring Meetings 2026, in Washington, D.C. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  10:04 am

Heavy rainfall above 75 mm expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1:00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  5:30 am

Police warn of financial scam using ‘SriLankan Airlines’ name

Sri Lanka Police has warned the general public of financial fraud being carried out using the name of ‘SriLankan Airlines’. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  2:40 pm

Sri Lanka’s life expectancy rises with success of national immunization programme

Sri Lanka’s life expectancy has improved over the past 15 years, largely due to the success of the National Immunization Programme of the Ministry of Health. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  7:21 am

Two trains collide in Denmark, injuring 17 people, emergency service says

Two local trains collided head-on in Denmark on Thursday, injuring at least 17 people, four of whom were in a critical condition, the emergency service told Reuters. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  1:02 pm

Standard vehicle number plates to be issued from late May

Standard registration number plates for new vehicles can be issued from the end of May this year, the Department of Motor Traffic has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  1:22 pm

CAA releases weekly estimated retail price for essential food items

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced the estimated retail price ranges for several essential food items for the week of April 20 to April 26, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  3:06 pm

13-year-old boy missing in Gampaha; Public requested to assist

A 13-year-old boy, identified as Sithula Nimsath, a resident of Pahala Imbulgoda in Gampaha, has been reported missing since yesterday (22), according to his relatives. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  1:49 pm

Sri Lanka Police refutes social media claims on recruitment age limit

Sri Lanka Police has issued a clarification regarding information circulating on social media about the age limits for police recruitment. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  8:04 am

‘No time pressure’ on Iran ceasefire, says Trump

In the US, Fox News says President Trump told presenter Martha MacCallum that there is ‘‘no time pressure’‘ on his extension to the ceasefire with Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  2:50 pm

Billionaire backer sues Trump family’s crypto firm over alleged extortion

The Trump family’s World Liberty Financial crypto venture is being sued by one of its billionaire backers over allegations of extortion. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  1:02 pm

Oil prices up 4% on uncertain Iran-US ceasefire prospects

Oil prices jumped 4 percent Thursday after Iran vowed not to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so long as a US naval blockade remained in place despite a ceasefire extension. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  8:35 am

US Senate rejects measure aimed at limiting Trump’s war powers in Iran for fifth time

The United States Senate rejected for the fifth time this year, a measure aimed at restricting President Donald Trump’s war powers by requiring congressional approval for any future military action in Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  7:42 am

Man sentenced to death for murdering police officer in 2008

An individual has been sentenced to death for the murder of a police officer during a raid in Baddegama in 2008. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  12:08 pm

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, Central, North-Western, North-Central, Southern and Uva provinces and in Ampara, and Batticaloa districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  1:23 pm

Lane closed on Colombo–Galle road near Kalutara after gravel spill triggers motorcycle accidents

A lane on the Colombo–Galle main road has been temporarily closed in the Kalutara–Wettumakada area after gravel spilled from a moving lorry early this morning (23). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  9:09 am

Walk for Peace heads to Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy today

The second day of the internationally recognized “Ehipassiko Walk for Peace” is scheduled to begin from Matale this morning (23). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  6:44 am

Deputy Education Minister escapes unhurt in road accident

The vehicle carrying Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Seneviratne was involved in an accident last night (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  12:37 pm

Case against Namal Rajapaksa over ‘Krrish’ deal adjourned till May

The Colombo High Court today (23) ordered that the case filed against Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa in connection with the controversial ‘Krrish’ project deal be recalled on May 29. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  11:08 am

‘First revenue’ from Hormuz toll deposited into Central Bank - Iranian deputy speaker

The deputy speaker of Iran’s parliament, Hamidreza Haji Babaei, says the first revenues collected from tolls imposed on ships using the Strait of Hormuz have been deposited into the Central Bank account. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  3:37 pm

Sri Lanka reports first measles cases in years, authorities urge vaccination

Health authorities have warned that measles, a disease previously eliminated in Sri Lanka, has re-emerged in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  2:45 pm

Iran says Strait of Hormuz cannot be opened due to ceasefire breaches

Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with the US said it is “not possible” for the Strait of Hormuz to be opened due to “the blatant violations of the ceasefire” by the US and Israel. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  5:02 am

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..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  4:09 pm

Auspicious time for planting of tree saplings for New Year falls today

The auspicious time for Planting of Tree Saplings, as specified in the Sinhala and Tamil New Year auspicious time schedule (‘Nekath Seettuwa’), falls today (April 23). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  5:50 am

US intercepts three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters - Report

The US military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  5:11 am

Hackers breached system via email, efforts underway to recover funds - Finance Secretary

The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma says that efforts are already underway to recover as much as possible of the USD 2.5 million in funds obtained by cyber criminals who breached a computer system at the Finance Ministry. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  3:52 pm

Lebanese PM accuses Israel of war crimes after strike kills journalist

Prime Minister of Lebanon Nawaf Salam has condemned the killing of journalist Amal Khalil, while accusing Israel of war crimes. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  9:23 am

Nuwan Thushara withdraws petition seeking NOC from SLC to play in IPL

Sri Lankan cricketer Nuwan Thushara has withdrawn the petition he filed before the Colombo District Court, seeking an interim injunction to compel Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to enable his participation in international premier league tournaments, including the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  10:34 am

Australian HC confirms ongoing probe over irregularities in payments owed by Sri Lanka to Australia

The Ministry of Finance is currently probing irregularities in payments owed by Sri Lanka to the government of Australia, the Australian High Commission in Colombo stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  2:48 pm

Turkey Parliament votes to ban Social Media for under-15s

The Turkish parliament voted on Wednesday to prevent children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, state media agency Anadolu reported, the latest country to try such a ban.

(0)Comments | April 23, 2026  8:24 am

Trump says US-Iran talks ‘possible’ within 36 to 72 hours: report

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday a new round of peace talks with Iran is “possible” within the next 36 to 72 hours, a report said, a day after he announced an extension of a ceasefire with the Islamic Republic to allow for diplomatic efforts to continue. MORE...

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  10:30 pm

Nearly 20 injured after bus veers off road, crashes into tree in Kinniya

Nearly 20 passengers were injured after a private bus veered off the road and crashed into a tree near the Upparu-aru Bridge on the Trincomalee - Batticaloa main road within the Kinniya Police Division this evening (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  8:58 pm

Nine arrested over brutal assault on mother in Gokarella

A total of nine individuals have been arrested by the Gokarella Police in connection with the assault of a mother in public, an incident that recently drew widespread attention on social media. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  6:44 am

Second Nepali minister leaves month-old government

Nepal’s Minister of Home Affairs, Sudan Gurung, resigned on Wednesday saying there had been questions over his investments and other matters, the second minister to go from the month-old government. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  8:14 pm

Finance Ministry says investigations underway after hackers breached a dept’s computer system

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development says it has already lodged complaints with law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions regarding the theft committed by cyber hackers who breached the computer system of the External Resources Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  10:15 pm

Meta to track workers’ clicks and keystrokes to train AI

Meta will start tracking the way employees work, including their keystrokes and mouse clicks, to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  7:48 am

Dwayne Johnson’s wrestling film to be made into stage musical

Fighting With My Family, the 2019 film starring Florence Pugh and Dwayne Johnson, is being adapted as a stage musical, producers have confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  7:42 am

Heavy rainfall above 75 mm expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm today (22), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  5:31 am

French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud says Algeria sentenced him to 3 years for award-winning novel

French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud said Wednesday that he has been sentenced to three years in prison in Algeria for his book “Houris,” a recipient of France’s most prestigious literary award. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  8:52 pm

Donald Trump extends Iran ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz blockade

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would extend the U.S. ceasefire with Iran, which is set to expire Wednesday, despite calling off negotiations and warning earlier in the day he would resume bombing without a deal in place.

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  4:12 am

Air fares soar by nearly 25% as Iran war forces flights to re-route

The war in the Middle East has helped to trigger a surge in air fares, with the lowest-priced economy tickets costing 24% more on average than they did a year ago, according to new research. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  7:05 am

Oil prices fluctuate as status of US-Iran peace talks remains unclear

Global oil prices fluctuated in early Asian trading on Wednesday as the status of peace talks between the US and Iran remains unclear. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  6:22 am

Premalal Jayasekara to be produced in court following arrest over firearm incident

Former Ratnapura District Parliamentarian Premalal Jayasekara, who was arrested yesterday (21) in connection with an alleged incident of threatening an individual with a firearm, is scheduled to be produced before the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court today (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  7:28 am

UN Secretary General commends ceasefire extension

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes Washington’s extension of the ceasefire with Iran, said his spokesman on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  5:10 am