News Archive

Rupee depreciates by 1.8% against US dollar in 2026

The Sri Lanka rupee had depreciated by 1.8 per cent against the US dollar in 2026, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  6:26 pm

JD Vance-led US delegation lands in Pakistan for high-stakes ceasefire talks with Iran

A US government aircraft carrying senior officials has landed in Islamabad on Saturday afternoon, setting the stage for crucial negotiations with Iran aimed at ending a six-week war that has shaken the Middle East and global economy, Reuters reported. MORE..

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

CID officers seal main office of Lanka Coal Company

Officials attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have sealed the office of the Lanka Coal Company (Pvt.) Ltd. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  7:53 pm

Artemis II astronauts return from moon with splashdown to close out record-breaking lunar voyage

Artemis II’s astronauts returned from the moon with a dramatic splashdown in the Pacific on Friday to close out humanity’s first lunar voyage in more than a half-century. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  6:45 am

EU airline industry warns of fuel shortages if Strait of Hormuz stays closed

Europe will suffer jet fuel shortages in just three weeks if the the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen, the trade body for the continent’s airports has warned. MORE..

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

Gap between rich and poor nations is growing even wider, UN report says

The gap between rich and poor nations is growing even wider as actions agreed to by many countries last year, including overhauling the major global financial institutions, remain unfulfilled promises, a U.N. report concludes. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  8:56 am

No fertilizer shortage: Govt. confirms surplus stocks

Farmers should not develop unnecessary fear regarding the current fertilizer situation in the country, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Namal Karunaratne stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  2:51 pm

SLTB deploys additional buses for New Year travel

The special bus service launched in view of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year is currently operating in both directions, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  4:55 pm

No petrol shortage until June end, diesel supplies sufficient until May end: CPC Chairman

A total of 12 refined fuel shipments are scheduled to arrive in April, the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), D.J. Rajakaruna confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  2:13 pm

Pakistan sends fighter jets to Saudi Arabia under mutual defence pact

Pakistan has sent fighter jets and other military forces to Saudi Arabia to boost security under a defence pact between the two countries, the Saudi defence ministry said on Saturday, as Islamabad hosted talks aimed at ending the Iran war. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  10:12 pm

One dead, 27 injured as bus carrying British tourists crashes in Spain’s La Gomera

At least one person died and 27 were injured after a bus carrying British tourists crashed down a ravine on the Spanish island of La Gomera, emergency services said on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  7:06 am

Probe launched into assassination plot linked to death row inmate ‘Dematagoda Chaminda’

An investigation has been launched by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) following reports of a possible assassination attempt targeting death row inmate Chaminda Ravi Jayanath, who was convicted of the murder of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  8:43 pm

Maldivian President to visit Sri Lanka next month

The President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next month. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  1:49 pm

Public urged to send videos related to reckless driving to police via WhatsApp

The Police Headquarters has introduced a dedicated WhatsApp number 070-4755600 for the general public to submit videos related to reckless and dangerous driving incidents. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  3:38 pm

Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces

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

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  5:15 pm

Two warships transit Strait of Hormuz: US Officials

Two US warships have reportedly passed through the Strait of Hormuz, the first such transit since the war with Iran began, as President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States had started “clearing out” the strategic waterway. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  9:10 pm

US Vice President JD Vance meets Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif

US Vice President JD Vance has met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  3:46 pm

US intelligence indicates China preparing weapons shipment to Iran, CNN reports

US intelligence indicates China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks, CNN ⁠reported late on Friday, citing three people familiar with recent intelligence assessments. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  1:52 pm

Artemis II astronauts return from moon with splashdown to close out record-breaking lunar voyage

Artemis II’s astronauts returned from the moon with a dramatic splashdown in the Pacific on Friday to close out humanity’s first lunar voyage in more than a half-century. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  6:52 am

Kabir Hashim appointed SJB Chairman

Member of Parliament (MP) of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Kabir Hashim, has been appointed as the Chairman of the party for the year 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  9:38 am

Trump says US will have Strait of Hormuz ‘open fairly soon’

President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday that the U.S. will have the Strait of Hormuz “open fairly soon” but did not elaborate and acknowledged that it will not be an easy step. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  7:13 am

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle hospitalised in Mumbai

Legendary Bollywood playback singer Asha Bhosle was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  9:44 pm

Sri Lanka welcomes ceasefire in West Asia, urges durable solution

Sri Lanka today said it welcomes the announcement of a temporary ceasefire in West Asia and the forthcoming dialogue. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  1:28 pm

Lanka Coal Company office receives special police protection

A decision has been taken to provide special police protection to the office of the Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  5:44 pm

Jackson family joins fans in Berlin for premiere of Michael Jackson biopic

Thousands of Michael Jackson fans, many in military jackets or aviator sunglasses inspired by the pop icon’s many famous looks, gathered in Berlin on Friday night for the international premiere of the biopic “Michael” starring the singer’s nephew. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  9:52 am

Iran threatens to attack US military ship within minutes if it crosses Strait of Hormuz

Iran issued a warning to a US military ship that it will be attacked within 30 minutes if it crosses the Strait of Hormuz, state TV reports. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  7:37 pm

Kamala Harris says she might run for president again in 2028

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who was the Democratic Party’s nominee for the presidency in 2024, said on Friday that she was considering running for president again in 2028. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  6:07 pm

Iranian delegation lands in Islamabad ahead of ‘make-or-break’ talks

Iran’s negotiating team arrived in Islamabad on Friday for peace talks with the United States, even as Tehran insisted on measures it said needed to be addressed first, throwing last-minute doubt over the meetings. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  7:24 am

Clashes erupt at Matara Cooperative Hospital after NPP takeover attempt

A tense situation unfolded this afternoon (11) at the Matara Cooperative Hospital following an attempt by a group affiliated with the National People’s Power (NPP) to assume administrative control without a formal election. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  7:07 pm

Large crowds arrive at Makumbura MMC for New Year travel

A large number of commuters are reportedly arriving at the Makumbura Multimodal Centre (MMC) since early this morning (11) to travel to their hometowns via the expressways ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  9:30 am

Iran unable to fully reopen Hormuz as it lost track of mines planted: US officials

Iran is unable to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping due to its self-inflicted problem: It cannot locate all the mines it laid in the waterway to block the passage amid war, the New York Times reported, citing US officials. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  2:28 pm

10-year-old schoolgirl killed in bus accident in Mattakkuliya

A 10-year-old schoolgirl was killed after being run over by a bus in the Mattakkuliya area, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  8:06 am

US likely to extend Russian oil waiver, sources say

US President Donald Trump’s administration is likely to extend as soon as Friday a waiver allowing countries to buy some sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  4:31 pm

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  1:44 pm

QR code not necessary for petrol-powered vehicles until April 18 - CPC

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) says that owners of petrol-powered vehicles can obtain fuel without the QR code-based fuel quota system from midnight today (11) until April 18, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  12:16 pm

Iran-US talks begin in Pakistan, state broadcaster says

Talks between Iran and the United States have begun in Islamabad, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, though it remains unclear whether the negotiations are being conducted directly or through intermediaries. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  6:36 pm

US agrees to release frozen Iranian assets in Qatar, other banks: Report

A senior Iranian source said on Saturday the U.S. had agreed to release Iranian frozen assets that were held in Qatar and other foreign banks, welcoming ⁠the move as a sign of “seriousness” in reaching a deal with Washington in talks in Islamabad. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  3:14 pm

GMOA strike ends; Future course of action to be decided

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) announced that its 48-hour island-wide token strike ends at 8.00 a.m. this morning (11). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  7:46 am

Showers expected in parts of the island after 2pm

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, Southern and Uva provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts after 2.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  6:36 am

OpenAI identifies security issue involving third-party tool, says user data was not accessed

OpenAI said on Friday it had identified a security issue involving a third-party developer tool called Axios and is ⁠taking steps to protect the process that certifies its macOS applications are legitimate OpenAI apps. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  8:19 am

Passenger arrested at BIA for smuggling ornamental plants

A Sri Lankan passenger was arrested by Customs officers at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake in the early hours today (11) for attempting to smuggle packages of ornamental plants into the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  2:02 pm

Foreign liquor bottles worth over Rs. 20 mln seized in Colombo

The Department of Excise has seized a stock of bottles of foreign liquor worth over Rs. 20 million during a raid carried out targeting several outlets in the Colombo area within the Western Province. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  10:28 am

Iran’s new supreme leader has severe and disfiguring wounds – report

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still recovering from severe facial and leg injuries suffered in the airstrike that killed his father at the beginning of the war, three people close to his inner circle told Reuters. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  11:57 am

Sri Lanka’s workers’ remittances exceed USD 2.2 bln in first three months of 2026

Sri Lanka received USD 814.8 million in workers’ remittances in March 2026, according to the latest figures released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  4:01 pm

Chinese national arrested with cigarettes worth nearly Rs. 4 mln at BIA

A Chinese national has been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle a consignment of Chinese-manufactured cigarettes worth nearly Rs. 4 million into the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  3:08 pm

Lebanese Prime Minister postpones Washington trip

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam says he is postponing an imminent trip to the United States and the United Nations, citing the need to remain in Beirut. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  8:30 pm

Secretary to President files complaint seeking CID probe into coal imports since 2009

The Secretary to the President has submitted a complaint to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning (11) requesting a formal investigation into coal imports since 2009, considering the findings of Audit Reports and the findings of Parliament, indicating that irregularities have occurred in the import of coal into Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  12:31 pm

First phase of in-person negotiations ends with Iranian and US expert teams continuing to exchange texts

The first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad has concluded with negotiators exchanging written texts on key issues, Iranian media reported. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 11, 2026  10:43 pm

Kuwait says National Guard site, vital facilities hit by ‘hostile’ drones

Kuwait said Thursday evening that a National Guard site and several vital facilities were targeted by “hostile” drones. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 10, 2026  4:49 am

Trump says Iran’s handling of oil through Strait of Hormuz is ‘not the agreement we have’

Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote on his social media site Thursday evening. “That is not the agreement we have!” MORE..

(0)Comments | April 10, 2026  4:38 am