News Archive

126 drunk drivers arrested during special police operation

A total of 20 individuals directly linked to criminal activities have been identified and arrested under the ‘Nation United - National Drive’ campaign aimed at eradicating narcotics from the country, according to a report issued yesterday (24). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  2:26 pm

US Democrats look to rein in Trump’s war powers, this time on Cuba

The US Senate will vote as soon as next week on a Democratic-led effort to prevent President Donald Trump from launching an attack on Cuba, Senate aides said on Friday, responding to the Republican’s threats to take military action against the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  7:43 am

Suspect arrested at BIA with foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 38.67 mln

A suspect has been arrested by Sri Lanka Customs officials at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a consignment of foreign-made cigarettes and electronic cigarettes valued at Rs. 38.67 million into the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  12:48 pm

Photographer arrested with over 2.5kg ‘Kush’ at BIA

A Sri Lankan passenger has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for the possession of 2,505 grams of ‘Kush’ cannabis, estimated to be valued at approximately Rs. 25 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  10:27 am

Showers expected in parts of the island after 2pm

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

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  6:38 am

Russian-made firearm, ammunition found buried in Karandeniya Raju’s garden

A 9mm Russian-made pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition were discovered buried in the garden of the residence of “Karandeniye Raju,” the brother of organised criminal “Karandeniye Sudda,” during a specialised search operation. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  10:54 am

Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny top Spotify’s first all-time most streamed artists list

Taylor Swift has topped Spotify’s first ever list of the most streamed artists of all time, published Thursday morning. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  12:22 pm

Associate of ‘Homagama Gagana’ arrested with 12kg of heroin

A suspect was arrested in Homagama yesterday (24) by the Western Province North Crimes Division while in possession of 12 kilograms of heroin, with an estimated street value of approximately Rs. 120 million. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  11:04 am

Expert raises concerns over Finance Ministry’s cybersecurity measures after BEC attack

Cybersecurity expert Asela Waidyalankara states that technical measures are available to prevent incidents such as hackers gaining access to funds, as seen in the reported cyberattack involving a USD 2.5 million Treasury payment. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  10:15 am

Americans blame Trump for gas price surge, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

A clear majority of Americans blame President Donald Trump for surging gasoline prices, which is weighing on his Republican Party ahead of November’s congressional midterm elections, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  2:52 pm

Scam Alert: Public warned of new digital scam involving malicious APK files

Sri Lanka Police have announced that it successfully identified information regarding a new digital scam targeting bank accounts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  2:05 pm

Father killed in dispute with son in Athirahapitiya

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of murdering his father by attacking him with a sharp weapon. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  8:17 am

US freezes US$344 million in Iran-linked crypto assets

The United States has frozen US$344 million in cryptocurrency assets over ties to Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday (Apr 24), as Washington seeks to raise pressure on Tehran amid energy supply disruptions due to war in the Middle East. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  2:16 pm

‘Ehipassiko - Walk for Peace’ enters fourth day

The fourth day of the ‘Ehipassiko - Walk for Peace’ is scheduled to commence today (25) from the Beligammana Rajamaha Viharaya in Mawanella. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  7:33 am

US boosts Iran war assets with third aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush

A third US aircraft carrier has arrived in the Middle East, bringing thousands more American troops and dozens of advanced fighter jets to the region. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  8:39 am

Tehran’s Imam Khomeini airport resumes some international flights

Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport resumed some international flights this morning. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  1:30 pm

Frequent lightning threat endangers lives of Pitakanda residents

Residents of Pitakanda village in the Ayagama Divisional Secretariat Division of Ratnapura District are calling for the installation of lightning protection systems owing to the serious and ongoing threat due to frequent lightning strikes. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  3:14 pm

Trump’s envoys Witkoff and Kushner to fly to Pakistan for Iran talks

Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and the US president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan for peace talks with Iran on Saturday morning, the White House has said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  6:59 am

Sri Lanka Police urge public discipline for “Walk for Peace” journey

Sri Lanka Police have requested the public to maintain strict discipline and restraint to ensure the success of the internationally acclaimed “Ehipassiko – Walk for Peace.” MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  12:44 pm

Significant progress made in probe into USD 2.5M cyber heist - Dy Minister

Significant progress has been made in investigations into the incident in which a loan installment of USD 2.5 million owed by the government to a foreign entity was diverted to an external party, the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  1:54 pm

Iran’s foreign minister arrives in Pakistan, Trump expects offer satisfying US demands

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Friday to discuss proposals for restarting peace talks with the US, offering some hope for an end to the eight-week war that has killed thousands and sown turmoil in global markets. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  6:49 am

Advisory issued for severe lightning

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

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  12:43 pm

‘Sagarika’ train successfully re-railed; full restoration work ongoing

The ‘Sagarika’ train, which derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station yesterday, has been successfully re-railed, said Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  11:00 am

Norway to assist Sri Lanka to strengthen fisheries monitoring with modern technology

Sri Lanka has entered into a significant agreement with Norway aimed at enhancing the country’s fisheries monitoring capabilities through the integration of modern technology. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  11:05 am

Turkish foreign minister says Israel has become ‘direct threat to global security,’ urges ‘collective response’

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Friday that Israel now poses “direct threat to global security” and urged a “collective” international response, arguing that growing instability can no longer be viewed through a purely regional lens. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  10:46 am

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals exceed 840,000 so far this year

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) stated that the number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka so far has crossed the 840,000 mark. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 25, 2026  12:09 pm

Trump administration reclassifies cannabis as less dangerous

The US Department of Justice has officially reclassified cannabis as less dangerous, marking a major shift in the country’s drug policy. MORE..

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

Former Minister Johnston Fernando granted bail

Former Minister Johnston Fernando has been granted bail by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court, said Ada Derana reporter.

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  1:28 pm

Defence Secretary meets UN Assistant Secretary-General in New York

Continuing his official visit to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, engaged in a high-level meeting with Khaled Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General..MORE...

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  2:32 pm

CID complaint filed over cyberattack on Public Administration Ministry’s website

Minister Chandana Abeyrathne stated that a formal complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding an apparent cyberattack targeting the official website of the Ministry of Public Administration. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  1:54 pm

Sri Lankan Rupee declines further as US Dollar exceeds Rs. 317

The Sri Lankan Rupee has further depreciated in comparison with the US Dollar, with the highest indicative rate recorded in recent times being reported today (24). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  1:47 pm

Iran has to cut Hezbollah’s funding: Trump

US President Donald Trump has been assembling the protagonists of today’s peace talks for another impromptu news conference at the White House. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  5:41 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, Southern and Uva provinces and in Anuradhapura district. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  1:19 pm

Trump says Lebanon and Israel agree to extend Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire by 3 weeks

President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah by three weeks after talks at the White House on Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  4:38 am

2019 Easter Attacks: Court rejects ex-IGP Pujith’s request to amend testimony

The three-member bench of the Colombo Special High Court today rejected a request made by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundera to introduce new facts to the statement he had previously made from the dock. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  1:00 pm

Trains delayed on coastal line after ‘Sagarika’ derails near Wadduwa

Train services on the coastal line were disrupted after the ‘Sagarika’ express train, travelling from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed this morning (24), the Department of Railways said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  8:09 am

Deadline for 2026 A/L exam applications ends midnight today

The Department of Examinations of Sri Lanka has announced that the acceptance of applications for the 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination will conclude today (24) at 12:00 midnight. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  8:33 am

Trump says leaders of Lebanon and Israel could meet in next three weeks

U.S. President Donald Trump said ‌on Thursday that the leaders of Lebanon and Israel could ⁠meet at the White House during the next three weeks - the period for which a ceasefire between ‌the ⁠two countries has been extended. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  5:32 am

‘Walk for Peace’ heads to Beligammana Rajamaha Viharaya in Mawanella today

Today (23) marks the third day of the internationally recognized “Ehipassiko - Walk for Peace.” MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  8:34 am

Hearing of case against Yoshitha and his grandmother postponed to June

The Colombo High Court today (24) has postponed the hearing of the case filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grandmother Daisy Forest, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, until June 10, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  10:49 am

Colombo Archdiocese refutes reports on Cardinal Ranjith’s resignation

The Director of Mass Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Reverend Father Jude Chrysantha, has stated that reports claiming that His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has decided to step down from his post as Archbishop of Colombo in late 2026 are false. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  2:09 pm

Pope says he ‘cannot support war,’ citing rising toll on innocent lives

Pope Leo XIV said Thursday that he “cannot be in favor of war,” warning that conflicts around the world are claiming the lives of too many innocent people, including children. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  9:41 am

Two Bangladeshi nationals arrested with foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 4.26 mln at BIA

Two foreign nationals were arrested in the early hours of today (24) by Sri Lanka Customs officials at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a consignment of cigarettes manufactured in China into the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  11:25 am

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in several parts of the island

The Department of Meteorology has announced that showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  9:04 am

Sri Lanka probing $2.5 million cyber heist with international assistance – PM

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that investigations have been initiated into the theft of USD 2.5 million in funds from the Ministry of Finance by cybercriminals. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  12:54 pm

Warner Bros shareholders approve Paramount’s $111bn takeover

Warner Bros Discovery shareholders have approved the company’s $111bn (£82bn) takeover by Paramount in a deal which could drastically alter the media landscape. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  11:56 am

Sri Lanka’s Q1 2026 export earnings rise 2% despite Middle East conflict

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB Sri Lanka) states that despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Sri Lanka recorded export earnings of US$ 1,467 million in March. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  8:35 am

Norway government plans social media ban for children under 16

Norway’s government said on Friday it will propose a ban on the use of social media for children under the age of 16, and will make technology ⁠companies responsible for age verification of young users. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  11:17 am

Severe dry conditions drive rapid drop in Castlereagh and Maussakelle reservoir water levels

Water levels in the Castlereagh and Maussakelle reservoirs are declining rapidly due to the prevailing extreme dry weather conditions in the catchment areas on the western slopes of the Central Hills, engineers responsible for the reservoirs have reported. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  11:50 am

Office train services to continue despite ‘Sagarika’ derailment in Wadduwa - SLR

Despite the derailment of the “Sagarika” express train at Wadduwa, Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) has decided to continue office train services without cancellations. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 24, 2026  9:35 am