News Archive

Economic shock of Middle East war to cast shadow over IMF, World Bank meetings

Top finance officials from around the world will convene in Washington this week under the shadow of the war in the Middle East, which has delivered a third major shock to the global economy after the COVID pandemic and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  4:43 pm

Health officials urge parents to remain vigilant of children during festive season

Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo has urged parents to be more vigilant with children during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  11:51 am

Israel’s Ben-Gvir visits flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound

Israel’s far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Sunday, saying he was seeking greater access for Jewish worshippers and drawing condemnation from Jordan and the Palestinians. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  6:07 pm

Six nabbed in Nagar Kovil over illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers

A total of six individuals have been apprehended by the Sri Lanka Navy for illegal night diving to harvest sea cucumbers during a search operation conducted at the Nagar Kovil beach in Jaffna. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  3:42 pm

Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle dies at 92

Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle is reportedly no more at the age of 92. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  1:17 pm

At least 3,375 Iranians killed during war, state media says

At least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran since the US and Israel began strikes on the country, according to state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  5:23 pm

‘Paddington’ musical, Hollywood stars to vie for prizes at Olivier Awards

Paddington Bear is in the running for pawfuls of Olivier Awards at Britain’s top theatre honours on Sunday, where a stage adaptation of the beloved children’s books along with fellow musical “Into The Woods” lead the nominations. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  1:05 pm

Ugandan woman arrested at BIA with cocaine concealed in her body

A foreign national who had concealed a stock of cocaine in her body has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by officers of the Customs Narcotics Control Unit today (12). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  2:42 pm

7 notorious gang members transferred to Welisara Prison – Dy Minister

Seven notorious members of organised crime gangs have been transferred from Boossa High-Security Prison to the newly established prison at the Welisara Navy Camp. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  8:28 am

49 killed in road accidents within a week - Minister

A total of 49 individuals have died in separate road accidents during the past week from April 4 to 10. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  8:49 am

55,000 passengers travel via Makumbura Transport Hub during festive period

Approximately 55,000 passengers have travelled from the Makumbura Multimodal Centre (MMC) to their hometowns since April 8, authorities say. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  6:25 pm

UK pauses its plan to cede Chagos Islands after US opposition

Britain’s government said on Saturday it had put on hold its deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands - home to the U.S.-British Diego Garcia air base - which has been criticised by U.S. President Donald Trump. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  6:59 am

Campaign against Iran not over, existential threats removed: Netanyahu

Claiming “historic achievements” in the fight against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement on Saturday (April 11, 2026) that the “campaign is not yet over,” but Israel managed to foil Iran’s nuclear ambitions. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  7:10 am

Heavy showers end prolonged dry spell in central hills

Thundershowers have been reported in the western slopes of the central hills, particularly in key catchment areas, bringing an end to nearly three months of prolonged dry weather. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  7:29 pm

Man arrested for damaging Pettah Bus Stand remanded

A 33-year-old man has been arrested in Kelaniya for allegedly damaging public property at the refurbished Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus stand complex in Pettah, Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  10:29 am

Resigned CEB employees yet to receive compensation, Unions claim

A group of employees who opted for voluntary retirement following the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) claim that they have not yet received the compensation pledged to them. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  7:08 pm

PUCSL to exclude coal-related costs from tariff revisions

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided to exclude additional costs arising from the coal situation when revising electricity tariffs. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  10:13 am

Passengers urged to report overcharging bus operators to ‘1955’ hotline

The National Transport Commission has urged passengers to lodge complaints via the ‘1955’ hotline against bus operators who charge fares exceeding the approved rates. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  5:18 pm

Donald Trump attends UFC fight during US-Iran peace talks

US President Donald Trump attended a UFC event in the state of Florida on Saturday as talks between Washington and Tehran in Pakistan ended without an agreement. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  1:42 pm

Police urge caution on social media use during New Year holidays

The general public has been urged to exercise caution in their use of social media during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  4:26 pm

Donald Trump says US will blockade Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said the U.S. will blockade the Strait of Hormuz after talks held in Pakistan to end the Iran war hit the skids. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  6:46 pm

JD Vance leaves Islamabad as Iran negotiations end without a deal

US Vice President JD Vance said Sunday, April 12 that talks with Iran failed to reach an agreement, saying he was leaving after putting forward a “final and best offer”. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  11:08 am

New York subway stabbings leave 3 hurt as police shoot and kill knife-wielding man

A man with a machete who attacked three people randomly at a major New York City subway station Saturday morning was shot and killed by police, authorities said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  1:29 pm

France calls for Lebanon to be included in ceasefire deal

Lebanon “has to be included” in the ceasefire deal between Iran and the United States, said Pascal Confavreux, a spokesperson for the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  7:54 pm

Man arrested with heroin haul in Buttala

Sri Lanka Police has arrested a suspect with the largest stock of heroin seized in the Buttala area in recent times. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  10:54 am

‘Strait of Hormuz is in Iran’s hands and tolls must be paid’ - Deputy Parliament Speaker

Iranian Deputy Speaker of Parliament Haji Babaei has said the Strait of Hormuz is completely in Iran’s hands and “its tolls must be paid in rials” - the Iranian currency. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  3:18 pm

Special transport services deployed for New Year travel

The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development says special bus and train services have been implemented today (12) also for commuters traveling to their hometowns ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  8:33 am

Legal action against buses operating without permits during festive season

Legal action has been taken against seven buses operating without passenger transport service permits following a raid conducted in Colombo, officials said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  12:39 pm

Six killed in road accidents in the past 24 hours

A total of six individuals have been killed in separate road accidents reported from several parts of the island within the past 24 hours, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  2:32 pm

US-Iran talks pause for now, disagreements remain

Negotiations between the United States and Iran appeared to have concluded for now, Iran’s government said early on Sunday, after a series of talks in Pakistan to end the six-week war between Washington and Tehran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  6:48 am

At least 30 dead in stampede at Haiti’s historic Laferriere Citadel

At least 30 people were killed on Saturday in a stampede in the northern countryside of Haiti, authorities said, warning that the death toll could rise. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  7:24 am

Sajith urges Govt to reduce prices of essential goods to ease public burden

The Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa has called on the government to reduce the prices of fuel, gas, medicines, food and fertilizer in order to provide relief to the public. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  5:47 pm

UK PM urges US and Iran ‘to find a way through’ after peace talks fail

Sir Keir Starmer has urged the US and Iran “to find a way through” after the failure of peace talks, as he also called for the fragile ceasefire to continue and warned against any further escalation. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  4:05 pm

Iran says no deal expected in single session after US talks stall

Iran’s foreign ministry said no one had held any expectation that talks with the United States could have reached an agreement within one session after the marathon negotiations in Islamabad stalled on Sunday (Apr 12). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  2:53 pm

46-year old attacked to death with sharp weapon in Horana

A 46-year-old man has been reportedly attacked to death using a sharp weapon in the Malwanegama area of Horana. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  9:39 am

Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle dies at 92

Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle is reportedly no more at the age of 92. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  1:24 pm

Advisory issued for severe lightning

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-Western, Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  12:46 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the country

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-Western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  6:38 am

Vice President JD Vance says talks with Iran have ended after 21 hours without reaching agreement

US Vice President JD Vance said negotiations have ended early Sunday between the US and Iran without a peace deal after the Iranians refused to accept American terms to not develop a nuclear weapon. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 12, 2026  7:30 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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