News Archive

Shooting incident reported in residence at Midigama

A shooting incident has been reported in the Midigama area last night (18) at around 11.40 p.m.MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  6:55 am

At least six killed in Kyiv as gunman opens fire and takes hostages

At least six people have been killed and others injured after a person opened fire in Kyiv on Saturday, Ukrainian officials say. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  6:40 am

Trump hails Israel as ‘great ally,’ hits out at nations that ‘have shown their true colors’

President Donald Trump has strongly defended Israel in a recent post on Truth Social, calling the country a ‘‘great ally’’ and praising its strength and resilience during times of conflict. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  9:51 am

Indian VP to arrive in Sri Lanka today; Special traffic plan announced

The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today (19) on an official visit. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  7:03 am

Trump ‘pulled’ into war by Netanyahu, says former VP

Former Vice-President Kamala Harris says Donald Trump has been ‘‘pulled’’ into war with Iran by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  10:58 am

Bangladeshi national arrested with foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 5.1 mln at BIA

A foreign national who attempted to smuggle a stock of foreign cigarettes has been arrested by a group of Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  11:51 am

NTC fines 80 buses for overcharging during New Year period

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has taken action to fine 80 buses for overcharging passengers during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  8:45 am

Mother and daughter killed in suspected arson attack in Maharagama

A mother and her teenage daughter have been killed in a suspected arson attack at a two-storey residence in Maharagama, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  10:56 am

Two officials of Mullaitivu Hospital arrested over bribery allegation

An accountant and a management assistant at the Mullaitivu District Hospital have been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of accepting a bribe of Rs. 30,000. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  1:05 pm

Indian Vice President arrives in Sri Lanka

The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan has arrived in Sri Lanka, a short while ago. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  9:42 am

Two bodies recovered after drowning incident in Nallachchiya Reservoir

Two bodies have been recovered inside a culvert along a canal carrying water from the left bank of the Nallachchiya Reservoir in Thambuttegama, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  7:47 am

Trump, Iran cite progress in talks as uncertainty hangs over Strait

Iran’s top negotiator said recent talks with the U.S. had made progress but gaps remained over nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz, while President Donald Trump cited ‘‘very good conversations’‘ with Tehran despite warning against ‘‘blackmail’‘ over the key shipping channel. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  8:29 am

Passengers urged to report buses overcharging, not issuing tickets – NTC

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has urged passengers to lodge complaints against buses that overcharge fares or fail to issue tickets. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  12:49 pm

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in several parts of the island

Atmospheric conditions will be favorable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island from tomorrow (20), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  6:30 am

Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz fully closed, state media reports

The navy of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said it extended the closure to the corridor it had earlier designated for the safe passage of vessels through the strategic waterway and declared the strait fully closed until the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and ships is lifted. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 19, 2026  7:02 am

CBSL Chief discusses geopolitical risks and trade settlement mechanisms with China and India

The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe held bilateral discussions with the Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Dr. Pan Gongsheng on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund–World Bank Spring Meetings 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  9:35 pm

India summons Iran’s ambassador after Indian-flagged tankers shot at near Strait of Hormuz

India on Saturday summoned Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi after two Indian vessels were forced to reverse course in the Strait of Hormuz following reports of gunfire from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  9:56 pm

Kanye West concert in Poland cancelled over antisemitic comments

A Kanye West concert in Poland has been cancelled, the venue has announced, following government pressure and condemnation over a string of antisemitic, racist and pro-Nazi comments by the US rapper. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  7:06 am

US, Iran to hold new nuclear talks in Pakistan: Report

A new round of nuclear talks between the US and Iran is set to take place in the Pakistani capital on Monday, according to a report on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  1:06 pm

Former MP Sampath Athukorala attacked with sharp weapon in Pitigala

Former Galle District Member of Parliament representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Sampath Athukorala, was injured in an attack carried using a sharp weapon in the Bambarawana area of Pitigala. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  1:42 pm

Fire breaks out at oil terminal in southern Russia’s Krasnodar region, officials say

A fire broke out at an oil terminal in southern Russia’s Krasnodar region, prompting a large firefighting operation, the region’s emergency operational headquarters said early on Saturday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  6:43 am

Special traffic plan announced for visit of Indian VP

Sri Lanka Police has announced a special traffic plan to be implemented in view of the official visit of the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  4:21 pm

Demand raised for Dy Defence Minister’s removal amid ongoing Easter attacks probe

Reverend Father Rohan Silva has called on the government to remove Deputy Minister of Defence, Aruna Jayasekera, from his position in order to ensure an impartial investigation into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  8:16 am

Strait of Hormuz ‘closed’ again, Iranian state media say

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters said Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state of “strict management” following what it described as Washington’s repeated breaches of commitments by continued blockade. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  2:07 pm

Separate incidents of violence against women trigger outrage and police action across Sri Lanka

Three separate incidents involving violent attacks on women have been reported from Moragahahena, Gokarella, and Ragama, prompting police investigations and multiple arrests. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  3:16 pm

Gautam Adani overtakes Mukesh Ambani as Asia’s richest, check full list

Gautam Adani, founder and chairman of the Adani Group, is now the richest person in Asia. The billionaire has overtaken Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries. This comes on the back of gains in Adani Group stock values. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  10:44 am

Iran announces partial reopening of its airspace

Iran has announced a partial reopening of its airspace after a seven-week hiatus because of the war, state media reported. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  1:21 pm

Suspect arrested over attempted shooting targeting “Podi Patty”

A suspect was arrested yesterday (17) by officers attached to the Ahungalla Police Special Task Force (STF) in connection with the attempted murder of “Podi Patty,” the brother of the organized crime figure known as “Loku Patty.” MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  8:15 am

Trump hints at resuming attacks if ceasefire with Iran expires without a deal

U.S. President Donald Trump said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will remain and attacks will resume if no agreement is reached with Iran, after Tehran said it had fully reopened the strait to commercial vessels but threatened to close it again over the U.S. blockade. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  11:13 am

Passenger arrested with cigarettes worth over Rs. 5 mln at BIA

A Sri Lankan passenger attempting to smuggle a consignment of foreign-manufactured cigarettes and e-cigarettes valued at Rs. 5.53 million into the country was arrested by Customs officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in the early hours of today (18). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  3:11 pm

Showers expected in several provinces after 1pm today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya district after 1.00 pm, the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  6:33 am

Strait of Hormuz will return to ‘strict control’ due to US blockade, Iranian military says

The Iranian military’s joint command has released a statement on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  2:06 pm

Litro Gas assures uninterrupted LPG supply through May

Litro Gas Lanka has announced that it is capable of maintaining an uninterrupted supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) throughout the month of May. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  10:33 am

Average of 47 women and girls killed daily during Gaza war, UN says

An average of at least 47 women and girls were killed each day during the war in Gaza, according to figures published by U.N. Women on Friday, and the agency warned that deaths have continued six months into a fragile ceasefire. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  6:50 am

72-hour detention order issued on ‘Karandeniye Raju’ for further investigation

Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler, has confirmed that “Karandeniye Raju,” an organized criminal suspect recently arrested in India and subsequently brought back to Sri Lanka, is currently being detained for 72 hours for further investigation. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  12:26 pm

China humanoid robot half-marathon to showcase technical leaps

More than 300 humanoid robots participating in China’s second robot half-marathon on Sunday will be facing tougher terrain designed to test their technical advancements, as Beijing seeks to develop the industry into a major pillar of its economy. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  4:13 pm

Sri Lanka ratifies ILO convention on eliminating violence, harassment in workplaces

Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, has deposited the instrument of ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  5:43 pm

Rihanna makes history as first woman to hit 200 million RIAA certifications

Rihanna has reached another major career milestone, becoming the first woman in history to surpass 200 million RIAA-certified singles units, according to recent reporting and data from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  10:43 am

US renews sanctions waiver for countries to buy Russian oil

The Trump administration on Friday renewed a waiver allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products at sea for about a month, two days after saying it had no plans to do so. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  8:21 am

QR code fuel quota system for petrol vehicles to resume from midnight

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announced that the temporarily suspended QR code fuel quota system for petrol vehicles will be reinstated from midnight today (18). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  7:55 am

Son arrested for allegedly beating mother to death following financial dispute

A son has been arrested in connection with the murder of his mother following a financial dispute, said police. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  9:33 am

India’s VP to expand outreach to Indian-origin Tamil community during Sri Lanka visit

In a wide-ranging diplomatic and people-centric engagement, Indian Vice President CP Radhakrishnan will hold talks with Sri Lanka’s top leadership and connect with the Indian-origin Tamil community during his two-day official visit beginning April 19, marking a significant milestone in bilateral ties between the two countries. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  6:42 pm

2 Indian-flagged vessels attacked by Iran gunboats in Hormuz, crew safe: Sources

Two Indian-flagged vessels were fired at by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz today, sources have said. No one was injured and the vessels were not damaged, they said. The two ships, however, had to turn back after the incident northeast of Oman in the shipping lane critical for oil trade. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  8:08 pm

Iran says no date set for next round of negotiations with US

No date has been set for the next round of negotiations between Iran and the United States, Iran’s deputy foreign minister said on Saturday, adding that a framework of understanding must be agreed first. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  6:18 pm

Father drowns while rescuing children in Mihintale Tank

A 55-year-old man, a resident of Maradan Kulama, tragically drowned last afternoon (17) after leaping into the Maradan Kulama Wewa in Mihintale to save his son and another child. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  11:26 am

‘Karandeniya Raju’ brought back to Sri Lanka from India

Notorious underworld figure ‘Karandeniya Raju’, wanted in connection with over 15 criminal offences, including murder, was brought back to Sri Lanka yesterday (17) from India by a special team of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  7:47 am

Army soldier killed in building wall collapse at Maduru Oya Training School

A Sri Lanka Army soldier was killed last afternoon (17) following an accident in which the wall of an old building collapsed at the Sri Lanka Army Training School in Maduru Oya, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  9:09 am

Merchant vessels report gunfire as they attempt to cross Hormuz – report

There have been reports of gunfire after at least two merchant vessels tried to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the news agency Reuters reports, citing three maritime sources. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  4:42 pm

Iran got ‘a little cute’ but ‘very good conversations going on’ – Trump

US President Donald Trump has addressed the latest developments in the Iran war as Tehran reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz today. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  7:59 pm

41 apprehended in fortnight-long crackdown on illegal fishing - Navy

Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, conducted a series of coordinated operations across island waters from April 01 to 15 in an effort to safeguard the nation’s marine resources. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 18, 2026  9:19 am