News Archive

US Army chief of staff fired by Hegseth, sources say

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Randy George was fired on Thursday by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, two U.S. ‌defense officials and a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, in the latest purge among the Pentagon’s most senior ranks. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  4:49 am

Trump fires Pam Bondi as US Attorney General

U.S. President Donald Trump ousted Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday after mounting frustration with her performance, especially over the release of files on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  4:35 am

IMF delegation meets Speaker and party leaders in Parliament, discuss key issues

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met with the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Party Leaders of Parliament in preparation for the upcoming IMF Fifth and Sixth Review Mission scheduled from March 26 to April 8, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  6:38 pm

Former State Minister Pillayan remanded

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias ‘Pillayan’, has been remanded by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court pending the Attorney General’s recommendations in connection with investigations into the disappearance of a Vice Chancellor in the Eastern Province in 2006. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  4:59 pm

Nuwan Thushara files case seeking NOC to play in 2026 IPL and other leagues

Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has filed a petition before the Colombo District Court seeking an order directing Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to issue a “no objection certificate”, enabling him to participate in international league tournaments, including the 2026 Indian Premier League. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  1:14 pm

SpaceX reportedly files plans for massive IPO

SpaceX, the Elon Musk-owned rocket company that merged earlier this year with his artificial intelligence company xAI, confidentially filed plans for an initial public offering Wednesday in what might be the largest of all time, according to multiple reports. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  7:08 pm

US Embassy warns Iran-aligned militias could attack Baghdad

The US embassy in Iraq has warned that Iran-aligned militant groups may conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours, again urging Americans to leave the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  12:49 pm

Guidelines to be introduced for public officials carrying out duties online

The third meeting of the Cabinet-appointed committee tasked with ensuring the continuous functioning of the public service was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, via virtual platform. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  3:24 pm

GMOA to begin 24-hour token strike at 8am

Doctors in all government hospitals will stage a 24-hour token strike starting from 8.00 a.m. today (April 2), the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  6:13 am

Iran war economic shocks will last ‘months’, says Australia’s PM

Australia’s Prime Minister has warned the economic shock from the war involving Iran will “be with us for months”, as he delivered a rare televised address to the nation. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  8:10 am

Nasa’s Artemis II mission takes off heading for first Moon visit in 50 years

Four astronauts blasted off from Florida on Wednesday (Apr 1) on NASA’s Artemis II mission, a high-stakes 10-day trip around the moon that marks the United States’ boldest step yet toward returning humans to the lunar surface this decade before China’s first crewed landing. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  4:09 am

Four sentenced to death over three long-running murder cases

The Nuwara Eliya High Court has sentenced four suspects to death in connection with three separate protracted murder cases. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  9:03 pm

One dead as major earthquake hits eastern Indonesia; tsunami warning lifted after 2 hours

A major 7.4-magnitude offshore quake struck the Northern Molucca Sea off Indonesia’s historic spice island of Ternate early on April 2, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said, triggering a tsunami warning for neighbouring South-east Asian nations. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  7:10 am

Schoolboy killed, another critically injured en route to big match in Kandy

A Grade 12 schoolboy has been killed while another student sustained injuries in a tragic accident early this morning (02) when their motorbike collided with a bus on the Kandy–Digana road near the Pallakele Army Camp, police stated.

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  11:11 am

Five injured after van plunges into precipice near Gerandi Ella

Five individuals have sustained serious injuries after a van carrying members of the same family veered off the road and plunged nearly 70 feet down a precipice near the Gerandi Ella area in Kotmale in the early hours of today (02), police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  10:20 am

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei calls for national drive to restore infrastructure

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has called for a comprehensive nationwide drive to restore infrastructure and address the destruction caused by ‘‘unprovoked American-Zionist aggression,’’ state broadcaster Press TV reported. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  8:44 am

Global oil prices rise after Trump address

Trump’s address appears to have done nothing to reassure global oil markets that disruption to the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route will ease anytime soon. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  7:32 am

Special committee appointed to monitor and manage drinking water shortage

A special operations committee has been appointed to monitor and manage the ongoing drinking water shortage by the Chairman and General Manager of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  11:04 am

Detention orders on 6 fishermen arrested over Rs. 6 billion drug haul

A court has granted approval to detain and question the six fishermen who were arrested with over 300 kilograms of heroin during a Sri Lanka Navy surveillance operation in the deep seas off Beruwala. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  6:55 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, Northwestern, and Uva provinces, and in Galle, Matara, and Anuradhapura districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  2:29 pm

TPA MPs meet President to discuss Malayagam community issues

A group of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) members, including its leader MP Mano Ganesan, met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning (02) at the Presidential Secretariat. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  5:52 pm

Former SriLankan CEO Kapila Chandrasena further remanded

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has rejected the bail application of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, who is in remand in custody over allegations of accepting bribes in connection with the purchase of Airbus aircraft. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  11:45 am

Three arrested over illegal vehicle possession and forged documents racket

Three individuals have been arrested by the Western Province North Crimes Division for possessing vehicles without valid registration licenses, police stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  9:08 am

Final rites of late Mahinda Wijesekera to be held on Saturday

The final rites of former Minister Mahinda Wijesekera will be performed on Saturday (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  2:17 pm

24-hour water cut to several areas in Colombo from tonight

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a series of 24-hour water cuts affecting several areas due to ongoing water shortages. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  12:08 pm

Gold prices fall as Trump gives no clarity on ending Iran war

Gold prices reversed course to slip more than 1% on Thursday, snapping a four-day winning streak, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would continue the war in Iran over the coming weeks. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  9:39 am

Sri Lanka appoints new national bowling coach and fielding, spin bowling coach

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed former Netherlands coach Ryan van Niekerk as the National Bowling Coach and Jordan Gregory as the National Fielding and Spin Bowling Coach at the SLC’s National High Performance Centre. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  5:24 pm

Former Minister Mahinda Wijesekara passes away aged 83

Former Cabinet Minister and prominent Southern politician Mahinda Wijesekara has passed away this morning (02) at the age of 83. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  10:54 am

President-IMF delegation discuss fifth and sixth review under EFF programme

The visiting delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (02) to discuss Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic reform programme and progress under the IMF-supported Extended Fund Facility. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  2:30 pm

Several areas including Western Province to receive afternoon thundershowers

Atmospheric conditions will be favorable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island over the next few days from today (02 April), according to the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  5:57 am

New Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army appointed

Major General Manada Yahampath of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry has been appointed as the 68th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, with effect from today (02), according to Sri Lanka Army.

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  4:40 pm

NATO chief to visit Washington next week as Trump threatens exit from alliance

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will visit Washington next week for what a spokesperson for the military alliance called a ‘‘long-planned visit’’ that comes after President Donald Trump blasted European allies over differences on the Iran war. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  7:51 am

14 arrested in four-hour anti-drug operation in Mount Lavinia

At least 14 individuals have been arrested during a special operation conducted in the Badowita areas 1, 2, and 3 within the Mount Lavinia Police Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  11:41 am

UK to host multi-nation meeting on Hormuz shipping

Britain will on Thursday (Apr 2) hold a virtual meeting of about 35 countries to discuss how to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz which has been crippled by the Middle East war. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  12:15 pm

Open warrants issued for Shamindra Rajapaksa, Kapila Chandrasena’s wife over Airbus bribery case

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (02) has ordered the issuance of open warrants for the arrest of Shamindra Rajapaksa, a former board member of SriLankan Airlines and son of former Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, and Priyanka Niyomali Wijenayake... MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  10:24 am

Sri Lanka, Russia discuss enhancing multifaceted cooperation at 11th Bilateral Consultations

Sri Lanka and Russia has convened the 11th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations today (2) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism of Sri Lanka in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  9:30 pm

Donald Trump says Iran war objectives ‘nearing completion’ in address to nation

US President Donald Trump today framed his war with Iran as just the latest step in his yearslong effort to prevent the nation from obtaining a nuclear weapon, calling the conflict “necessary for the safety of America and the security of the free world.” MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  6:42 am

Sri Lanka and World Bank launch new partnership to create jobs, attract private investment

The World Bank Group and the Government of Sri Lanka today (03) launched a new five-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to support Sri Lanka’s continued recovery, help achieve its 7% medium-term economic growth target, and support job creation. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  8:11 pm

Priceless ancient golden helmet stolen from a Dutch museum is recovered

A priceless ancient golden helmet from Romania stolen last year from a museum in the Netherlands has been recovered, Dutch authorities said Thursday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  7:14 pm

3-hour water cuts every other day in Battaramulla, Pamankada, Wellawatte and Nawala

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) says that three-hour water cuts will be imposed in Battaramulla, Pamankada, Wellawatte, Nawala and surrounding areas on every other day from today (April 2) until April 10 from 10.00 p.m. to 1.00 a.m. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  3:39 pm

Powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia, Tsunami warning issued

A powerful magnitude-7.4 earthquake has struck in the Molucca Sea region north-east of Indonesia, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  5:29 am

Indian Govt. waives customs duty on petrochemicals till June 30

The central government on Thursday exempted a wide range of critical petrochemical products till June 30th, in light of the ongoing war in the Middle East and the consequent disruptions in global supply chains. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  1:46 pm

Authorities warn of possible water cuts as Kalatuwawa and Labugama supplies decline

The Kalatuwawa Water Treatment Plant, which is one of the main facilities supplying clean drinking water to the Colombo city and its surrounding areas, has only about 20 days’ worth of water remaining, the Chairman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Engineer Chandana Bandara stated today (02). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  12:44 pm

New guidelines issued to safeguard student welfare and discipline in schools

The Ministry of Education has issued a new circular outlining measures to ensure discipline within schools. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  7:43 am

No tsunami threat to Sri Lanka from Indonesia earthquake

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 has been recorded at 6:48 a.m. Indonesia time today (02) in the Molucca Sea between the Sulawesi and Maluku island groups, confirmed the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  6:25 am

Passenger arrested after over 25kg ‘Kush’ found inside silencers at BIA

A Sri Lankan passenger attempting to smuggle a consignment of ‘Kush’ cannabis, estimated to be valued at Rs. 255.5 million, into Sri Lanka was arrested by Customs officials at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today (2). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  10:35 pm

President chairs discussion on water management amidst dry weather

A discussion on water management was held this afternoon (02) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in view of prevailing weather and climate variations, the potential onset of El Nińo conditions and the commencement of paddy cultivation for the Yala season. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 2, 2026  10:42 pm

Extreme heat can trigger mental health issues - Psychiatrist

Extreme heat can lead to depression, stress, mental distress, and restlessness, Psychiatrist Vindya Wijayabandara said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 1, 2026  6:20 pm

Judge temporarily halts construction of Trump’s White House ballroom

A US judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom construction project, ruling that proper procedures were not followed before the project began. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 1, 2026  4:35 pm

Russia offers support to Sri Lanka amid energy crisis

Russia has expressed its willingness to provide energy resources, including fuel, gas, and coal, to Sri Lanka, regardless of whether the country is facing a crisis. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 1, 2026  5:36 pm