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UK regulator investigates Telegram over child sexual abuse concerns

Britain’s communications regulator on Tuesday launched an investigation into Telegram after evidence suggested child sexual abuse material was being shared on the platform and teen chat sites were being ⁠used by predators to groom children. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 2:48 pm

Former Minister Premalal Jayasekara arrested

Former Minister Premalal Jayasekara has been arrested, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 12:40 pm

NATO criticises Russian and Chinese nuclear stances, urges cooperation with US

NATO criticised Russian and Chinese nuclear arms policies on Tuesday and urged both countries to work with the United States to establish greater stability and transparency at an upcoming international conference. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 6:05 pm

Trump says ceasefire expires Wednesday but it’s ‘highly unlikely’ he would extend it further

US President Donald Trump says he now considers the ceasefire with Iran over “Wednesday evening Washington time” but that it’s “highly unlikely” he would extend it further if a deal is not reached. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 9:03 am

Two close associates of “Panadura Kudu Salindu” arrested in Payagala

Two close associates of organized criminal and large-scale drug trafficker Salindu Malshitha, also known as “Panadura Kudu Salindu,” have been arrested in the Payagala area. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 12:54 pm

Trump says US will not lift Hormuz blockade until deal made with Iran

The US will not lift its blockade on Iranian ports until a deal has been reached with Tehran, US President Donald Trump has said, amid continuing uncertainty over whether fresh talks to end the war will take place. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 6:07 am

Tourist arrivals in April top 85,000

A total of 88,221 tourists have arrived in the country thus far in April, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 7:49 pm

Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces

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

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 4:31 pm

SLCPI calls for urgent action to prevent medicine shortages in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) has called for urgent action to prevent a looming medicine shortage crisis in Sri Lanka, warning that growing pressure on the pharmaceutical supply chain could affect the country’s ability to ensure uninterrupted access to essential and life-saving medicines. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 7:04 pm

Trump says negotiations with Iran will be completed ‘and everybody’s going to be happy’

US President Donald Trump said Monday that negotiations with Iran will be finalized “and everybody’s going to be happy,” amid an apparent impasse in the talks. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 10:40 am

Sri Lanka seeks foreign partnerships to expand ports and aviation sector

A special discussion was held between British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick and the Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation, and Energy, Anura Karunathilaka. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 10:40 pm

Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO - as tech giant names successor

Tim Cook will be stepping down from his role as Apple CEO, to be replaced by John Ternus, the company has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 8:30 am

Sri Lanka receives USD 2.6M from Japan to strengthen climate resilience and gender equality

The Government of Japan, through its Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB), has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s development journey by announcing two new projects aimed at fostering climate resilience in vulnerable communities and advancing gender equality. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 3:03 pm

50 foreign nationals arrested for overstaying business visas

A total of 50 foreign nationals who had entered Sri Lanka on business visas and continued to remain illegally after their visas expired have been arrested this afternoon (21) by a group of officers from the Investigation Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 9:24 pm

Sri Lanka’s inflation increases to 2.4% in March

The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), has increased to 2.4% in March 2026, compared to 1.6% in February 2026, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 4:56 pm

Court fixes May 12 for further evidence in Diana Gamage case

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the further examination of evidence on May 12 in the case filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against former State Minister Diana Gamage. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 4:19 pm

Indian national arrested with over 1kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

A foreign national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayaka with a consignment of ‘Kush’ narcotics weighing over one kilogram. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 11:18 am

Middle East tensions push up costs, dampen sentiment in India’s housing market

Tensions in the Middle East are starting to ripple through India’s housing market, pushing up construction costs and making homebuyers more cautious. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 4:54 pm

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched today (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 2:56 pm

President Anura Kumara expresses support for nationwide ‘Walk for Peace’ journey

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his full support for the “Walk for Peace” journey, which will be officially commenced in Sri Lanka today (21). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 8:54 am

Apple may add ‘undo’ and ‘redo’ to iPhone home screen in iOS 27

In a move aimed at refining everyday usability, Apple is reportedly testing two new Home Screen customisation features, ‘Undo’ and ‘Redo’, for its upcoming iOS 27 update. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 11:43 am

Walk for Peace: Ven. Pannakara Thero and 07 monks arrive in Sri Lanka

Seven Buddhist monks, led by Vietnamese national Venerable Pannakara Thero has arrived in the country this morning (21) to take part in ‘‘Walk for Peace’‘ in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 8:12 am

Suspect arrested for Rs. 1 mln fraud involving fake bank website

A suspect has been arrested for allegedly defrauding Rs. 1,000,024 by creating a fraudulent website resembling an official website of a private bank. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 10:58 am

War in Iran is causing biggest energy crisis in history, IEA says

The conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel is creating the worst energy crisis ever faced by the world, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 1:48 pm

Expressway revenue during festive period exceeds Rs. 536 million

The Ministry of Transport states that more than Rs. 536 million was earned from operators of vehicles using expressways during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period from April 10 to 20. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 4:07 pm

Govt to expedite compensation for farmers affected by Matara salinity barrier

The government has moved to expedite compensation payments to farmers affected by crop losses resulting from the salinity barrier constructed across the Nilwala River in Matara. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 12:04 pm

Easter Sunday attack investigation to be concluded soon, says Minister

Investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks are expected to be successfully completed within a short period of time, the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 5:57 pm

67 drunk drivers arrested yesterday; 51 nabbed for reckless driving

A total of 25 individuals identified as directly linked to criminal activities have been arrested during operations carried out yesterday (20) under the ‘‘Nation United - National Drive’’ campaign aimed at eradicating narcotics from the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 3:28 pm

Oil prices rise and US stocks give back a bit of their record-breaking rally

Global oil prices climbed Monday following the latest rise of tensions between the United States and Iran, but the moves were more modest than they were earlier in the war. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 7:33 am

Aswesuma April allowance to be credited tomorrow

The Welfare Benefits Board of Sri Lanka has announced that the April allowance of the Aswesuma Welfare Benefits Payment Scheme will be credited to the bank accounts of the relevant beneficiaries tomorrow (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 5:19 pm

Heavy rainfall expected in most parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm, today (21), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 5:59 am

US mulling financial help for Gulf countries, Trump says

US President Donald Trump has suggested that he may offer financial assistance - or a currency swap - with Gulf countries he believes have proven to be reliable allies with the war in Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 7:31 pm

Special religious ceremonies to be held island-wide to mark 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks

Seven years have elapsed since the Easter Sunday attacks, and island-wide religious observances are being conducted today (21) in solemn remembrance of the victims. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 6:34 am

Indian Navy Ship ‘Nireekshak’ arrives in Sri Lanka for training and operational visit

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) ‘Nireekshak’ arrived in Sri Lanka for an Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit today (21). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 4:40 pm

Spain starts program to legalize up to half-million migrants

Spain has kicked off a program aimed at grantinglegal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants, in a move that goes against a trend of anti-immigration rhetoric and policies in the United States and much of Europe. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 1:57 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, North-Western, North-Central, Southern and Uva provinces and in Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, and Batticaloa districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 1:13 pm

UN urges Sri Lanka to deliver results in Easter bombing probe

The United Nations urged Sri Lanka on Tuesday to deliver concrete results after long-running investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 4:59 pm

US forces board ‘sanctioned’ oil tanker between Sri Lanka and Indonesia

The Pentagon says US forces boarded a sanctioned tanker overnight “without incident” in the Indo-Pacific region in efforts to “disrupt illicit networks” supporting Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 6:27 pm

PM instructs officials to expedite disaster relief and infrastructure restoration

Special attention should be given at the district level to expedite the payment of compensation for those affected by the Cyclone Ditwah and to accelerate reconstruction work, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 8:58 pm

‘‘Some findings in Auditor General’s coal import report unacceptable’’ – Minister Wasantha

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe has stated that certain findings in the Auditor General’s report on the controversial coal importation cannot be accepted. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 7:03 am

Japan on high alert for ‘huge’ second quake after lifting tsunami warning

Officials in Japan have warned of an increased risk of a ‘‘huge’’ earthquake in the next week after a 7.7 magnitude quake struck off the north-east coast, triggering an evacuation order and warnings of 3m (10ft) tsunami waves. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 9:23 am

Iraq and Syria tout their reopened border crossing as an alternative oil route

Iraq and Syria have reopened a key border crossing between the two nations for the first time in more than a decade, with officials highlighting its potential for trade and oil exports. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 6:27 am

State Vesak celebrations 2026 set for May 27–June 2

The official programme for the 2026 State Vesak Festival has been issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 6:27 pm

New regulations issued for Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessels entering Maldivian waters

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has announced a new set of procedures to be followed by multi-day fishing trawlers navigating through Maldivian waters. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 12:12 pm

South Korean police seek to arrest K-pop mogul behind BTS

South Korean police said Tuesday they are seeking to arrest music mogul Bang Si-Hyuk, chairman of the agency behind K-pop supergroup BTS, as they expand an investigation into allegations that he illegally gained more than $100 million in an investor fraud scheme. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 1:06 pm

NASA rover adds to the list of organic compounds detected on Mars

Performing a type of experiment never before tried beyond Earth, NASA’s Curiosity rover has identified more organic compounds on Mars as scientists strive to learn whether the Red Planet ever harbored life. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 4:47 pm

Pakistan urges US, Iran to consider extending 14-day ceasefire

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to consider extending the 14-day ceasefire beyond its Wednesday deadline and “give dialogue and diplomacy a chance.” MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 8:28 pm

Michael Jackson movie: Daughter Paris slams dad’s film as ‘lies’

A new Michael Jackson biopic will shortly arrive in cinemas telling the story of the King of Pop’s early career, but it’s a tightly controlled story that avoids any reference to the child sex abuse allegations that dogged his later life. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 11:22 am

Flooding in Hatton–Dickoya submerges 50 estate houses

Around 50 estate houses in low-lying areas of the Fordyce Estate in Dickoya have submerged following heavy rainfall experienced this afternoon (21) in the Hatton–Dickoya area. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 6:13 pm

Cardinal raises concerns over attempts to obstruct Easter Attack investigations

The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has alleged that certain state officials are attempting to undermine ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, despite what he described as a positive approach by the incumbent government. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026 1:34 pm

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