News Archive

Special consumer protection raids to continue until April 30 – CAA

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced that its special raid and investigation programme conducted during the festive season will remain in operation until April 30. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  9:08 am

Australia appoints woman to lead its army for the first time

Australia on Monday said a woman would lead its army for the first time in history, as part of a reshuffle of the country’s defence force leadership. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  11:21 am

Gold drops as inflation worries linger on failed US-Iran talks

Gold prices touched a near one-week low on Monday, pressured by a stronger dollar, while a surge in oil prices following failed U.S.-Iran peace talks fuelled inflation worries and dampened expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  1:23 pm

Israel supports US naval blockade, says Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel supports the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  5:44 pm

Two suspects arrested over wildlife poaching in Yala National Park

In a special operation conducted in Zone 02 of the Yala National Park, officers from the Police Special Task Force (STF) and the Department of Wildlife Conservation have arrested two suspects involved in killing wild animals and harvesting their meat. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  10:42 am

China reaffirms commitment to support Sri Lanka in times of need

China continuously looks forward to assisting Sri Lanka whenever it is needed, reaffirmed the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  1:48 pm

Health officials highlight safety measures amid surge in accidents during festive season

The general public has been urged to exercise extreme caution when engaging in firework-related activities and to remain vigilant regarding the safety of children during the festive season. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  3:26 pm

Trump attacks Pope Leo, calling him ‘weak’ on crime and ‘terrible’

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a scathing attack on Pope Leo late on Sunday, calling him ‘‘weak’’ on crime and ‘‘terrible’’ for foreign policy after the religious leader criticized Trump’s foreign ⁠and immigration policies. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  7:37 am

Asha Bhosle receives Tricolour tribute

Draped in the Tricolour, the mortal remains of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle were placed for public homage at her residence in Mumbai on Monday, as the nation gathered to bid a solemn farewell to one of its most iconic musical voices. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  1:14 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-Central, North-Western and Uva provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Mannar and Vavuniya districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  2:09 pm

Makumbura Bus Terminal prepared to provide services for New Year travel - Officials

Arrangements have been made to provide transport facilities today (13) as well for passengers travelling to their hometowns for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the Assistant Manager of the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre, D.N. Weththasinghe, stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  11:35 am

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm, today (13), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  6:40 am

Special buses and trains deployed for New Year travel

In view of the upcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced that buses will continue to be deployed today (13) based on passenger demand for those travelling to their hometowns. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  7:35 am

MP Mujibur Rahman files CID complaint over coal tender irregularities

Several members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) including Member of Parliament (MP) Mujibur Rahman have lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  11:43 am

Iran still wants a nuclear weapon, Trump says

The US President Donald Trump says Iran still wants a nuclear weapon and expressed that intention during the meeting in Islamabad. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  9:00 am

UK not supporting blockade of Iranian ports, says Starmer

The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK is ‘‘not supporting a blockade’’ of Iranian ports. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  2:04 pm

China urges restraint over US blockade of Strait of Hormuz, backs talks

China urged calm and restraint by all sides on Monday (Apr 13), following US President Donald Trump’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz after the failure of weekend talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the Iran war. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  3:58 pm

World Bank chief sounds alarm about looming jobs crisis even after war ends

The Middle East war will dominate global finance officials’ talks this week in Washington, but World Bank President Ajay Banga is sounding the alarm about a bigger, looming crisis: a huge gap in jobs for the 1.2 billion people who will reach working age in developing countries in the next 10 to 15 years. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  2:14 pm

967 food raids conducted and 817 legal cases filed during festive season – PHIs

Public Health Inspectors have launched a special operation to ensure food safety for the public during the festive season. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  12:37 pm

Oil jumps 8% to above $100 ahead of US blockade on Strait of Hormuz

Global oil prices jumped above $100 a barrel on Monday as the U.S. Navy prepared a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that could restrict Iranian oil shipments after the U.S. and Iran failed to reach a deal to end the war. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  6:46 am

Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces

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

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  4:35 pm

Pope Leo pushes back after Trump criticism

Pope Leo XIV said today he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and will continue to speak out after the US president criticized his comments on the war with Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  3:22 pm

Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán ejected after 16 years in European electoral earthquake

Hungarian voters on Sunday ousted long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, rejecting the authoritarian policies and global far-right movement that he embodied in favor of a pro-European challenger in a bombshell election result with global repercussions. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  9:35 am

Iran says it will not ‘submit to any threat’

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US and Iran were ‘‘inches away’’ from reaching a deal during peace talks in Pakistan, but Tehran was then met with ‘‘maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade’’. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  7:38 am

30,000 MT fuel oil shipment arrives in Sri Lanka

A shipment of furnace oil required for electricity generation has arrived in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  10:34 am

Associate of ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ arrested in India

A suspected associate of notorious underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ has reportedly been arrested in India. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  1:42 pm

Man arrested in Piliyandala over assembly of Rs. 20 million worth high-capacity motorcycles

An owner of a garage has been arrested by the Piliyandala Police for allegedly assembling five high-capacity motorcycles valued at nearly Rs. 20 million, which are not eligible for registration in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  2:58 pm

Netanyahu’s military secretary Roman Gofman approved to serve as next Mossad chief

Roman Gofman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military secretary, was approved on Sunday to become the next director of the Mossad intelligence agency. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  3:31 pm

Landslide warnings issued to residents of four districts

Early landslide warnings have been issued to residents of several Divisional Secretariat divisions in four districts owing to incessant rains experienced in parts of the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  5:31 pm

Public advised to follow health guidelines to avoid accidents during New Year events

Health authorities have urged the public to pay close attention to the health guidelines issued to minimize accidents during competitions and events organized in the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  9:46 am

First aid, medical support essential for New Year events due to extreme heat – Officials

National Institute of Sports Science (NISS) has emphasized that first aid and medical services must be made mandatory when organizing Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivals, due to the prevailing high temperatures. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  8:54 am

Lanka Coal Chairman clarifies claims over social media audio leak

The Chairman of the Lanka Coal Company (PVT.) Ltd. Jayantha Rathnayake has issued a statement regarding an alleged telephone conversation between himself, the General Manager of the Lanka Coal Company and a representative of a coal supplying company, which is currently circulating on social media. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  2:39 pm

Iran threatens ports in Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman ahead of US blockade

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned today that “no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe” if its own ports are threatened, Iranian state media said ahead of a proposed US blockade. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 13, 2026  2:48 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘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

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

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

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

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