News Archive

Over 500 arrested in island-wide anti-drug operations

A total of 512 individuals have been arrested during a series of search operations carried out islandwide under crime and drug prevention raids. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  4:31 pm

Doctors to strike in hospitals island-wide from tomorrow - GMOA

Government doctors in all hospitals across the island will engage in a strike action from 8:00 a.m. tomorrow (April 4), the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  3:55 pm

Trump: ‘Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!’

Donald Trump has posted on Truth Social, saying the army “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran”. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  8:46 am

“Walk for Peace” that captivated millions in US to begin in Sri Lanka with state patronage

A discussion on providing state patronage for the “Walk for Peace Programme in Sri Lanka” was held at the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of a group of Venerable monks who undertook a 110-day peace walk across 10 states from Texas to Washington in the United States. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  1:40 pm

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

Canadian national arrested at BIA with over 21kg of Kush cannabis

A foreign passenger attempting to smuggle a consignment of ‘Kush’ cannabis, estimated to be valued at Rs. 217.79 million, into Sri Lanka was arrested by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in the early hours today (April 3). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  10:40 am

Pakistan raises fuel prices by 43%

Pakistan’s government has raised petrol prices by 43% and high speed diesel by 55% overnight, saying it was due to increasing oil prices caused by the war in Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  2:20 pm

Iconic 19th Century painting sets Indian art record with $17.9m sale

A 19th Century painting by iconic artist Raja Ravi Varma has become the most expensive Indian artwork ever sold, setting a new auction record. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  12:51 pm

Details of scheduled water cuts in Colombo District today

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced that water supply interruptions will continue in several areas within the Colombo District today (April 3) due to the prevailing dry weather conditions affecting the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  8:38 am

Nine suspects arrested over homicide in Mattakkuliya

A total of nine suspects were arrested yesterday (April 2) by the Sri Lanka Police in connection with the fatal stabbing of an individual in the Mattakkuliya area. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  10:38 am

Sri Lanka reports significant drop in tourist arrivals for March 2026

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reports a significant decline in the number of foreign tourists who visited Sri Lanka in March 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  11:30 am

Fairly heavy rainfall expected in several provinces

The Department of meteorology says that atmospheric conditions will be favorable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  6:42 am

Icons of Sri Lanka among top finalists in UK-based 21st Century’s Global Merit Index

In an era marked by unprecedented technological advance, seismic social change, and deepening global interdependence, South Asia’s most transformative minds and hearts are now part of a ground-breaking and momentous global reckoning of influence. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  6:05 pm

Catholic churches in Dubai cancel masses, citing government directives

Catholic churches in Dubai say they have cancelled masses ahead of the Easter weekend on the instructions of the government. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  5:43 pm

‘Be serious... don’t speak every day’: Macron criticises Trump approach to Iran war

The Iran war requires a “serious” approach that does not change every day, Emmanuel Macron has said, in an apparent reference to US President Donald Trump’s seemingly contradictory remarks about the conflict. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  8:25 am

World food price rise set to continue if Iran war lasts, FAO says

World food prices climbed in March to their highest level since September last year and could rise further if the Middle East conflict that pushed up energy prices continues, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said on Friday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  4:38 pm

147 foreign nationals arrested over operating online financial scams

Sri Lanka Police have arrested a total of 147 foreign nationals in connection with an organized online financial scam operation. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  11:14 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, Northwestern, Northcentral and Uva provinces, and in Trincomalee, Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaittivu districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  1:15 pm

Chinese national arrested at BIA for attempting to smuggle ‘Kothala Himbutu’

A Chinese national who attempted to smuggle a consignment of Salacia reticulata (Kothala Himbutu), an indigenous plant to Sri Lanka that contains high medicinal value, worth Rs. 300,000 out of Sri Lanka, was apprehended by Customs officers...MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  11:35 am

Dinosaur collagen used to create one-of-a-kind handbag

Scientists and designers unveiled on Thursday a handbag made with collagen derived from Tyrannosaurus rex fossils from the U.S. in a unique creation intended to demonstrate the value of laboratory-grown leather. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  8:37 am

No issue in releasing water for cultivation in upcoming ‘Yala’ season: Irrigation Dept.

The Department of Irrigation says that there will be no issue in releasing water for paddy fields during the upcoming ‘Yala’ season this year. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  4:03 pm

Expert committee appointed to restructure and upgrade National Colleges of Education

A committee of experts has been appointed to enhance the standards and undertake the restructuring of National Colleges of Education. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  6:19 pm

Circular issued to manage govt expenditure amid energy crisis

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has issued a circular aimed at managing state expenditure within existing fiscal limits and approved government spending ceilings. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  1:16 pm

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

Agrarian Insurance Board introduces dedicated insurance scheme for divers

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, has introduced a dedicated insurance scheme for divers. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  12:03 pm

Babies evacuated from Gaza two years ago returned to their overjoyed parents

They’ve never known their parents, and they’ve never known Gaza, born prematurely two years ago and evacuated to Egypt as Israeli forces drew dangerously close to their neonatal care unit. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  11:45 am

Water cut duration reduced to 18 hours - NWSDB

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has decided to reduce the duration of the scheduled water supply interruptions to 18 hours, taking into consideration the requests made by consumers. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  4:40 pm

Two arrested for hoarding over 2,000L of diesel in Thambalagamuwa

Two individuals have been arrested for hoarding a stock of fuel without a valid license in the Mollipothana area of Thambalagamuwa. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  12:59 pm

Russia pledges to expedite fuel supplies for Sri Lanka, long-term trade deal discussed

A meeting was held between the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, Andrey Rudenko, who is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  12:25 pm

Warm weather advisory issued for tomorrow

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

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  4:19 pm

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military parliament

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was elected president on Friday after breezing through a parliamentary vote, formalising his grip on political power in the war-torn nation five years after he ousted an elected government in a coup. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  2:51 pm

Four inmates escape from Kandakadu rehabilitation centre

A total of four inmates have reportedly escaped from the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Polonnaruwa. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  5:32 pm

Govt halts divestment of eight major SOEs, SC informed

The Attorney General’s Department has informed the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka that the incumbent government will not proceed with the previous government’s decision to divest eight major State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), including Sri Lanka Telecom, SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, and Lanka Hospitals. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  10:37 am

UK-led 40-nation coalition demands end to Hormuz blockade

The United Kingdom has convened foreign ministers from 40 nations to deliberate on strategies for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime artery currently obstructed by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  10:39 am

Gazette issued on emergency importation of GR 11 rice varieties

The Government of Sri Lanka has issued a Gazette notification to address the looming shortage of Samba and Keeri Samba rice by authorizing the immediate importation of specific substitute varieties. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  10:40 am

Agrarian Service Centers to operate on holidays for Yala season fertilizer distribution

The Department of Agrarian Development has announced that Agrarian Service Centers will remain operational on public holidays to facilitate the distribution of fertilizer to farmers in areas where Yala season paddy cultivation has commenced. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  12:50 pm

New Peaky Blinders TV series to star Jamie Bell

Actor Jamie Bell is set to star in the new TV series of Peaky Blinders, which will be set in the 1950s. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  1:31 pm

Ex-soldier arrested after two including woman murdered in Galle, another critical

A man and a woman were killed, while another woman sustained serious injuries and was admitted to Karapitiya Hospital following an alleged attack in Thelikada, Galle. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  2:30 pm

Artemis capsule boost puts astronauts moon-bound for record-breaking journey

The Orion capsule carrying four astronauts in NASA’s Artemis II mission executed a key thruster firing on Thursday that will kick the crew out of Earth’s orbit and on a path toward the moon, committing them to reaching the farthest distance humans have ever traveled in space. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 3, 2026  8:47 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

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

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

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’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

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

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

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

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 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