News Archive

Donald Trump plans May visit to China for talks with Xi after Iran war delay

US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in May during his first visit to China in eight years, a closely watched trip postponed due to the ongoing Iran war. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  7:34 am

Essential goods prices rise amid fuel hike, CAA conducts raids

Prices of essential goods have surged in the market following the recent increase in fuel prices, traders say. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  8:00 am

IMF delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka today

A delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to arrive in the country today (26). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  6:28 am

Two Sri Lankans arrested with over 10 kg of ‘Kush’ cannabis at BIA

Two Sri Lankans have been arrested by officers of the Sri Lanka Customs Narcotics Control Division at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a consignment of ‘Kush’ cannabis. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  9:13 am

Iran war timeline is “approximately 4 to 6 weeks”: White House

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has reiterated that the timeline for the war with Iran is still four to six weeks when asked if the conflict will end before President Donald Trump’s planned trip to China in mid May. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  8:17 am

IGP issues guidelines on arrests under ICCPR Act

The Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued guidelines to be followed when arresting suspects in relation to offences committed under Section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  7:07 am

Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister arrives in Sri Lanka

The Deputy Minister of Energy of Russia, Roman Marshavin has arrived in the country on a three-day official visit. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  11:15 am

18 bodies recovered after bus plunges into Bangladesh’s Padma River

At least 18 bodies have been recovered after a passenger bus with about 50 people onboard plunged into the mighty Padma River in Bangladesh on Wednesday while it was boarding a ferry, said officials. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  9:48 am

South Korea confirms easing of US sanctions on Russian oil

South Korea confirmed it has been granted permission to import certain Russian energy products under the US’ relaxing of sanctions, following some conditions, as the global fuel crisis grows. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:53 am

First teaser trailer for Harry Potter TV series released

In a major revelation for fans of the wizarding world, HBO has unveiled the first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, which is set to premiere on Christmas 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  8:38 am

Former SIS Chief Suresh Sallay returns to CID after receiving treatment at National Hospital

The former Head of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital following a sudden illness, has been discharged. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:20 am

Iran’s Foreign Minister denies US talks, calls mediation ‘admission of defeat’

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly denied Wednesday that any negotiations are taking place between Tehran and Washington to end the ongoing conflict, dismissing US claims of diplomatic engagement as posturing. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  6:01 am

Nearly 300 U.S. troops injured in US-Iran conflict: CENTCOM

The number of U.S. military personnel wounded in Operation Epic Fury continues to rise as the campaign against Iran approaches its fourth week. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  9:52 am

Hormuz route opened for India: Iran FM Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said that they have permitted the passage of vessels for friendly countries, including India, through the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  11:22 am

Meta, Google lose US case over social media harm to kids

A Los Angeles jury on Wednesday found Meta and Alphabet’s Google negligent for designing social media platforms that are harmful to young people, in a $6 million verdict that will serve as a bellwether for numerous similar cases. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:14 am

Iran Speaker warns “enemies are preparing to occupy” Kharg Island

Iran’s powerful parliament speaker warned on Wednesday about the possible invasion of an Iranian island with the support of an unnamed regional country. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  9:01 am

Oil moves higher after Iran rejects direct US talks

Global oil prices are trading higher on Thursday morning in Asia after Iran’s foreign minister said the country has ‘‘no intention of negotiating for now’’ with the US. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:33 am

Teacher union criticizes inquiry into absence from Tangalle meeting chaired by PM

The Hambantota District Ceylon Teachers’ Association has strongly condemned a request from the Zonal Education Office of Tangalle seeking an explanation for teachers’ absence from a recent meeting held in Tangalle. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  8:41 am

Showers or thundershowers expected after 2pm today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts after 2:00 p.m. today (26), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  5:58 am

Iran drafts law to impose tolls for transiting Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian parliament is working on a draft bill to charge a fee in exchange for providing security to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:50 am

UN Chief warns Mideast war ‘has gone too far’

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres tells the US and Israel it is time to end the war, and calls on Iran to stop attacking nearby countries. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  5:56 am

US oil prices rise as investors assess Middle East de-escalation

US oil prices rose in early trade on Thursday, recovering some of the previous day’s losses as investors assessed prospects for de-escalation in the Middle East and Iran reviewed a U.S. proposal to end the war, which has disrupted energy flows from the Gulf. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  6:55 am

G7 allies meet against backdrop of wars in Ukraine and Iran, with unpredictable US

Foreign ministers from the world’s leading Western democracies meet in France this week against the backdrop of wars in Iran and Ukraine, economic uncertainty, and mounting unease over an increasingly unpredictable U.S. foreign policy. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:12 am

Private Tanker owners demand 25% hike in transportation charges

The Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association has demanded a 25% increase in fuel transportation charges. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  6:40 am

Woman pleads not guilty to attempted murder of singer Rihanna

A woman from Florida pleaded not guilty Wednesday to attempted murder of Rihanna, and a newly public police report revealed that the shots she is alleged to have fired from an AR-15 style rifle hit an Airstream trailer while the singing superstar and her partner A$AP Rocky were inside. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  11:16 am

“Americans were only negotiating with themselves”: Iranian military spokesperson

An Iranian military spokesperson mocked U.S. attempts at a ceasefire deal Wednesday, insisting that the Americans were only negotiating with themselves. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  10:37 am

Showers expected in several areas after 2pm today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts after 2:00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  5:37 am

Japan to assist establishment of reliable communication networks in Sri Lanka

The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, signed a grant contract to provide radio equipment under the “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)” scheme. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  9:09 am

Lamborghinis stranded in Sri Lanka as war disrupts Asia’s used-car trade – report

The U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran last month plunged the Middle East into crisis, disrupted global shipping routes and spawned a series of headaches for Umar Ali Hyder Ali’s used-car business in Japan. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  12:20 pm

Donald Trump sets 15-point plan to end Iran war

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US was making progress in its efforts to negotiate an end to war with Iran, including winning an important concession from Tehran, while a source confirmed that Washington had sent Iran a 15-point settlement proposal. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  5:35 am

Education must go beyond knowledge dissemination to empower individuals: PM Harini

Education must go beyond knowledge dissemination to empower individuals with opportunities, dignity, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  5:40 am

Senate Republicans again reject effort to rein in President Trump over Iran war

Republicans again rejected a resolution aimed at requiring President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval for future US military action against Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  8:48 am

Teachers asked to explain absence from Tangalle meeting chaired by PM

The Zonal Education Office of Tangalle has requested an explanation regarding the absence of teachers at a meeting held on March 15 at the Tangalle Urban Council, which was chaired by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  11:20 am

CPC confirms sufficient fuel supply until mid-May, warns against hoarding

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has revealed that fuel orders for the country currently exceed actual requirements by around 10%. However, the corporation stressed that there is no risk of a shortage if emergency stockpiling is avoided. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  12:19 pm

U.S. to send 1,000 soldiers to Middle East to be available for Iran operations

Approximately 1,000 US soldiers with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are expecting to deploy in coming days to the Middle East, according to two sources familiar with the matter, adding to the growing military firepower in the region as the Trump administration says it is in talks with Iran to end the conflict.

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  6:10 am

Pharmacy owner arrested in Hatton for illegal sale of psychotropic drugs

The owner of a pharmacy in Hatton town has been arrested by officers of the Hatton Divisional Anti-Corruption Unit for selling psychiatric medication to youth without valid medical prescription. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  10:30 am

HBO reveals first look at ‘Harry Potter’ TV series

HBO revealed the first photo from its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  8:30 am

No reduction in remittances despite conflict in Middle East: CBSL Governor

Sri Lanka’s workers’ remittances have not seen a reduction despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  12:33 pm

‘Non-hostile’ ships can transit Strait of Hormuz: Iran tells UN

Iran has told the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that “non-hostile vessels” may transit the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, according to a note seen by Reuters on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  11:58 am

Lebanon says Israeli strikes have killed 1,072 since March 2

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Tuesday that the death toll from ongoing Israeli strikes on the country has risen to 1,072, with 2,966 people wounded since March 2, Anadolu reports. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  10:10 am

Oil prices drop more than 5% as Donald Trump talks up Iran peace negotiations

Oil prices have fallen sharply in early trade in Asia after US President Donald Trump said negotiations to end the war are in progress - a claim disputed by Iranian officials. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  7:18 am

Drone attack hits fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport causing fire

Drones targeted a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a fire but no ⁠casualties, Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority said on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  9:42 am

Public urged to limit electricity use at night; No power cuts planned

Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has requested the general public to use electricity sparingly between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  7:47 am

Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo series set for 2027 premiere with Paul Walter Hauser

Actor Paul Walter Hauser, best known for his role in ‘Black Bird’, has bagged a pivotal role in Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo series. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  1:24 pm

Social media bans and digital curfews to be trialled on UK teenagers

Social media bans, digital curfews and time limits on apps are to be trialled in the homes of hundreds of UK teenagers. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  8:17 am

Iran stops Pakistan-bound ship from crossing Hormuz over lack of permission

A Pakistan-bound container ship has been stopped from crossing the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces amid the escalating war in the Middle East. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  1:33 pm

Iran says US and Israel attacked vicinity of Bushehr nuclear plant

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said that US and Israel attacked the vicinity of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday evening, IRNA reported. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  6:46 am

Kim Jong Un says Iran war justifies North Korea’s decision to keep its nuclear weapons

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has said that the US’ war with Iran proves his country made the right decision to keep its nuclear weapons. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  1:19 pm

China’s top diplomat urges Iran toward peace talks

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged his Iranian counterpart to “initiate peace talks as soon as possible” during a Tuesday call that Beijing said was held at the request of Tehran. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  9:57 am

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank keeps policy rate unchanged

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at the current level of 7.75%, following its latest Monetary Policy Board meeting held yesterday (24). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 25, 2026  7:31 am