News Archive

Donald Trump extends Iran ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz blockade

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would extend the U.S. ceasefire with Iran, which is set to expire Wednesday, despite calling off negotiations and warning earlier in the day he would resume bombing without a deal in place.

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  4:12 am

“Walk for Peace” to begin in Dambulla under state patronage

The internationally recognized “Walk for Peace” is scheduled to commence today (April 22) from Dambulla, with arrangements in place to continue the event until April 28 under state patronage. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  6:03 am

Meta to track workers’ clicks and keystrokes to train AI

Meta will start tracking the way employees work, including their keystrokes and mouse clicks, to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  7:48 am

Former SIS Chief Suresh Sallay produced before Fort Magistrate’s Court

The Former Director of the State Intelligence Service, Suresh Sallay, who is currently detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), has been produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court under tight security by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  2:00 pm

UN Secretary General commends ceasefire extension

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes Washington’s extension of the ceasefire with Iran, said his spokesman on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  5:10 am

World Earth Day observed with focus on climate action and sustainability

World Earth Day is being observed today (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  7:48 am

Netflix cancels docuseries with Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson after fight

A three-part Netflix docuseries featuring former One Direction members Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson has reportedly been shelved. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  2:38 pm

Oil prices fluctuate as status of US-Iran peace talks remains unclear

Global oil prices fluctuated in early Asian trading on Wednesday as the status of peace talks between the US and Iran remains unclear. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  6:22 am

Youth killed in motorcycle–jeep collision in Siyambalanduwa

An individual has been killed in an accident involving a motorcycle and a luxury jeep along the Siyambalanduwa– Ethimale road. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  11:08 am

Air fares soar by nearly 25% as Iran war forces flights to re-route

The war in the Middle East has helped to trigger a surge in air fares, with the lowest-priced economy tickets costing 24% more on average than they did a year ago, according to new research. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  7:05 am

Los Angeles schools set limits on classroom screen time

Los Angeles’ school board on Tuesday passed a measure regulating students’ screen time during classroom assignments, reflecting concerns that technology could be linked to a host of ailments including obesity and depression. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  12:23 pm

Arrested Premalal Jayasekara brought to court

Former Ratnapura District Parliamentarian Premalal Jayasekara, who was arrested yesterday (21) in connection with an alleged incident of threatening an individual with a firearm, has been brought to the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  12:28 pm

Opposition calls for key officials to testify before committee probing controversial release of 323 containers

Opposition members of the Parliamentary Committee appointed to investigate the release of 323 containers from the Colombo Harbour that were not subjected to mandatory physical inspection have submitted a proposal requesting the summoning of several high-ranking officials to give evidence. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  1:16 pm

Gold prices increase after US extends ceasefire with Iran

Gold prices firmed on Wednesday as lower oil prices, following a U.S. extension of a ceasefire with Iran, eased fears of an inflation spike and prolonged high interest rates. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  9:17 am

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard opens fire on ship in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard opened fire Wednesday on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging the ship and further raising the stakes as planned ceasefire talks in Pakistan failed to materialize. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  11:32 am

Govt. pledges full support to strengthen “Ratama Ekata” anti-drug programme

The government would extend its fullest support to sustain and strengthen the ‘Ratama Ekata’ national programme launched with the aim of eradicating the drugs menace from the country, Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  10:08 am

External shocks to slow Sri Lanka’s economic growth in 2026: Prof. Priyanga Dunusinghe

Sri Lanka’s economic growth rate in 2026 is projected to be lower than the growth recorded in 2025, according to Professor in Economics at the Department of Economics, Priyanga Dunusinghe of the University of Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  12:50 pm

Thirteen killed in second India fireworks blast in three days

At least 13 people have been killed in an explosion at a firecracker factory in India’s southern state of Kerala, officials say. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  1:47 pm

Retired Health Ministry legal officer arrested on bribery charges

A former Chief Legal Officer (retired) of the Ministry of Health has been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  11:58 am

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) is reporting that a second vessel has been fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  2:27 pm

Sri Lanka strengthens compliance measures to block terror funding channels

Sri Lanka has strengthened its national security and counter-terrorism financing framework with renewed focus on Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS), the Ministry of Defence said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  8:39 am

Nine arrested over brutal assault on mother in Gokarella

A total of nine individuals have been arrested by the Gokarella Police in connection with the assault of a mother in public, an incident that recently drew widespread attention on social media. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  6:44 am

Everyone born in UK after 2008 to be banned from smoking

Children aged 17 or younger will face a lifelong ban on buying cigarettes in UK, as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill clears British Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  10:30 am

Former MP Premalal Jayasekara granted bail

Former Ratnapura District Parliamentarian Premalal Jayasekara, who was arrested yesterday (21) in connection with an alleged incident of threatening an individual with a firearm, has been granted bail. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  1:33 pm

Advisory issued for severe lightning in several provinces

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 Ampara, and Batticaloa districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  2:06 pm

Iranian military threatens to attack oil production sites of Gulf neighbors

An Iranian military commander has warned the country’s southern neighbors that if their land or facilities are used by enemies to attack Iran, “they should say goodbye to oil production in the Middle East region,” according to state media. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  9:15 am

Dwayne Johnson’s wrestling film to be made into stage musical

Fighting With My Family, the 2019 film starring Florence Pugh and Dwayne Johnson, is being adapted as a stage musical, producers have confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  7:42 am

Heavy rainfall above 75 mm expected in parts of the island today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm today (22), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  5:31 am

Pope warns humanity’s at risk, in plea to world leaders

The Pope has warned humanity’s future risks being “tragically compromised” due to a breakdown of international law and political responsibility. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  8:17 am

Premalal Jayasekara to be produced in court following arrest over firearm incident

Former Ratnapura District Parliamentarian Premalal Jayasekara, who was arrested yesterday (21) in connection with an alleged incident of threatening an individual with a firearm, is scheduled to be produced before the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court today (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  7:28 am

Indian Actor Suriya arrives in Sri Lanka

Acclaimed Tamil actor Suriya Sivakumar has reportedly arrived in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  10:17 am

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

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

‘‘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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full medical and safety arrangements for ‘Aloka’ ahead of ‘Walk for Peace’ journey in Sri Lanka: Vet Association

The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) has announced that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of ‘Aloka’, the rescue dog arriving in Sri Lanka to participate in the peace march titled “Walk for Peace.” MORE..

(0)Comments | April 21, 2026  10:24 am

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

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

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

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