News Archive

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

Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh launches special weekend consular service

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh has introduced a Special Weekend Consular Services Programme to assist Sri Lankan expatriates who are unable to visit the Embassy during regular working days. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  3:34 pm

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

USD 2.5 million Treasury payment diverted to hackers? – Opposition demands urgent probe

Reports claiming that USD 2.5 million from Sri Lanka’s Treasury may have likely been diverted to cybercriminals has sparked concern, with the government yet to respond to the allegation highlighted by the country’s opposition. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  7:31 pm

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

‘Red Easter’ – A powerful cinematic voice from an internationally award-winning director

Red Easter, directed by U.A. Palliyaguru, stands today as a bold and compelling creative voice emerging from Sri Lanka to the global cinema stage. The film has already garnered significant international attention, establishing itself as a noteworthy presence in the competitive world of global filmmaking. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  5:12 pm

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

French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud says Algeria sentenced him to 3 years for award-winning novel

French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud said Wednesday that he has been sentenced to three years in prison in Algeria for his book “Houris,” a recipient of France’s most prestigious literary award. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  8:52 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

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

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

Detention order on ex-SIS chief Suresh Sallay to continue

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to report on May 20 the progress of the investigations into the arrested suspects...MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  4:12 pm

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

Second Nepali minister leaves month-old government

Nepal’s Minister of Home Affairs, Sudan Gurung, resigned on Wednesday saying there had been questions over his investments and other matters, the second minister to go from the month-old government. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  8:14 pm

Chaminda Pathiraja appointed Controller General of Immigration and Emigration

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to appoint Iraj Chaminda Pathiraja to the post of Controller General of Immigration and Emigration on a permanent basis. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  3:47 pm

Nearly 20 injured after bus veers off road, crashes into tree in Kinniya

Nearly 20 passengers were injured after a private bus veered off the road and crashed into a tree near the Upparu-aru Bridge on the Trincomalee - Batticaloa main road within the Kinniya Police Division this evening (22). MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  8:58 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 22, 2026  5:05 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

Three vessels hit by gunfire in Strait of Hormuz, crews safe

At least three container ships were hit by gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, maritime security sources and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  3:46 pm

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

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

Finance Ministry says investigations underway after hackers breached a dept’s computer system

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development says it has already lodged complaints with law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions regarding the theft committed by cyber hackers who breached the computer system of the External Resources Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  10:15 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

Trump says US-Iran talks ‘possible’ within 36 to 72 hours: report

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday a new round of peace talks with Iran is “possible” within the next 36 to 72 hours, a report said, a day after he announced an extension of a ceasefire with the Islamic Republic to allow for diplomatic efforts to continue. MORE...

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

EU to consider forcing countries to hold, redistribute jet fuel stocks

The European Union is considering requiring countries to hold stockpiles of jet fuel, and potentially redistribute it based on regional needs and shortages, Europe’s energy policy chief told Reuters on Wednesday, as concerns mount over possible shortages tied to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  6:56 pm

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

Expert committee to monitor implementation of recommendations on Easter attacks

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to establish a structured mechanism to monitor the implementation of recommendations related to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  3:38 pm

Second ship fired on in Strait of Hormuz - UKMTO

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

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

“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

Iran’s IRGC Navy claims it has seized two ships in Strait of Hormuz - state media

The IRGC has seized two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, state news has claimed. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  3:54 pm

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

President directs to complete compensation payments for partially damaged homes before May-end

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to ensure that the Government approved compensation of Rs. 500,000 for houses partially damaged by Cyclone Ditwah is paid to all beneficiaries before the end of May, except in exceptional circumstances. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 22, 2026  5:20 pm

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

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

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