CSE dips again amid ongoing global trade tensions

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its losses as uncertainty over global tariff negotiations continued to weigh on investor sentiment. The latest U.S. tariff impositions have triggered widespread economic turbulence, further dampening the Sri Lankan market.

Sri Lanka expresses willingness to strengthen trade ties with U.S. amid tariffs

The Government of Sri Lanka today reaffirmed its strong commitment to deepening economic relations with the United States, as concerns mount over a newly proposed 44% reciprocal trade tariff that could impact Sri Lanka’s $3 billion annual exports to the U.S.

Probe launched into suspicious death of youth in Police custody

The Nugegoda Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau has initiated an inquiry into the suspicious death of 26-year-old Sathsara Nimesh, who died while in police custody at the Welikada Police Station.

PM Modi arrives in Sri Lanka for official visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) a short while ago for a three-day official visit.

Only star-class foreigners can enjoy liquor during this Avurudu

Only foreign tourists residing in star-class hotels are entitled to be served or to purchase alcoholic beverages during the two dry days of April 13–14, during this Sinhala and Tamil New Year, as ordered by the Department of Excise.

Transfer of Bingiriya OIC cancelled by National Police Commission

The National Police Commission (NPC) has cancelled the recent transfer of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Bingiriya Police Station, which had been ordered by the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) without prior approval from the Commission or the Elections Commission.

Government loses Rs. 2.42 billion from vehicle import duty scam: COPA

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) disclosed that a grave scam has taken place in issuing permits for the import of fully electric vehicles to Sri Lankans employed abroad, based on foreign remittances.

Rejection of nominations: SC dismisses 59 petitions

The Supreme Court today dismissed 53 writ petitions and six fundamental rights petitions filed by various political parties and independent groups challenging the rejection of nomination papers submitted for the Local Government elections.

LG polls to be held as scheduled: EC Chief

The National Election Commission confirmed that the 2025 Local Government Elections will be held as planned on May 6, despite ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the rejection of nomination papers.

Minister says US tariffs a blow to Sri Lanka’s export goals

Referring to the United States’ recent decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on Sri Lankan goods, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi voiced strong concern, describing the move as both unexpected and damaging to the country’s economic ambitions.

China announces 34% retaliatory tariffs on US imports

China has announced it will impose additional tariffs of 34 per cent on imports from the US in retaliation for duties of the same amount unveiled by President Donald Trump this week as part of his aggressive trade agenda.

Security beefed up at Katunayake airport for Modi’s arrival

Preparations are currently underway at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today (04) for a three-day official visit.

Inmate hacked to death at Boossa Prison

An inmate at the Boossa High Security Prison in Galle has been reported dead after being allegedly assaulted with a sharp weapon.

Controversial visa deal: SC rejects bail for Harsha Ilukpitiya

The Supreme Court rejected a bail application filed on behalf of Harsha Ilukpitiya, the former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. He has been in remand custody for nearly six months due to contempt of court proceedings.

Two fall to death in gem mine

Two workers engaged in digging a gem mine at Dambuluwana in Elapatha off Ratnapura on Thursday evening (03) fell to death when the mine they were digging cut across an abandoned earlier gem mine.

Reciprocal tariff: IMF appeals US to work constructively to resolve trade tensions

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appealed to the United States and its trading partners to work constructively to resolve trade tensions and reduce uncertainty due to the reciprocal tariff imposed by the US.

Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar dies at 87

Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar has died at the age of 87 in India’s financial capital, Mumbai.

Red alert warning issued for lightning in 18 districts

A severe lightning warning has been issued today for eighteen districts, the Meteorology Department said.

Lankan nabbed at airport with latest mobile phones worth over Rs. 100 million

A Sri Lankan passenger was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with latest mobile phones worth more than Rs. 100 million while attempting to smuggle them into the country.

14 suspects further remanded over Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder

The 14 suspects who were arrested over Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder were further remanded till April 11 by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today.

AFC to help build modern football stadium in Sri Lanka

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said that steps will be taken, in conjunction with the Sports Ministry, to provide Sri Lanka with an international football stadium featuring modern facilities to promote the sport.

Will end distortion in rice, paddy market: President

While stressing the need for government intervention in market actvities, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today the government will end the distortion in the rice and paddy market within two to three seasons.

Roads closure effective from tonight till Sunday

Roads in Colombo and several other areas will be closed from this evening until Sunday (April 6) due to the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Police said.

Ex-Ministry secretary remanded over bribery allegation

Secretary to former Minister of Indigenous Medicine was further remanded today till April 8 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali over an alleged bribery offense involving the issuing of an Ayurvedic medical registration certificate.

Rejection of nominations: Court orders to accept around 37 nominations

The Court of Appeal today ordered the relevant Returning Officers to accept around 37 nominations which were originally rejected for the Local Government Elections.

Harsha urges Govt. to suspend proposed amendment on SVAT removal for exporters

In the wake of the reciprocal tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump, SJB MP Dr. Harsha De Silva urged the government to suspend next week’s scheduled amendment on SVAT removal for exporters as an urgent relief until things settle.

Indictment filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Daisy Forrest

Indictments have been filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa and his grandmother Daisy Forrest, before the Colombo High Court over allegations of money laundering involving Rs. 73 million.

Election Commission halts distribution of seasonal food package

A written notice has been sent to the President’s Secretary and the Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development by the Election Commission requesting for steps to provide the seasonal food package after the Local government elections.

Seven schoolboys arrested for gang raping underage girl

A schoolboy said to be the boyfriend of an underage girl and five other schoolboys were arrested for gang raping a fifteen-year-old schoolgirl, the Homagama Police said.

Police deny removing street dogs, beggars for Modi’s visit

In response to reports circulating on social media that street dogs and beggars will be removed from areas that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit, the Sri Lankan Police have denied these claims.