Japan pledges USD 2.66 million for climate resilience and gender equality projects in Sri Lanka

The Government of Japan has announced USD 2.66 million in funding for two new development projects in Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening climate resilience and promoting gender equality in vulnerable communities.

SJB extends open invitation to UNP for its May Day rally

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today extended an open invitation to the United National Party (UNP) to join its May Day rally to be held at the P.D. Sirisena Grounds on May 1.

World’s biggest maker of condoms set to raise prices due to Iran war

The boss of the world’s biggest condom maker, Karex, says the firm will raise its prices by up to 30% or possibly more if the Iran war continues to disrupt supplies of the raw materials used in its products.

Save a life initiative boosts stray dog safety

A new initiative by Save a Life is helping enhance the safety of stray dogs while promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and animals.

161 school-age children not attending school in Kalutara

A total of 161 children of school-going age who are not attending school have been identified in the Kalutara District in 2025, with the highest number reported from the Dodangoda Divisional Secretariat Division.

Gold rises as oil weakens 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.

Over 10,000 pets suffer in fireworks fallout

The festive cheer of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has come under sharp criticism, with veterinary experts claiming that more than 10,000 cats and dogs have suffered hearing damage and disorientation due to firecrackers and fireworks.

Easter probe under threat; families allege sabotage

Family members of the Easter Sunday attacks say they are cautiously optimistic about the ongoing investigations, but have raised serious concerns over what they describe as attempts by various parties to sabotage the process.

Sri Lanka on the brink of a crippling medicine shortage

Sri Lanka is on the brink of a crippling medicine shortage, including essential and life saving medicines, that threatens to paralyze both public and private healthcare sectors, the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) warned yesterday.

Political parties to tone down May Day this year

Political parties are to tone down May Day celebrations as it falls on a full moon day this year. The ruling party has also decided to celebrate May Day at district level.

Officials of ‘Deep State’ obstructing investigations on Easter Sunday attacks: Cardinal

Highlighting that there is a ‘Deep State’ that controls the present government, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith yesterday alleged that those officers in the deep state are out to obstruct the investigations on Easter Sunday attacks.

Shammi Silva bowled out

Anti-corruption crusaders and die-hard cricket followers in the island could breathe a sigh of relief as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has at last bowed down to ground realities and ordered Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) merry-go-round dictator Shammi Silva to clear out.

Sri Lanka tightens terror financing controls with TFS

The Ministry of Defence said Sri Lanka has strengthened its national security framework by placing renewed emphasis on Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS), a key tool used to disrupt the financing of terrorism and safeguard the country’s financial system.

Dollar at week high as markets raise doubts over Iran ceasefire

The dollar steadied in early Asian trade on Wednesday, as skepticism over U.S. ​President Donald Trump’s announcement of an indefinite extension of a ceasefire with Iran lifted demand for the safe-haven ‌currency, pushing it to a one-week high.

Gnanasara Thera calls for international probe into Easter Sunday attacks

Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), has called on all responsible parties, including Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, to cease what he described as “acting” in efforts to identify those involved in the Easter Sunday attacks and instead hand over the investigations to an independent international inquiry.

Malinga, Madushanka rip through DC as SRH surge to third after Abhishek blitz

Sunrisers Hyderabad rode a fiery spell from their Sri Lankan quicks to seal a commanding 47-run win over Delhi Capitals, climbing to third on the IPL 2026 points table after a headline-grabbing century from Abhishek Sharma.

US announces ceasefire extension with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would indefinitely ​extend the ceasefire with Iran, hours before it was set to expire, to allow the two countries to continue peace talks ‌to end a war that has killed thousands of people and shaken the global economy.

SL recovery on edge as Middle East shock ripples through economy: CBSL

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery is entering a more fragile phase, with the Central Bank warning that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beginning to test the resilience built through recent stabilisation efforts, even as domestic conditions remain broadly supportive of growth.

Trump urges Iran to free 8 women allegedly facing execution

US President Donald Trump has appealed to Tehran to release eight women reportedly facing execution, framing the move as a vital gesture of goodwill before the high-stakes second round of negotiations in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka receives $100,000 from Philippines for cyclone recovery

Sri Lanka has received a donation of $100,000 from the Philippines to support reconstruction and recovery efforts following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

Govt. can’t control prices, but supply will remain uninterrupted: New Energy Minister

New Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake said that the government’s primary objective remains the consistent and uninterrupted delivery of essential services, specifically electricity and fuel, to the public.

Pakistan urges US, Iran to extend truce

Pakistan on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to extend their two-week ceasefire, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

Ofcom investigating Telegram over child sexual abuse material concerns

The UK media regulator has launched an investigation into Telegram over concerns it may be failing to prevent child sexual abuse material (CSAM) being shared.

50 foreign nationals arrested in Negombo for visa overstay

A total of 50 foreign nationals have been arrested by officers of the Investigation Division of the Immigration and Emigration Department for overstaying their visas, authorities said.

Heavy rains flood roads in Nawalapitiya, disrupt traffic

A brief but intense spell of rain in Nawalapitiya on the afternoon of April 21 left key roads inundated, with flooding reported at the town bus stand and along the Nawalapitiya–Kandy Road, severely disrupting traffic.

Iran’s World Cup participation depends on team’s safety in the US: Minister

Iran’s football team is preparing for the World Cup, but a final decision on its participation in the tournament will be taken by the government, the country’s sport minister says.

Police deny claims STF receiving motorcycles from Avant Garde

Sri Lanka Police have denied claims circulating on social media that the Special Task Force (STF) is set to receive motorcycles from Avant Garde.

US-intercepted tanker moves near Sri Lanka waters

Ship-tracking data indicates that a crude oil tanker intercepted by the US military in the Indian Ocean made a sharp change of course in the early hours of this morning and is now broadcasting its position around 700km (430 miles) south-east of Sri Lanka.

We would arrest Netanyahu, says Hungary’s incoming PM

Hungary’s incoming prime minister has said he’ll stop the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Government declares Vesak Week from May 27 to June 2

The official programme for the 2026 Vesak Festival has been announced by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.