MLFF system to replace cash toll payments on expressways

Amid ongoing moves to reduce cash handling on expressways, the Road Development Authority (RDA) is preparing to introduce a new toll collection system known as Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), RDA Director General Anuradha Hettiarachchi said.

US, Iran exchange threats as fragile ceasefire set to expire

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said Iran is “prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield” after United States President Donald Trump threatened Tehran with “problems like they’ve never seen before” if the two-week ceasefire expires on Wednesday without a deal.

INS NIREEKSHAK makes port call in Colombo

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) NIREEKSHAK arrived in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit today. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship at the port of Colombo in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions.

Anura Karunathilaka assumes duties as Energy Minister

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka today assumed duties as the Minister of Energy at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Energy premises.

Police refute claims of planned bomb attacks in Colombo

Sri Lanka Police have dismissed as “completely false” reports circulating on social media and some websites claiming that a suspect was planning a series of bomb attacks in Colombo and other crowded areas.

Protect the planet, CEJ urges public on earth day

On the occasion of International Earth Day, the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has called on the public to reaffirm their commitment to environmental justice, biodiversity protection and climate resilience, stressing that safeguarding the planet is the responsibility of every citizen.

UN Resident Coordinator calls for completion of Easter Sunday attack probes

UN Resident Coordinator Mac-Andre Franche today called for a quick completion of probes carried out into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

Heat index alert issued as “caution level” temperatures expected across island

A widespread heat alert has been issued for almost all provinces, warning that the “feels-like” temperature could rise to caution level during daytime hours across large parts of Sri Lanka.

Dhamma school teacher exam 2026 application deadline extended

The Buddhist Affairs Department has extended the application deadline for the 2026 Dhamma School Teacher Certificate Examination.

Low-floor bus service launched in Makumbura with priority for disabled passengers

A pilot low-floor bus service aimed at providing safe, comfortable and reliable transport for persons with disabilities and special needs was launched today ( 21) at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center under the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.

Scammers impersonating as Iran demanding crypto fees for safe Hormuz passage

Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS has warned that unknown actors, purporting to be Iranian authorities, have delivered messages to some shipping companies demanding transit fees in cryptocurrencies in return for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Migrants in Spain queue to apply for mass legalisation programme

Migrants in Spain have queued up to apply for the country’s mass legalisation programme on Monday.

Joint Opposition questions legality behind decision for trial-at-bar to hear RW case

The Joint Opposition today questioned the legality behind the decision to set up a trial-at-bar to take up the case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

War in Iran is causing biggest energy crisis in history, IEA says

The conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel is creating the ​worst energy crisis ever faced by the ‌world, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday.

Heavy rains above 100mm expected across several provinces today

The Meteorology Department says showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (21).

Former MP Premalal Jayasekara arrested in Nuwara Eliya

Former Member of Parliament Premalal Jayasekara, known as ’’Choka Malli,’’ has been arrested by the Nuwara Eliya Police.

Youth arrested over fake bank website scam

A 22-year-old suspect from Minuwangoda has been arrested over an alleged financial fraud involving a counterfeit website imitating a private bank, Sri Lanka Police said.

Chaotic weather grips Sri Lanka with rain and heat warnings

Sri Lanka is expected to experience a mix of wet and warm conditions, creating a hybrid climate across the island, the Department of Meteorology said.

Get the assistance of a foreign Central Bank to probe NDB issue: Ravi K

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake should intervene and get the assistance of any foreign Central Bank to carry out a forensic audit to conduct a probe on Rs 13.2 billion fraud at the National Development Bank (NDB), Democratic National Alliance (DNA) MP Ravi Karunanayake said yesterday.

AWC urges Vietnamese monk to fast-track delayed animal welfare act

The Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) has issued an appeal to Vietnamese monk Venerable Pannakara Thera urging immediate intervention to expedite the long-delayed Animal Welfare Act, describing it as a critical step toward protecting Sri Lanka’s street animals.

Apostolic Nuncio stresses forgiveness for Easter Sunday attackers

Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador to Sri Lanka) Monsignor Andrez Jozwowlez today stressed the need for forgiveness for the Easter Sunday attackers, while noting that forgiveness can come only after the truth behind the attacks is established.

Rs. 1.2 bn allocated to compensate farmers affected by Nilwala salt barrier

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board says that Rs. 1,200 million has been allocated under the 2026 Budget to compensate farmers for crop damage caused by the saltwater barrier constructed along the Nilwala River.

Trump’s Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer latest to leave administration

US Secretary of Labour Lori Chavez-DeRemer will be leaving her post in the administration of President Donald Trump, the White House has said.

President backs ‘Walk for Peace’ initiative across Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his full support for the “Walk for Peace” journey, which officially commenced in Sri Lanka today (April 21).

Controversy erupts over alleged “no dog removal” directive linked to “Aloka” initiative

A heated controversy has emerged after the Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) claimed that a special notice had been issued to police and local government authorities saying that “no street dogs need to be removed through Aloka,” sparking confusion and debate over the authenticity and intent of the directive.

Iran files complaint at UN over the US’s ‘illegal, barbarous’ ship seizure

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has lodged a formal complaint with the UN secretary-general and the International Maritime Organization over the US seizure of the Iranian merchant vessel Touska on Monday, condemning it as an “illegal and barbarous act” that violates both international law and the ceasefire agreement.

Sri Lanka to retain QR fuel system indefinitely amid global oil uncertainty

Against the backdrop of fluctuating global fuel prices, Sri Lanka has decided to continue with the QR code system for the rationalisation of fuel distribution indefinitely, an official said.

Probe launched after poisoning of 10 dogs in Kalawewa

A disturbing incident involving the poisoning of 10 dogs in the Kalawewa area yesterday has triggered widespread public outrage and prompted swift intervention by animal welfare activists.

Selfless Matthews drops forbidden bombshell

Newly crowned Premier League cricket champions Colts Cricket Club had to dodge many a bullet, swim past undercurrents, avoid stepping on toes and could not even voice their grievances as they trudged along to win the coveted First Class inter club title in what was their 150th year in existence away from the prying eyes.

’I have no problem meeting them’: Trump offers face-to-face meeting with Iran leaders

US President Donald Trump said he was willing to meet with Iranian leaders if it meant a breakthrough could be reached in the Iran war peace talks.