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.

Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO

Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down from the job he inherited from the late Steve Jobs, ending a nearly 15-year reign that saw the company’s market value soar by more than $3.6 trillion during an iPhone-fuelled era of prosperity.

Namal accuses Govt of politicising easter attacks probe

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of politicising investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, alleging selective action and misplaced blame.

All the airlines cancelling flights and adding extra charges amid jet fuel crisis

The global aviation industry is facing significant turbulence following a dramatic surge in jet fuel prices, driven by the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Vietnamese monks arrive for ‘Ehipassiko’ peace walk, accompanied by dog ‘Aloka’

A group of Vietnamese monks based in the United States, including Venerables Pannakara and Ratanaguna, arrived in Sri Lanka early this morning (21) to take part in the global peace initiative “Ehipassiko”, A Global Walk for Peace.

Eshan Malinga bringing back art of reverse-swing

Sri Lanka has most of its premier cricketers playing in either the Indian Premier League (IPL) or Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the moment and while the likes of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have made their mark with the bat, Eshan Malinga has made a huge impact with the ball. Malinga who unfortunately missed out on the World Cup due to injury earlier this year, has been in superb form for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) this season.

PHIs warn of rat fever risk during New Year festivities

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have warned of an increased risk of rat fever during New Year festival activities, particularly traditional folk games held near water sources and paddy fields.

Iran has not changed its decision to abstain from talks with US - Iranian media

Despite US President Trump telling the New York Post that the US delegation is en route to Pakistan, Iran has not ’’altered its decision to abstain’’ from the talks, according to Iran’s hard-line Tasnim news agency which is affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Special traffic plan near Kochchikade church tomorrow

A special traffic management plan will be implemented around St. Anthony’s Shrine tomorrow (April 21, 2026) to facilitate religious observances marking the seventh anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Japan issues rare special advisory over chance of more powerful quake

Authorities have warned residents of northeastern Japan to prepare for an even larger earthquake after a magnitude 7.7 quake struck off the coast of Iwate on Monday, triggering tsunami across a broad swath of the area.

Trump ‘considering’ lifting naval blockade

Donald Trump will consider lifting the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in order to overcome the deadlock in peace talks.

PCB imposes one-year PSL ban on Dasun Shanaka for contract breach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced imposing a two-year ban on Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Dasun Shanaka from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over his ’’unilateral withdrawal’’ from the ongoing 11th edition.

Fire at Rajasthan refinery site a day before PM Modi’s inauguration

A fire broke out at the Pachpadra Refinery in Balotra on Monday afternoon — just a day before its scheduled inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

UNP denies social media report on May Day rally

The United National Party (UNP) today denied the social media report which said the party is to hold a joint May Day rally with other parties.

Excise Department earns record revenue in first quarter of 2026

The Sri Lanka Excise Department has earned a record revenue of Rs. 70.4 billion in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding the set revenue target of Rs. 61.95 billion for the same period.