US-sanctioned tankers pass Strait of Hormuz despite US blockade, data shows

A Chinese tanker sanctioned by the United States ​passed through the Strait of Hormuz on ‌Tuesday despite a U.S. blockade on the chokepoint, shipping data showed.

Oil prices ease on hopes of new US-Iran peace talks

Oil prices dipped in early Asian trade on Tuesday as hopes of more peace talks between the US and Iran eased concerns about further disruptions to energy supplies.

New Year food preparation begins

As part of the Sinhala New Year celebrations, the preparation of food holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. On Tuesday, April 14, at 10:51 AM, families begin making traditional dishes such as milk rice (kiribath) and a variety of sweetmeats.

US vice president says ‘ball is in Iran’s court’ on deal to end war

US Vice President JD Vance says the US would be happy to treat heavily-sanctioned Iran “like a normal country” if it doesn’t pursue nuclear weapons.

Sajith calls for meaningful empowerment in New Year message

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for meaningful empowerment of the people through sustainable, long-term solutions in his message marking the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Man arrested at BIA with illegal cigarette stock

Katunayake, April 14 (Daily Mirror) - A Sri Lankan passenger was arrested by airport customs officers in the early hours of April 14 for attempting to illegally bring a large consignment of foreign-made cigarettes into the country through the “Green Channel” at the arrivals terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

PM extends New Year wishes to nation

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has extended her wishes to the nation in a message marking the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, highlighting unity, renewal and collective strength.

President’s New Year message highlights unity, prosperity and renewal

Marking the auspicious transition of the sun and the arrival of the spring harvest season, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has dawned once again, celebrated by Sri Lankans since ancient times.

Beginning of the New Year

The Sinhala and Hindu (Tamil) New Year will begin on Tuesday, April 14, at 9:32 AM according to the first part of the day.

Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash

Faced with growing backlash, US President Donald Trump appears to have removed a controversial Truth Social post depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure.

Police urge caution as road fatalities rise during festive season

Sri Lanka Police have issued a strong warning to motorists to avoid drunk and reckless driving during the ongoing festive season.

US State Department confirms Rubio to take part in Lebanon-Israel talks

The US State Department has confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take part in Tuesday’s meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to Washington.

Nonagathaya begins

The Nonagathaya or inauspicious time for the New Year will be observed from 3:08 AM to 3:56 PM on Tuesday, April 14.

Protect children from fireworks: Health officials

Authorities have urged parents to keep children away from firecrackers during the festive season, citing rising injury risks.

Ukrainian woman arrested over assault on Sri Lankan in Mount Lavinia

A Ukrainian national was arrested late last night for allegedly behaving in a disorderly manner and assaulting a Sri Lankan woman in Mount Lavinia, Police said.

Landslide warnings issued for four districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for four districts due to heavy rainfall.

Iran threatens ports in Mideast as US military set to impose shipping blockade

The U.S. military announced it will begin a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday, as President Donald Trump sought to pressure Iran in a move that risks driving oil prices even higher and renewing the war. The announcement set the stage for a showdown, as Iran immediately responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

After criticizing Pope, Trump posts image of himself as a Jesus-like figure

Shortly after criticizing Pope Leo XIV in a lengthy social media post on Sunday, President Trump shared an apparently A.I.-generated image depicting him as a Jesus-like figure.

Australia appoints woman to lead its army for the first time

Australia on Monday said a woman would lead its army for the first time in history, as part of a reshuffle of ​the country’s defence force leadership.

Crowds gather ahead of iconic Indian singer’s funeral

Crowds are gathering ahead of the funeral as tributes continue to pour in for Bollywood singing legend Asha Bhosle, who died at the age of 92.

Britney Spears goes into rehab after driving under the influence arrest

Britney Spears has gone into rehab, a month after she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Oil jumps more than 7% to above $102 ahead of US blockade on Iran

Oil prices jumped back above $100 a barrel on Monday as the U.S. Navy prepared ‌to block ships to and from Iran via the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could restrict Iranian oil exports, after Washington and Tehran failed to reach a deal to end the war.

’Don’t fear him’: Pope Leo pushes back against Trump, says he won’t back down on war criticism

Pope Leo on Monday pushed back against Trump, saying he did not fear him and would continue speaking out against war, including the conflict involving Iran, despite sharp criticism from the US president.

Large cocaine smuggling attempt stopped at BIA; Ugandan woman arrested

Sri Lanka Customs officers have stopped a large cocaine smuggling attempt at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning, officials said.

Record prize money pot announced for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record prize fund of US$8,764,615 for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking a 10% increase on the 2024 edition.

HRCSL finds FR violations in arrest, suspension of Thushara Upuldeniya

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has determined that the arrest and subsequent suspension of former Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya amounted to violations of his Fundamental Rights, in connection with investigations into the alleged unlawful release of an inmate from the Anuradhapura Prison.

Peru’s presidential election delayed as voting chaos forces extension

Peruvian voters will have to wait until at least Monday to learn the outcome of Sunday’s presidential election after the process was mired in logistical issues that left thousands of people in the country and abroad unable to cast ballots.

Fuel oil shipment arrives at Colombo port

A shipment of fuel oil required for electricity generation arrived at the Colombo Port Dolphin Jetty last evening aboard the vessel Sea Adventure.

Audio clip on coal tender ‘Distorted’, says Lanka Coal Chairman

The Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd has rejected claims circulating on social media regarding a telephone conversation linked to its emergency coal procurement process.

Gout Gout ’shakes’ athletics world after eclipsing Usain Bolt record

Australian sprinter Gout Gout has stunned at the national athletics championships with a 200m time that eclipsed Usain Bolt’s under-20s record.