Nepal issues arrest warrant for former PM Deuba in graft probe

Nepal has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba for alleged corruption, officials said on Thursday (April 9, 2026) , making him the latest high-profile figure targeted under the new government.

Sri Lanka reaches IMF staff-level agreement, $700M financing expected

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and authorities of Sri Lanka have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

Sudden downpour in Pallekele causes several trees to fall

A sudden heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds struck the Balagolla area in the Pallekele Police Division, causing several trees to fall.

Sri Lankan Ambassador meets Nepal new Prime Minister

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal, Ruwanthi Delpitiya, paid a joint courtesy call on Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, together with Heads of Diplomatic Missions based in Kathmandu.

Former SL envoy to Iran hails Cardinal for taking on Donald Trump

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Iran M. M. Zuhair said that Sri Lankans must honour Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith for ‘hitting the nail right on its head’ over the Israeli-American war on Iran.

Maussakele and Castlereagh reservoirs down

The capacity of the Maussakele and Castlereagh hydro power reservoirs are fast dwindling due to the prevailing dry weather experienced in the central hills.

Govt moves to revamp fuel, electricity pricing formulas

A controversial move is underway to introduce a new formulas for adjusting fuel and electricity bills in the country, raising questions over its impact on already strained households.

Heat to ease with afternoon rains

Amid sweltering daytime conditions, the Meteorology Department has warned of afternoon thundershowers across several parts of the island, with the public urged to remain vigilant over lightning and gusty winds.

14 passengers in one trishaw : driver arrested

A trishaw driver was arrested by Koslanda Police yesterday for transporting 14 passengers, including schoolchildren and adults, in violation of the vehicle’s permitted seating capacity.

Trump warns U.S. military will stay near Iran until ‘real agreement’ is honored

President Donald Trump said Wednesday U.S. military forces will remain deployed in and around Iran until Tehran fully complies with the “real agreement,” warning that any breach would trigger a military response larger than anything seen before.

Sri Lanka explores trade, security ties at Montana Summit

A Sri Lankan delegation led by Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe participated in the Montana Security and Economic Summit - 2026, engaging in wide-ranging discussions with U.S. counterparts on trade, investment, education and security cooperation.

Israel reopens Jerusalem holy sites

Israeli authorities have announced that major holy sites in Jerusalem will reopen to visitors and worshippers following a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East conflict.

Iran threatens new hostilities as Israel pounds Lebanon

Hezbollah said on Thursday that it fired rockets at Israel in response to continued attacks despite the US-Iran ceasefire.

Contract to procure coal signed without AG’s approval

A contract to procure coal was signed with Trident Chemphar Limited without obtaining the approval of the Attorney General, according to a report by the Auditor General investigating the alleged fraud.

JD Vance says Iran would be ‘dumb’ to let talks collapse over Lebanon

United States Vice President JD Vance has warned Iran that it would be “dumb” to jeopardise its ceasefire with Washington over Israel’s attacks in Lebanon.

Iran’s IRGC navy issues map to guide ships around Hormuz mines

Iran announced alternative routes on Thursday for ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the risk of sea mines in the main zone of the vital waterway.

Sun overhead parts of country at 12:12 noon today

The sun will be directly overhead parts of the country today (09) at approximately 12:12 noon, with the closest areas identified as Chilaw, Bingiriya, Halmillawewa, Panduwasnuwara, Gokarella, Kawudupelella, Koppaveli and Kirankulam.

Iran says peace talks would be ’unreasonable’ following Israeli strikes

Israel pounded Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet on Wednesday, killing hundreds of people and drawing a threat of retaliation from Iran, which suggested it would be ’’unreasonable’’ to ‌proceed with talks to forge a permanent peace deal with the United States.

Trump says Lebanon not included in US-Iran ceasefire amid Israeli assault

President Donald Trump has claimed that Lebanon was not included in the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, contradicting the assertion of Pakistan, which mediated the truce.

Israel launches 100 air strikes in 10 minutes across Lebanon

Israel carried out an unprecedented wave of attacks across Lebanon, saying it launched 100 air strikes in a span of 10 minutes. Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett reports from the scene of a strike in Beirut.

GMOA calls 48-hour island-wide strike over appointment dispute

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced a 48-hour island-wide strike set to commence at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow (April 9), citing a dispute with the Health Ministry over post-internship appointments.

Iran may quit US ceasefire if Israel continues attacks in Lebanon: Iranian media

Iran will withdraw from a ceasefire agreement with the US if Israel continues to violate it through attacks on Lebanon, an informed source told Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency on Wednesday.

Iran halts tanker traffic at Strait of Hormuz after Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been halted following Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported on Wednesday.

436 post-intern medical officers receive appointments

The Health and Mass Media Ministry has announced the appointment of 436 post-internship medical officers to strengthen healthcare services across the island.

Market surges on ceasefire optimism, records one of highest gains in CSE history

The Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a powerful rebound, with both indices posting significant gains in a strongly bullish session. The ASPI surged by over 980 points within the first 10 minutes of trading, reflecting a sharp turnaround in investor sentiment. Although the index moderated thereafter, it maintained a strong upward trajectory, holding gains within the 800–900 point range throughout the session.

Iran could open Strait of Hormuz in a controlled way ahead of meeting with US, senior Iranian official says

Iran could open the Strait of ​Hormuz in a limited ‌and controlled way on Thursday or Friday ahead of ​a meeting between ​U.S. and Iranian officials in ⁠Pakistan, a senior Iranian ​official, involved in the ​talks, told Reuters on Wednesday.

Trump threatens tariffs of 50% on countries ‘supplying military weapons to Iran’

The U.S. will impose tariffs of 50% on “any and all” goods imported to the country from any nation “supplying military weapons to Iran”, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday.

Ministers accumulating social capital while people hit with economic burden: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa today alleged that Ministers of the government are accumulating social capital while the people are battered with unbearable economic burden.

Reduce fuel prices immediately: Sajith tells government

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the government to immediately reduce fuel prices which were increased due to the Middle East war as a two-week ceasefire has been declared now.

Zelenskiy, welcoming Iran de-escalation, says Ukraine ready for ceasefire with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday he ​welcomed the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, adding ‌that Kyiv was ready to ’’respond in kind’’ if Moscow ceased strikes.