SLPP to gear up for political comeback in New Year: MR

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa indicated that a “significant plan” is in place aimed at regaining political power in the New Year, stating that a political shift is imminent and that the party is fully prepared for it.

Student volunteer initiative launched at Jaffna uni

A new student-led volunteer initiative aimed at strengthening community engagement and social responsibility has been launched at the University of Jaffna.

Severe lightning and thundershowers expected after 1.00 p.m. – Met Department

The Meteorology Department has warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. today.

Uncertain of joint opposition May Day rally: Sujeewa

Responding to speculation on a joint May Day rally by some parties in the Opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sujeewa Senasinghe said today that it is not possible to come up with a definite word about it.

Delay in coal environmental report “suspicious” – Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa

The Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights has raised concerns over the delayed publication of an environmental impact assessment related to recently imported substandard coal shipments to Sri Lanka.

Tehran vows swift response after US seizes Iranian-flagged vessel

The US says it has attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel it said had tried to evade its naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. Tehran’s joint military command vowed to respond, throwing the fate of a fragile ceasefire into question days before it expires.

Harsha defends HSBC CEO’s comment on Sri Lanka’s oil purchase

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva yesterday referred to Daily Mirror report published under the title ’CPC rejects US dollars 286 per barrel claim, threatens legal action’’ and alleged that there has been an attempt to manipulate the statement made by the HSBC CEO.

Indian Vice President visits Nuwara Eliya to inspect housing project

Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Nuwara Eliya this morning (20) to inspect the progress of the Indian-funded housing project for the Indian-origin Tamil community.

Island-wide police sweep nets over 600 suspects; 98 arrested on open warrants

Sri Lanka Police have arrested 98 individuals with open warrants during a series of special island-wide crime prevention and anti-narcotics operations conducted across all police divisions.

Two foreign journalists nabbed at BIA with ‘Kush’ worth Rs. 64 mn

Two foreign social media journalists were arrested this morning (20) by officers of the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau for attempting to smuggle a stock of “Kush” drugs valued at over Rs. 64 million.

Low-floor priority bus service for persons with disabilities to begin tomorrow

A low-floor priority bus service for persons with disabilities will commence tomorrow (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC), the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry said.

Expressways generate Rs. 48.5 mn in 24 hours; nearly Rs. 490 mn earned over 10 days

Traffic on the expressways (E01, E02, E03 and E04) generated a total revenue of Rs. 48,500,040 during the 24-hour period from midnight on April 19 to midnight on April 20, 2026, according to an official traffic summary.

GMOA comes under criticism from rank and file

The recent strike launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has come under criticism, with sources claiming it was poorly organized and failed to pressure the Government.

NIC one-day service resumes as system restored from today.

The Department of Registration of Persons has announced that all public services, including the one-day service for issuing National Identity Cards (NICs), will resume from today (20).

Energy Minister used as a scapegoat to cover up breach of trust by the Cabinet: Joint Opposition

The resignation of Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody is an attempt to cover up a serious breach of collective responsibility by the Cabinet, the Joint Opposition said.

Will Kumara Jayakody’s resignation trigger a Cabinet reshuffle?

A Cabinet reshuffle becomes inevitable if President Anura Kumara Dissanayake picks someone from the current board of Ministers to fill the Energy Ministry portfolio that fell vacant after the resignation of Kumara Jayakody from the post.

Oil prices rise after Trump says Iranian ship seized

Global oil prices rose in Monday morning trade in Asia after President Donald Trump said the US has intercepted and seized an Iran-flagged cargo ship.

Project complex with significant financial outlays - Indian Foreign Secretary

Asserting that there is no further time to lose on strategic projects such as the Trincomalee energy hub, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said yesterday that although a timeline has not yet been established, discussions are in progress, given the complexity of the project and its significant financial outlays.

Kumara Jayakody - A man who faces the test of time

Days after Kumara Jayakody resigned as the Energy Minister making him the first minister to step down amidst corruption allegations in the NPP government, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will this week appoint an already existing cabinet minister to the post to temporarily look into the affairs of the ministry, the Daily Mirror learns.

US energy chief says gas prices could stay above $3 per gallon until next year

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday he believes gas prices have peaked but predicted that they may stay above $3 per gallon ​until next year.

Louisiana man kills 7 of his children, another child in mass shooting

A gunman in the southern US state of Louisiana killed eight children, including seven of his own, and shot two other people before being killed by police, authorities have said.

‘We are not afraid of war’: Iranians rally in support of government

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Tehran in support of Iran’s government, with some voicing a “complete distrust” towards the US and urging Iranian officials not to back down.

US intercepts and seizes Iranian-flagged cargo ship, Trump says

The US has intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf as part of its naval blockade, Donald Trump has said.

India extends OCI eligibility to sixth generation of Indian-origin Sri Lankans

In what appears to be a major bonanza for Sri Lankan Tamils of Indian origin, India has extended eligibility for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card to the fifth and sixth generations.

Leaving for work

On Monday, April 20, at 6:27 AM, the auspicious departure for work begins with traditional observances meant to bring prosperity and success.

Tourism earnings plunge to five-month low as the Middle East conflict derails targets

Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings from tourism suffered a severe blow in March 2026, plummeting 37 percent year-on-year to US$ 223.7 million.

March remittances hit four-month high on seasonal inflows

​Sri Lanka’s worker remittances rose sharply in March, supported by seasonal inflows ahead of key festival periods, with receipts climbing to their highest level in four months, Central Bank data showed.

Sri Lanka secures continued IMF backing at 2026 Spring Meetings

​A Sri Lankan delegation led by Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has held productive discussions with the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and investors during the 2026 Spring Meetings.

No Iranian negotiating team being sent to Pakistan yet: Report

There ⁠is currently no ⁠decision by Iran ⁠to send a negotiating delegation ‌to Pakistan “as long as there is a naval ⁠blockade”, Iran’s Tasnim ⁠News Agency ⁠reports.

SL name youthful squad for first NZ match

Sri Lanka has been forced to field a secondstring XV for the opening Test against the New Zealand Under85kg side on April 25, as a long domestic season, injuries, and player unavailability due to Sevens have impacted squad selection.