Cabinet approves VAT amendment bill ahead of parliament submission

The Cabinet has approved steps to amend the Value Added Tax Act, No. 14 of 2002, in line with proposed tax policy changes outlined in the 2025 and 2026 budgets.

Cabinet approves new commissioner general of Registration of Persons

The Cabinet has approved the appointment of a new Commissioner General of Registration of Persons to fill the existing vacancy in the Department of Registration of Persons.

Cabinet approves procurement of surgical gauze from local manufacturers

The Cabinet has approved the procurement of surgical gauze for the Medical Supplies Sector for the year 2026 from local manufacturers, in line with an earlier decision to support domestic production.

Govt to launch digital marketplace to streamline public procurement

The Sri Lankan government is set to create and develop a centralized GovTech App/Service Marketplace under its Digital Public Infrastructure initiative, aiming to streamline and modernize public sector technology procurement.

Bribery Commission sets deadline for Mahinda Rajapaksa’s asset disclosure

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC ) has directed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to submit a fully completed affidavit detailing his assets, expenses, and sources of income by April 10, 2026.

Oil prices climb as Hormuz stays shut ahead of Trump deadline

Oil ​prices extended gains on Tuesday as a U.S.-imposed deadline loomed for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or be ’’taken ‌out’’, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to order attacks on Iranian bridges and power plants.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei unconscious and in a ‘severe condition’, leaked memo suggests

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newest Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, is in a “severe condition” and cannot take part in the regime’s decision-making, according to a leaked diplomatic memo.

Nuwara Eliya PS Chairman arrested over corruption allegations

The Chairman of the Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha, which is under the control of the National People’s Power (NPP), was arrested this morning (April 7) by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over allegations of corruption.

Amber alert issued for severe lightning across several provinces

The Meteorology Department has issued an Amber-level advisory warning of severe lightning activity in parts of the country, effective until 11.00 p.m. today (07).

Iran war jeopardizes U.S. global leadership, warns Italian minister

The Iran war has put U.S. global leadership on the line, Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said, expressing fear about the ’’madness’’ of nuclear escalation.

Moon fly-by sees astronauts regain contact with Earth and head for home

Four astronauts on Nasa’s Artemis II mission are on their way back home after a dramatic lunar fly-by that saw them travel further from Earth than any other humans.

Government hopeful of receiving IMF 5th, 6th tranche by end May: President

The government is hopeful of receiving the fifth and sixth tranches of USD 700 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by the end of May, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Pre-feasibility study underway on resuming Mannar-Rameswaram ferry service: Minister

The government is conducting a pre-feasibility study on resuming passenger ferry services between Mannar and Rameswaram, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka said today.

Diesel, petrol concessions for three months from May

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced a series of relief measures, including fuel concessions and financial support, aimed at easing the burden on the public.

Israeli military tells people in Iran to avoid using trains

The Israeli military on Tuesday told ​people in Iran not ‌to use trains or go near railway ​lines.

Over 400 school dropouts due to abuse, violence: PM

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya revealed today that some 425 children have left school, while six have committed suicide due to abuse and violence in both government and private schools so far from 2025.

Are we seeing AI Sajith in Parliament today?

Exhibiting a sense of humour, Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake questioned whether the MPs are seeing AI-generated Opposition Leaders in the House today.

No unannounced power cuts: Minister refutes allegations

Whilst dismissing the allegations of unannounced power cuts, Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody told Parliament today that announcements will be made if scheduled power cuts are implemented.

SLTB, Railways announce special transport services for New Year travellers

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced that a special bus service will be operated from April 9 to facilitate passengers travelling to their hometowns for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Sri Lanka Women U19 have won the toss and have opted to bat

Series: Women’s Under-19 Tri-Series in Australia, 2026 Sri Lanka Women U19 vs England Women U19, 2nd unofficial ODI

President to present concessional package to Parliament today: Leader of the House

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will present a concessional package in Parliament today, specially designed for the public, Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake told the House.

’’There was always someone above Zahran’’– Easter Sunday attack victims

Amid a fresh wave of claims and counterclaims over the alleged mastermind behind the Easter Sunday terror attacks, family members of the victims are of the opinion that there was always someone above Zaharan Hashim before the attacks were launched.

Wild elephants roam, school children on holiday

The wild elephant conflict in the Hambantota area has resulted in the closure of Welipatanwila Maha Vidyalaya in Nonagama in Hambantota education zone.

Avurudu Koha goes silent this year

The song of the Avurudu Koha, known as the Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus), is a familiar feature during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, along with the ripening of fruits in nature. People often feel nostalgic when they hear the bird’s call, which heralds the arrival of Avurudu.

Little hero in Kotmale

A heroic deed of a little boy who saved his parents and sister from imminent death when they received serious injuries in a road accident was reported yesterday from Thawalanthenna, Kotmale.

Politicians get together despite being in different camps: SJB MP

Politicians from different parties come together on various occasions despite being in opposing political camps, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sujith Sanjaya Perera said.

Sinopec increases Super Diesel price

Sinopec, the leading Chinese petroleum company has increased the price of Super Diesel with effect from today (07).

Assets branded differently for Govt, opposition: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa claimed that a double standard exists in how wealth is perceived in politics, alleging that assets held by government figures are described as “social capital,” while those linked to the opposition are labelled as “theft.”

Trump threatens to take out Iran in ’one night’ if no deal before deadline

US President Donald Trump has threatened to take out Iran ’’in one night’’ if it fails to make a deal before the deadline he set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.

Discharge delays fuel public dissatisfaction: Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa says

Growing delays in hospital discharge procedures are fueling public dissatisfaction with Sri Lanka’s health system, Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.