Expert committee appointed to restructure National Colleges of Education

An expert committee has been appointed to enhance standards and restructure the National Colleges of Education, with a focus on producing a new generation of competent and transformative teachers.

Foreign cybercrime suspects to face Sri Lankan law, no immediate deportation: Police

Amid a rising number of foreign nationals allegedly involved in cybercrime and online scams in Sri Lanka, police said that offenders will be prosecuted under the country’s Cybercrimes Act and will not be immediately deported or allowed to leave the country.

What do astronauts eat on the way to the Moon? Inside the Artemis II menu

ASA’s ambitious Artemis II mission, which launched on April 1, is sending four astronauts on a historic 10-day journey around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft.

Scheduled water cuts continue in Colombo district

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that the scheduled water cuts affecting several areas in the Colombo District due to prevailing dry weather conditions will continue today (April 04).

A-10 aircraft hit by Iranian air defenses, second US aircraft to go down in Middle East

A U.S. A-10 aircraft has been hit by Iranian air defenses, Iranian state media reported, citing Iran’s Army public relations office.

Coal issue: Chanaka accuses Minister of suppressing report

SLPP MP D.V. Chanaka has accused Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody of attempting to suppress a report on the importation of substandard coal.

Hot weather to continue despite rains in some areas: Met. Department

The Department of Meteorology said yesterday that the hot weather will continue throughout April despite rains being forecast in some areas in the country.

Greek PM reshuffles cabinet as EU aid farm fraud probe widens

ATHENS, April 3 (Reuters) - Greek Prime ​Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reshuffled his cabinet on Friday, as he seeks to limit ‌the fallout from a growing scandal over alleged fraud related to European Union farm funds.

NASA releases stunning first images of Earth taken by the Artemis II astronauts

NASA released the very first images taken by astronauts aboard the Artemis II Orion capsule as they are making their way to the moon.

Government to test online work for public service on April 16 - 17

The Ministry of Public Administration informed that examinations, including the Grama Niladhari entrance examination were conducted as planned.

Over dozen Generals removed since Hegseth took office

The United States military is undergoing a sweeping leadership shake-up, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth overseeing the removal of more than a dozen senior generals and admirals since early 2025.

Saunders and St. Mary’s set for final showdown tomorrow

Two of Sri Lanka’s historic football clubs, Saunders SC Colombo and St. Mary’s SC Jaffna, will clash in the final of the FFSL Champions Cup 2025–26 knockout tournament tomorrow (April 4) at 6.00 p.m. at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo.

Royal-Trinity Blockbuster at the Stadium

The curtains of the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockout tournament will come down tomorrow (04) with Trinity, the league champions and knockout runners-up of 2025, clashing against arch Bradby Shield rivals Royal in quest for the title to be kicked off tomorrow at the Sugathadasa Stadium from 4.15 p.m. onwards.

Iran shoots down U.S. F-15 fighter in humiliation for Trump

Iran claims it has shot down an American fighter jet over the country for the first time, according to its own media and a source who confirmed it to a well-connected Israeli American journalist.

Israel’s PM says 70% of Iran’s steel production capacity destroyed, hindering weapons production

Friday began with Israel saying it was under attack by a new barrage of missiles from Iran, as President Donald Trump warned the United States had yet to begin ’’destroying what’s left’’ of the Islamic republic’s infrastructure.

Four inmates escape Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre

Four inmates have reportedly escaped from the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Polonnaruwa this afternoon (03).

Doctors to continue ongoing strike, challenge Health Minister

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) announced that its strike action will continue from 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (04), citing unresolved concerns over what it describes as unfair transfers.

Water cut duration reduced to 18 hours

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board has announced that the ongoing 24-hour water cut imposed in several areas will be reduced to 18 hours.

Pakistan hikes fuel prices sharply amid spiralling Mideast conflict

Pakistan on Thursday hiked consumer ​prices for diesel and petrol sharply, its second increase in less than ‌a month, amid rising global oil prices spurred by the conflict in the Middle East.

Cuba to free 2,010 prisoners from island jails in ’sovereign gesture’

Cuba on Thursday said ​it would free more than 2,000 prisoners from the ‌island’s jails, according to state-run media, the second time this year its communist-run government has announced a prisoner amnesty amid talks with the administration of ​U.S. president Donald Trump.

Brent crude hovers around $109 a barrel as war continues

Oil prices have surged following Trump’s renewed threats to destroy Iranian infrastructure.

Myanmar’s coup leader elected president by pro-military parliament

Myanmar’s coup leader has won a parliamentary vote to become the ⁠country’s president, formalising his grip on political power in the war-torn nation five years after he ousted an elected government.

US-based monks to lead Peace Walk in Sri Lanka

A discussion on providing state patronage for the upcoming “Walk for Peace Programme in Sri Lanka” was held at the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of a group of Venerable monks who recently completed a 110-day peace walk across 10 states in the United States, from Texas to Washington.

Kuwait oil refinery damaged in drone attack

Kuwait’s state news agency said on X that an oil refinery in Al Ahmadi, operated by the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, was attacked in an early morning drone strike on Friday.

Police arrest 147 foreign nationals in Chilaw hotel raid

Police arrested 147 foreign nationals during a raid conducted at a hotel in Iranavila, Chilaw, police said.

Heavy rains in Nuwara Eliya

Heavy thunder showers were experienced in several areas in the Nuwara Eliya district last evening, much to the relief of the people who had been affected by the prolonged dry weather and intense heat.

Proposal to extend retirement age of SC and AC judges will create unrest in state sector

The Government’s proposal to extend the retirement age of only Supreme Court (SC) and Appeal Court (AC) judges will create unrest in the legal fraternity and the state sector as a whole, the Opposition alleged yesterday.

Rains predicted in most parts of island

Amid the prevailing hot weather, the Department of Meteorology has predicted the return of rains, with atmospheric conditions becoming favourable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island.

Doctors urge parents to bathe children twice daily

Amid predicted water cuts, medical experts have urged parents to ensure their children bathe at least twice a day to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses due to rising temperatures across the country.

Trump levels new threats against Iran, says bridges ‘next’

Trump has levelled a series of new threats against Iran, warning that the US military “hasn’t even started” destroying what remains of Iranian infrastructure.