CNH reagent scandal probe delay “suspicious” – Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa

The delay in the investigation initiated by the Bribery Commission and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the audit inquiry issued regarding the tests carried out using expired reagents in the laboratories of the Colombo National Hospital (CNH) in the past is suspicious, the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will play in the 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed on April 15, 2026, that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup, with group matches scheduled in the United States despite tighter entry rules for Iranian nationals and an elevated security backdrop around the tournament.

Chinese nationals caught with concealed tech equipment at BIA

Sri Lanka Customs officers at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake have arrested nine Chinese nationals on suspicion of entering the country to engage in computer-related financial crimes.

Trump hails first Israel-Lebanon talks in ’34 years’, Hezbollah hints at ceasefire

Israel has indicated it will continue its military campaign in Lebanon even as diplomatic efforts gain traction, with Hezbollah signalling openness to discussions tied to a possible ceasefire framework.

Patient remanded over alleged sexual assault of doctor at Nagoda Hospital

The Acting Magistrate of Kalutara, Bandula Weerasinghe, yesterday (15) ordered that a patient accused of sexually assaulting a female doctor at the Nagoda Teaching Hospital be remanded until April 27.

U.S. Embassy issues warning to visitors against abusing public benefits

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has issued a notice to foreign nationals planning to travel to the United States, warning that misuse of taxpayer-funded public benefits could result in serious legal and immigration consequences.

US Senate Republicans back Trump military sales to Israel

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday blocked two resolutions that would have stopped the sale ‌of some $450 million in bombs and bulldozers to Israel, as President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans rallied behind his support for the Jewish state.

Pakistan army chief in Tehran to advance next round of US-Iran talks

A high-level Pakistani delegation has travelled to Iran to hold talks focused on arranging a fresh round of negotiations between Iran and the United States, a week before their fragile truce is due to expire.

SriLankan Airlines official, pilot clash at Bangkok airport

A confrontation has reportedly taken place between a SriLankan Airlines official and the captain of flight UL403 at an airport in Bangkok, Thailand.

US naval blockade of Iranian ports violates ceasefire: Iran’s army

The continued US naval blockade of all Iranian ports constitutes a violation of the ceasefire, said the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran’s top joint military command.

Pakistan Super League bans Zimbabwe pacer for two years for skipping league to IPL

The Pakistan Cricket Board has banned the Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani for two years after he skipped the 2026 Pakistan Premier League and joined the Indian Premier League.

Patient arrested for sexually harassing lady doctor

A patient undergoing treatment at the Nagoda General Hospital in Kalutara was arrested yesterday (14) by the Kalutara South Police for allegedly sexually harassing a female doctor on duty.

Japan PM pledges $10 bil. in financial aid to Asia to tackle oil shortage

The Japanese government said Wednesday it will provide a total of $10 billion in financial support to other Asian nations to help them secure crude oil supplies as prices soar amid the Middle East conflict, aiming to ensure that petroleum-derived products made in those countries keep flowing into Japan.

Chinese ship fails to break US blockade, turns back to Hormuz after brief win

A US-sanctioned tanker linked to China changed course after sailing out of the Strait of Hormuz, where vessel movements are being closely watched following a naval blockade announced by Donald Trump. According to a Reuters report, the vessel. Rich Starry, made its way back to the Strait of Hormuz as it failed to break through the US blockade.

UN watchdog says North Korea is boosting nuclear weapons capacity

North Korea ​has made ’’very serious’’ advances in its abilities to turn out nuclear weapons, with the probable addition of a ‌new uranium enrichment facility, as it stepped up activity at a key complex, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday.

Applications invited for Presidential Environment Awards – 2026

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has commenced calling for applications for the “Presidential Environment Awards – 2026” programme.

Nadeesha Gayanthi bags gold and silver at England Badminton Championship

Sri Lankan badminton player Nadeesha Gayanthi, who represented the country at the 108th All England Senior Badminton Championship held in England, returned home to a warm welcome after securing a gold and a silver medal at the international tournament.

US shuts down Iran’s maritime trade despite optimism for more talks

The United States said on Wednesday its military had completely halted trade going in and out of Iran by sea, even though President ​Donald Trump said talks with Tehran on ending the war could resume this week.

SLPP to move forward learning from past mistakes: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa says the party will move forward while learning from past mistakes, highlighting the need for reflection, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment.

Three-wheeler driver killed in Buttala road accident

A fatal road accident occurred this morning (15) in the Buttala–Unawatuna area along the Wellawaya–Moneragala main road when a three-wheeler collided with a van.

Sun directly overhead in Northern areas today

The sun is expected to be directly overhead in several areas in the Northern Province, including Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan and Manatkaadu, at approximately 12:10 p.m. today (15), the Meteorology Department said.

250 missing after migrant boat sinks in Indian Ocean

About 250 Rohingya and Bangladeshis, including children, are missing after their boat capsized last week in the Andaman Sea, according to the United Nations’ refugee and migration agencies.

Rain expected after 1 p.m. in several provinces

Showers or thundershowers are expected to occur at several places across the country after 1.00 p.m. today (15), the Meteorology Department said.

Trump hints Iran talks could resume this week as US port blockade continues

President Donald Trump has suggested talks aimed at ending the war in Iran could resume this week, after negotiations collapsed at the weekend, prompting the US to blockade Iranian ports.

New Year return travel services start today

Special transport services to facilitate the return of people who travelled to their hometowns for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year will commence from today (15).

Pope Leo issues warning on democracy after Trump criticism

Pope Leo warned of the risk of democracies sliding into ’’majoritarian tyranny’’ on Tuesday, in a ​letter issued by the Vatican two days after U.S. ‌President Donald Trump attacked the pontiff on social media.

Over 200 Iranian naval crew members depart Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka repatriated 240 Iranian naval personnel yesterday, following maritime incidents near the island.

Trump says Iran war is ’very close to being over’ as peace talks are expected to resume

President Donald Trump said the U.S.-Iran war is ’’very close’’ to an end as hostilities ease amid a two-week ceasefire agreement.

New Year oil anointing ritual begins

The Anointing of Oil ceremony is an important ritual of the Sinhala New Year, symbolizing health, protection, and renewal. On Wednesday, April 15, at 6:54 AM, participants follow age-old customs by applying specially prepared herbal oils.

Former insider urges external leadership for SriLankan Airlines to root out entrenched corruption

SriLankan Airlines is navigating a critical leadership transition as it prepares to appoint a new chairman and chief executive officer, a process that has sparked a fierce internal battle over the future direction of the national carrier.