Omani, French and Japanese vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz

A French container ship, three Oman-linked tankers and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed ⁠⁠the Strait of Hormuz, as some vessels make the passage through the contested waterway.

Petrol price drops to Rs378 as Pakistan PM cuts levy amid backlash

ISLAMABAD: Just a day after an unprecedented surge in petroleum prices, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced a major relief measure, slashing the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre and bringing the price of petrol down to Rs378 per litre.

Reduce taxes, tariff; Opposition MPs tell IMF

Opposition MPs who met the visiting IMF delegation at the parliamentary complex requested them to intervene in getting the Sri Lankan government to grant tax and tariff cuts.

Food prices spiked in March as Middle East conflict drove up energy costs

Food prices rose sharply in March as war in the Middle East drove up energy prices and freight costs around the world, a UN report says.

Afternoon showers expected across island

Showers or thundershowers are expected in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. today, according to the weather forecast issued at 5.30 a.m.

Justice for daily wage earner: SC awards Rs. 225,000 for police abuse

While awarding Rs. 225,000 in compensation to a daily wage earner for unlawful arrest, detention and torture by three policemen attached to the Hanwella Police Station in 2023, the Supreme Court held that the Constitution does not permit law enforcement authorities to treat individuals differently based on prejudice or social profiling, particularly on account of their poor economic status.

TPA secures direct Presidential mechanism for hill country Tamil issues

A high-level meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), led by MP Mano Ganesan, has resulted in a key administrative step aimed at addressing issues faced by the Indian-origin Malayaha Tamil community.

Russian oil unlikely anytime soon

Sri Lanka is unlikely to secure a shipment of Russian oil anytime soon, as logistical arrangements are still under discussion while the one-month US sanctions waiver is due to expire on April 11, the Daily Mirror learns.

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.