China’s Xi urges Vietnam to oppose ’bullying’ as Trump mulls more tariffs

China’s President Xi Jinping has called on Vietnam to oppose ’’unilateral bullying’’ to upkeep a global system of free trade - though he stopped short of naming the US.

Modi meets devoted follower who took a 14-year vow without footwear

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Rampal Kashyap, a man from Haryana’s Kaithal, who had taken an extraordinary vow 14 years ago — to not wear footwear until Modi became Prime Minister and he had met him in person.

President rescues young girl from crowd during NPP rally

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was met with loud cheers after swiftly rescuing a young girl who got trapped in a crowd during a National People’s Power (NPP) rally held in Samanthurai last Saturday (12).

State oil anointing ceremony to be held in Kandy tomorrow

The annual State oil anointing ceremony, held in conjunction with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, is scheduled to take place tomorrow (April 16) at 9:04 a.m. at the Sri Maha Natha Devalaya premises, located within the Sri Dalada Maligawa Square in Kandy.

EC calls for submission of legal documents on rejected nominations

The Election Commission (EC) has requested secretaries and authorised representatives of political parties, as well as leaders of independent groups, to submit copies of any petitions and court judgments to the relevant District Election Offices.

Special bus, train services today and tomorrow

Special bus operations will commence today in response to passenger demand, the National Transport Commission (NTC) and the Railway Department announced.

5.2-magnitude earthquake hits California near San Diego

A 5.2 earthquake rattled San Diego, California, and the surrounding area on Monday afternoon, according to the US Geological Survey.

CID refuses former President Ranil’s request to speak with Pillayan

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s request to speak with detained former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, has been refused by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Blue Origin completes historic all-female space tourism trip

Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission completed a historic journey into space, carrying an all-female crew to the edge of the atmosphere, including entertainment reporter and partner of tycoon Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez, journalist Gayler King, singer Katy Perry, and aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe.

New Year Ruhunu Kataragama Perahera held

Boy injured after jumping from locked room; Police launch probe

The Keselwatta Police have launched an investigation after a 12-year-old boy, who was forcibly locked inside a two-storey house, jumped out of a window and sustained serious injuries.

Expressways earn Rs. 134 Mn in 3 days

The expressway network has generated Rs. 134 million in revenue over the past three days, coinciding with the New Year season, according to the Expressway Maintenance and Management Division.

Multiple deaths in separate road accidents

Five people were reported dead in separate road accidents reported from Maho, Manampitiya, Balangoda and Silawathura, police said.

Three Lankans nabbed with Kush, Hashish

Three Sri Lankan passengers were arrested while attempting to smuggle a stock of Kush and Hashish into the country, concealed in biscuit and chips bags, Customs Additional Director and Spokesman Sivali Arukgoda said.

Head-on crash in Agbopura kills bus driver

A head-on collision between a bus and an Army truck occurred a short while ago in the Agbopura area, killing the bus driver, the Akbarpura Police said.

Prime Minister’s New Year message

Let us step into the New Year with renewed hope and a vision, as we continue to work together toward “a prosperous country and a beautiful life.”

President’s New Year Message

As we celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this year, a festival that symbolises the hope of both physical and spiritual renewal, our nation finds itself at a defining moment, achieving significant victories while resolutely striving towards the realisation of a better and more prosperous future.

Starting work, transactions, and sharing the first meal

At the auspicious time of 6:44 AM on Monday, April 14, people will begin the traditional New Year customs of starting work, engaging in transactions, and sharing the first meal.

China urges US to 'completely cancel' tariffs

Chinese officials are calling on US President Donald Trump to ’’completely cancel’’ his so-called reciprocal tariffs, as a trade war between the world’s two biggest economies grinds on.

Milk boiling ceremony at Sri Dalada Maligawa

Creating glowing patterns...

Preparing food and consuming food

The first meal of the New Year will be prepared at the auspicious time of 4:04 AM on Monday, April 14, in accordance with traditional customs.

Dawn of the New Year

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year will officially dawn at 3:21 AM on Monday, April 14, marking the transition from the old year to the new.

Happy New Year!

Religious activities during ‘Nonagathaya’

Bangladesh issues arrest warrant for British MP Tulip Siddiq

Bangladeshi authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the British MP and former Labour minister Tulip Siddiq.

Passara–Namunukula road closed after pine trees fall

The Passara–Namunukula main road has been temporarily closed from tonight (13) due to a hazardous situation caused by two large pine trees that fell onto the road near the 12th mile post, Namunukula Police said.

Inauspicious time begins

The period between the old year and the new, known as ‘Punya Kalaya’ or ‘Nonagathaya’—the inauspicious time—will be observed from 8:57 PM on April 13 to 9:45 AM on April 14.’’

PTA will be abolished in future: PM

The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be abolished in the future, as outlined in the manifesto of the National People’s Power, which envisions “a prosperous country and a beautiful life,” Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

153-year-old tortoise selected for New Year’s oil anointing at Dehiwala Zoo

The oldest resident of the Dehiwala National Zoo, a 153-year-old giant tortoise has been selected to take part in the traditional New Year’s Anointing of Oil ceremony, scheduled to be held at 9:04 a.m. on April 16, according to the zoo’s Operations Director, Anoma Priyadarshini.