Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO

Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down from the job he inherited from the late Steve Jobs, ending a nearly 15-year reign that saw the company’s market value soar by more than $3.6 trillion during an iPhone-fuelled era of prosperity.

Namal accuses Govt of politicising easter attacks probe

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of politicising investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, alleging selective action and misplaced blame.

All the airlines cancelling flights and adding extra charges amid jet fuel crisis

The global aviation industry is facing significant turbulence following a dramatic surge in jet fuel prices, driven by the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Vietnamese monks arrive for ‘Ehipassiko’ peace walk, accompanied by dog ‘Aloka’

A group of Vietnamese monks based in the United States, including Venerables Pannakara and Ratanaguna, arrived in Sri Lanka early this morning (21) to take part in the global peace initiative “Ehipassiko”, A Global Walk for Peace.

Eshan Malinga bringing back art of reverse-swing

Sri Lanka has most of its premier cricketers playing in either the Indian Premier League (IPL) or Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the moment and while the likes of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have made their mark with the bat, Eshan Malinga has made a huge impact with the ball. Malinga who unfortunately missed out on the World Cup due to injury earlier this year, has been in superb form for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) this season.

PHIs warn of rat fever risk during New Year festivities

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have warned of an increased risk of rat fever during New Year festival activities, particularly traditional folk games held near water sources and paddy fields.

Iran has not changed its decision to abstain from talks with US - Iranian media

Despite US President Trump telling the New York Post that the US delegation is en route to Pakistan, Iran has not ’’altered its decision to abstain’’ from the talks, according to Iran’s hard-line Tasnim news agency which is affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Special traffic plan near Kochchikade church tomorrow

A special traffic management plan will be implemented around St. Anthony’s Shrine tomorrow (April 21, 2026) to facilitate religious observances marking the seventh anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Japan issues rare special advisory over chance of more powerful quake

Authorities have warned residents of northeastern Japan to prepare for an even larger earthquake after a magnitude 7.7 quake struck off the coast of Iwate on Monday, triggering tsunami across a broad swath of the area.

Trump ‘considering’ lifting naval blockade

Donald Trump will consider lifting the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in order to overcome the deadlock in peace talks.

PCB imposes one-year PSL ban on Dasun Shanaka for contract breach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced imposing a two-year ban on Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Dasun Shanaka from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over his ’’unilateral withdrawal’’ from the ongoing 11th edition.

Fire at Rajasthan refinery site a day before PM Modi’s inauguration

A fire broke out at the Pachpadra Refinery in Balotra on Monday afternoon — just a day before its scheduled inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

UNP denies social media report on May Day rally

The United National Party (UNP) today denied the social media report which said the party is to hold a joint May Day rally with other parties.

Excise Department earns record revenue in first quarter of 2026

The Sri Lanka Excise Department has earned a record revenue of Rs. 70.4 billion in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding the set revenue target of Rs. 61.95 billion for the same period.

Anura Karunathilaka sworn in as Energy Minister

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Anura Karunathilaka as the new Minister of Energy.

Philippines, US and allies start military exercises testing ’real‑world’ readiness

Philippine and U.S. forces will carry out maritime strike drills on a remote Philippine ‌island near Taiwan during annual exercises that started on Monday, which Manila’s military chief said would test their readiness under ’’real‑world conditions’’.

No disruption to construction projects despite Middle East conflict: Minister

Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake has said that there is no interruption to ongoing construction projects in the country despite the prevailing conflict in the Middle East.

Six foreign envoys present credentials to President

Two High Commissioners, three Ambassadors and an Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See presented their credentials to Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (20).

Three injured in Watawala three-wheeler plunge

Three persons were injured when a three-wheeler carrying a family veered off the road and plunged nearly 50 feet into a ravine in the Carolina area of Watawala along the Hatton–Colombo main road on Monday (20), police said.

Tehran has ‘no plans to participate’ in new talks

Tehran is not currently planning to take part in new talks with the US, Iran state media reported on Sunday evening, as its military accused America of violating a fragile ceasefire between the two countries, hours after Donald Trump said he was dispatching negotiators to Islamabad.

Major 7.4-magnitude quake hits off Japan, tsunami warning issued

An earthquake ‌with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 struck off ​the northeastern coast of ​Japan on Monday afternoon, ⁠the Japan Meteorological ​Agency said.

Steps to regulate boat services after Gregory Lake incident

Nuwara Eliya Mayor Upali Wanigasekera says that measures will be taken to regulate boat services following an incident in which two tourist boats capsized at Gregory Lake.

Ex-Minister Piyasena Gamage granted bail in corruption case

Former Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training, Piyasena Gamage, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over corruption charges, was today ordered to be released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

Over 21,000 food establishments inspected during festive season raids: PHI

A special island-wide food safety inspection programme carried out during the festive season has resulted in widespread inspections and enforcement actions, according to the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Association.

SLPP to gear up for political comeback in New Year: MR

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa indicated that a “significant plan” is in place aimed at regaining political power in the New Year, stating that a political shift is imminent and that the party is fully prepared for it.

Student volunteer initiative launched at Jaffna uni

A new student-led volunteer initiative aimed at strengthening community engagement and social responsibility has been launched at the University of Jaffna.

Severe lightning and thundershowers expected after 1.00 p.m. – Met Department

The Meteorology Department has warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. today.

Uncertain of joint opposition May Day rally: Sujeewa

Responding to speculation on a joint May Day rally by some parties in the Opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sujeewa Senasinghe said today that it is not possible to come up with a definite word about it.

Delay in coal environmental report “suspicious” – Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa

The Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights has raised concerns over the delayed publication of an environmental impact assessment related to recently imported substandard coal shipments to Sri Lanka.

Tehran vows swift response after US seizes Iranian-flagged vessel

The US says it has attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel it said had tried to evade its naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. Tehran’s joint military command vowed to respond, throwing the fate of a fragile ceasefire into question days before it expires.