SL recovery on edge as Middle East shock ripples through economy: CBSL

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery is entering a more fragile phase, with the Central Bank warning that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beginning to test the resilience built through recent stabilisation efforts, even as domestic conditions remain broadly supportive of growth.

Trump urges Iran to free 8 women allegedly facing execution

US President Donald Trump has appealed to Tehran to release eight women reportedly facing execution, framing the move as a vital gesture of goodwill before the high-stakes second round of negotiations in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka receives $100,000 from Philippines for cyclone recovery

Sri Lanka has received a donation of $100,000 from the Philippines to support reconstruction and recovery efforts following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

Govt. can’t control prices, but supply will remain uninterrupted: New Energy Minister

New Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake said that the government’s primary objective remains the consistent and uninterrupted delivery of essential services, specifically electricity and fuel, to the public.

Pakistan urges US, Iran to extend truce

Pakistan on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to extend their two-week ceasefire, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

Ofcom investigating Telegram over child sexual abuse material concerns

The UK media regulator has launched an investigation into Telegram over concerns it may be failing to prevent child sexual abuse material (CSAM) being shared.

50 foreign nationals arrested in Negombo for visa overstay

A total of 50 foreign nationals have been arrested by officers of the Investigation Division of the Immigration and Emigration Department for overstaying their visas, authorities said.

Heavy rains flood roads in Nawalapitiya, disrupt traffic

A brief but intense spell of rain in Nawalapitiya on the afternoon of April 21 left key roads inundated, with flooding reported at the town bus stand and along the Nawalapitiya–Kandy Road, severely disrupting traffic.

Iran’s World Cup participation depends on team’s safety in the US: Minister

Iran’s football team is preparing for the World Cup, but a final decision on its participation in the tournament will be taken by the government, the country’s sport minister says.

Police deny claims STF receiving motorcycles from Avant Garde

Sri Lanka Police have denied claims circulating on social media that the Special Task Force (STF) is set to receive motorcycles from Avant Garde.

US-intercepted tanker moves near Sri Lanka waters

Ship-tracking data indicates that a crude oil tanker intercepted by the US military in the Indian Ocean made a sharp change of course in the early hours of this morning and is now broadcasting its position around 700km (430 miles) south-east of Sri Lanka.

We would arrest Netanyahu, says Hungary’s incoming PM

Hungary’s incoming prime minister has said he’ll stop the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Government declares Vesak Week from May 27 to June 2

The official programme for the 2026 Vesak Festival has been announced by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.

Central expressway sections to open in 2027 and 2028: RDA

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has announced that key sections of the Central Expressway are scheduled to be opened in phases over the coming years.

MLFF system to replace cash toll payments on expressways

Amid ongoing moves to reduce cash handling on expressways, the Road Development Authority (RDA) is preparing to introduce a new toll collection system known as Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), RDA Director General Anuradha Hettiarachchi said.

US, Iran exchange threats as fragile ceasefire set to expire

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said Iran is “prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield” after United States President Donald Trump threatened Tehran with “problems like they’ve never seen before” if the two-week ceasefire expires on Wednesday without a deal.

INS NIREEKSHAK makes port call in Colombo

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) NIREEKSHAK arrived in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit today. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship at the port of Colombo in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions.

Anura Karunathilaka assumes duties as Energy Minister

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka today assumed duties as the Minister of Energy at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Energy premises.

Police refute claims of planned bomb attacks in Colombo

Sri Lanka Police have dismissed as “completely false” reports circulating on social media and some websites claiming that a suspect was planning a series of bomb attacks in Colombo and other crowded areas.

Protect the planet, CEJ urges public on earth day

On the occasion of International Earth Day, the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has called on the public to reaffirm their commitment to environmental justice, biodiversity protection and climate resilience, stressing that safeguarding the planet is the responsibility of every citizen.

UN Resident Coordinator calls for completion of Easter Sunday attack probes

UN Resident Coordinator Mac-Andre Franche today called for a quick completion of probes carried out into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

Heat index alert issued as “caution level” temperatures expected across island

A widespread heat alert has been issued for almost all provinces, warning that the “feels-like” temperature could rise to caution level during daytime hours across large parts of Sri Lanka.

Dhamma school teacher exam 2026 application deadline extended

The Buddhist Affairs Department has extended the application deadline for the 2026 Dhamma School Teacher Certificate Examination.

Low-floor bus service launched in Makumbura with priority for disabled passengers

A pilot low-floor bus service aimed at providing safe, comfortable and reliable transport for persons with disabilities and special needs was launched today ( 21) at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center under the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.

Scammers impersonating as Iran demanding crypto fees for safe Hormuz passage

Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS has warned that unknown actors, purporting to be Iranian authorities, have delivered messages to some shipping companies demanding transit fees in cryptocurrencies in return for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Migrants in Spain queue to apply for mass legalisation programme

Migrants in Spain have queued up to apply for the country’s mass legalisation programme on Monday.

Joint Opposition questions legality behind decision for trial-at-bar to hear RW case

The Joint Opposition today questioned the legality behind the decision to set up a trial-at-bar to take up the case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

War in Iran is causing biggest energy crisis in history, IEA says

The conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel is creating the ​worst energy crisis ever faced by the ‌world, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday.

Heavy rains above 100mm expected across several provinces today

The Meteorology Department says showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (21).

Former MP Premalal Jayasekara arrested in Nuwara Eliya

Former Member of Parliament Premalal Jayasekara, known as ’’Choka Malli,’’ has been arrested by the Nuwara Eliya Police.