Energy Ministry gets new Secretary

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed G.M.R.D. Aponsu as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Energy.

CPC confirms $286 diesel barrel purchase, rejects overpricing claims

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has confirmed that a barrel of diesel was purchased at a cost of USD 286, while firmly rejecting allegations that fuel imports were made at inflated or irregular prices.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody resigns

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and Ministry Secretary Professor Udayanga Hemapala tendered their resignations this afternoon to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Temporary shade shelter set up in Jaffna to protect travelers from heat

A temporary shade shelter made of sackcloth has been installed at the Thirunelveli signal junction in Jaffna by members of the Nallur Council.

Myanmar reduces ex-leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence, her lawyer says

Myanmar has reduced the sentence of imprisoned ex-leader Aung San ​Suu Kyi, her lawyer told Reuters on Friday.

CPC ends QR-free fuel concession tomorrow midnight

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced that the temporary concession allowing petrol vehicle owners to obtain fuel without using a QR code will end at midnight tomorrow (18).

Presidential Commission appointed to probe coal procurement and power generation irregularities

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a fully fledged Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged irregularities and illegal activities related to coal imports and electricity generation in Sri Lanka from the inception of coal-based power generation up to 16 April 2026.

Balagolla water plant supply restored for 16,977 Kundasale connections

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) says that the water supply scheme operated through the Balagolla Water Treatment Plant, which serves 16,977 water connections in the Kundasale Divisional Secretariat area, has now been restored following a temporary disruption.

Severe lightning and thundershowers likely in several districts after 1.00 p.m. – Met Department

The Meteorology Department has issued a warning that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely at several places in the Southern Province as well as in Colombo, Kalutara, Monaragala, and Ratnapura districts after 1.00 p.m. today.

150 kg of heroin seized from fishing vessel brought to Dikowita harbour

Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara said that nearly 150 kilograms of heroin were recovered from a multi-day fishing vessel brought to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour.

Bodies of two more victims recovered from Deduru Oya tragedy; Death toll rises to 8

The bodies of the two remaining persons who drowned in the Deduru Oya in the Kobeigane area have now been recovered, police said.

Helicopter crash on Indonesia’s Borneo island kills 8

A helicopter flying between palm oil plantations on Borneo Island crashed, killing the eight people on board, Indonesian officials said Friday.

Indian vice president to visit Sri Lanka on April 19–20

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from April 19 to 20, 2026, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to Sri Lanka, India External Affairs Ministry said.

One dead, two injured as car falls into 300-foot precipice in Balangoda

A person was killed and two others sustained critical injuries after a car travelling from Balangoda to Kandy via Bagawanthalawa veered off the road and plunged into a 300-foot precipice near Keselgamu Oya on Friday (17), police said.

SL Catholics should not get deceived by impostors: Catholic Church in SL

Sri Lankan Catholics should not be deceived by impostors, a spokesman from the Sri Lankan Church said.

US to delay weapons deliveries to some European countries due to Iran war

U.S. officials have informed some ​European counterparts that some previously contracted weapons deliveries are likely to be delayed as the Iran war ‌continues to draw on weapons stocks, five sources familiar with the matter said.

Sinhala New Year rituals preserved for millennia under Buddhist guidance: Samarasinghe

Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe says that Sinhala New Year rituals, a cornerstone of the country’s cultural identity, have been preserved for thousands of years with Buddhist temples at their center and the guidance of Buddhist monks playing a significant historical role.

Major refinery fire won’t lead to fuel rationing, Australian PM says

Fuel production at a critical Australian oil refinery has significantly dropped after a major fire but tougher restrictions will not be introduced, the country’s prime minister has said.

Grade 1 education reforms to be implemented in 2026

The Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Ministry has announced that the implementation of Grade 1 education reforms for 2026 is currently underway.

First crude oil shipment since Middle East conflict to arrive today

The first crude oil tanker to arrive in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict is scheduled to reach the island today (17), the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Company (CPSTL) said.

Artemis II crew: ’We left as friends - we came back as best friends’

The four astronauts of Artemis II say their mission gave the world a sense of hope and unity at a time when both feel in short supply.

Afternoon thundershowers forecast for several provinces

Showers or thundershowers are expected to occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces, as well as in the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts after 1.00 p.m. today, the Meteorology Department said.

Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire, Trump says

A 10-day ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, six weeks into a renewed war with Hezbollah that has killed more than 2,000 people, caused widespread destruction and driven more than a million residents from their homes.

Lebanon president thanks Trump for efforts to achieve ceasefire

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has thanked the US president for his efforts to “secure lasting peace and stability”, his office said on X after a phone call between the two leaders.

Tragedy at Deduru Oya: Two dead, six missing as group of 15 swept away

A tragic drowning incident at the Deduru Oya in the Kuratiyagahamula area of Kobeigane has left at least two people dead and six others missing.

WhatsApp of former Bishop of Badulla hacked

The WhatsApp account of the former Bishop of Badulla Rev. Winston Fernando has been hacked.

CPC refutes $286 per barrel claim, threatens legal action

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has firmly denied claims that Sri Lanka paid $286 per barrel for crude oil, describing the reports as false and misleading, and warning of legal action against those responsible.

Water shortage in some areas due to government’s decision to go for hydro power generation

Some areas are facing a water shortage as a result of the government’s decision to use the water in the main reservoirs for power generation, Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) alleged.

CSE Rebounds Strongly as Investor Confidence Returns Amid Improved Market Outlook

The Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a notable recovery on 16th April 2026, as improved market sentiment and supportive developments drove a strong rebound in indices. From the opening bell, the market remained firmly in positive territory, with sustained buying interest throughout the session helping to maintain upward momentum.

US military: ’locked and loaded’ to strike Iran’s power plants, energy industry if ordered

The U.S. naval blockade of Iran is just an example of ’’polite’’ behavior during ‌the ongoing ceasefire and U.S. forces are ready to strike Iran’s power plants and energy industry if ordered, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said on Thursday.