Italy suspends defence cooperation deal with Israel

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday her government had ‌suspended a defence cooperation deal with Israel, reflecting frayed ties between previously close allies as the conflicts in the Middle East continue.

SLTB earns over Rs. 600 mn during New Year travel surge

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has recorded a revenue of over Rs. 600 million from April 9 to 13, marking a significant increase in earnings during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year travel period.

US, Iran may resume talks this week despite port blockade

Negotiating teams from the U.S. and Iran could return to Islamabad ​this week to resume talks to end the war, sources told Reuters on Tuesday, after the collapse of weekend negotiations prompted Washington to impose a blockade on Iranian ports.

China warns of countermeasures against US over tariff hikes threat

China has threatened “countermeasures” if the US “goes ahead with the tariff hikes on China”, which Beijing says follow false media reports claiming it provided military support to Iran.

Gunman opens fire at high school in Turkey, wounding at least 16

A former student opened fire at a high school in southeast Turkey on Tuesday, wounding at least 16 people before killing himself, an official said.

Japan halts new foreign worker intake for food services as quota nears

Japan has stopped accepting new foreign workers in its food services sector from Monday (Apr 13), as the industry nears its quota under a skilled worker scheme.

Expressways generate Rs. 163 Mn revenue in three days

Sri Lanka’s expressways recorded more than Rs. 163 million in revenue over a three-day period from April 10 to April 12, reflecting a surge in holiday travel, the Road Development Authority (RDA) said.

Russia’s oil revenue surges as sanctions relief eases during war on Iran

JRussia’s revenue from oil exports almost doubled in March after Moscow received sanctions relief aimed at easing surging energy prices during the US-Israel war on Iran, according to the International Energy Agency.

North Korea tests cruise and anti-ship missiles from naval destroyer

North Korea conducted another test of strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles on Sunday as part of operational efficiency trials of its destroyer Choe Hyon, state media KCNA said on Tuesday.

Engaging in work, transactions, and meals

Following the sacred Nonagathaya period of the Sinhala New Year, normal activities resume at the auspicious time of 12:05 PM on April 14.

Pakistan proposes to host another round of talks in coming days before US-Iran truce ends

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad in the coming days, before the end of the ceasefire, two Pakistani officials say.

Solar power users asked to turn off inverters until 3 PM today

The National System Control Center has issued a special request to rooftop solar power system owners, asking them to voluntarily switch off their solar inverters today, April 14, until 3:00 PM.

US-sanctioned tankers pass Strait of Hormuz despite US blockade, data shows

A Chinese tanker sanctioned by the United States ​passed through the Strait of Hormuz on ‌Tuesday despite a U.S. blockade on the chokepoint, shipping data showed.

Oil prices ease on hopes of new US-Iran peace talks

Oil prices dipped in early Asian trade on Tuesday as hopes of more peace talks between the US and Iran eased concerns about further disruptions to energy supplies.

New Year food preparation begins

As part of the Sinhala New Year celebrations, the preparation of food holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. On Tuesday, April 14, at 10:51 AM, families begin making traditional dishes such as milk rice (kiribath) and a variety of sweetmeats.

US vice president says ‘ball is in Iran’s court’ on deal to end war

US Vice President JD Vance says the US would be happy to treat heavily-sanctioned Iran “like a normal country” if it doesn’t pursue nuclear weapons.

Sajith calls for meaningful empowerment in New Year message

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for meaningful empowerment of the people through sustainable, long-term solutions in his message marking the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Man arrested at BIA with illegal cigarette stock

Katunayake, April 14 (Daily Mirror) - A Sri Lankan passenger was arrested by airport customs officers in the early hours of April 14 for attempting to illegally bring a large consignment of foreign-made cigarettes into the country through the “Green Channel” at the arrivals terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

PM extends New Year wishes to nation

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has extended her wishes to the nation in a message marking the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, highlighting unity, renewal and collective strength.

President’s New Year message highlights unity, prosperity and renewal

Marking the auspicious transition of the sun and the arrival of the spring harvest season, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has dawned once again, celebrated by Sri Lankans since ancient times.

Beginning of the New Year

The Sinhala and Hindu (Tamil) New Year will begin on Tuesday, April 14, at 9:32 AM according to the first part of the day.

Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash

Faced with growing backlash, US President Donald Trump appears to have removed a controversial Truth Social post depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure.

Police urge caution as road fatalities rise during festive season

Sri Lanka Police have issued a strong warning to motorists to avoid drunk and reckless driving during the ongoing festive season.

US State Department confirms Rubio to take part in Lebanon-Israel talks

The US State Department has confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take part in Tuesday’s meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to Washington.

Nonagathaya begins

The Nonagathaya or inauspicious time for the New Year will be observed from 3:08 AM to 3:56 PM on Tuesday, April 14.

Protect children from fireworks: Health officials

Authorities have urged parents to keep children away from firecrackers during the festive season, citing rising injury risks.

Ukrainian woman arrested over assault on Sri Lankan in Mount Lavinia

A Ukrainian national was arrested late last night for allegedly behaving in a disorderly manner and assaulting a Sri Lankan woman in Mount Lavinia, Police said.

Landslide warnings issued for four districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for four districts due to heavy rainfall.

Iran threatens ports in Mideast as US military set to impose shipping blockade

The U.S. military announced it will begin a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday, as President Donald Trump sought to pressure Iran in a move that risks driving oil prices even higher and renewing the war. The announcement set the stage for a showdown, as Iran immediately responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

After criticizing Pope, Trump posts image of himself as a Jesus-like figure

Shortly after criticizing Pope Leo XIV in a lengthy social media post on Sunday, President Trump shared an apparently A.I.-generated image depicting him as a Jesus-like figure.