Fundamental rights petition seeks levy on single-use polythene bags

A Fundamental Rights petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the immediate introduction of a regulated levy on single-use polythene bags, along with a structured mechanism to promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

Sri Lankan-origin student elected to French City Council at 18

A French student of Sri Lankan origin, Bilaal Lookman, has been elected as a municipal councillor in his hometown of Guyancourt, on the outskirts of Paris, at just 18 years old, making him one of the youngest elected officials in France.

QR-based tea fertilizer system surpasses 2024/25 in 6 months

The distribution of subsidized tea fertilizer through Sri Lanka’s new QR-based system has shown significant progress within six months since its launch on October 1, surpassing performance recorded in the 2024/2025 period.

Specialist doctors not supporting GMOA strike: AMS

The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) said the specialist doctors will not join the 48-hour island-wide strike, which was launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).

Parliament approves extension of emergency

Parliament approved the resolution to extend the emergency by a majority of 110 votes with 137 members voting in favour and 27 against.

Spain condemns Israeli attacks on Lebanon, reopens Tehran embassy

Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel ​Albares on Thursday accused Israel of violating ‌international law and a newly brokered two-week ceasefire in the Middle East by carrying out airstrikes ​on Lebanon on Wednesday.

IMF stresses need for trade liberalisation, digitisation, regulatory streamlining to unlock growth in Sri Lanka

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) stressed today that Sri Lanka must also continue with trade liberalisation, digitalisation, regulatory streamlining, and labour market modernisation to unlock durable, inclusive growth.

10–15 forest fires reported this year due to hot weather: DMC

At least 10 to 15 forest fire incidents have been reported so far this year due to the prevailing hot weather conditions, Director of the Disaster Management Centre, Pradeep Kodippili said.

Speaker, Parliament Secretariat mum on opposition MPs using unparliamentary language: Bimal

Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake today made a serious accusation against the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and the Parliament Secretariat for not taking action against Opposition MPs who use unparliamentary language in the House, specially targeting female MPs of the ruling party.

Heat to intensify after June: Meteorology official

Heat conditions in the country are likely to intensify in the months following June, Additional Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Ajith Wijemanne said.

Colombo Fort Railway Station modernization project launched

The government officially commenced the modernization of the Colombo Fort Railway Station today, (April 9). The project’s inauguration was presided over by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the station premises.

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Water cut announced for Homagama and surrounding areas

Water supply to areas including Homagama town, Wekanda Road, Pinketha Road, Walawwa Road, Gemunu Mawatha, Athurugiriya Road, Galawilawatta, Niyandagala, Mahakatuwana, Magammana, Deniya and the Diyagama University area will be suspended from 8:00 p.m. today (9) to 8:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, the National Water Supply and Dranage Board (NWSDB) said.

Sri Lanka Cricket to file objections against Nuwan Thushara’s petition

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) informed the Colombo District Court that it will file objections to the petition submitted by cricketer Nuwan Thushara, seeking an interim injunction compelling the the authorities to issue him a “No Objection Certificate” to enable his participation in the 2026 Indian Premier League and other international premier league tournaments.

Pakistan declares two-day holiday as US, Iran head to Islamabad for talks

An Iranian delegation is set to arrive in Islamabad on Thursday night ahead of talks with the United States, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said. The visit comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East following weeks of conflict.

Unacceptable behaviour by GMOA: Minister

The behaviour of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), which has launched a strike, is unacceptable, Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament today.

This is how Colombo Fort Railway Station will look in 15 months: Minister

Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake has announced that the Colombo Fort Railway Station will be renovated and completed within 15 months, revealing a vision of how the station is expected to look after the project.

Doctors’ union urges CID probe into Lakvijaya coal deal

The Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights has formally requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to launch an immediate criminal investigation into the alleged procurement of undersized coal for the Lakvijaya Power Plant.

NDB manager among several arrested over internal fraud

Police have arrested several individuals, including a manager of the National Development Bank (NDB), in connection with an internal financial fraud at the institution.

Nepal issues arrest warrant for former PM Deuba in graft probe

Nepal has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba for alleged corruption, officials said on Thursday (April 9, 2026) , making him the latest high-profile figure targeted under the new government.

Sri Lanka reaches IMF staff-level agreement, $700M financing expected

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and authorities of Sri Lanka have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

Sudden downpour in Pallekele causes several trees to fall

A sudden heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds struck the Balagolla area in the Pallekele Police Division, causing several trees to fall.

Sri Lankan Ambassador meets Nepal new Prime Minister

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal, Ruwanthi Delpitiya, paid a joint courtesy call on Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, together with Heads of Diplomatic Missions based in Kathmandu.

Former SL envoy to Iran hails Cardinal for taking on Donald Trump

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Iran M. M. Zuhair said that Sri Lankans must honour Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith for ‘hitting the nail right on its head’ over the Israeli-American war on Iran.

Maussakele and Castlereagh reservoirs down

The capacity of the Maussakele and Castlereagh hydro power reservoirs are fast dwindling due to the prevailing dry weather experienced in the central hills.

Govt moves to revamp fuel, electricity pricing formulas

A controversial move is underway to introduce a new formulas for adjusting fuel and electricity bills in the country, raising questions over its impact on already strained households.

Heat to ease with afternoon rains

Amid sweltering daytime conditions, the Meteorology Department has warned of afternoon thundershowers across several parts of the island, with the public urged to remain vigilant over lightning and gusty winds.

14 passengers in one trishaw : driver arrested

A trishaw driver was arrested by Koslanda Police yesterday for transporting 14 passengers, including schoolchildren and adults, in violation of the vehicle’s permitted seating capacity.

Trump warns U.S. military will stay near Iran until ‘real agreement’ is honored

President Donald Trump said Wednesday U.S. military forces will remain deployed in and around Iran until Tehran fully complies with the “real agreement,” warning that any breach would trigger a military response larger than anything seen before.

Sri Lanka explores trade, security ties at Montana Summit

A Sri Lankan delegation led by Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe participated in the Montana Security and Economic Summit - 2026, engaging in wide-ranging discussions with U.S. counterparts on trade, investment, education and security cooperation.