Trump administration reclassifies cannabis as less dangerous

The US Department of Justice has officially reclassified cannabis as less dangerous, marking a major shift in the country’s drug policy.

Sri Lanka–UN talks focus on Haiti troop deployment standards

Discussions on the prospective deployment of Sri Lankan troops to Haiti under the proposed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), with a strong focus on operational readiness, compliance with UN standards, and adherence to human rights requirements, took centre stage during high-level talks between Sri Lanka and the United Nations in New York.

Govt reviews plan to place retiring sailors in global maritime jobs

Review progress on expanding foreign employment opportunities for retiring Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) personnel in the shipping and marine sector was the focus of a follow-up discussion held at the Office of the Deputy Minister of Defence in Colombo.

Market remains rangebound amid geopolitical uncertainty

The Colombo Stock Exchange ended the session on a subdued note, with both indices posting marginal losses as uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict continued to cloud investor sentiment. With no clear directional cues emerging, the market opened in a stalemate and remained largely rangebound throughout the day.

Deadline for 2026 GCE A/L applications ends tomorrow

The Examinations Department announced that the deadline for submitting applications for the General Certificate of Education (GCE ) Advanced Level Examination (A/L) Examination 2026 falls at 12:00 midnight tomorrow (24).

US forces board sanctioned ship in Indian Ocean, defence department says

US forces have interdicted a sanctioned vessel that is transporting oil from Iran, the country’s defence department has posted on X.

Young man remanded for secretly filming bathing neighbour

A man who had allegedly recorded a video of a neighbouring woman while she was bathing and had sent it to one of her friends was ordered to be remanded till May 4 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today.

Trump orders Navy to ‘shoot and kill any boat’ laying mines in Hormuz Strait

President Donald Trump on Thursday said he has ordered the U.S. Navy “to shoot and kill any boat” that is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Lebanon to seek ceasefire extension in U.S.-hosted talks with Israel

The ​U.S. will host a second meeting between Lebanese and Israeli envoys on Thursday (April 23, 2026), with Beirut seeking the ‌extension of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a day after Israeli strikes ​killed at least five people including a journalist.

Applications deadline for ‘Presidential Environment Awards – 2026’ extended to May 15

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has announced an extension of the application deadline for the “Presidential Environment Awards – 2026” programme until May 15, 2026, following requests from prospective applicants.

Qatar Airways resumes daily Dubai, Sharjah flights as UAE travel links restored

Travellers in the UAE will once again have more flight options as Qatar Airways resumes daily services to Dubai and Sharjah from April 23, marking a key step in restoring regional connectivity.

MK Stalin, Vijay, EPS face high-stakes battles in key Tamil Nadu seats

The electoral battlelines are drawn, and voting day is here in Tamil Nadu, which goes to the polls in a single phase on April 23. The ruling DMK – in alliance with Congress and DMDK – faces AIADMK, which has tied up with BJP and PMK.

Australia assisting probe into payment issues

The Australian High Commission in Colombo said that it is aware of irregularities related to payments owed to the Australian Government, according to a statement posted on X.

Complaint lodged with IGP over alleged misdirection of USD 2.5 million Treasury payment

A complaint has been lodged with the Inspector General of Police calling for an immediate investigation into an alleged misdirection of a USD 2.5 million payment made by the Sri Lankan Treasury.

Iran tightens control of Hormuz after US calls off renewed attacks

Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz as it tightened its grip on the strategic waterway after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he was indefinitely calling ​off attacks, with no sign of peace talks restarting.

Sri Lanka’s first Online Safety Act case concludes before Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court

In a landmark development, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today made permanent its conditional order against two respondents in the first-ever case filed under Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Act No. 9 of 2024.

FSP back in Yakkala office after court intervention

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) today resumed operations at its Yakkala office in the Gampaha District following a court order directing the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) to hand over the premises.

Hacking of USD 2.5 million – Public could lose trust on banks: Joint opposition

The people of Sri Lanka will lose trust on banks as a result of the hacking of the USD 2.5 million government funds, the Joint Opposition said today.

Amber advisory issued for severe lightning across several provinces

The Meteorology Department has issued an Amber advisory warning of severe lightning conditions expected in several parts of the country, valid until 11.30 p.m. today.

Police warn of fake SriLankan Airlines scam targeting bank accounts

The Police have issued an urgent warning regarding a sophisticated financial fraud operation impersonating the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines.

Public urged not to distract ‘Walk for Peace’ procession as dog falls ill

The dog accompanying the “Walk for Peace” procession fell ill yesterday after being affected by heavy crowds and disruptions, and required medical treatment.

SLIATE union begins strike over longstanding issues

The Academics’ Union of the Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education has decided to launch trade union action from today after more than 15 years of unsuccessful attempts to resolve longstanding issues through discussions with relevant authorities.

Deputy Minister escapes unhurt in accident

The vehicle carrying Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Madura Seneviratne, was involved in an accident on Tuesday night (22).

China’s Xpeng expects to start delivering ’flying’ cars in 2027

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng (9868.HK), expects to start large-scale ​production of its ’’flying’’ cars next year and of its humanoid robots in ‌the fourth quarter of 2026, President Brian Gu told Reuters on Thursday.

Hackers also attempted to obtain funds linked to payment to India: Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Anil Jayantha said that the hackers who had fraudulently obtained funds to be made to the Australian Export Finance Agency, had also attempted to obtain funds associated with a payment to be made to India as well.

Krrish deal case against Namal fixed for May

The case against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa over the alleged Krrish deal was today fixed for May 29 by the Colombo High Court.

Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in football World Cup

An envoy to Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

Rupee slides further as dollar selling rate hits Rs. 321

The Sri Lankan rupee weakened further against the US dollar across commercial banks today (23), with the selling rate reaching Rs. 321.

Air India mulls broad flight cuts amid high fuel costs

Tata Group-owned Air India is weighing a significant scale-back of its flight operations after reportedly posting a loss of nearly Rs 20,000 crore in FY26, amid persistent operational headwinds and elevated aviation fuel costs, businessline newspaper reported on Thursday quoting industry sources.

Middle East conflict hits Sri Lanka tourism, arrivals down 20%

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is negatively affecting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, particularly as the peak tourist season approaches, Tourism Deputy Minister and MP Ruwan Ranasinghe said.