North Korea fires ballistic missiles again, flexing muscle amid Iran war

North ‌Korea fired ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday, accelerating its missile launches amid Iran war tensions and talk of possible meetings with the U.S. and South Korea.

Bangladeshi businessman nabbed at BIA with Rs. 5.1 mn cigarette haul

A foreign passenger who attempted to smuggle a stock of foreign-made cigarettes worth Rs. 5.1 million into the country was arrested by Airport Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning (19).

Seven injured in clash at Anamaduwa New Year festival

At least seven individuals were hospitalized following a violent altercation that erupted during a New Year (Avurudu) festival in the Karambawe area of Anamaduwa yesterday (18). According to the police, the injured persons were rushed to the Anamaduwa Base Hospital for immediate medical treatment.

Strait of Hormuz closed again, Iran says, as ships attacked

Iran says it is closing the Strait of Hormuz again to commercial vessels and that any ship that approaches it will be targeted.

Abhishek fireworks, Malinga spell sink Chennai

Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga’s tight spell of 3-29 and a trademark blistering half-century by Abhishek Sharma helped Sunrisers Hyderabad down Chennai Super Kings by 10 runs on Saturday in the Indian Premier League.

NTC to deploy buses for New Year returnees to Colombo

The National Transport Commission (NTC) says it will deploy additional buses to facilitate the return of passengers to Colombo following the New Year holiday period.

Two Indian-flagged vessels attacked by Iran gunboats In Hormuz, crew safe: Sources

Two Indian-flagged vessels were fired at by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz today, sources have said. No one was injured and the vessels were not damaged, they said. The two ships, however, had to turn back after the incident northeast of Oman in the shipping lane critical for oil trade.

Special traffic plan during Indian Vice President’s visit

Significant traffic disruptions are expected in parts of Colombo and along key access routes as authorities implement a special traffic plan for the official visit of Indian Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.

FMM raises concerns over journalist facing CID scrutiny on energy crisis article

The Free Media Movement (FMM) has raised concerns after journalist Sulochana Ramaiyamohan reportedly came under scrutiny by Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over an article related to the country’s ongoing energy crisis.

Iran tightens Hormuz control, Trump warns against ’blackmail’

Iran said it was tightening control over the Strait ​of Hormuz on Saturday, warning mariners the vital energy route was again ​closed, but President Donald Trump said Tehran could not blackmail the United ⁠States by shutting the waterway.

Evening thundershowers expected from Monday

Atmospheric conditions are expected to become favorable for evening thundershowers in most parts of the island from Monday (April 20), according to the latest weather forecast issued at 4.00 p.m. today (April 18).

Several women assault incidents surface as police launch investigations.

A video circulating on social media showing a woman being brutally assaulted in Moragahahena has sparked public concern, with police confirming that a suspect has been arrested.

5.5 magnitude earthquake shakes Pakistan, Afghanistan

Tremor felt across Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, parts of Afghanistan including Kabul, no Immediate damage reported

IRGC says Strait of Hormuz closed again over US blockade

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters said Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state of “strict management” following what it described as Washington’s repeated breaches of commitments by continued blockade.

Pakistan’s diplomatic moment: A bridge of hope in turbulent times

At a moment of sharpened geopolitical strain and deepening mistrust, Pakistan has stepped forward with striking diplomatic poise, emerging as a vital intermediary between the United States and Iran. In a climate where tensions risked spiraling further, Islamabad recognized—and decisively seized—a narrow yet pivotal window to foster dialogue between two long-standing adversaries.

Resignation of Energy Minister, secretary an eye wash: SJB

The resignation of Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and the Ministry Secretary is an eye wash which is aimed at ereasing the coal purchase scam out of the people’s minds, an official statement from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said today.

Litro assures uninterrupted gas supply through May

The Litro Gas Company says it is in a position to ensure a continuous supply of domestic gas throughout the month of May.

Trump says UFO review uncovered ’interesting’ documents

President Donald Trump said on Friday that his administration’s review of UFO-related ​material uncovered a number of “interesting” documents, adding that an ‌initial tranche of records is expected to be released soon.

Afternoon showers expected in several provinces today

Showers or thundershowers are expected to occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, as well as in the Nuwara Eliya district after 1.00 p.m. today, according to the latest weather forecast issued at 5.30 a.m.

Buddhist religious programme at White House prays for global peace

A special Buddhist religious programme was held at the White House on April 16, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, to invoke blessings for world peace and harmony among nations, as well as for US President Donald Trump and the American people.

Passenger held at BIA with Rs. 553,000 worth cigarettes, e-cigs

A 25-year-old Sri Lankan businessman was arrested by airport customs officers in the early hours of April 18 while attempting to smuggle a stock of foreign-made cigarettes and electronic cigarettes valued at Rs. 553,000 through the “Green Channel” at the arrival terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Woman assaulted, hair forcibly cut: Five arrested

Five suspects, including the main suspect, have been taken into custody by Ragama Police in connection with the assault of a woman and the forcible cutting of her hair at a shop in the Ragama area.

US extends waiver allowing countries to buy Russian oil

The US Treasury Department has extended a waiver to allow countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products at sea for about a month, as the Trump administration looks to boost oil supplies due to the global disruption caused by its war on Iran.

Meet the UCLA athlete bringing Bollywood dance to college gymnastics

Tiana Sumanasekera walks onto the floor, face serious. She takes a knee and takes a breath, leans back and lifts one arm in the air.

Vatican officially declares Easter Sunday bomb victims as Heroes of Faith

The Vatican has officially declared the Easter Sunday bomb victims as Heroes of Faith, the Sri Lankan Catholic Church announced today.

Jayakody’s resignation too late, says Namal

While criticising the resignation of Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa said the move comes far too late, despite it being accepted.

Sri Lanka among worst impacted countries in Asia-Pacific due to West Asia conflict: UN report

The report published by the United Nations Development Programme, released on Thursday, provides a preliminary assessment on how the ongoing conflict is destabilising global trade, energy markets, and financial systems.

Oil falls by 11% after Iran’s foreign minister declares Strait of Hormuz open

Oil prices plunged by about 11% on Friday, extending earlier losses, after Iran’s foreign minister said ​that passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of ‌Hormuz was open for the remaining ceasefire period.

Catholic Church in Sri Lanka calls for an independent prosecution office

The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka today called for the setting up of an independent prosecution office to ensure that those who are found responsible for the Easter Sunday bomb attacks could be dealt with effectively.

Is Central Bank enjoying special immunity? Ravi K

MP Ravi Karunanayake who responded on the statement issued by the Central Bank if Sri Lanka (CBSL) that the NDB is safe despite the Rs 13.2 billion scam, questioned as to whether the former is enjoying special immunity.