UN watchdog says North Korea is boosting nuclear weapons capacity

North Korea ​has made ’’very serious’’ advances in its abilities to turn out nuclear weapons, with the probable addition of a ‌new uranium enrichment facility, as it stepped up activity at a key complex, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday.

Applications invited for Presidential Environment Awards – 2026

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has commenced calling for applications for the “Presidential Environment Awards – 2026” programme.

Nadeesha Gayanthi bags gold and silver at England Badminton Championship

Sri Lankan badminton player Nadeesha Gayanthi, who represented the country at the 108th All England Senior Badminton Championship held in England, returned home to a warm welcome after securing a gold and a silver medal at the international tournament.

US shuts down Iran’s maritime trade despite optimism for more talks

The United States said on Wednesday its military had completely halted trade going in and out of Iran by sea, even though President ​Donald Trump said talks with Tehran on ending the war could resume this week.

SLPP to move forward learning from past mistakes: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa says the party will move forward while learning from past mistakes, highlighting the need for reflection, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment.

Three-wheeler driver killed in Buttala road accident

A fatal road accident occurred this morning (15) in the Buttala–Unawatuna area along the Wellawaya–Moneragala main road when a three-wheeler collided with a van.

Sun directly overhead in Northern areas today

The sun is expected to be directly overhead in several areas in the Northern Province, including Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan and Manatkaadu, at approximately 12:10 p.m. today (15), the Meteorology Department said.

250 missing after migrant boat sinks in Indian Ocean

About 250 Rohingya and Bangladeshis, including children, are missing after their boat capsized last week in the Andaman Sea, according to the United Nations’ refugee and migration agencies.

Rain expected after 1 p.m. in several provinces

Showers or thundershowers are expected to occur at several places across the country after 1.00 p.m. today (15), the Meteorology Department said.

Trump hints Iran talks could resume this week as US port blockade continues

President Donald Trump has suggested talks aimed at ending the war in Iran could resume this week, after negotiations collapsed at the weekend, prompting the US to blockade Iranian ports.

New Year return travel services start today

Special transport services to facilitate the return of people who travelled to their hometowns for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year will commence from today (15).

Pope Leo issues warning on democracy after Trump criticism

Pope Leo warned of the risk of democracies sliding into ’’majoritarian tyranny’’ on Tuesday, in a ​letter issued by the Vatican two days after U.S. ‌President Donald Trump attacked the pontiff on social media.

Over 200 Iranian naval crew members depart Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka repatriated 240 Iranian naval personnel yesterday, following maritime incidents near the island.

Trump says Iran war is ’very close to being over’ as peace talks are expected to resume

President Donald Trump said the U.S.-Iran war is ’’very close’’ to an end as hostilities ease amid a two-week ceasefire agreement.

New Year oil anointing ritual begins

The Anointing of Oil ceremony is an important ritual of the Sinhala New Year, symbolizing health, protection, and renewal. On Wednesday, April 15, at 6:54 AM, participants follow age-old customs by applying specially prepared herbal oils.

Former insider urges external leadership for SriLankan Airlines to root out entrenched corruption

SriLankan Airlines is navigating a critical leadership transition as it prepares to appoint a new chairman and chief executive officer, a process that has sparked a fierce internal battle over the future direction of the national carrier.

Sunrisers Hyderabad pick Dilshan Madushanka as injury replacement

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have picked Sri Lanka’s left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka as an injury replacement for Brydon Carse for the remainder of IPL 2026.

Iran demands compensation from 5 Arab states over alleged participation in US-Israeli strikes

Iran demanded compensation from five Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan, accusing them of participating in US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

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.