Over 1500 complaints related to LG polls; nine incidents of violence

A total of 94 fresh complaints related to the upcoming Local Government elections were received, pushing the total number to over 1500. According to the Election Commission, a total of 1591 cases have been reported during the

NPP warns of non-allocation of funds for local bodies controlled by Opposition

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rohini Kaviratne in a letter addressed to Secretary Election Commission and Assistant Commissioner Matale District has lodged a complaint against a leaflet that has been distributed by the ruling

No special queues for VIPs during sacred tooth relic exposition – DIG

There will be no special passes or separate queues issued for VIPs or VVIPs during the upcoming exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, set to begin today 18) at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, according to Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Kandy and Matale Districts, Sudath Masinghe.

Vatican to declare Easter Sunday bomb victims as ‘Heroes of Faith’ on April 21

The Vatican is to declare those who died in bomb attacks in churches on Easter Sunday six years ago as ‘Heroes of Faith’ on Monday April 21, 2025.

Teenager dies after fall from greased pole during New Year festival preparations

A 16-year-old schoolboy has tragically died after falling from a greased pole during preparations for Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations in the Elpitiya area yesterday, police said.

SL introduces key VAT changes

The Inland Revenue Department has announced several important changes to Sri Lanka’s Value Added Tax (VAT) system under the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act No. 04 of 2025, which came into effect on April 11, 2025.

Heat advisory issued as temperatures expected to rise

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warm weather advisory for several provinces across Sri Lanka, warning that the heat index is expected to reach the ‘Caution Level’ in many areas today (18).

Even a reduced US tariff poses a major challenge - Ranil urges Govt to act

Even if US President Donald Trump reduces the reciprocal tariffs on Sri Lankan exports to 25%, the impact will still be severe, and Sri Lanka must explore fresh avenues to manage its economic challenges, including the need to begin repaying its restructured debts by 2028, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe warned.

Strong support from rooftop solar owners amid grid risk: CEB

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said yesterday that many rooftop solar panel owners across the country gave a positive response by agreeing to turn off their systems during the daytime (until 3 p.m.) from April 13 onwards.

Temperature controlled warehouse inaugurated in Dambulla during PM Modi’s visit not yet operational

The temperature -controlled warehouse in Dambulla which was inaugurated during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not yet operational, an opposition MP has found.

GovPay causes major revenue loss to Postal Dept: UPTUF

Following the introduction of the GovPay online system for paying traffic fines, the income generated by the Postal Department from such payments has ceased, resulting in a significant loss of revenue to the department, Postal Trade Unions Front (UPTUF) Co-convener Chinthaka Bandara said.

SINHALA AND TAMIL NEW YEAR AUSPICIOUS TIMES

SINHALA AND TAMIL NEW YEAR AUSPICIOUS TIMES

New Year ‘Kevili’ table costs 7% more in 2025 than in 2024: Verité Research

The cost of preparing a traditional kevili or sweetmeats table for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has increased by 7% in 2025 compared to 2024 and is now more than twice as high as it was in 2019, according to a report by Verité Research.

India is no longer the same as it once was: Tilvin

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva said at an election meeting that India is no longer the same as it once was, and it is in light of these changes that Sri Lanka is now entering into agreements that are mutually beneficial to both nations.

Night market on Marine Drive to attract tourists Will open to the public from end of May

Steps have been taken to open a night market on the Marine Drive, to boost tourism in the country’s commercial capital, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Buddhika Hewawasam said.

LG Polls to be held in phases - EC

The local government elections originally scheduled for May 6 will have to be held on a staggered basis, as it is now certain that the election processes for over 200 out of 339 local government bodies have been challenged before the Court of Appeal, the Daily Mirror learns.

Trump announces 90-day pause for Reciprocal Tariff for 75 countries

US President Donald Trump yesterday announced authorization of a 90-day pause, and a substantially lowered reciprocal tariff during this period, of 10%, which will be effective immediately.

jewellery valued Rs.3.8Mn stolen over rituals to dispel malefic effects

A group of men who undertook to perform rituals to dispel malefic effects that had befallen a family had fled with jewellery valued at Rs. 3.8 million.

AKD assures Modi PC elections in future

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is reported to have informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the elections to the Provincial Councils will be conducted after the local authorities’ election, an informed source said.

PM Modi’s Sri Lanka visit

Sri Lanka lacks technology to detect earthquakes fast enough

In the wake of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, an official said Sri Lanka lacks the technology to detect earthquakes quickly.

U.S. reciprocal tariff unexpected shock to govt.’s $ 3Bn export revenue increase : Handunnetti

Claiming that the government’s target of increasing the country’s export revenue by US $ 3 billion will be negatively affected by the US reciprocal tariff, Industries Minister Sunil Handunnetti said yesterday it is an unexpected shock.

It is humid more than last year, heat is felt more due to lack of wind: Meteorologist

Sri Lanka, facing 2 weather patterns of high heat and thunderstorms at the same time, is expected to continue for the month of April, an official from the Department of Meteorology said.

Govt. not transparent on MoUs to be signed with India during PM Modi’s visit: SJB MP

The government has not been transparent in dealing with MoUs that are to be signed today with India in the presence of visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an opposition MP alleged yesterday.

Court of Appeal dismisses petition against eviction of a company from Lotus Tower

A writ petition filed challenging Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company’s decision to evict N. Seelanatha Holdings from the Lotus Tower premises was yesterday dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Excise earns record revenue of Rs.61Bn in 2025 first quarter

One of the three main revenue-generating arms of the country and the competent authority regulating the liquor industry, the Excise Department of Sri Lanka has earned a record revenue of Rs.61 billion during the first quarter of

Controversial Visa Deal: SC rejects bail for Harsha Ilukpitiya

The Supreme Court yesterday rejected a bail application filed on behalf of Harsha Ilukpitiya, the former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. He has been in remand custody for nearly six months due to contempt of

SL to discuss with US on reducing reciprocal tariff: Minister

The government is expecting to have diplomatic level discussions with the United States to see the possibility of reducing the new reciprocal tariff system introduced by US President Donald Trump and to agree on trade and investment policy which will benefit both countries, Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha said yesterday.

India to be referred to as Bharat On official Commemorative plaques during Modi’s visit

India will be referred to as the Republic of Bharat on Commemorative plaques to be unveiled in Sri Lanka during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Daily Mirror learns.

Indian advanced security team arrives ahead of Modi’s visit

An advanced security team from India has arrived in Colombo to coordinate with Sri Lankan security agencies ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka this week, the Daily Mirror learns.