Investor sentiment pushes ASPI to gain 99+ points amid holiday-driven dull trading

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) recorded a gain of 99.68 points during today’s trading session, closing at 15,625.88, up by 0.64%. The S&P SL20 Index also edged higher, rising 0.65 percent to close at 4,644.49.

White House says China faces up to 245% tariffs due to its retaliatory actions

The US announced that China now faces a new tariff up to 245% as a result of its retaliatory measures, according to a statement by the White House on late Tuesday.

SL expatriate worker from Dubai seized with fags worth Rs. 3.4 Mn at BIA

A Sri Lanka expatriate worker in Dubai who was returning to the country last morning was nabbed by the Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle foreign cigarettes worth over Rs. 3.4 million.

India’s Gandhis charged in money laundering case amid opposition outcry

India’s opposition Congress party has said it will organise nationwide protests on Wednesday after the country’s financial crimes agency charged senior leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi and others with money laundering.

CEB requests temporary solar disconnection via SMS

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) requests rooftop solar power system owners to temporarily disconnect their systems from today but only if they receive an official SMS notification from the board and also only till 3p.m on the specified day.

Coal and oil-fired plants shut down amid drop in holiday demand

Due to lower electricity usage during the holiday season, some changes were made on how power is generated in the country, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said.

Honda Sri Lanka issues urgent airbag recall notice

The sole authorized distributor for Honda Automobiles in Sri Lanka has issued a public notice regarding the ongoing SRS Airbag System Upgrade Recall for Honda vehicle models ranging from 1996 to 2016, urging all Honda vehicle owners to take immediate action.

Maldives bans Israelis from entering the country over Gaza war

The move reflects the Maldives’ ’’firm stance’’ against the ongoing atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinian people, President Muizzi said.

Special train services till end of Tooth Relic exposition

Special train services will operate on April 18, 19 and 20 to facilitate travel for those returning to Colombo from their hometowns after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Sri Lanka Railways General Manager J.I.D. Jayasundara said.

Venue announced for cricket’s Olympics return at LA28

The ICC have welcomed the announcement that the Fairgrounds in Pomona, Southern California, will host cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

US tax move sparks need for govt response: Ranil

While highlighting that the US Reciprocal taxes had created a fresh economic crisis as Sri Lanka will have to find ways and means to settle its debts by 2028, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the government should come out with a plan to face the situation.

Extreme heat advisory issued for over 20 districts

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a ’’Warm Weather Advisory – Extreme Caution Level’’ for over 20 districts across the country.

Public advised to take precautions as heat reaches ’caution level’

With temperatures rising to the ‘Caution Level’ as felt by the human body, National Hospital Colombo Accidents Ward Director Dr. Indika Jagoda advised the public to take necessary precautions to prevent heat strokes.

Anointing of oil ritual starts

The traditional Anointing of Oil ceremony will take place at 9:04 AM on Wednesday, April 16, as part of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. This ritual is performed to invoke blessings of good health, protection, and long life for the year ahead.

Shooting near Gampaha bus stand

A shooting incident was reported near the public bus stand in Gampaha town last night, police said.

More accidents reported outside Colombo during New Year weekend: Health Ministry

More accidents than in the city were reported from areas outside Colombo and its suburbs during the New Year long weekend, the Health Ministry said. Head of the Ministry’s Accident Prevention Division, Specialist Dr. Samitha Siritun

412 admitted to NHC following accidents on April 13 and 14; Six deaths reported

A total of 412 individuals were admitted to the National Hospital Colombo (NHC) due to injuries sustained in various accidents reported on April 13 and 14, NHC Accidents Ward Director Dr. Indika Jagoda said.

Police launch investigations into illegal street race in Homagama

The Homagama Police have launched investigations into a street racing event captured in a video currently circulating on social media. The incident is believed to have taken place during the inauspicious time at dawn on New Year’s Day.

Gunman in Boossa prison officer’s murder arrested at BIA while attempting to flee

The gunman who recently shot down the retired Superintendent of the Boossa Prison outside his residence was arrested this morning by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) while attempting to flee the country through the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) using a fake passport.

China’s Xi urges Vietnam to oppose ’bullying’ as Trump mulls more tariffs

China’s President Xi Jinping has called on Vietnam to oppose ’’unilateral bullying’’ to upkeep a global system of free trade - though he stopped short of naming the US.

Modi meets devoted follower who took a 14-year vow without footwear

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Rampal Kashyap, a man from Haryana’s Kaithal, who had taken an extraordinary vow 14 years ago — to not wear footwear until Modi became Prime Minister and he had met him in person.

President rescues young girl from crowd during NPP rally

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was met with loud cheers after swiftly rescuing a young girl who got trapped in a crowd during a National People’s Power (NPP) rally held in Samanthurai last Saturday (12).

State oil anointing ceremony to be held in Kandy tomorrow

The annual State oil anointing ceremony, held in conjunction with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, is scheduled to take place tomorrow (April 16) at 9:04 a.m. at the Sri Maha Natha Devalaya premises, located within the Sri Dalada Maligawa Square in Kandy.

EC calls for submission of legal documents on rejected nominations

The Election Commission (EC) has requested secretaries and authorised representatives of political parties, as well as leaders of independent groups, to submit copies of any petitions and court judgments to the relevant District Election Offices.

Special bus, train services today and tomorrow

Special bus operations will commence today in response to passenger demand, the National Transport Commission (NTC) and the Railway Department announced.

5.2-magnitude earthquake hits California near San Diego

A 5.2 earthquake rattled San Diego, California, and the surrounding area on Monday afternoon, according to the US Geological Survey.

CID refuses former President Ranil’s request to speak with Pillayan

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s request to speak with detained former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, has been refused by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Blue Origin completes historic all-female space tourism trip

Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission completed a historic journey into space, carrying an all-female crew to the edge of the atmosphere, including entertainment reporter and partner of tycoon Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez, journalist Gayler King, singer Katy Perry, and aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe.

Boy injured after jumping from locked room; Police launch probe

The Keselwatta Police have launched an investigation after a 12-year-old boy, who was forcibly locked inside a two-storey house, jumped out of a window and sustained serious injuries.

Expressways earn Rs. 134 Mn in 3 days

The expressway network has generated Rs. 134 million in revenue over the past three days, coinciding with the New Year season, according to the Expressway Maintenance and Management Division.