TikTok expands parental controls to boost teen safety

Popular social media platform, TikTok announced major updates to its Family Pairing tool on Sunday, granting parents enhanced oversight and teens tools to foster healthier digital habits.

Govt still pursuing Arjuna Mahendran’s return

The government has not given up on bringing former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran back to the country at the first opportunity, Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Tri-nation cricket series: Free entry for public

Sri Lanka Cricket said that the upcoming Tri-Nation Women’s Series, featuring Sri Lanka, India and South Africa, will be open to the public free of charge.

Cabinet approves purchase of 15 mn ID card materials

The Cabinet has approved the purchase of 15 million pre-printed polycarbonate cards for the issuing of National Identity Cards.

Cabinet nod to raise private sector minimum wage

The Cabinet has granted its approval to increase the minimum wage for private sector employees with effect from April 1, 2025.

Former State Minister Sathasivam Viyalendran granted bail

Former State Minister Sathasivam Viyalendran was granted bail today by Colombo Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali, with five sureties of Rs. 1 million each and a cash bail of Rs. 50,000.

Group of 103 Sri Lankan youth depart for hotel jobs in Israel

A group of 103 Sri Lankan youth departed for Israel under the Israel Employment Programme to work in the hotel sector, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

Update: Man killed in shooting in Seeduwa

A 57-year-old man was killed in a shooting incident in Seeduwa. Police said the victim died after being admitted to the Negombo Hospital for treatment.

President writes to Donald Trump over reciprocal tariffs

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake wrote to US President Donald Trump over the recently imposed reciprocal tariffs on Sri Lankan imports to the US, Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha Fernando said today.

No more extensions on ’Parate execution’ suspensions

The Government will not further extend the suspension on ’Parate executions’ and it is effective now, Deputy Minister of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma said today.

Namal Rajapaksa attends ’Rising Bharat Summit’ in New Delhi

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa participated in the ’Rising Bharat Summit 2025’ in New Delhi today, which aims at strengthening trade, security, and diplomatic ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Adani Ports commences operations at Colombo West International Terminal in Sri Lanka

Gautam Adani’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) on Monday said it has commenced operations at Colombo West International Terminal in Sri Lanka.

Chamara Sampath Dasanayake granted bail

Former Uva Provincial Councilor Chamara Sampath Dasanayake was released on bail today by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali on five sureties of Rs. Million 2 each with a cash bail of Rs. 50,000.

Rising cases in heart diseases

Heart dieases is a leading cause of illness leading to deaths, affecting 60,000 people each year, and includes conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, said Senior Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Gotabaya Ranasinghe.

Trump threatens new 50% tariffs on China

Donald Trump has threatened China with an extra 50% tariff on goods imported into the US if it does not withdraw its 34% counter-tariff, as global markets continue to fall.

41 Kandy schools closed for security lodging from April 21–25

The Zonal Education Office of Kandy has announced that selected schools will be used as lodgings for security forces personnel for four days, in view of the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Dalada Maligawa.

SLTB being subjected to planned destruction: Minister

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has been subjected to a planned destruction over the years, Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament today.

SC not going ahead with determination on VAT Amendment Bill

The Supreme Court has informed Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne that it wil not come out with a determination on the Value Added Tax (VAT) Amendment Bill as the petitorners who challenged the Bill before courts have decided not to go ahead with the case.

Samantha Ranasinghe to Parliament in place of Kosala Jayaweera

NPP candidate Samantha Ranasinghe who contested the general elections for the Kegalle District will replace MP Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera who died suddenly on Sunday.

1,700 armed forces deserters arrested in crime crackdown: Minister

Over the past two months, authorities have arrested nearly 1,700 individuals who had deserted the armed forces and have involved in organized criminal activities, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said.

It’s heartening to know NPP has recognised reality regarding India: Eran

It’s heartning to know that the NPP government has finally recognised the importance of India, former MP Eran Wickramaratne told an Indian TV channel today.

Colombo’s first fully automated terminal opens

CWIT brings US $ 800mn boost to South Asia’s trade future

Modi’s aerial view of Ram Setu on his way back from SL coincides with Lord Ram’s birthday

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his way back from Sri Lanka, had a Darshan of Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, a vast chain of natural limestone shoals that spans an impressive 30 miles (48 km) over the Indian Ocean.

4 dead, 4 injured in explosion at Kurunegala fuel station

Four people, including the manager of a fuel station, died after a gas explosion in Wehera, Kurunegala late last night. Four others were injured, police said.

Tourist arrivals up by 11.5% in first week of April

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector kicked off April recording 38,615 tourist arrivals for the first six days of the month, which is a 11.5 percent year-on-year growth, the latest data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority showed.

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.

Sri Lanka’s population growth hits all-time low

Sri Lanka is facing an astonishing decline in its growth rate with the percentage hitting an all-time low of 0.5 per cent since 1871, leading to social issues such as the shrinkage in the working age group and the increase in the aged population that will trigger challenges for policymakers to spend more on welfare and health.

Yevan joins Motopark for Euroformula Open Campaign

The motorsport world is buzzing with excitement as one of the brightest talents in racing, Yevan David, has officially signed with Motopark for the highly anticipated 2025 Euroformula Open Championship.

Tamil parties sought India’s assistance for socio-economic development of estate community: Mano

Several Opposition political parties which met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka called for Indian assistance for socio-economic development of the plantation community, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader MP Mano Ganesan said today.

Foreign Minister meets Julie Chung over US tariffs

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with US Ambassador Julie Chung to discuss matters related to the reciprocal tariffs imposed on Sri Lanka by the US recently.