Apr 21 (AD) The govt has moved to expedite compensation payments to farmers affected by crop losses resulting from the salinity barrier constructed across the Nilwala River in Matara. The barrier, implemented in 2019 by the NWSDB as a special project to prevent saltwater intrusion into the district’s drinking water sources, has since been linked to recurring damage to paddy cultivation due to its irregular construction. Cultivated lands in several areas, including Dikwella, Kamburupitiya, Kekanadura, Madiha, Malimbada, more..

Apr 21 (DM) SL Police have denied claims circulating on social media that the STF is set to receive motorcycles from Avant Garde. In a statement, Police said reports alleging that the Avant Garde Company would provide 50 motorcycles with 450cc engine capacity free of charge, along with 15 years of maintenance support, are completely false and baseless. The Police further clarified that no such agreement or arrangement exists between the STF and the company. more..

Apr 21 (NW) Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Mass Media against Hiru TV, alleging the broadcaster published a false and misleading report regarding his assets declaration. According to the complaint, the issue relates to a news report aired by Hiru TV based on the minister’s voluntarily submitted declaration of assets and liabilities for 2024/25 to the CIABOC. more..

Apr 21 (NW) A new low‑floor bus service prioritizing persons with disabilities and special needs was launched today under the Clean Sri Lanka National Programme, led by Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake. Ten specially designed buses were introduced to the fleet, enabling wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers, and expectant mothers to board with ease. Each bus is equipped with 30 passenger seats, including designated seating for wheelchair users. more..

Apr 21 (DM) Former MP Premalal Jayasekara, known as Choka Malli, has been arrested by the Nuwara Eliya Police. Arrest follows an incident where the former MP had allegedly threatened a group of individuals during a heated dispute. Jayasekara is accused of brandishing a firearm and making death threats to intimidate those involved in the altercation. Investigations revealed that the firearm used during the incident was being held illegally, as its license had already expired. more..

Apr 21 (NW) The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, says investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks are making progress under the current govt. Addressing the special mass held this morning to mark seven years since the attacks, the Archbishop noted that certain factions are attempting to obstruct the investigations. He expressed regret over the Attorney General and his Department more..

Apr 21 (DN) DIG in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety Range, W. P.J. Senadheera said that there has been a sharp increase in road accidents and the number of deaths from accidents during the New Year season – April 10 to 19 – in comparison with the previous year. Addressing a press conference, DIG Senadheera said that there was an increase of 18 fatal road accidents with an increase of 20 deaths from accidents during the period stated in 2026 compared to last year. more..

Apr 21 (DM) Against the backdrop of fluctuating global fuel prices, Sri Lanka has decided to continue with the QR code system for the rationalisation of fuel distribution indefinitely, an official said. In the wake of the escalation of the Middle East conflict, the SL govt reintroduced the QR code system as a fuel-saving measure. Currently, the volatile situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage responsible for nearly 20% of global fuel transportation, more..

Apr 21 (DM) Ship-tracking data indicates that a crude oil tanker intercepted by the US military in the Indian Ocean made a sharp change of course in the early hours of this morning and is now broadcasting its position around 700km (430 miles) south-east of SL. According to data from MarineTraffic, the crude oil tanker Tifani, which has a carrying capacity of nearly 300,000 tonnes, is currently loaded with cargo. The vessel has been sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control more..

Apr 21 (AD) The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), has increased to 2.4% in March 2026, compared to 1.6% in Feb 2026. Meanwhile, food inflation has decreased to 0.7% in March compared to 1.1% in February while the Year-on-Year inflation of the non-food group increased to 3.8% in March from 1.9% in February. On a Year-on-Year, the contribution of food commodities to inflation was 0.32% in Mar 2026 compared to Mar 2025. more..

Apr 21 (MB) As a new wave of large-scale solar energy projects take shape along the fringes of SL’s Managed Elephant Range, or MER, in the southern district of Hambantota, activists, farmers and wildlife conservationists are opposing the move. Those opposing the solar push — in a district that has significant elephant terrain — warn that clearing forests in one of the most critical elephant landscapes on the island would more..

Apr 21 (AD) The official programme for the 2026 State Vesak Festival has been issued by the Ministry of Public Admin, PCs and LG. Accordingly, Vesak Week has been declared from May 27 to June 2 by the Cabinet of Ministers. Ministry of Public Administration said arrangements have been made to celebrate the Vesak Festival in a grand manner across the country with the guidance of the All Ceylon Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya, and in collaboration with the Ministry of more..

Apr 21 (NW) In a landmark announcement, Indian Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan has extended Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card eligibility to include 5th and 6th generation Indian Origin Tamils (IOTs) in SL, expanding the current condition, which applied only up to the 4th generation. Speaking at a community reception attended by around 1,000 members of the Indian diaspora in Colombo, the Vice President also announced simplification of the OCI process. more..

Apr 21 (EN) Seven years have passed since the morning of April 21, 2019, when the tranquility of Easter Sunday was shattered by a series of coordinated suicide bombings by Islamist extremists across SL. What remains today is not just the physical scars on the walls of St Sebastian’s Church, St Anthony’s Shrine or the Zion Church, but a profound and festering justice gap. The delay in concluding a credible investigation more..

Apr 21 (CT) A planned land survey in the Thaiyiddy area of Jaffna, where a controversial Buddhist vihara is located, was called off on Friday (17), leaving residents frustrated. Landowners had been summoned for the survey, which was expected to facilitate the return of their lands following a Cabinet decision. However, the process did not proceed as scheduled. The survey had been arranged following recent discussions involving officials from the Land Survey Dept, along with the Ministers of more..

Apr 21 (FT) Three candidates have been shortlisted for the Vice Chancellor post at the Sri J'pura University. They are incumbent Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, J’pura University Faculty of Applied Sciences Dean Prof. Upul Subasinghe, and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda. SEC Chairman Senior Prof. Harindra Dissabandara, who also applied for the post as reported by the Daily FT, did not make it to the shortlist. more..

Apr 21 (TM) Here and Now delivered a measured performance to secure victory in one of SL’s leading horse racing events, overcoming an early setback to finish strongly. Slow off the gates by nearly 10 lengths, the horse settled during the middle stages before maintaining balance and control ahead of the final stretch. It then produced a late run to move past rivals and complete the race with a clear advantage. The performance highlighted Here and Now’s stamina, race awareness and more..

Apr 21 (AD) Govt of Japan, through its Japanese Supplementary Budget, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting SL’s development journey by announcing two new projects aimed at fostering climate resilience in vulnerable communities and advancing gender equality. These initiatives, undertaken together with the Govt of SL and implemented in partnership with the UNDP in SL, will contribute significantly to sustainable recovery from disasters and inclusive development across more..

Apr 21 (EN) Sri Lanka will complete the standard of procedure (SOP) for handling foreign research vessels within the next two months, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said. The island nation has dragged the SOP to handle research ships in the past two years after arrivals of Chinese research vessels into the island nation’s shore were strongly opposed by the United States and India citing possible security threat to the Indian Ocean. more..

Apr 21 (TM) As SL’s domestic cement market’s import mix has shifted towards a roughly 69% dependency on India for clinker since 2022, when the nation had faced FX constraints, the sector now faces risks related to a limited supplier base and currency volatility, according to LOLC Securities’ Construction and Material sector outlook report for March 2026. “The import mix has shifted notably towards India in 2024, reflecting cost optimisation & supply chain realignment amid FX more..

Apr 21 (EN) Indian Navy Ship Nireekshak has arrived at the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka for an operational turnaround (OTR) and a training visit on Tuesday. “Commanded by Commander Sailesh Kumar Tyagi, this Diving Support Vessel in SL is set to conduct a training programme with the diving professionals of the SL Navy.” The crew is set to participate in several activities organized by the SL Navy. They will also visit some tourist attractions within the country, the navy said. more..

Apr 21 (DN) During the two-day visit of Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan to SL, special attention was focused on expediting several large-scale projects scheduled to be implemented in Sri Lanka under Indian assistance. Vice President Radhakrishnan departed for New Delhi with the Indian delegation after concluding a successful two-day official visit to SL yesterday. Indian Vice President stated that he had more..

Apr 21 (FT) taught to strike while the iron is hot. It makes sense. One presses one’s advantage. This holds for investors, politicians and even those navigating complex strategic situations. If life is a game, if countries and economies are at war with one another, then such truisms can be and are applied. Then again, we know of fishing in troubled waters. It makes sense too, but in this case, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Somehow, making capital of someone more..

Apr 21 (AD) The Department of Fisheries has announced a new set of procedures to be followed by multi-day fishing trawlers navigating through Maldivian waters. The Director General of the Department, Susantha Kahawatta, stated that these measures must be adhered to by all multi-day fishing vessels entering the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) while en route to the Arabian Sea for fishing activities or when returning after completing their operations. more..

Apr 21 (NW) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended his support to the Walk for Peace pilgrimage, which commences today in Sri Lanka, highlighting its role in promoting mindfulness, loving‑kindness, unity, and harmony among all people. “As this sacred walk sets out from Dambulla carrying the Sacred Relics of the Buddha and a Bodhi tree sapling, I invite all Sri Lankans to reflect on the enduring values of peace and compassion that define our heritage,” the Prez said more..

Apr 21 (FT) Grief came fast, but anger followed soon after. The explosions had torn through churches and hotels while the country rested under the illusion of safety. In the stillness that followed, sorrow hung heavy, but beneath it was a quiet rage: not only for the lives lost, but for the warnings ignored, the intelligence dismissed, the arrogance that let it happen. The process of counting the dead became a national debacle. Numbers shifted with every press briefing—359, then 321, then down again. more..

Apr 21 (Island) National Development Bank (NDB), in consultation with the Central Bank, will soon appoint an international firm to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit into the Rs 13.2 billion bank fraud, currently being investigated by the CID. Controversy surrounds the failure on the part of relevant authorities to detect the massive scam that certain employees started perpetrating in mid-2024. more..

Apr 21 (AD) Seven years have elapsed since the Easter Sunday attacks, and island-wide religious observances are being conducted today in solemn remembrance of the victims. According to the Director of Mass Communication for the Catholic Church, Rev. Father Jude Krishantha Fernando, all churches across the country are conducting special commemorative programs this morning. These include tolling of bells, a two-minute silence, lighting of candles or oil lamps, and prayer services more..

Apr 21 (NF) Ven. Pannakara Thero has arrived in Sri Lanka from Texas, USA, with Aloka in preparation for the Global Walk For Peace in Sri Lanka. All arrangements have been finalized for the march, which begins tomorrow and will continue across Sri Lanka until April 28. In parallel with the Walk For Peace, an Asa Disa Pooja will take place, commencing today at 3.00 p.m. at the sacred grounds of the Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura. Full coordination of the International Walk more..

Apr 21 (NF) Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka stated that he will fully disclose all facts related to coal transactions carried out since 2009, emphasizing that all details will be revealed with names, leaving nothing concealed. Ranawaka said that at the committee level, Auditor General was instructed to submit a complete audit report on coal imports from 2009 to 2016, and that the report has now been more..

Apr 21 (AD) Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe has stated that certain findings in the Auditor General’s report on the controversial coal importation cannot be accepted. Minister pointed out that the Auditor General’s report does not indicate that any fraud had taken place, but rather presents observations on possible scenarios. Expressing his views, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe emphasized that the govt’s position remains that no fraud occurred in relation to the incident. more..

Apr 21 (FT) People’s Bank achieved its highest-ever profit in 2025, while the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) recorded its strongest financial performance in its 87-year history during the same year. National Savings Bank (NSB) also registered a record pre-tax profit of Rs. 59 billion in 2025, according to the Chairpersons of the respective banks. These remarks were made during the presentation of the 2025 Annual Reports of People’s Bank, BOC, and NSB to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. more..