Apr 9 (FT) SL’s National Audit Department has found that failures in procurement governance, supplier selection, and quality controls in coal purchases for the Lakvijaya Power Plant resulted in a loss of Rs. 2,237.7 million, with a further Rs. 2,332.5 million identified as recoverable penalties. This comes even as Prez told Parliament on Tuesday that the issue stemmed from suppliers failing to meet required standards. more..

Apr 9 (AD) IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya has issued a set of instructions to all police officers regarding the acceptance of gifts and the provision of monetary allowances for New Year celebrations. It is reported that the instructions were issued based on information received that many police stations are preparing to collect money from officers to hold Sinhala & Tamil New Year celebrations and are also preparing to organize New Year parties with contributions from the business community. more..

Apr 9 (NW) Ministry of Health on Thursday announced the new appointments and service locations for 436 intern doctors who had applied for post-intern medical placements. Accordingly, these doctors are required to report to the govt hospitals or health institutions across the island to which they have been assigned, during the period from today until the 11th. Ministry stated in its release that these appointments have been made transparently and based on a scientific methodology, more..

Apr 9 (Reuters) Nearly six weeks of war in Iran have ended, for now, with Prez Donald Trump claiming victory, but the US-Iran ceasefire locks in a harsh reality: an entrenched, radical govt with control over the Strait of Hormuz and a powerful lever over global energy ​markets and Gulf rivals, analysts say. The shockwaves have rippled outward, contributing to global economic strains and bringing conflict to Gulf neighbours whose economies depend more..

Apr 9 (Island) Former Ambassador to Iran M. M. Zuhair said that Sri Lankans must honour Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith for hitting the nail right on its head over the IsraeliAmerican war on Iran. The respected Archbishop declared that the entire humanity is undergoing pain and suffering due to the greed of one man wanting to rule the whole world! Adolf Hitler tried to become Emperor of Europe. What was his fate?, queried the Archbishop, speaking at the midnight Easter Vigil Service more..

Apr 9 (Island) SJB leader Sajith Premadasa said the govt had admitted that substandard coal had been imported. Speaking in Parliament in response to a statement made by Prez on Tuesday, the SJB leader alleged that the low electricity generation, recorded at the country’s main coal-fired power plant, was evidence of the problem. He said the previous day’s power output had fallen to an unprecedented level, claiming it was the first time such a situation had arisen, under any govt. more..

Apr 9 (TM) Although there have been no reports of job losses due to the economic pressures caused by the ongoing fuel crisis, the Labour Ministry is holding discussions to prepare for possible future impacts on employment. Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa said that the issue has already been taken up at the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), which brings together representatives from the Government, employers and employees to review labour-related developments. more..

Apr 9 (AD) The Govt Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that it will begin a 48-hour nationwide token strike starting from 8 a.m. today (9). The token strike is being launched in protest of the Health Ministry granting Post-Graduate Internships in violation of conditions agreed upon during discussions. According to a statement issued by the GMOA, the union had initiated several trade union actions in response to attempts to politicize the transfer process of doctors. more..

Apr 9 (Island) Auditor General has warned that delays in coal procurement and continued reliance on suppliers of questionable standards could disrupt the supply of electricity. The special audit report on coal imports was presented to Parliament on Tuesday by Bimal Ratnayake, Leader of the House, at the commencement of proceedings. However, Opposition MPs complained to Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne that copies of the more..

Apr 9 (DN) Aseni Thalagune produced a brilliant 5 for 42, but her effort went in vain as Australia Women’s Under-19 team defeated SL Women’s U19 by one wicket in their Tri-Nation unofficial ODI at Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, yesterday. Chasing a target of 175, Australia appeared in control at 161 for five after 36.5 overs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, however, fought back strongly, taking the final four wickets for just 12 runs. The match was ultimately decided in the 43rd over when the last-wicket pair, more..

Apr 9 (FT) When Bilaal Lookman cast his vote for the first time in France’s municipal elections last March, he was also on the ballot himself as part of a list of candidates. At just 18 years old, the first-year law student at the renowned Paris-Panthéon-Assas University has been elected as a municipal councillor in his hometown of Guyancourt, on the outskirts of Paris. Born in November 2007 in France to a family of SL origin from Mannar and Jaffna, he ranks among the youngest elected officials more..

Apr 9 (TM) Admitting that SL has not properly assessed the economic value of its biodiversity, including the unique genetic properties found in many native species, Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody said there are plans to study these resources scientifically and integrate the environment more closely with the national economy. He said that although several institutions coming under the Ministry's purview generate revenue through environment-related activities, more..

Apr 9 (DN) Opener Lasith Croosepulle blazed a 103 off 76 balls, while Sonal Dinusha (93) and skipper Sahan Arachchige (74) also contributed half-centuries as SL A recorded a 44-run (DLS method) win over New Zealand A in their second unofficial ODI at Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Hambantota, yesterday. Chasing a target of 368, New Zealand A were 153 for three in 28 overs when bad light stopped play. At that stage, the DLS system indicated SL were 44 runs ahead of the DLS more..

Apr 9 (FT) A Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) has raised concerns over non-compliance by senior officials and persistent losses at regional ports, even as SL Ports Authority (SLPA) reported strong overall profitability. At a recent sitting of the SOC on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, chaired by SJB MP S.M. Marikkar, members criticised the absence of the Ports Ministry Secretary, warning that more..

Apr 9 (FT) SL’s recovery from Cyclone Ditwah is entering a slower phase, with more than 149,000 people still displaced despite a steady scale-up in humanitarian assistance, according to the latest update by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). As of 3 April, over 291,000 people have been reached under the Humanitarian Priority Plan (HPP), implemented by 68 partner organisations across all 25 districts. Women account for majority of beneficiaries, more..

Apr 9 (NF) The Dept of the Registrar General has introduced a new instant hotline service under the number 1930, aimed at providing the public with more efficient and accessible services. Alongside the launch of the hotline, the department also unveiled its modernised official website, marking a significant step in improving public access to accurate and timely information. The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Public Admin, Provincial Councils and Local Govt. more..

Apr 9 (DM) SL’s automotive sector is bracing for a market contraction, driven by the recent depreciation of the rupee and lingering consumer anxieties over the fuel situation. “If things were equal and you were having a normal movement of cars, you would have a 15% to 20% drop at least as a result of the fuel crisis and vehicle prices,” Kia Motors Lanka Chairman Mahen Thambiah said. He shared these remarks on the sidelines of an exclusive more..

Apr 9 (ST) The demand for apartment rentals in Colombo is mostly centred around expat workers, driving them to such soaring prices which locals cannot afford, experts said. Niloshan Mendis, General Manager of Business Development at Global Housing Real Estate said the local high-end income earners are buying apartments. About 80% of the sales are driven locally. Only about 20% of these belong to the diaspora. “Most expats are buying these apartments,” Mendis said more..

Apr 9 (EN) Cabinet have approved a proposal to implement the GovTech App/Service Marketplace project in three phases during 2026-2027 at an estimated cost of Rs. 563 million, minister Vijitha Herath said. A centralized GovTech marketplace aims to streamline digital procurement and eliminate fragmented spending across state agencies, he told reporters. Currently, SL state institutions often procure technology solutions individually. Herath, who also oversees Foreign Affairs, more..

Apr 9 (Island) Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) announces a planned and orderly leadership transition, underscoring its commitment to strong governance, leadership continuity, and long-term institutional stability. Accordingly, Shiran Fernando has been appointed Secretary General and CEO, effective 8th May 2026, succeeding. Buwanekabahu Perera, who will conclude a threeyear tenure at the helm of the Chamber. Commenting on the transition, Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of The CCC more..

Apr 9 (DM) SL’s national tea sale average fell in March, extending a broader softening in prices both month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY), reflecting continued pressure on auction realisations across the elevations. Average price for March 2026 stood at Rs.1,144.23 per kg (US $ 3.63), down Rs.7.88 and US $ 0.09 from February’s Rs.1,152.11 (US $ 3.72). Compared with March 2025, the decline was more pronounced, with the prices slipping Rs.39.53 and US $ 0.36, from Rs.1,183.76 more..

Apr 9 (DM) SL’s population has grown by 1,422,361 since 2012 to a total of 21,781,800, with the latest Census of Population and Housing (2024) showing a female majority in every district nationwide. Dept of Census & Statistics handed over the final report to Prez at the Presidential Secretariat. According to the report, SL’s total population now stands at 21,781,800, compared to 20,359,439 recorded in the 2012 census. more..

Apr 9 (Island) Marking World Health Day on April 7, health experts have called for a stronger commitment to science-based decision-making to address increasingly complex and evolving health challenges in Sri Lanka and beyond. Dr. Dayanath Ranatunga, Assistant Representative of the UN Population Fund, stressed that health is no longer confined to hospitals or traditional medical systems, but is shaped by a broad spectrum of social, environmental, and technological factors. more..

Apr 9 (Island) The whole world must have heaved a huge sigh of relief yesterday when the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with Israel consenting to follow suit. Pakistan deserves praise for a timely intervention to de-escalate the West Asian conflict and prepare the ground for negotiations aimed at working out a lasting solution. However, the situation is far from right as rain. What we are witnessing in the trouble-torn West Asia, which is red in tooth and claw, more..

Apr 9 (SO) SL’s long debated labour law reforms have returned to the policy agenda this time under a Govt that has promised to place workers, rather than employers, at the centre of the process. The previous administration was forced to withdraw its proposed Amendments amid sustained resistance from Trade Unions and civil society groups, who said the changes tilted too far in favour of employers and risked eroding hard won labour protections. Now, the NPP Govt is attempting a reset. more..

Apr 9 (TM) The proposed Jaffna Cricket Stadium in the Mandaitivu Island, under the purview of the SLC, has sparked controversy among environmental activists and lawmakers, and notably, the general public. The controversy erupted after activists revealed the SLC had commenced construction prior to an environmental impact assessment (EIA) being conducted, despite prevailing legal provisions in the country mandating that a prescribed project must undergo an EIA before implementation. more..

Apr 9 (SO) The country’s energy system is being tested—this time by a convergence of forces that range from the predictable rhythms of weather to the unpredictable shocks of global geopolitics. As reservoir levels fall, fuel shipments face delays, and electricity demand surges in the oppressive heat, the Govt is faced with a challenge : how to keep the lights on without pushing the system beyond its limits. more..

Apr 9 (CT) Tragedies happen now and then, sometimes too often, as many around the world today would sadly confirm. There are some that could have been avoided and others that were too late to have been saved by human intervention or interception so that nations and their peoples would survive to pursue the glorious futures embedded in their minds. But there is another kind of tragedy which is really tragi-comedy, the product of some who consider themselves comedians more..

Apr 9 (DM) Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila has stolen the limelight at least for a few weeks by launching his book Searching for the Mastermind of the Easter Sunday Attacks, despite it disappointing many Gammanpila in his book as well as his speech at the book launching ceremony had concluded that Zahran Hashim, the leader of the National Thawheed Jama’ath (NTJ) that carried out suicide bomb explosions in eight places on April 21, 2019, was the mastermind of those attacks. more..

Apr 9 (CT) SL entered the current Yala agricultural season with fertiliser stocks, covering roughly 60% of what its crops require, after the conflict that erupted in the Persian Gulf in late February triggered the cancellation of approximately half the country’s outstanding import orders. World urea prices rose from USD 460 to USD 690 per MT between the end of Feb and 30 March, and the country’s primary supplier, China, more..

Apr 9 (GV) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his NPP party swept into power with the support of voters in the North and East, voters who usually place their confidence in Tamil political parties. But one year one, while still popular, the president and his govt are slowly losing support and credibility as they make little progress on the issues that are most important to the people in the North and East. Groundviews spoke to Mahendran Thiruvarangan, Senior Lecturer at the Jaffna Uni and more..

Apr 9 (DM) It is normal for patients to spend almost an entire day at a govt or private hospital in SL. It takes hours to complete their registration, doctor’s consultation and then obtain medicines from the pharmacy. Even for a common sickness like a fever, it is quite difficult to grab the attention of nurses or the supporting staff to get the temperature checked as they stick to strict procedures at times. The situation is no different at private hospitals, especially for doctors in high demand. more..