Apr 22 (DM) As the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy markets, the long-dormant Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm project has shifted from a conceptual strategic goal to an urgent national security priority. Following high-level talks during Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan’s visit, officials emphasized that no further time can be lost on the 99-tank complex. The proposed India-SL-UAE pipeline and grid more..

Apr 22 (NW) The Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne, has raised concerns over the introduction of new low-floor luxury buses by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) in collaboration with the Metro company. Wijeratne said he supports the modernization of public transport but questioned the manner in which the project has been implemented, particularly the use of public funds. “These buses have been bought using taxpayers’ money. more..

Apr 22 (AD) Sri Lanka’s economic growth rate in 2026 is projected to be lower than the growth recorded in 2025, according to Professor in Economics at the Dept of Economics, Priyanga Dunusinghe of the University of Colombo. Professor Dunusinghe noted that recent data indicates an around a 30% decline in tourist arrivals this year. He further pointed out that the agricultural sector has been adversely affected by unfavorable weather and climatic conditions. more..

Apr 22 (DM) New Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake said that the govt’s primary objective remains the consistent and uninterrupted delivery of essential services, specifically electricity and fuel, to the public. He said that national energy policies will stay steady and aligned with long-term objectives, irrespective of ministry portfolio changes. He made these remarks after assuming duties as the new Minister of Energy. more..

Apr 22 (NW) A retired Chief Legal Officer of the Ministry of Health has been arrested on corruption charges and remanded until May 5, 2026. The CIABOC confirmed that its officers arrested the suspect on Tuesday (21) at around 3.45 pm, after investigating a complaint. According to the Bribery Commission, while serving as a legal officer, the suspect prepared three lease agreements to extend the rental period of the Medi House building leased to the Ministry of Health. more..

Apr 22 (AD) The Former Director of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who is currently detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), has been produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court. He has been escorted to court under tight security by officers of the CID, Ada Derana reporter said. He was brought to court in accordance with an order issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara during the previous hearing. more..

Apr 22 (NW) RDA is preparing to introduce a new toll collection method known as Multi‑Lane Free Flow (MLFF), as part of efforts to reduce cash handling on SL’s expressways. RDA Director General Anuradha Hettiarachchi said the system is part of the authority’s continuous measures to modernize toll operations and improve efficiency. The MLFF system will allow vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping, with payments processed electronically. He explained that the MLFF system more..

Apr 22 (AD) Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 will be held from July 10 to August 5. The sixth edition of the much-anticipated T20 league will be played across four venues: Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) grounds, Colombo. R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo. Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (PICS), Kandy. Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), Dambulla. Meanwhile, the online portal for foreign player registration will open on May 4, more..

Apr 22 (TM) Despite complaints from school meal suppliers over rising costs of food items, fuel, and cooking gas, Education Ministry stated that there is no possibility of revising the meal payment rates at present, as the rates have been fixed for a one-year period under the relevant tender system. Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that the Ministry has not received any official request from those providing school meals seeking more..

Apr 22 (DM) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake should intervene and get the assistance of any foreign Central Bank to carry out a forensic audit to conduct a probe on Rs 13.2 billion fraud at the National Development Bank (NDB), DNA MP Ravi Karunanayake said. “The Prez should get involved in resolving the issue in his capacity as the Minister in charge of Finance. He should seek the assistance of either the Central Bank of India, the Bank of England or even the Central Bank of Singapore,” more..

Apr 22 (NW) The Socialist People’s Forum has condemned the NPP government over the withholding of several literary works by renowned Tamil writer Pradeepan Deepachelvan, which have remained in custody at SL Customs for weeks. In a statement, the Forum said the incident highlights two key issues about the state. Firstly, it argued that even govts with progressive outlooks act to protect racist and supremacist foundations, noting that decisions on whether Tamil writings are more..

Apr 22 (DM) Anti-corruption crusaders and die-hard cricket followers in the island could breathe a sigh of relief as Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has at last bowed down to ground realities and ordered Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) merry-go-round dictator Shammi Silva to clear out. Silva, the Daily Mirror exclusively learns, will be replaced by former MP Eran Wickramaratne, a former Royal College cricketer, in an Interim Committee. more..

Apr 22 (AD) Former Ratnapura District MP Premalal Jayasekara, who was arrested yesterday in connection with an alleged incident of threatening an individual with a firearm, has been granted bail. The suspect was produced before the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court today, following which Magistrate Pushpika Jayadasa ordered his release on bail under strict conditions. The Magistrate ordered to release Premalal Jayasekara on a Rs. 25,000 cash bail & two surety bails amounting to Rs 1 m. more..

Apr 22 (NW) SJB MP S.M. Marikkar has claimed that the govt may be considering changes to the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket in a bid to gain public popularity ahead of May Day. Marikkar said reports suggest the Prez may remove the current Sri Lanka Cricket administration and appoint a new board as a popular decision before May 1. He alleged that the government was concerned about turnout for May Day rallies, claiming the SJB would stage the largest rally this year. more..

Apr 22 (FT) Seven years after the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Sunday attacks, SL continues to live not only with the grief of that day, but also with the unresolved struggle over how the tragedy is remembered, interpreted, and politically used. Over 260 innocent people were killed, hundreds were injured, and thousands of families were left with pain that time has not erased. Yet each year, as the commemoration returns, so too does a familiar contest over narrative, blame, symbolism, more..

Apr 22 (FT) Mangala Samaraweera passed away in 2021. Had he lived, he would be 70 on 21 April. What is the measure of a politician? What people say at the funeral and in eulogies that only highlight positives? It seems that what would matter more is what they’d say years later. Would they still remember? Would there be anything to talk about five or ten years later? Not having conducted a survey, I only have anecdotal evidence about Mangala. On Monday, I was talking to a more..

Apr 22 (TM) Seven Buddhist monks, led by Vietnamese monk Pannakara Thera arrived in the country yesterday to take part in the Walk for Peace in SL. The rescue dog Aloka has also arrived along with the delegation. The international Walk for Peace programme is scheduled to be held in SL until 28 April, under State patronage. The procession, led by Pannakara Thera along with the Buddhist clergy, will carry a Bodhi sapling obtained from more..

Apr 22 (Island) Ven. Bhante Gunaratana, Chief Sangha Nayaka for North America has requested all Sri Lankans to support the second phase of the International Walk for Peace scheduled to begin in Sri Lanka this week. The following is the text of a statement issued by Ven. Bhante Gunaratana: “As a distinguished assembly of Venerable monks embarks upon the second phase of the International Walk for Peace across our beloved island, I respectfully and earnestly implore all more..

Apr 22 (AD) Special attention should be given at the district level to expedite the payment of compensation for those affected by the Cyclone Ditwah and to accelerate reconstruction work, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated. The Prime Minister also noted that all necessary allocations have already been made to the Provincial Councils, and instructed that progress on disaster damages and reconstruction should be closely monitored at the provincial level. more..

Apr 22 (TM) Chief Sanganayake of the Amarapura Sect, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera said that despite three Presidents having left office and a fourth now in power, and with successive Govts coming and going, the shadow cast by the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has still not been lifted. Addressing the gathering at the seventh-year commemoration of the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks at Kochchikade Shrine yesterday, more..

Apr 22 (UCAN) UN urged SL to deliver concrete results after long-running investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners. UN's top envoy to the country, Marc-Andre Franche, said survivors and families of victims were still waiting for answers, despite multiple probes and renewed political pledges following the formation of a new govt in Sept 2024. "Public commitments by the govt to pursue justice are important & must be welcomed," more..

Apr 22 (AD) SL Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) has called for urgent action to prevent a looming medicine shortage crisis in SL, warning that growing pressure on the pharmaceutical supply chain could affect the country’s ability to ensure uninterrupted access to essential and life-saving medicines. Chamber cautioned that unless immediate and practical steps are taken, SL could face increasing shortages across both pvt & public healthcare channels, more..

Apr 22 (Island) The CIABOC has directed the Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera to cancel an internal transfer of a senior official. Sources said that the CIABOC intervened as the female official to be transferred is a key witness in the ongoing investigation into the conduct of suspended Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne. The CIABOC has asked the Secretary General to delay the transfer until the conclusion of its investigation. more..

Apr 22 (FT) SL’s strong human development achievements have not translated into equal economic participation for women, with structural barriers, particularly unpaid care work, continuing to limit labour force entry, a senior World Bank Group official said. Speaking at the South-4-Care Learning Hub in Colombo, WB Group Senior Operations Specialist and Acting Country Manager for SL and the Maldives Asela Dissanayake noted that while SL has built strong foundations in education, more..

Apr 22 (TM) In the wake of reports that the Energy Ministry and the Finance Ministry are in the process of introducing a new electricity tariff formula, the PUCSL stated that any tariff methodology has to be prepared and approved by the PUCSL to ensure reasonable costs and fair profits within the electricity sector. PUCSL Director - Communication, Jayanat Herat said that electricity tariffs are determined based on more..

Apr 22 (DN) SL long distance runner Gamini Sugathadasa has won the gold medal in the 55–59 age category at the world-renowned 130th Boston Marathon in 2026, which concluded on April 20 in USA. Gamini finished the 42kms race with 2 hours, 36 minutes and 32 seconds to win the gold. This is the best performance by a Sri Lankan in this age group on American soil and it will undoubtedly be etched in golden letters in the country’s sports history. He had previously won a bronze more..

Apr 22 (DM) Marking the World Earth Day, Barista Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, reflecting the brand’s broader focus on responsible growth, innovation and environmental stewardship. As the country’s café market leader, with 87 locations across 16 districts, Barista Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its efforts to build a more conscious and future-ready business while delivering the distinctive café experience for which the brand is known. more..

Apr 22 (AD) A total of 50 foreign nationals who had entered Sri Lanka on business visas and continued to remain illegally after their visas expired have been arrested this afternoon (21) by a group of officers from the Dept of Immigration and Emigration. Among those arrested are 47 Chinese nationals, two Malaysian nationals and an Indian national. The suspects were apprehended while staying at a house in Negombo, following intelligence received by the Immigration Dept’s intelligence unit. more..

Apr 22 (DN) Bimandee Bandara, the National number one ranked women’s paddler will lead the SL 5-member women’s team for the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championship finals which will be held from April 28 to May 10 in London. Championship will feature 64 men’s and 64 women’s teams competing across 13 days at two iconic London venues. SL women’s team took part at the ITTF –ATTU Asian TT Championship in India last year to get qualification for this world team more..

Apr 22 (ST) Increasing numbers of seniors, more widows, and an improved literacy rate are among the highlights from the Census of Population and Housing in 2024. DCS released the final report on the Census of Population and Housing 2024 last week. The report covers population distribution and growth, identifying people with difficulties, sex and age distributions, ethnic diversity, and birth and mortality rates as well as more..

Apr 22 (DM) WEAIR, a new entrant into Sri Lanka’s aviation sector, is set to commence operations in May 2026, aiming to strengthen the country’s air freight capacity and enhance regional connectivity. Backed by Luxembourg-based IOTC Investments and led by Sri Lankan-born Group CEO Thinesh Ganeshakumaran, WEAIR is positioned as a next-generation cargo airline designed to address growing demand across key trade corridors, the entity said in a statement. more..

Apr 22 (FT) Sri Lanka’s tea production fell sharply in March, hit by prolonged dry and hot weather conditions. Output declined to 20.8 million kilograms (Mn/Kgs), down from 24.4 Mn/Kgs registered in March last year, a drop of 3.5 Mn/Kgs or 14.5% year-on-year (YoY). While production in 2024 was lower at 19.6 Mn/Kgs, the latest figure still ranks among the weakest on record, exceeded only by the unusually low 13.5 Mn/Kgs seen during the COVID-19 lockdown period. more..