Apr 21 (CT) Rich in nature, culture, and heritage would be the best way to describe SL’s Mannar District. The location of the Vankalai Sanctuary, also known as the Mannar Bird Sanctuary, in the Mannar District, has made the area a popular visitor spot, especially during the bird migratory season. Vankalai Sanctuary is a Ramsar site (selected as a Ramsar wetland in July 2010) and a key bird area hosting over 20,000 waterbirds. more..

Apr 21 (ST) Nearly three weeks ago, the White House alerted the world’s media to await an important update on Iran to be delivered by President Tramp. While the Washington press corps gushed amongst themselves what to expect from Trump this time, the White House pursed its lips and only said, Trump plans to address the nation on the war Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET. It turned out it had hardly been worth waiting up to hear what the US Prez had to say, for it was nothing new but more..

Apr 21 (GV) One of the most pressing questions facing the Tamil people of the North and East today is this: where do we stand? Despite more than 75 years of political struggle, marked by immense sacrifice and shifting political landscapes, there remains a strong and growing sentiment across many sections of the community that a clear and unified political direction has yet to emerge. While it is true that new organisations and ideological initiatives continue to take shape, more..

Apr 21 (TM) The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most reassuring times of the year for Sri Lankans, signifying the dawn of a new beginning and better things to come. It is more than a set of rituals and traditions; rather, it is a time of celebration and family for most, where the bustle of daily life slows down and people are given the time to reflect and reunite with their loved ones. However, this year’s New Year, more..

Apr 21 (CT) With every passing year, SL sports recede further into the shadows, an also ran competitor, in many sports not even qualifying to compete at top international events. The one exception being the game of Cricket, a game played mainly among former British dominions and colonies. Today the mainstay of Cricket are the South Asian countries, which provide much of the money and a vociferous fan base for the game. The game of Cricket itself has morphed, more..

Apr 21 (DM) One can hardly contest the argument by leaders of the ruling NPP that system change cannot be brought in overnight. Yes, it is a change expected to be realised within a degenerate society, utilising components of the very same society which would inevitably take time. System change is not a singe act but a long process. Yet, that does not mean that people have to wait years for the govt to keep all its promises. There are things in which the masses have the right to expect expeditious more..

Apr 20 (AD) A surge in road traffic accidents has been recorded between April 10 and 19 this year compared to the same period last year, according to DIG in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W.P.J. Senadeera. DIG Senadeera revealed that fatal accidents during the period have increased by 18 cases year-on-year while the number of fatalities resulting from these incidents has risen by 20. He further noted a significant increase across multiple categories of road accidents. more..

Apr 20 (DM) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced imposing a two-year ban on Sri Lanka's T20I captain Dasun Shanaka from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over his unilateral withdrawal from the ongoing 11th edition. According to the cricket board, the Sri Lankan all-rounder was found to have breached both player registration terms and the tripartite agreement after a thorough review of the developments involving Shanaka and the Lahore Qalandars. more..

Apr 20 (FT) Vehicle registrations increased to an all-time monthly record of 55,470 units in March, up 11.1% from the previous month, with growth driven by a broad-based pick up across segments. Two-wheeler registrations rose 15.7% month-on-month (M-o-M) to 38,977 units, while brand-new car and Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) registrations increased 32.2%, reflecting a sharp rebound in passenger vehicle demand. more..

Apr 20 (DM) A special island-wide food safety inspection programme carried out during the festive season has resulted in widespread inspections and enforcement actions, according to the SL Public Health Inspectors Association. The programme, which began on April 1 and will continue until the end of the festive period, is being implemented by a team of 2,300 Public Health Inspectors deployed across the country. AS of April 18, a total of 2,114 food raids had been conducted island-wide. more..

Apr 20 (AD) A World Health Organization (WHO) expert team has arrived in Sri Lanka to review the progress of the country’s health system and submit recommendations to strengthen it further. The team also met Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa today. The meeting focused at length on the current performance of the health system and the progress of the govt’s programme to establish Arogya Health and Wellness Centres to strengthen the primary healthcare system, more..

Apr 20 (AD) Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilake has been appointed as the Minister of Energy. Minister Karunathilake was sworn in before Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake this afternoon. The Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Kumanayake was also present during the swearing in ceremony. Minister Karunathilake has been appointed as the new Energy Minister following the resignation of more..

Apr 20 (AD) Central Bank of SL’s Annual Economic Review 2025 and Financial Statements and Operations 2025 reports were presented this morning (20) at the Presidential Secretariat to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The two reports were formally presented to the President by the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe. The Central Bank of SL’s flagship publication, more..

Apr 20 (NW) Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has urged the Ministry of Mass Media to take immediate action against Hiru Media Network and Asia Broadcasting Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, accusing the broadcaster of gravely misusing media freedom and spreading false information that harmed the institution and the country. In a letter addressed to the Ministry Secretary, CPC Chairman said repeated irresponsible reporting by Hiru Media Network has damaged the CPC’s reputation, more..

Apr 20 (TM) Colombo’s All Share Price Index (ASPI) has a potential downside of 18,000 to 19,000 points if global volatility is to continue to persist, and thereby compress valuations to 8x price-to-earnings (PER), First Capital Holdings stated in its latest equity webinar, recently. The investment institution had further revised its fair value expectations for the ASPI, in view of the ongoing economic repercussions of external shocks materialising. “We expect a further rerating as more..

Apr 20 (NW) Four newly appointed ambassadors and two high commissioners formally presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning (20). The envoys are: Vincent Sumale – High Commissioner of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (resident in New Delhi); Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa – Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia (resident in New Delhi) Christian Biever – Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (resident in New Delhi) more..

Apr 20 (DM) Traffic on the expressways (E01, E02, E03 & E04) generated a total revenue of Rs. 48,500,040 during the 24-hour period from midnight on April 19 to midnight on April 20. A total of 128,283 vehicles entered the expressway network, while 130,182 vehicles exited during the same period, indicating a steady flow of traffic with exits slightly exceeding entries. E01 and E01 Extension recorded highest traffic volume, more..

Apr 20 (NW) A second group of monks has arrived in SL from Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport, Texas, US, to take part in the internationally renowned Walk for Peace pilgrimage programme. The event, scheduled to be held from April 21 to 28, 2026, will take place under full state patronage. A delegation of monks led by the Most Venerable Pannakara Thero is expected to join the procession, which will carry a Bodhi sapling obtained from the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in A'pura. more..

Apr 20 (FT) European Union (EU), through the Accelerated Industries Climate Response SL (AICRSL) Project implemented by the US Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), facilitated the handover of advanced Solar PV training and demonstration equipment to five Technical Colleges across SL. The ceremonial event was held today at the Department of Technical Education and Training (DTET) in Colombo. This timely intervention, carried out in response to a request by the PUCSL, more..

Apr 20 (TM) SL’s maritime sector is currently navigating a substantial escalation in bunker fuel costs, with surcharges rising by nearly 23% in recent weeks. Despite the sharp increase in these operational expenses, authorities maintain that both the Port of Colombo and the Port of Hambantota continue to operate at maximum capacity. Govt officials emphasise that fuel pricing is not the primary driver of transhipment traffic, more..

Apr 20 (TM) Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply stated the Govt has moved to train 10,000 construction workers under the SL Army in response to a growing shortage of labour in the construction sector. Deputy subject Minister T.B. Sarath said that discussions are ongoing with construction companies and that steps are being taken to standardise the designation of construction worker as a recognised job category. “We currently have about 7,500 vacancies for more..

Apr 20 (TM) The second school term of 2026 has officially begun today (20) across all Govt and Govt-approved private Sinhala and Tamil schools. Similarly, the fourth stage of the first term for Muslim schools also commenced today, as per the Ministry of Education (MOE). The first term’s second phase concluded on April 10, with holidays observed until 19 April for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The current term will run until 24 July, 2026. In addition, the MOE announced more..

Apr 20 (AD) Former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa has stated that a significant plan is in place to regain political power in the New Year. Asserting that a political shift is imminent, he noted that his party is fully prepared for the change. The former Prez further mentioned that, as May Day coincides with a Poya day this year, the party will refrain from holding traditional celebrations and will instead engage in religious observances. Following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, activities at more..

Apr 20 (TM) The SJB has called for the audit report containing details related to the alleged substandard coal imports to be immediately forwarded to the Attorney General (AG) through Parliament. The party’s Senior Vice President (SVP), former MP and attorney Lakshman Kiriella made this call during a press conference in Colombo yesterday (19). He also accused the Govt of appointing various commissions in an attempt to delay action instead of addressing the matter directly. more..

Apr 20 (Island) Fried rice, kottu and instant noodles could soon be banned from school canteens under a proposal submitted to Parliament by NPP MP Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, who has warned of a growing diabetes crisis among children. Moving a motion in the House, the NPP Gampaha District MP called for the immediate formulation and implementation of a regulatory system to restrict the sale of unhealthy food and beverages in more..

Apr 20 (AD) Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, Kamal Amarasinghe, who was arrested by the CID, has been granted bail by the Pilessa Magistrate’s Court in Kurunegala. He was ordered released on a cash bail of Rs. 25,000 and two surety bails of Rs. 200,000 each. The court also ordered the impounding of his passport and imposed an overseas travel ban preventing him from leaving the country. He was taken into custody by the CID on March 27 in connection with an investigation more..

Apr 20 (NW) India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has described Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited’s acquisition of a 51% controlling stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC as a significant development that represents investment in a highly strategic sector. Speaking on the development, Misri said the deal highlights growing India-SL cooperation in maritime and industrial sectors. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), India’s state-owned defence shipbuilder under the Ministry of Defence, more..

Apr 20 (TM) SL Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI) increased to 66.7 in March 2026, supported by a heightened activity due to seasonal demand amid a tight production environment, attributed to raw material and fuel shortages, rising costs, and logistical constraints, according to the PMI report released by CB. The new orders and production sub-indices expanded in March, particularly more..

Apr 20 (EN) The self-congratulatory and almost gloating terms in which the return of monetary depreciation and accompanying rise in the cost of living towards the central bank’s inflation target is welcomed by macro-economists is in bad taste. Inflation is nothing other than an immoral philosophy cooked up by post-1960s macroeconomists who rejected classical economic theory for statistics and visited great privations upon vast populations. The return of depreciation and inflation which more..

Apr 20 (Island) Sri Lanka has formally ratified the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), becoming the 55th member of the International Labour Organisation to do so, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva said in a statement on Saturday (18). The statement said: On 16 April 2026, Sri Lanka deposited the instrument of ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) with the International Labour Office. more..

Apr 20 (FT) The Philip Gunawardena Commemorative Society has released Volume III of the speeches of Philip Gunawardena in Parliament from 1965 to 1970. Previously, the Commemorative Society had issued a compilation of his speeches in the State Council during the colonial period as Volume I, and those in Parliament in independent SL as Volume II. The present volume completes all his speeches as a people’s representative during his long political journey in the country. more..

Apr 20 (FT) Seven years on from that black Easter Sunday of 2019, the toll of grief has not let up its death grip. Nor have the traumatic memories of the dark day which unshrouded terror diminished. The wound has merely deepened into something more corrosive and even cancerous – since it has been left untreated. Dare we say, some 2,555 days (or 83 months) later, it has deepened into a silent national crisis that no one dares name. It is an issue that goes by no formal title. more..