First crude oil tanker to arrive in Sri Lanka since Middle East conflict

Sri Lanka Navy brought a multi-day fishing vessel carrying sacks suspected to contain narcotics to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbor after intercepting it in deep seas off the southern coast yesterday (April 16), arresting four suspects on board.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has strongly rejected reports claiming that Sri Lanka paid US$286 per barrel for crude oil, calling the information false, misleading, and harmful to the institution’s reputation.

Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, today (April 16) called on the staff of the Presidential Secretariat to support the President’s people-centred programme with renewed energy and fresh ideas.

Former Member of Parliament Chandana Kathriarachchi was arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division after a cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered during a search of his residence in the Mampe area of Piliyandala this morning (April 16).

Nine Chinese nationals were arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake early today (April 16) for allegedly arriving in Sri Lanka to commit computer-related financial crimes.

The Road Development Authority (RDA) says Sri Lanka’s expressways generated Rs. 229.2 million in revenue from April 10 to April 15, 2026, with more than 610,000 vehicles using the network during the period.

Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) earned Rs. 1 billion in revenue within six days by operating special transport services for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, its Chairman, Sajeewa Nandana Kanakarathna, said.

Sri Lankan government offices and institutions will remain open as usual on April 15, 16 and 17, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government announced.

The Sri Lankan government yesterday (April 14) took steps to send 240 Iranian Navy personnel, who had been under Sri Lanka’s protection, back to Iran.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake joined Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations today (April 14) by attending the housewarming of a family in Galnewa whose home was destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a time of renewal, unity and prosperity for all Sri Lankans.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Sinhala and Tamil New Year message, called on the people of Sri Lanka to move forward in unity and brotherhood while overcoming the country’s present challenges.

Lanka Coal Company Chairman Jayantha Rathnayake has issued a statement saying a distorted audio clip being circulated on social media gives a false and misleading impression.

The Consumer Affairs Authority says its special New Year season raid and investigation program will continue until April 30, 2026, after nearly 2,000 raids were carried out since March 20 over issues affecting consumers.

Special transport services are continuing today (April 13), with 1,500 extra buses and special trains operating to help people travel to their hometowns for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.