Indian Vice-President arrives in Sri Lanka on two-day official visit

India’s Vice-President C. Padhakrishnan arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (April 19) for a two-day official visit that includes meetings with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya.



80 buses fined for overcharging New Year passengers

The National Transport Commission has moved to fine 80 buses for overcharging passengers during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, following inspections carried out between April 8 and April 18, 2026.



Sri Lanka tourist arrivals top 809,000 by April 15, 2026

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) says that 68,961 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka during the first 15 days of April 2026.



Lal Kantha demands Rs. 10 billion from media institution over report

Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has demanded Rs. 10 billion from a private media institution, accusing it of publishing a false and malicious report by distorting his assets and liabilities declaration.



US extends waiver for sanctioned Russian oil purchases until May 16, 2026

The United States has extended a waiver until May 16, 2026 allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil already loaded at sea, as the Trump administration moves to increase oil supplies amid global disruption caused by its war on Iran.



QR fuel quota system for petrol vehicles resumes tomorrow

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) says the QR-based fuel quota system for petrol vehicles will be reactivated from tomorrow (April 19).



Sri Lanka Energy Minister and Secretary resign over coal import probe

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody and Energy Ministry Secretary Professor Udayanga Hemapala resigned today (April 17) to allow an impartial and independent investigation into the coal import process.



Deduru Oya death toll rises to 8 as last two bodies are recovered

Sri Lanka Police say all eight bodies have now been recovered following the Deduru Oya drowning incident in Kobeigane.



Heroin haul from seized vessel estimated at over Rs. 4,000 million

A multi-day fishing vessel taken into Sri Lanka Navy custody was carrying more than 150 kilograms of heroin with a street value of over Rs. 4,000 million, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara said.



Multi-day fishing vessel carrying suspected narcotics brought to Dikkowita Harbour

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.



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

The Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) said that the first crude oil tanker to arrive in Sri Lanka after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East is scheduled to reach the country today (April 17).



CEYPETCO rejects reports of Sri Lanka paying US$286 per barrel for crude oil

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 calls for renewed commitment at Presidential Secretariat

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 MP Chandana Kathriarachchi arrested with weapons

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).



9 Chinese nationals arrested at BIA with Rs. 24.2 Million equipment

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.



Sri Lanka expressway revenue tops Rs. 229 million in five days

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.