Anura Karunathilaka sworn in as Energy Minister

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (April 20) appointed Anura Karunathilaka as Sri Lanka’s new Minister of Energy, and he was sworn in before the President this afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.



Former Minister Piyasena Gamage granted bail

Former Minister Piyasena Gamage, who was arrested this morning (April 20) by CIABOC over corruption allegations, was released on bail today by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.



Sri Lanka to launch first wheelchair-accessible bus service

Sri Lanka will launch its first wheelchair-accessible low-floor bus service from Makumbura tomorrow (April 21), with Rs. 430 million invested under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.



Kumara Jayakody likely to move to the government backbench

Former Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody is reportedly set to take a government backbench seat in Sri Lanka’s Parliament after resigning to allow an independent coal probe.



Ship seizure raises fears over U.S.-Iran ceasefire

Concerns rose on Monday (April 20), after the United States said it had seized an Iranian cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran warned it would retaliate, putting the fragile ceasefire at risk.



Indian Vice President to inspect housing projects in Nuwara Eliya today

Indian Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan will inspect Indian-funded housing projects in Nuwara Eliya today (April 20) before concluding his two-day official visit to Sri Lanka.



Indian Vice-President Radhakrishnan holds talks with President Dissanayake

Indian Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan held bilateral talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo this morning (April 19), during his two-day official visit to Sri Lanka.



Two Mullaitivu Hospital officials arrested over Rs. 30,000 bribe

Two employees of the Mullaitivu District General Hospital were arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs. 30,000 bribe to release a cheque due for a hospital bed linen washing tender payment.



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.