Apr 18 (NW) According to sources at SLC, Dasun Shanaka is set to join the Gujarat Titans for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season as a replacement for the injured Glenn Phillips. Phillips, who was part of the Gujarat Titans squad, has reportedly sustained an injury that has ruled him out of the ongoing tournament. In light of this, the franchise has turned to the experienced SL all-rounder to bolster their squad. Shanaka, who previously featured in the IPL, is expected to travel to more..

Apr 18 (DN) A cross erected thousands of years ago on Mount Golgotha cannot remain fixed in that distant past and still speak meaningfully to us today. It must be relocated. Has it been? Indeed, it has. Look at the spires of churches – it stands there. Look at the ornaments worn by women – the cross hangs there too. Visit Christian cemeteries, and you will see it engraved on tombstones. Yet, none of these reflect the relocation most urgently needed. The cross must be moved into the depths of more..

Apr 18 (Island) The CIABOC has decided against refiling 34 cases that were withdrawn during the 2019-2024 period. The 34 cases are among 102 cases withdrawn during that period, the CIABOC has disclosed, adding that 65 cases had been refiled. Decisions on three others are pending according to statistics made available on 01 March 2025. The CIABOC provided a breakdown of the withdrawal of cases: 2019 (5), 2020 (0), 2021 (44), more..

Apr 18 (AD) SL Police HQ has announced that steps have been taken to implement a special security program in view of the upcoming Easter Sunday celebrations. As Easter services for Christian devotees are scheduled to be held on April 18 and April 20, special police security will be deployed to ensure the safety of devotees on those dates. Meanwhile, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued instructions to all DIGs in charge of all provinces, SSPs, and OICs in this regard. more..

Apr 18 (DM) A 10-day strict programme is underway presently to counter the sale and consumption of alcohol within the Kandy City limits during the period of the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Dept of Excise announced yesterday. With effect from today (18) until Monday (28), the sale of alcoholic beverages has been prohibited as per the Excise order, where all liquor outlets, restaurants, bars and taverns within the Kandy City limit will remain shut. more..

Apr 18 (AD) Siri Dalada Wandanawa, the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, being held for the first time in 16 years, is scheduled to commence at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy this afternoon, followed by a 10-day public viewing beginning on April 19. Devotees were seen preparing since yesterday to attend the historic occasion. The special exposition is scheduled to take place from 3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. today. more..

Apr 19 (DM) It is strange that the political analysts - both so-called and serious - have pathetically failed to note that the JVP had dropped the concept of Indian Expansionism some fifty years ago in 1972. Hence, they find a contradiction in current NPP govt’s relationship with India. The issue had surfaced again with Indian PM Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to SL this month during which time seven MOU’s including one on defence corporation between the two countries were inked. more..

Apr 19 (DM) On Monday (21), Lankans will commemorate the sixth anniversary of the dastardly Easter Sunday bombings in our country. At least two-hundred and fifty-three persons lost their lives. Another 500 or more were injured in suicide bombings in Colombo (Kochchikade), Negombo, and Batticaloa. At least 250 people were killed by suicide bombers (who belonged to the Islamic community) attacked churches and hotels on that fateful day. more..

Apr 19 (DM) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. These words written by St. Paul in his epistle to Timothy (2.Timothy 4.7) are a fitting epitaph to the life and service of former Catholic Bishop of Mannar, the Most Rev. Rayappu Joseph whose 85th birth anniversary was on April 16 this year. Bishop Rayappu Joseph passed away on April 1st 2021 just 15 days before his 81st birthday. more..

Apr 19 (GV) Incel is a term that started to come into popular use a few years ago, fuelled by the digital era, and escalating during the enforced lockdowns during the pandemic, which disrupted our collective social lives. The term itself is a short form for involuntary celibate and neatly highlights the frustration felt by people, predominantly heterosexual men, who feel their choices in dating and seeking fulfilling relationships with women have been severely restricted by more..

Apr 19 (CT) It has been six years since SL was rocked to its core by the coordinated Easter Sunday bombings of 21 April 2019. That morning, as worshippers gathered in churches to celebrate one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar, and families sat down for breakfast in hotels, terror tore through the island. Suicide bombers targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, killing over 260 people and injuring more than 500. The shockwaves reverberated not only through SL but more..

Apr 19 (CT) As SL approaches the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday attacks that took place on 21 April 2019, a chilling silence still echoes through the many unanswered questions surrounding the bombings. Six years may have passed, but the wounds – physical, emotional, and institutional – remain painfully raw. For the families of the victims, the Catholic Church, and all citizens concerned about justice and national security, more..

Apr 19 (ST) At a meeting last week, where I also had an opportunity to speak, I made the following observation about our country’s export performance: “We Sri Lankans, have done more damage on our own exports than the potential impact by Prez Trump’s announcement of a 44% reciprocal tariff on a quarter of total exports. Without such self-inflicted setbacks, we would not have been left with a mere US$12 billion in exports after four and a half decades of trade liberalisation. more..

Apr 19 (CT) Ruling JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva has to be congratulated and thanked for taking bold to declare that their anti-India tirade is a thing of the past. No, it is not (only) about the one-time insurgent party acknowledging that the northern neighbour is not a threat. Instead, it is a reflection on the level of the JVP moving forward with the times, as Tilvin too has acknowledged – and also staying relevant to the times. That way, mainstreaming of marginalised political forces, more..

Apr 19 (Island) Govts with steamroller majorities become impervious to reasoning. Blinded by the arrogance of power, they dig their own political graves. This, we have witnessed on numerous occasions in this country. When ensconced in power, politicians practise the exact opposite of what they preach during their election campaigns. JVP-led NPP govt finds itself in an unenviable position. It has had some arrests made under Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which it used to more..

Apr 19 (Island) Cassandra flopped down on her favourite sofa satiated with kavun, kokis and athiraha. She missed her treacle filled coils of ulundu – unduvel – which are elegant, smallish and slightly crunchy total delights; a specialty of the Kandy region. They are basically pani walalu, but unique in their smaller coils and taste; different from jalabi and those which you can buy at the Avan Hala below the Ambepussa Rest house, named hotel or resort or whatever now. more..

Apr 19 (CT) On Monday 21 April, Christian Community and families from both local and several foreign countries would commemorate the Sixth Anniversary of those whose lives were snatched away by the cruel bombers on that fateful Easter Sunday – in a series of attacks that shook the nation. For those who lost their loving members of families, next of kin, loved ones and friends the mental wounds inflicted by the deadly blasts, more..

Apr 19 (ST) SL’s Information Technology (IT) industry has experienced significant growth, with revenues increasing from approximately US$750 million, 10 years ago, to between $1.5 to 2 billion, Director of Creative Software Sushena Ranatunga said. This expansion underscores sector’s resilience and potential as a key contributor to the national economy, a pioneer in the IT industry, he added. Recent fiscal reforms have introduced new tax measures impacting digital services sector. more..

Apr 19 (TM) Fitch Ratings has set SL’s banking sector outlook for 2025 to improving, but says a surge in US tariffs could threaten this assumption in the Asia Pacific region. Fitch Ratings had anticipated broadly stable operating conditions across most Asia Pacific banking systems in 2025, but a surge in US tariffs could threaten this assumption in some markets. It said that the effect of the trade war on specific banking systems in the region will depend on final tariff outcomes, more..

Apr 19 (Island) UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka is introducing a transformative patron structure for its Working Groups, set to take effect in 2025. This initiative strengthens the Network’s commitment to advancing corporate sustainability by amplifying the leadership of select companies within their respective issue areas. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on March 20, 2025, at the 80 Club, in the presence of the Network’s Board Members. more..

Apr 19 (DN) With the dreams of a nation resting on their shoulders, SL’s rugby stars will take the field today for a decisive Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s C'ship 2025 Play-Off match against Malaysia — a clash that could lift the Tuskers into the top four of Asian rugby for the first time in years. Kick-off is set for 4 PM at Racecourse Grounds in Colombo. It promises to be a high-intensity battle, with SL, ranked 40th in the world, meeting 50th-ranked Malaysia in what has been billed as a more..

Apr 19 (ST) In earlier times, people overexploited mangroves for their use all over the country. It eventually caused mangrove degradation. So mangrove restoration became essential. Over time, it may become a tradition to plant mangroves without adequate scientific research. Many developed countries offset their carbon emissions by planting mangroves in SL. Most NGOs support this practice by promoting the concept of blue carbon. more..

Apr 19 (DN) Final two crucial matches of the preliminary round of the National Super League (NSL) 4-day cricket tournament organized by SLC will begin on Sunday (20). Dambulla team led by Dhananjaya de Silva will meet Jaffna at Pallekele while Galle will play their match agsinst Colombo at Dambulla Stadium .After one week rest due to new year celebrations teams will be in action to finish the preliminary round. Top two teams at the end of the preliminary round of the 5-team tournament more..

Apr 19 (CT) A low level of public interest has been reported in the upcoming Local Govt (LG) Elections compared to the previous two elections, according to the PAFFREL. PAFFREL’s Executive Director, Rohana Hettiarachchi, stated that no major incidents related to the LG Elections have been reported since the campaign commenced, although several complaints have been received — including 20 related to the misuse of govt property and 15 concerning personal attacks. more..

Apr 19 (CT) Sri Lanka concluded the 6th edition of the Asian U-18 Athletics Championship in Saudi Arabia with its highest-ever medal tally, with middle-distance runner Tharushi Abhisheka shining as the country’s sole gold medalist. The Sri Lankan contingent secured a total of eight medals—1 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze—finishing in 9th place overall. This marks the country’s largest medal haul in the championship’s history across six editions. more..

Apr 19 (NW) Eleven staff members, including the manager of the Indian Hut restaurant in Galle, have been remanded until April 28 in connection with an alleged assault on a group of customers, police said. The incident occurred on the night of April 16, when a dispute over food escalated into a physical altercation between restaurant employees and a group of diners. Six individuals, including a 28-year-old man and two minors aged 17 and 14 from Colombo, sustained injuries and more..

Apr 19 (DM) The Vatican is to declare those who died in bomb attacks in churches on Easter Sunday six years ago as Heroes of Faith on Monday April 21, 2025. Director Communications Catholic Church Fr. Jude Chrysantha said Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith will read out the announcement from the Vatican in Katuwapitiya on that day. ‘Heroes of Faith’ is a term used by the Catholic Church to refer to those who sacrifice their lives for what they believe. more..

Apr 19 (CT) Gujarat Titans (GT) have officially signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for the injured Glenn Phillips for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. This announcement came on 18 April following Phillips’ unfortunate groin injury sustained during a match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on 6 April. Phillips, who was brought into the team for INR 2 crore during the IPL 2025 mega-auction, did not play a single match for GT this season due to injury, more..

Apr 19 (DN) Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other diplomats representing many countries including Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Canada and South Korea travelled to Kandy yesterday morning by train from the Colombo Fort Railway Station to participate in the inauguration of the Siri Dalada Wandanawa Special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic. more..

Apr 19 (AD) Siri Dalada Wandanawa, the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which allows the public to venerate and pay their respects to the Sacred Tooth Relic, commenced today (18) after 16 years, with the participation of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Marking the inauguration ceremony, the Prez placed first floral tribute to the Sacred Tooth Relic and with the President paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, more..

Apr 19 (EN) Former state minister for finance has defended a controversial decision to restructure the country’s private sector workers’ superannuation fund, after the central bank approved an interest rate of 11% on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) balances for 2024. “At the time, we promised a minimum return of 9% because we believed in the success of the recovery plan—despite criticism from those who didn’t fully understand the process,” Shehan Semasinghe said. more..

Apr 19 (PMD) A fraudulent invitation is being circulated, misleading the public to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Siri Dalada Vandanawa (Exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic). This fake invitation, falsely created in the name of the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, instructs recipients to arrive at the President’s House in Kandy to participate in the event. No special invitations have been issued to anyone for the Siri Dalada Vandanawa. more..

Apr 19 (EN) A group of 44 diplomats, including from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Palestine, France, New Zealand, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, UK, Thailand, Canada and South Korea headed to Kandy by train to participate in special viewing of Lord Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic. The group traveled to Kandy this morning in a special observation saloon of a train that departed from Colombo Fort Railway Station at around 7:00 am, more..

Apr 19 (DN) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that this Govt and the Cabinet are well capable of discharging duties without being a burden to the country and that of it can be confidently stated that the corruption, fraud and destruction have been completely halted. PM made these remarks while participating in a public gathering held at the Pullman Grand Hall in Kolonnawa on Wednesday (16). PM also stated: “Now it is the time for all of us to work together to rebuild the country. more..

Apr 19 (DN) China stands ready to support Sri Lanka’s development and strengthen their longstanding partnership, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said in a release, addressing global trade tensions. Emphasizing the importance of multilateralism and economic cooperation, Qi re-affirmed Beijing’s commitment to working closely with Colombo to resist protectionism and economic coercion. more..

Apr 19 (CT) In a decisive shift aimed at securing SL’s access to the European Union’s GSP+ trade concessions, Govt is preparing to swiftly repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). A high-level EU delegation is expected to arrive in SL this May, during which trade and investment discussions will be held. Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando, said that SL will also take this opportunity to discuss export diversification and the continuation of GSP+ benefits with the visiting team. more..