Latest News
May the blessings of Lord Shiva bring peace, good health, and spiritual fulfillment to your homes and to our beloved country – PM
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasinghe in her Maha Shiva Ratri message wished that the blessings of Lord Shiva bring peace, good health and spiritual fulfillment to every home and our beloved country.
The PM’s Maha Shiva Ratri message:
“As we observe the sacred occasion of Maha Shivaratri, I extend my warmest greetings to the Hindu community of Sri Lanka and to devotees across the world.
Maha Shivaratri, the “Great Night of Shiva,” stands as a profound symbol of the triumph of light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance. It is a time for deep reflection, spiritual discipline, and the pursuit of inner peace.
In our multicultural and multireligious society, this festival reminds us of the shared values that unite us — selflessness, compassion, and the strength to overcome challenges through unity and faith. As devotees spend the night in prayer and meditation, may we all reflect on how we can contribute to building a more harmonious, inclusive, and prosperous nation.
May the blessings of Lord Shiva bring peace, good health, and spiritual fulfillment to your homes and to our beloved country”.
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued Landslide Early Warnings to the Districts of Kurunegala and Ratnapura effective from 16:00 hrs on 23.04.2026 To 16:00 hrs on 24.04.2026
Accordingly,
Level 1 landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Rideegama in the Kurunegala district and Kuruwita, Kalawana, Ratnapura, Nivithigala, Pelmadulla and Eheliyagoda in the Ratnapura district.
US forces have boarded a ship carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean, the US military says.
It comes as the deputy speaker of the Iranian parliament says Iran has received the first tolls from shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. He did not say who paid the tolls, or how much they were, and the BBC has not verified his claim.
Donald Trump has previously said the US would taget ships if they pay Iran to use the strait.
Yesterday, Iran attacked three cargo ships as they tried to pass through the Strait of Hormuz – and claimed it seized two of them. BBC Verify has analyzed footage said to be of the seizures, released by Iranian media.
[BBC]
Latest News
Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-central, Southern, Uva provinces, and Ampara and Batticaloa districts
Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
Issued at 12.00 noon 23 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.30 p.m. 23 April 2026
Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-central, Southern, Uva provinces, and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.
There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
• Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the Districts of Kurunegala and Ratnapura
US boards ship carrying Iranian oil, as Iran MP says first Strait of Hormuz toll paid
Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-central, Southern, Uva provinces, and Ampara and Batticaloa districts
Will another film star be able to sway the election in India’s Tamil Nadu?
‘Team audit’ done, Kirsten hopes Sri Lanka keep ‘progressing and improving’
Nuwan Thusara withdraws lawsuit against Sri Lanka Cricket
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News3 days agoRs 13 bn NDB fraud: Int’l forensic audit ordered
-
Business6 days agoHarnessing nature’s wisdom: Experts highlight “Resist–Align” path to resilience
-
Opinion4 days agoShutting roof top solar panels – a crime
-
News6 days agoGratiaen Trust announces longlist for the 33rd Annual Gratiaen Prize
-
News5 days agoFrom Nuwara Eliya to Dubai: Isha Holdings markets Agri products abroad
-
News6 days agoHeroin haul transported on 50-million-rupee contract
-
News4 days agoChurch calls for Deputy Defence Minister’s removal, establishment of Independent Prosecutor’s Office
-
News5 days ago‘Agents of the devil’ seeking to block Easter probe, Cardinal warns