News
Sri Lankans Mark Final New Year Ritual with Auspicious Tree Planting Ceremony Today
The final ritual of this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations is being observed across Sri Lanka today (April 23) with the auspicious planting of tree saplings, as prescribed in the traditional Nekath Seettuwa.
According to the official New Year auspicious time schedule, the ceremony is set to take place at exactly 9:01 a.m., a time regarded as highly favorable for the ritual. Families and communities are expected to participate in the symbolic act of planting tree saplings, bringing the festive season to a meaningful close.
Sri Lankans welcomed the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 14, beginning a series of customs and observances that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance throughout the country.
Today’s tree planting ceremony serves as the concluding ritual of the New Year celebrations, reflecting themes of renewal, prosperity and harmony with nature that are closely associated with the season.
The observance marks the final chapter of one of Sri Lanka’s most cherished cultural festivities, celebrated by people across the island with tradition and reverence.
Afternoon Thundershowers Expected Across Sri Lanka; Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
Sri Lanka is expected to experience widespread showers and thundershowers across much of the island after 1:00 p.m. today, according to the Department of Meteorology.
The weather forecast indicates that most areas of the country will see rain during the afternoon and evening hours, with some regions likely to receive fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm. These heavier showers are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces, as well as in the districts of Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Ampara and Batticaloa.
In addition to the afternoon rain, morning showers are also anticipated in several parts of the island. Residents in the Batticaloa, Ampara and Hambantota districts may experience showers during the early part of the day.
The Met Department further noted that misty conditions are likely to prevail during the early morning hours in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-central and Uva provinces, along with the Vavuniya and Kurunegala districts. These conditions may affect visibility for motorists and commuters travelling during the morning.
Authorities have also issued a precautionary notice to the public, urging people to take necessary steps to reduce potential damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.
Residents are advised to remain alert to changing weather conditions and exercise caution, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours when storms are expected to intensify.
World Unites for Earth Day 2026 Under the Theme “Our Power, Our Planet”
World Earth Day is being observed across the globe today, April 22, bringing renewed focus to the urgent need for environmental protection and sustainable action.
This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the collective responsibility of communities, governments, and individuals in safeguarding the Earth for future generations. The observance comes at a time when the world continues to face increasingly complex environmental challenges in 2026, including climate change, the loss of biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as the growing accumulation and degradation of industrial waste.
First celebrated on April 22, 1970, in the United States, Earth Day began as a movement aimed at raising awareness about the environmental and health impacts of pollution. It was pioneered by Gaylord Nelson, whose efforts helped spark a global conversation on conservation and environmental responsibility.
What started as a national observance has since evolved into one of the world’s largest environmental movements. Today, Earth Day is marked in 193 countries, with the participation of more than one billion people worldwide, reflecting its far-reaching influence and global significance.
The United Nations formally recognized the day in 2009 following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The recognition was intended to emphasize the Earth as a life-sustaining system essential to the survival and well-being of all living beings.
The origins of the movement were rooted in growing public concern over the impact of air and water pollution on human health. These concerns were largely linked to excessive resource consumption and industrial expansion in developed nations, which prompted widespread environmental awareness and inspired collective action across borders.
As the world marks Earth Day this year, the message remains clear: protecting the planet is a shared responsibility, and the power to shape a sustainable future lies in the hands of all humanity.
Young Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on Siyambalanduwa–Ethimale Road
A fatal road accident involving a motorcycle and a luxury jeep claimed the life of a young man along the Siyambalanduwa–Ethimale road, police said.
According to authorities, the collision left both the motorcyclist and the pillion rider seriously injured. The two victims were rushed to hospital for emergency treatment following the impact.
Police confirmed that one of the injured later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. The deceased has been identified as a 27-year-old resident of Siyambalanduwa.
The condition of the other injured individual has not yet been disclosed.
Siyambalanduwa Police have launched further investigations to determine the circumstances that led to the accident.
Gold prices increase after US extends ceasefire with Iran
Gold prices firmed on Wednesday as lower oil prices, following a U.S. extension of a ceasefire with Iran, eased fears of an inflation spike and prolonged high interest rates.
Spot gold rose 0.9% to $4,755.11 per ounce, as of 0225 GMT, after falling to its lowest level since April 13 on Tuesday.
U.S. gold futures for June delivery gained 1.1% to $4,772.90.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow for further peace talks, hours before it was set to expire.
Stocks gained, dollar eased and oil prices turned lower following the ceasefire extension.
Higher crude prices can stoke inflation by raising transportation and production costs. While gold is considered an inflation hedge, high interest rates make yield-bearing assets more attractive, weighing on the bullion’s appeal.
“Price action remains at the mercy of Middle East ceasefire headlines and liquidity needs,” Standard Chartered said in a note.
“While we note that the recent tick higher in prices has been fragile and is at risk of a short-term correction, we continue to expect (precious metals) prices to recover and gold in particular to retest record highs.”
Meanwhile, Federal Reserve chief nominee Kevin Warsh said on Tuesday he had made no promises to Trump about cutting interest rates, as he tried to assure U.S. senators mulling his confirmation to lead the central bank that he would act independently of the White House while pursuing broad reforms.
Spot silver rose 1.5% to $77.84 per ounce, platinum gained 1.5% to $2,067.25, and palladium was up 1.8% at $1,560.31.
Source: Reuters
Former MP Produced Before Court Over Alleged Firearm Threat in Nuwara Eliya
Former Ratnapura District Parliamentarian Premalal Jayasekara was produced before the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court today following his arrest over an alleged incident involving threats made with a firearm.
According to police, Jayasekara was taken into custody yesterday after a complaint was lodged alleging that he had threatened an individual by brandishing a pistol during a heated confrontation in Nuwara Eliya.
Investigators stated that the incident reportedly took place after an argument broke out between the former MP, who had travelled to Nuwara Eliya with family members, and a group of individuals who had arrived from Avissawella on an excursion. What began as a verbal dispute is said to have escalated, during which the suspect allegedly displayed the firearm and threatened the group.
Following the complaint, officers attached to the Nuwara Eliya Police launched an investigation and arrested Jayasekara on suspicion in connection with the alleged threat.
Police further revealed that the pistol found in the suspect’s possession had originally been issued under a licence granted by the Ministry of Defence. However, authorities noted that the licence had expired in 2025, raising additional concerns regarding the legality of its possession at the time of the incident.
Further investigations into the incident are continuing as police seek to establish the full sequence of events surrounding the confrontation.
Page 1 of 713