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Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, held talks on addressing the impact of the United States' tariff policies on Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, both parties extensively reviewed the current trade relations between Sri Lanka and the United States, emphasizing the potential effects of the new US tariff policies on Sri Lanka's export sector.

The necessity to reassess these policies was highlighted, especially considering Sri Lanka's ongoing recovery from the severe economic crisis faced in 2022 and the implementation of International Monetary Fund programs without hindrance.

Ambassador Chung also made a note of the meeting on X (formerly twitter) noting that she had a productive discussion with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on rebalancing Sri Lanka’s trading relationship with the U.S.

She had emphasized the importance of reciprocal treatment for U.S. exports.

A fair, balanced trade relationship supports economic growth, creates jobs, and strengthens industries in both our countries, she noted.

A 26-member specialized medical and disaster relief team from Sri Lanka’s tri-forces, led by Brig. Punya Karunathilake, departed for Myanmar today (April 5) to assist earthquake-affected communities.

The mission, coordinated by the Defence Ministry under the directive of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

“Myanmar, a Buddhist nation that played a key role in the re-establishment of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka, is receiving not only disaster and humanitarian aid but also supplies, including medical

assistance. These supplies were donated and gathered by the people of Sri Lanka across the island, under the guidance of the Venerable Maha Sangha, led by the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist chapters and are being sent to the Myanmar government,” the Ministry of Defence issuing a statement said.

The Foreign Ministry and SriLankan Airlines also supported the operation, the statement said.

New Democratic Front (NDF) Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dassanayake has been further remanded until 21 April by the Badulla Magistrate’s Court.

MP Dassanayake is accused of misappropriating a sum of Rs. 1 million of the Uva Provincial Council in 2016.

MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake was taken into custody on March 27, over three separate corruption-related cases.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court previously granted bail in two of the cases but ordered him placed in remand custody over the third charge.

The allegations stem from his tenure as Chief Minister of Uva Province in 2016.

According to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), Dassanayake had solicited funds from three state banks, claiming they were intended to provide bags for preschool children in the province.

Two banks complied, granting him Rs. 1 million and Rs. 2.5 million, which were later transferred to his personal foundation account.

However, when a third bank refused to provide funds, Dassanayake reportedly retaliated by withdrawing the Uva Provincial Council’s fixed deposits from that institution.

The Bribery Commission filed a case against the MP, citing the government incurred a financial loss of Rs. 17.3 million due to his actions.

After reviewing the evidence, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court ruled that while Dassanayake could be released on bail for two of the charges, he would remain in remand custody for the third.

Accordingly, this morning MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake was once again produced before the Badulla Magistrate’s Court when the case was taken up for hearing.

"It is a matter of great pride for me to be awarded the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’ by President Dissanayake, said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he was conferred with Sri Lanka's highest civilian honour.

This esteemed award, which symbolizes the profound friendship and historic ties between India and Sri Lanka, was accepted by Prime Minister Modi with immense pride.

Prime Minister Modi expressed that this honor is not solely his but a tribute to the 1.4 billion people of India.

He conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to President Dissanayake, the Government, and the people of Sri Lanka for this significant recognition.

"This honour is not mine alone - it is a tribute to the 1.4 billion people of India. It symbolises the deep-rooted friendship and historic ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka," stated Prime Minister Modi.

He further extended his sincere thanks to the Sri Lankan leadership and its citizens for bestowing this prestigious accolade.

This accolade recognizes Prime Minister Modi's significant contributions to strengthening the bilateral ties and fostering goodwill between the two nations.

The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana is a Sri Lankan honour, for Heads of State and Heads of Government with which Sri Lanka has friendly relations "in appreciation of their friendship towards and solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka".

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The report highlights the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.

The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.

AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies, and Macroeconomic Outlook.

According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago.

The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries. Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power, and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived in Sri Lanka tonight (04) at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake for a State visit, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha extended a warm and distinguished welcome to Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his diplomatic delegation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka is being conducted under the theme “Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” reaffirming the enduring bond between Sri Lanka and India and their shared commitment to a thriving future.

This marks Indian Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, highlighting the longstanding economic, cultural and historical ties between the two nations. The primary objectives of this State visit are to further strengthen bilateral ties and to enhance multifaceted cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

During this visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

While in Sri Lanka, the Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is scheduled to pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and will inaugurate several projects implemented in Sri Lanka with the assistance of the Government of India.

Accompanying the Indian Prime Minister on this visit are India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials of the Government of India.

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has recommended the transfer of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Welikada Police Station following the death of a suspect who was hospitalized while in police custody.

The incident occurred on April 1, 2025, when a 26-year-old man, arrested for allegedly entering a house in the Nawala area under the Welikada Police Division, reportedly displayed riotous behavior while in custody. He was later admitted to the National Institute of Mental Health in Mulleriyawa, where he died the following morning.

In order to ensure a fair and impartial investigation, the recommendation for the OIC’s transfer was submitted to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs on April 6, 2025, for onward referral to the National Police Commission.

A police sergeant and a constable have also been suspended for negligence of duty related to the incident.

The National 'Aluth Sahal Mangallaya' or the New Rice Festival was held this morning (4) at the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Celebrating its 58th iteration, this year's festival was themed "One Sheaf for a Secure Nation through Agriculture."

The event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Services, under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthana, Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero.

During the ceremony, the first portion of the newly harvested rice from the Maha season was offered to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.

Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thero commenced the ritual of filling the golden bowl with new rice, accompanied by the chanting of the Maha Sangha. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also participated in this traditional ceremony.

The commemorative momento for the 58th National New Rice Festival was presented to the President by U.B. Rohana Rajapaksa, Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Development, and Professor A.L. Sandika, Director of the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute.

In a traditional honey offering to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a clean honey pot was presented to the President by Indigenous Deputy Leader W.U. Gunabandia.

Additionally, the traditional offerings of ghee, kithul jaggery, and red lotus flowers were presented to the President by W.M.P.M. Weerakoon, Assistant Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs in Ratnapura and Supervising Officer of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya.

Subsequently, these offerings were ceremonially handed over to the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthana, Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thero, by the President for the veneration of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.

During the event, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also honored the farmers for their contributions.

National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Kosala Nuwan has passed away at the age of 38, hospital sources confirmed.

He was reportedly admitted to the Karawanella Hospital following a sudden heart attack and was pronounced dead shortly after.

Kosala Nuwan was a newly elected MP and a prominent youth figure within the NPP.

Further details are awaited.

The Grade 5 Scholarship Examination for 2025 will be held on August 10, according to a statement issued by the Commissioner General of Examinations, H.J.M.C. Amith Jayasundara.

As per the announcement, applications for the exam will be accepted online from April 4 to April 30, 2025. The online application portal will close at midnight on April 30, and the department has stated that the deadline will not be extended under any circumstances.

Students eligible to sit for the exam must be currently studying in Grade 5 at a government school or a school approved by the government.

Only students from low-income families who are under the age of 11 as of January 31, 2026, will be eligible to receive the scholarship benefits.

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka following an invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.

This marks the Indian Prime Minister's fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka's important role in India's “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.

This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's visit will mark a significant milestone in the government's pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.

Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a Gazette notification stipulating the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for bottled drinking water.

As per the Gazette notification, the Maximum Retail Prices are effective from 01 April 2025.

Accordingly, the MRP for bottled drinking water are as follows;

500 – 999 ml bottles – Rs.70 01 -1.499 L bottles – Rs.100 1.5 -1.999 L bottles – Rs.130 02 – 2.499 L bottles – Rs.160 05 – 6.999 L bottles – Rs.350