News First

- Special transportation services were launched from this morning to facilitate the return of people to Colombo after spending the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays in their hometowns.According to Sanjeewa Nandana, Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC), the recent Ditwah cyclone significantly disrupted up-country railway operations, forcing a massive influx of commuters to rely on bus services instead.To manage this shift during the New Year season, the NTC scaled up its response. While a typical year sees around 1,250 extra buses, this year's rail disruptions prompted the deployment of 1,500 additional buses within Colombo to supplement regular schedules.Meanwhile, the SLTB has generated Rs. 1 billion in revenue within six days through the provision of New Year transport services.Special railway services will also remain in operation until the 19th to assist people returning to Colombo after celebrating the New Year in their hometowns.Accordingly, these special train services are operating on the Anuradhapura-Colombo Fort, Kankesanthurai-Anuradhapura, Matara-Maradana, and Beliatta-Maradana routes.According to Asanka Samarasinghe, Controller of Sri Lanka Railways, the department is prioritizing a smooth transition back to regular commuting following the New Year holidays.He confirmed that on April 16 and 17, office trains will maintain their standard morning and evening schedules. To accommodate the holiday return rush, several special services are scheduled for the evening of April 19, specifically targeting passengers traveling from Matara and Anuradhapura back to Colombo.Railways services are expected to be operating in full capacity by the morning of April 20, with the same volume of trains operated as seen on a standard weekday.

- The auspicious time for the oil-anointing ritual, observed to invoke good health during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, fell this morning.The State Oil-Anointing Ceremony was held today with the participation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Sri Maha Natha Devalaya premises within the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.According to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year almanac, the oil-anointing ritual was scheduled for 6.55 a.m. today.

- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called on the Most Venerable Aggamaha Pandita Makulewe Wimala Mahanayaka Thera of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya and engaged in a brief discussion.The President visited the Sri Vidyavasa Pirivena Maha Vihara in Minuwangoda, Meerigama, where the Venerable Thera resides, this afternoon (15), and inquired after his well-being.On this occasion, the Venerable Thera chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the President for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

- A 32-year-old woman has been killed after being attacked with a sharp weapon in Netolagama, Wellawaya. Initial investigations have revealed that the murder occurred following a personal dispute between the victim. who is a married woman, and her lover.The deceased has been identified as a resident of Netolagama, Wellawaya.

A total of 238 Iranian nationals who had been under Sri Lanka's care departed for Iran yesterday, authorities confirmed.The group comprised Iranian nationals who were aboard the vessel IRIS Dena, which came under attack in waters close to Sri Lanka's coastline, and IRIS Bushehr.Following the incident, the stranded passengers were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy and brought to safety.After remaining under Sri Lanka's protection, arrangements were made for their repatriation. A special aircraft carrying the Iranian nationals departed Sri Lanka last night, marking the completion of their return journey to Iran.

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that the war in the Middle East has abruptly disrupted global economic momentum, forcing the IMF to downgrade growth projections after previously preparing to revise them upward.Georgieva said the global economy had been building strong momentum, with growth forecasts on track for an upgrade. However, she said a sudden shock from the Middle East conflict has reversed that outlook, introducing significant uncertainty and compelling the IMF to present multiple economic scenarios rather than a single forecast path.She explained that the IMF is now outlining a range of outcomes depending on two key factors: the duration of the war and the extent of infrastructure destruction. These variables, she said, will determine how deeply and how long the global economy is affected.According to Georgieva, if the conflict ends within the coming weeks, a relatively rapid recovery remains possible. In such a scenario, global growth would slow and inflation would rise, but the effects would be measurably less severe.However, she cautioned that a prolonged conflict accompanied by greater infrastructure damage would place the global economy in a far more adverse position.She said that if supply disruptions continue through the summer, global economic growth would slow much more significantly. In addition, Georgieva warned of a worst-case scenario, one she said she hopes will not materialize, that could push the world economy into such a deep slowdown that some countries would fall into recession. She noted that such an outcome could dominate discussions at the IMF's annual meetings in Thailand.Georgieva described the shock from the conflict as both large and global, emphasizing that about 20 percent of oil and gas supply is missing from the world economy. Because oil and gas are globally traded commodities, she said rising prices affect everyone.However, she noted that some countries are experiencing far greater harm through slowed economic activity rather than price pressures alone.She also highlighted the worsening supply situation, pointing out that while tankers that departed earlier have now reached their destinations, no new shipments are leaving to replace them. As a result, she said, economic conditions are expected to deteriorate further in April following already negative developments in March.Georgieva added that closely monitoring market developments and improving understanding of ongoing disruptions are essential components of the IMF's policy advice to member countries as uncertainty continues to grow.

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga has outlined a phased financial response plan aimed at helping countries manage the economic fallout from prolonged global disruptions, warning that the effects of conflict and supply-chain damage are likely to last longer than many anticipate.Speaking on the World Bank's response approach, Banga said the first priority is the rapid availability of financing. He explained that through the World Bank's crisis response toolkit and clauses embedded in certain existing projects, finance ministers could potentially access between US$20 billion and US$25 billion almost immediately. He described this as "real money" that could be mobilised quickly, noting that countries are still assessing what they need and how much support will ultimately be required.Banga cautioned, however, that this funding is not grant money and that countries must be mindful of their fiscal constraints when drawing on these resources. He acknowledged that governments around the world are already facing significant fiscal challenges.If the crisis caused by the middle east conflic continues for six months or more, Banga said the World Bank's next step would be to repurpose existing projects, redirecting them toward areas that would be most helpful under prolonged strain. By doing so, the Bank estimates it could mobilise a total of US$50 billion to US$60 billion from its 2025 programme, representing an additional US$30 billion to US$40 billion beyond what was initially planned.Should conditions deteriorate further and extend beyond that timeframe, Banga said the World Bank would need to examine its balance sheet and available headroom to determine how much more support could be provided. Over a period of approximately 15 months, he said the Bank believes it could reach a total response capacity of about US$80 billion.Banga said the goal is to build a toolkit with a tiered response capacity, allowing the World Bank to scale its support depending on how long and how severely the crisis continues. While acknowledging that global institutions cannot control the immediate impact of conflicts, he stressed that they can control how they respond.He said the focus must be on short-term measures to reduce pain and manage difficult conditions, while also recognising that the disruption should not be viewed as a brief episode.Even if fighting were to stop immediately, Banga warned that it would take time for global supply systems to stabilise, particularly where energy infrastructure has been affected.

- Another fuel tanker carrying a stock of 36,700 metric tonnes of Octane 92 petrol arrived in the island today, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation confirmed. The fuel stock was ordered from India to boost the local supply of fuel. The Corporation further stated that measures are being taken to unload the shipment immediately for distribution.

The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that the disbursement of benefits for the first round of Aswesuma recipients is set to resume this July, following the conclusion of necessary beneficiary surveys. Chairman Nimal Kotawalagedara stated that they expect to complete these surveys by the end of May, while warning that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found to have provided false information. This legal recourse will also extend to those who have already obtained benefits through fraudulent means. Additionally, the benefit period for 2023 first-round recipients was extended until June specifically to facilitate the ongoing information update process.

The Kohuwala office of the Lanka Coal Company, which was sealed by the Criminal Investigation Department, is scheduled to be reopened today. The premises was sealed last Saturday after the CID launched a formal investigation into coal imports spanning back to 2009.This investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged with the CID by the Secretary to the President, Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, who requested a thorough inquiry into the matter. The Ministry of Power and Energy stated that the Criminal Investigation Department is expected to collect the specific files required for the ongoing probe today. The Ministry further noted that the operations of the Lanka Coal Company will return to normal once these investigative procedures are completed.

The State Oil-Anointing Ceremony marking the Sinhala and Tamil New Year 2026 was held this morning (15) at the Sri Maha Natha Devalaya premises within the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.The ceremony was conducted in accordance with long-standing New Year traditions and customs through the joint organisation of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media and the Department of Ayurveda.The event took place under the guidance and blessings of the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters.Earlier in the morning, President Dissanayake visited the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where he engaged in religious observances and received blessings in celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Following these observances, the President proceeded to the Sri Maha Natha Devalaya to take part in the State Oil-Anointing Ceremony.At the auspicious time of 6:55 a.m., the Anunayake Thera of the Malwathu Chapter, Venerable Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thera, ceremonially anointed oil on the President and those present at the ceremony.Members of the Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the President and the public, reaffirming the traditional belief in health, well-being, and prosperity associated with the ritual.After the religious rites, President Dissanayake engaged in friendly conversation with those present and inquired about their well-being, while members of the public extended their New Year greetings to the President.

The war in the Middle East is posing growing challenges to global financial stability, with markets showing resilience so far but underlying risks remaining elevated, according to a new analysis by the International Monetary Fund.Global financial markets entered 2026 in a strong position, marked by rising asset prices, subdued volatility, and historically easy financial conditions.That favorable backdrop has now been tested by the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East.While markets have absorbed the initial shock in an orderly manner, the IMF cautioned that this resilience should not be taken at face value."Rather, it reflects cycles of escalation and de-escalation, structural improvements in the financial system, and the absence of a decisive adverse turn that would trigger sustained market drawdowns, said Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor and Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF.Following the outbreak of the conflict, equity prices declined, sovereign bond yields rose, and volatility increased across asset classes, reflecting higher energy prices and renewed uncertainty about inflation. Despite the significant repricing of assets, market functioning has remained orderly, with no signs of acute liquidity stress or funding disruptions among financial institutions or investors.Short-term funding markets and core financial infrastructures have so far facilitated the adjustment.The IMF said financial conditions have tightened since the onset of the conflict but remain well below stress levels seen during previous episodes of global turmoil. However, the relatively modest adjustment suggests markets may not have fully priced in more adverse scenarios, leaving risks tilted to the downside should the conflict intensify or persist.The primary channel through which the war has affected financial markets has been inflation expectations. Rising energy prices have pushed up breakeven inflation rates and bond yields across both advanced and emerging economies. Yield curves have flattened, as short-term interest rates have risen faster than long-term rates, underscoring the difficult trade-offs facing central banks.The IMF emphasized that near-term inflation risks have increased substantially, requiring monetary authorities to remain firmly focused on price stability.At the same time, a prolonged conflict could increasingly undermine economic growth and labor markets. Persistent yield curve flattening could signal growing concerns over future economic activity.In this environment, the Fund stressed the importance of clear and credible central bank communication, institutional independence, and timely policy action where necessary to anchor inflation expectations.While markets have so far avoided severe disruption, the IMF warned that financial stability risks remain elevated and could materialize if conditions worsen."The task for policymakers is therefore not to predict the next shock, but to ensure that vulnerabilities are mitigated and the system remains capable of absorbing stress without amplifying it. Amid recurring supply shocks and heightened geopolitical uncertainty, financial stability cannot be taken for granted, it must be actively protected," said the IMF.

The Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G24) has urged wealthier nations and multilateral development institutions to step up support for developing countries struggling with the economic fallout of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, while stressing that domestic resource mobilisation remains critical for long-term resilience.Responding to a question from News 1st's Zulfick Farzan, G24 Chair and Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, said it was natural for stronger economies to assist weaker nations during periods of global stress.However, he cautioned that current global conditions are marked by declining overseas development assistance and net financial outflows from developing economies.Edun noted that developing countries are facing heavy pressure from high debt-servicing costs, which now outweigh the financial inflows they receive. He said debt servicing by developing countries in 2024 amounted to approximately US$163 billion, far exceeding overseas development assistance of about US$47 billion, even before accounting for foreign direct investment. As a result, elevated interest costs have driven a net outflow of resources from emerging and developing economies.While calling on advanced economies and multilateral development institutions to provide stronger support, including liquidity assistance and policy leadership, Edun emphasized that external support alone is not sufficient. He said countries must place greater emphasis on self-reliance through domestic resource mobilisation as a sustainable path forward.Citing Nigeria's experience, Edun said his government introduced a comprehensive tax regime that improved revenue collection while simultaneously reducing the tax burden on the lowest-income earners, both at the individual and government levels. He described such reforms as essential examples of how public and private sectors can work together to strengthen domestic capacity.Edun stressed that self-help, domestic resource mobilisation and private-sector participation are key not only to weathering the current shock but also to supporting long-term economic growth, investment and poverty reduction in developing nations.

Three brothers from the same family have gone missing after being swept away while bathing in the Serunuwara area of the Mahaweli River. Police stated that the missing brothers, aged 24, 34, and 35, are residents of Mahindapura. The incident occurred while they were bathing in the river along with their father and another brother. A search operation has been launched to locate them.In a separate incident, two individuals drowned while bathing at the Habaraduwa beach. Police identified the deceased as residents of Katunayake, aged 21 and 26. They had reportedly traveled to the area on a field trip and were swept away while swimming in the sea.

The Ministry of Health has revealed that 83 percent of deaths in the country are caused by non-communicable diseases.Dr. Shreeni Alahapperuma, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit, stated that one in every three individuals in the country suffers from heart-related ailments. Health authorities further disclosed that 63.9 percent of those individuals do not seek medical treatment.Additionally, the doctor noted that 15 percent of the population suffers from diabetes, with 49 percent of them not receiving any treatment. Dr. Shreeni Alahapperuma provided these explanations regarding non-communicable diseases and emergency accidents.

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has announced that all state institutions and offices will remain open as usual from today until the 17th of April.Previously, there were plans to conduct government duties through an online system during these three days as a measure to conserve energy.However, the Ministry stated that the decision to keep state offices open for regular operations was made with the aim of efficiently meeting the needs of the public.

Special transport services have commenced today for the public returning to Colombo after traveling to their hometowns for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. National Transport Commission Director General Nilan Miranda stated that additional buses have been scheduled to operate from today until the 20th of April based on passenger demand. These services are primarily focused on routes from Badulla, Bandarawela, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and the Southern Province. The Director General shared these details during a discussion with News 1st.Additionally, the Sri Lanka Transport Board confirmed that buses have been deployed to transport passengers from rural areas back to Colombo. SLTB Chairman Sajeeva Nandana Kanakarathne noted that 1,500 buses have been allocated for this purpose.Special train services have also been launched starting today to accommodate those returning to the capital after the New Year celebrations. The Railway Department stated that these services will remain operational until April 19th. Accordingly, special trains will run between Anuradhapura and Colombo Fort, Kankesanthurai and Anuradhapura, Matara and Maradana, and Beliatta and Maradana.

The auspicious time for the anointing of oil for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was observed at 6:55 this morning.According to astrological traditions, the ritual required devotees to dress in green-colored attire and face East. The custom involves placing Kohomba (Margosa) leaves over the head and Kolon leaves under the feet, followed by a bath after applying oil and Nanu herbal mixtures.The State Oil Anointing Ceremony is currently underway at the Sri Maha Natha Devalaya premises within the Sri Dalada Maligawa complex in Kandy.The ceremony is being held under the guidance of the Most Venerable Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siamopali Maha Nikaya. The Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, is also in attendance.

Veteran western vocalist Antoinette de Alwis has passed away.A prominent figure in Sri Lanka's western music scene since the 1960s, she was also the mother of acclaimed singer Ashanthi de Alwis.Antoinette De Alwis was celebrated for her versatility, with a repertoire spanning evergreens, jazz, pop, soul, and contemporary R&B, earning her a reputation as one of the country's most iconic western vocalists.She led her own band, Antoinette and the Gaylords, before later joining the Peter Prins Combo.She was also a songwriter, best known for evergreen hits including We Are Sri Lanka.Her passing marks a significant loss to Sri Lanka's music industry.

The war in the Middle East has derailed global economic momentum, sharply worsening the outlook for growth and inflation while forcing policymakers worldwide to confront difficult trade‐offs, according to a new analysis released by the International Monetary Fund.After an unexpectedly resilient performance last year, supported by private‐sector adaptation, fiscal support, favorable financial conditions and a technology‐driven productivity boom, the global economy entered 2026 with growth projected to reach 3.4 percent.That trajectory has now been disrupted by the conflict, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz and damaged critical energy facilities in a region central to global hydrocarbon supply, raising the risk of a major energy crisis if hostilities persist.The IMF warned that the ultimate economic damage will depend on how long the conflict lasts and how quickly energy production and shipping normalize once it ends.The shock is already being transmitted through three main channels.Higher commodity prices have created a negative supply shock, raising costs for energy‐intensive goods, disrupting supply chains, pushing up headline inflation and eroding purchasing power.These effects risk being amplified if firms and workers attempt to recoup losses, potentially triggering wage‐price spirals in countries where inflation expectations are weakly anchored.Meanwhile, rising macroeconomic risks and the prospect of tighter monetary policy could prompt sharp asset price repricing, higher risk premia, capital outflows and currency appreciation, tightening financial conditions and dampening demand.Under the IMF's reference scenario, which assumes a short‐lived conflict and a 19 percent increase in energy prices in 2026, global growth would slow to 3.1 percent this year while inflation rises to 4.4 percent, reversing recent disinflation gains. More severe outcomes are possible.A longer shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz combined with greater infrastructure damage would further disrupt the global economy. In an adverse scenario, global growth would fall to 2.5 percent and inflation would rise to 5.4 percent.In a severe scenario where energy disruptions extend into next year and financial conditions tighten sharply, global growth would drop to 2 percent this year and next, while inflation would exceed 6 percent. Despite reports of a temporary ceasefire, the IMF cautioned that "some damage is already done" and downside risks remain elevated.The impact of the shock is expected to vary sharply across countries. Energy‐importing economies are particularly exposed, with low‐income and developing countries-especially those with limited fiscal buffers-likely to be hit hardest.At the same time, Gulf energy exporters face economic losses due to damaged infrastructure, production disruptions, export constraints and declines in tourism and business activity. Countries that depend heavily on remittances from migrant workers in the region are also expected to be affected as income flows weaken.The IMF notes that the current shock echoes the 2022 commodity price surge following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which pushed global inflation to its highest level since the 1970s.While policymakers succeeded then in restoring disinflation without a recession, the Fund warned that conditions today are different. Inflation expectations are more sensitive after years of elevated prices, and evidence suggests a return to a flatter global supply curve, making disinflation more costly and increasing the risk of output losses.On policy, the IMF stressed that the most effective way to limit damage remains an early and orderly end to the war. Central banks, it said, can look through energy‐price spikes only if inflation expectations stay anchored. If expectations begin to drift higher, restoring price stability must take precedence over growth, even if that requires rapid tightening. Exchange rate flexibility should remain the first line of defense, though foreign‐exchange interventions or capital‐flow measures may be used in specific cases.Fiscal policy faces tighter constraints. With public debt and deficits already elevated, the IMF warned against untargeted subsidies and price caps, calling them costly, inefficient and often counterproductive.Any fiscal support should be temporary, narrowly targeted, and aligned with credible medium‐term plans to rebuild buffers.Preserving price signals, the Fund argued, is essential to encourage demand restraint and supply expansion, while direct transfers to vulnerable households offer more effective relief at lower cost.Looking beyond the immediate crisis, the IMF said the war underscores growing strains in the international order, marked by geopolitical fragmentation, trade restrictions and security‐driven economic policies.While the conflict demands urgent attention, the Fund cautioned against losing sight of longer‐term growth drivers, including the productivity gains promised by artificial intelligence and the need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy to strengthen resilience against future shocks.The IMF noted that global cooperation remains critical. With the right policies, including a swift cessation of hostilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the economic damage can be contained. The principles of international economic cooperation forged after past wars, it said, are more vital than ever to safeguard global prosperity.

A suspected associate of a major drug trafficker operating in the country was arrested in Dummaladeniya, Wennappuwa.Police say that narcotics with an estimated street value of Rs. 7.5 million was also seized from the suspect at the time of arrest.The arrest was carried out by officers of the Walana Central Anti-Corruption Unit.Further investigations are underway.

The Inland Revenue Department has recorded revenue of over Rs. 190 million from expressway toll charges over a four-day period.The Road Development Authority (RDA) stated that a total of Rs. 196,119,425 was generated between the April 10th and April 13th.During this period, approximately 520,000 vehicles have used expressways.Accordingly, the highest daily revenue has been recorded on April 10, amounting to over Rs. 5.9 million.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake joined New Year celebrations today at a newly rebuilt house under government compensation after it was destroyed by the Cyclone Ditwah.The event was held in Malbeligala, Galnewa.The President's Media Division says that the President participated in New Year rituals at the newly constructed house together with local residents, and extended New Year greetings to all members of the public.

A nationwide operation targeting the disruption of drug supply networks has resulted in the arrest of 520 suspects within the past 24 hours.Issuing a statement, Police said that parallel investigations have been launched into the suspected illegal assets of several individuals apprehended during the operation.Legal proceedings have also been initiated to secure detention orders against six suspects in connection with the raids.During the course of the operation, 179 grams of heroin and 228 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as "ICE," were seized.Further investigations are underway.

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) says that bus services will be operated based on passenger demand today.Most areas are expected to see bus services running as per the usual schedule.For those who traveled to their hometowns for the New Year, special bus services will be in operation from the 16th to the 21st of April to facilitate their return to Colombo.Meanwhile, the special train service launched for the New Year season will continue to operate until the 19th of April to accommodate commuters returning from across the island.