The International Monetary Fund has reaffirmed continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva noted progress following a staff-level agreement on programme reviews. The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Nandalal Weerasinghe, held discussions during the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings 2026. Officials noted the importance of sustaining reforms and policy discipline to support long-term growth.

IMF reaffirms support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed G.M.R.D. Aponsu as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Energy. The letter of appointment was handed over at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. Aponsu previously served as Senior Additional Secretary to the President for Finance and Economic Affairs. The appointment follows the resignation of Kumara Jayakody and Udayanga Hemapala earlier today.

New Secretary to the Ministry of Energy appointed

Members of the Nallur Council have installed a temporary shade shelter made of sackcloth at the Thirunelveli signal junction in Jaffna.&nbsp; The initiative aims to provide immediate relief to motorists and cyclists traveling under the scorching heat.&nbsp;&nbsp; The shelter, erected last night, is now being actively used by travelers and has garnered widespread attention on social media today (17).&nbsp; The move has been praised for its quick response to the intense weather conditions, offering much-needed shade to those on the move.

Temporary shade shelter set up in Jaffna to protect travelers from heat

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has rejected claims that crude oil was purchased above USD 286 per barrel. Chairman D. J. Rajakaruna stated that crude oil shipments were procured at USD 66.99 and USD 71.99 per barrel in March and April. He noted that diesel, however, was purchased at higher global prices ranging between USD 288 and USD 303 due to the Middle East conflict. The CPC stated that claims regarding crude oil prices arose from misinterpretation of a statement by HSBC.

CPC denies claims of crude oil bought above $286

Nutella just launched its first new flavor in its over 60-year history, inspired by a classic combination. Nutella Peanut is here, marking the brand’s first new flavor since its debut, and it’s now available nationwide. The new spread blends the “unmistakable creaminess” of Nutella’s hazelnut-cocoa spread with the taste of roasted peanuts, creating a nostalgic yet new flavor for fans. The brand said the flavor innovation is “everything fans hoped it would be” after a year of anticipation and social media buzz. Ferrero, Nutella’s parent company, first teased the introduction of a nutty variety of its beloved spread back in 2025, and ever since fans on social media have been anxiously waiting for it to roll out. And the timing is out-of-this-world, as the original Nutella just went viral for floating in zero gravity alongside the astronauts of the Artemis II mission. “Honestly, when a jar of Nutella goes viral floating in space, you start to feel like anything is possible. So naturally, our next move as a brand was dropping our first new flavor innovation in over 60 years,” Noah Szporn, Senior Vice President of Spreads, Ferrero North America, said in a statement. “Nutella Peanut delivers the same creamy experience fans know and love, now blended with the irresistible taste of roasted peanuts. Our fans have been asking for this for years. We heard them, and afternoon snack time will never be the same.” Nutella Peanut is available now at major retailers nationwide, including Aldi, Amazon, Giant, Hy-Vee, Kroger, ShopRite, Stew Leonard’s, Stop &amp; Shop, Target, Wegmans and Walmart. Prices may vary, but it will be available in the recognizable 13-ounce Nutella jars, but this time with a gold, peanut-colored label. Fans in the comments of Nutella’s Instagram post were ecstatic about the release. “What!?! So excited! I can not wait to find it near me!” one said. “Wow I didn’t think this could get any better,” another wrote. “I want it on my table now!!!” a user exclaimed. “I tried it. It is sooooooo good!!” someone shared. “Literally had it last night,” Pasha Pashkov from “Dancing With the Stars” chimed in. The launch doesn’t stop in stores, either. For those in New York City, Nutella is celebrating the launch with its first-ever Nutella Peanut Pop-Up in NoHo at 372 Lafayette Street for one weekend only. On May 16-17, fans can participate in an interactive experience with gams, rewards and an “ultimate snack worth playing for.” Source : BBC

Nutella debuts first new flavor in 60 years 

Some of the most hotly anticipated films of the next couple of years have been previewed at the annual gathering of the cinema industry, CinemaCon, in Las Vegas this week. The event gives fans and cinema owners a glimpse of the biggest movies coming down the tracks, with footage and trailers screened there - often before they're posted online. A-list stars and directors were on hand to give peeks at what to expect. From the Avengers to Ariana Grande to an AI Val Kilmer, here are some of the main films and what we learned. Doomsday is nigh Disney showcased the first proper trailer for the long-awaited next Avengers film, Avengers: Doomsday, as the conference closed on Thursday. The clip gave the first look at Robert Downey Jr - who played Iron Man in 2019's Avengers: Endgame - as the new masked villain, Doctor Doom. The latest film, out on 18 December, brings together a host of Marvel characters old and new. The trailer showed a fight between Gambit and Shang-Chi, played by Channing Tatum and Simu Liu respectively, and Patrick Stewart reprising his role as X-Men's Professor Xavier. "Something's coming, something we may not be able to deter," he warns. Chris Evans returns as Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, appearing before Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, as the Norse god's Mjolnir hammer flies into the former's hands. On stage, Evans told the CinemaCon crowd: "I said I would only come back if there was a real reason. And in Doomsday, there is a very real reason that these heroes need Steve Rogers." Tom Cruise back in the Top Gun hot seat Tom Cruise is returning for Top Gun 3, Paramount announced. The follow-up to 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick is "officially in development with a script well under way", Paramount's Josh Greenstein told the convention. The last film earned $1.5bn at the global box office, giving cinemas a much-needed boost as punters began to return after Covid. Cruise was at CinemaCon earlier in the week to preview a very different film, Digger, in which he plays a grey-haired oil baron who has to clean up his environmental mess. Ariana Grande meets the parents (and grandparents) Fresh from her Oscar-nominated turn in Wicked, Grande is flexing her comedy muscles in Focker In-Law. The singer will appear alongside Ben Stiller and Robert de Niro in the latest instalment of the franchise that began with 2000's Meet The Parents. Where Stiller's character once struggled to impress his girlfriend's father, the latest take will move to the next generation as Grande plays the love interest of Stiller's son. The first trailer was released during CinemaCon and is online. Fresh from her Oscar-nominated turn in Wicked, Grande is flexing her comedy muscles in Focker In-Law. The singer will appear alongside Ben Stiller and Robert de Niro in the latest instalment of the franchise that began with 2000's Meet The Parents. Where Stiller's character once struggled to impress his girlfriend's father, the latest take will move to the next generation as Grande plays the love interest of Stiller's son. The first trailer was released during CinemaCon and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyISuWUWcFs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">is online</a>. Christopher Nolan unveils footage from The Odyssey Christopher Nolan returns this year with his first film since 2023's Oppenheimer, which won the Oscar for best picture. Adapted from Homer's ancient Greek poem, The Odyssey will star Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway and Zendaya, and Nolan played a key section of the film featuring the Trojan Horse at CinemaCon. That section hasn't been posted online, but a trailer has previously been released. "Why The Odyssey? It's a story that has fascinated generation after generation for 3,000 years," Nolan said at the event. "It's not a story, but the story. I wanted to grab the exciting opportunity of bringing it to a modern cinema audience." Chalamet and Zendaya return for 'action-packed' Dune: Part III The stars of Dune, including Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya and Jason Momoa, were on hand to introduce a seven-minute opening scene from the third film in the epic franchise. So was director Denis Villeneuve, who said Dune: Part III is more of a thriller than the first two instalments. "It's more action-packed, faster-paced, and more emotional," he said. Variety's reporter at the screening concurred, saying "things get violent, loud and deadly, fast". A trailer was released last month, and the film will be released on 18 December - yes, the same day as Avengers: Doomsday, setting up a "Dunesday" heavyweight box office battle. The stars of Dune, including Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya and Jason Momoa, were on hand to introduce a seven-minute opening scene from the third film in the epic franchise. So was director Denis Villeneuve, who said Dune: Part III is more of a thriller than the first two instalments. "It's more action-packed, faster-paced, and more emotional," he said.<a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/dune-3-cinemacon-opening-scene-footage-chalamet-1236721718/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Variety's reporter at the screening concurred</a>, saying "things get violent, loud and deadly, fast".<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_9vCamtuPY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A trailer</a>&nbsp;was released last month, and the film will be released on 18 December - yes, the same day as Avengers: Doomsday, setting up a "Dunesday" heavyweight box office battle. Val Kilmer resurrected by AI Val Kilmer was cast in As Deep As The Grave before his death last year, but the Top Gun star was never able to shoot his scenes. So the film-makers have used AI to resurrect him - with the blessing of his family - and have now revealed the results in the first trailer. It shows him as a Catholic priest at various ages in the American West - ending with Kilmer's digital clone crouching down and somewhat spookily telling a child: "Don't fear the dead, and don't fear me." The detail and depiction are convincing, but have heightened worries among some in Hollywood about the potential for AI to replace actors on a wider scale. James Bond will return 'when the time is right' Amazon MGM Studios' head of film Courtenay Valenti gave fans an update on how preparations for the next era of James Bond are going. The answer is - slowly. "I know you're all wondering when we're going to announce who's playing James Bond," she said. "Please know that we're taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it's a responsibility we don't take lightly. "What I can tell you is this: When you pair one of the most beloved franchises in history with a world-class film-making team... you're setting the stage for something that's truly worthy of the Bond legacy. That film is coming, and when the time is right, we'll have much more to share." Fourth Paddington film confirmed The humble marmalade-loving bear is going from strength to strength. After three hit films and a West End musical that reigned at the Olivier Awards last weekend, a fourth big-screen outing was confirmed at CinemaCon. Details are still scarce, but Studiocanal chief executive Anna Marsh promised that "world-renowned comedy writers" are attached. A reckoning comes in Sorkin's Social Network sequel Sixteen years after The Social Network, which depicted the birth of Facebook, a sequel will explore the 2021 Facebook leak by whistleblower Frances Haugen. Aaron Sorkin, who wrote the previous film, is in the director's chair for The Social Reckoning, with an impressive cast including Mikey Madison, Wunmi Mosaku and Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg. "There isn't a life that Facebook's algorithm hasn't touched, and that influence has shaped everything. So it's time to say more," Sorkin told the event. The trailer hasn't been publicly released yet, but was played exclusively for an audience at CinemaCon. The film is scheduled for an October release - perfect timing to be in pole position for the next awards season. Michael B Jordan remakes The Thomas Crown Affair Pierce Brosnan starred in 1999 art house caper The Thomas Crown Affair, which itself was a remake of a 1968 film of the same title. Now, Michael B Jordan - fresh from winning best actor at the Oscars for Sinners - is starring in and directing an updated take on the film for a new generation. A trailer gave CinemaCon audiences the first glimpse of Jordan in the film alongside co-stars Adria Arjona, Lily Gladstone and Aubrey Plaza. Rick Moranis out of retirement for Spaceballs sequel Comedy legend Mel Brooks took the opportunity to unveil the title for the forthcoming sequel to 1987 Star Wars parody Spaceballs. Spaceballs: The New One will see the return of several original cast members, including Brooks, George Wyner, Daphne Zuniga and Bill Pullman. It will also see the comeback of Rick Moranis, who was one of the biggest box office stars of the 1980s and 90s but hasn't appeared in a live-action film for three decades. The first trailer "spoofed everything from Star Wars to Avatar to Harry Potter", according to Variety's report from the screening. Playing a young Sylvester Stallone in I Play Rocky CinemaCon also launched the first trailer for a film about the tumultuous making of 1976 boxing classic Rocky. Anthony Ippolito plays a young Sylvester Stallone in I Play Rocky, and was praised by audience members at the festival for capturing Stallone's posture, mannerisms and speech. Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway's Colleen Hoover adaptation The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us was a box office hit in 2024, even if it's now more remembered for the fall-out between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Another of Hoover's novels, Verity, is now being adapted as a film starring Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett and Anne Hathaway. The story follows a struggling writer who is hired to complete the remaining books by an author who suffered a mysterious accident, and whose secret unfinished manuscript could reveal crucial clues. Jumanji stars remember Robin Williams Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black have made a huge success of the Jumanji franchise over the past decade - and there's another film on the way. The trio announced that the new film will be called Jumanji: Open World, with Hart saying they are "pumped about being back". Johnson revealed that the new film uses the same dice as the original 1995 film starring Robin Williams, commenting: "Robin, as we like to say, this one's for you." Sequels, more sequels Toy Story is onto its fifth instalment and the conference also saw charming footage of Woody and Buzz Lightyear fighting over who can save the toys from digital extinction - in the form of a new threat, Lilypad. Voice actors Tom Hanks and Tim Allen took to the stage in Las Vegas and acknowledged how 30 years had gone by since the first film. "We looked at a video of us doing the first one - we look like our grandchildren," Allen joked. Elsewhere on Thursday, Johnson (again) and Queen Latifah showcased footage from their forthcoming Disney films, the live action remake of Moana and Ice Age: Boiling Point respectively. Disney also played clips from The Devil Wears Prada 2, with Meryl Streep reprising her role as ice cold fashion editor Miranda Priestly. And director Jon Favreau introduced the opening scene of his new movie, the latest Star Wars offering, The Mandalorian and Grogu. Source : BBC

Avengers reassemble and Top Gun flies back - Hollywood studios preview their new movies

Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala have resigned from their respective positions. No further details have been announced.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and Ministry Secretary resign from posts

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced that the temporary concession allowing vehicle owners to obtain fuel without a QR code will expire at midnight on Saturday (April 18). Starting from 19 April, the QR code system will once again be mandatory for fuel distribution nationwide.&nbsp; The concession was initially introduced as a short-term measure to ease access to fuel during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season.&nbsp;&nbsp; Motorists are advised to ensure they have the necessary QR codes to avoid any inconvenience when refueling from Sunday onwards.

CPC announces end of temporary fuel access concession without QR code

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay on Thursday unveiled the party’s election manifesto, promising Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women and 8 gm gold and silk saree for every bride from families with annual income below Rs 5 lakh for if voted into power in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23. The actor-turned-politician outlined his party’s ideological stance and key welfare proposals, asserting that TVK would focus on “honest administration” while sharply criticising rival parties’ election promises. “TVK has adopted honest administration as its ideology. That is why we say that even our party’s first election manifesto is an assurance of honesty. We will not mislead like Stalin. We are not making any hurried manifesto filled with empty promises to the people,” Vijay said. Targeting the ruling dispensation and opposition alike, he added, “We had said that DMK and others are all the same, right?… Take the election manifestos released by both sides and compare them. If one or two points were similar, it would still be fine. But do you know what they have done? If one promises Rs 10,000, the other offers a ₹8,000 coupon.&nbsp; If one offers a refrigerator, the other gives a token to buy a refrigerator… In this way, both of them have presented the same election manifesto, merely changing the name and the colour… They are just groups of ideologies under the same umbrella. But we will never deceive people like these two corrupt groups.” Announcing key proposals aimed at youth and welfare, Vijay said, “To support every college student, a collateral-free loan guarantee of up to Rs 20 lakh for education loans from undergraduate to doctoral studies will be provided. We will provide free competitive exam coaching powered by AI.” He further stated, “Every graduate youth registered with employment offices will receive Rs 5,000 per month. An annual provision of 5 lakh internships, with a stipend of Rs 10,000 per month for graduates and Rs 8,000 per month for ITI and diploma holders, will be provided.” Highlighting social security measures, he added, “An increased pension of Rs 3,000 per month will be provided for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities.” The TVK listed out 10 Guarantees for a “Victorious Tamil Nadu.” These include Rs 2,500 per month deposited in the account of every woman head-of-family (upto 60 years), six free LPG cylinders every year for every household. They also promised that if voted to power the party will provide one sovereign (8 grams) of gold for the wedding thali and a quality silk saree for every bride from families with annual income below Rs 5 lakh. TVK said that they would give Rs 15,000 per year for the mother of every child studying in government or government-aided schools from Classes 1 to 12 and Interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh to women-led SHGs. For education, Vijay promised world-class education through 100 residential Kamarajar special schools, collateral-free higher education loans up to Rs 20 lakh, and modernised government schools along with AI-powered free competitive exam coaching centres. Under healthcare, the TVK guarantees promised family medical insurance with coverage up to Rs 25 lakh, new multi-speciality hospitals with modern infrastructure, annual free full-body check-ups, and a drug-free Tamil Nadu. For Youth employment the manifesto has promised a monthly assistance of up to Rs 4,000 for unemployed graduates, a stipend-plus-internship scheme Mudhalvar Makkal Sevai Nanbar, covering five lakh youth, Rs 5 lakh as new start-up loans, Rs 25 lakh in business launch loans, and a fixed timetable for all government recruitment examinations. For famers, the manifesto assures full waiver of all crop loans taken from cooperative societies for farmers who own less than 5 acres; 50% waiver for farmers with more than 5 acres, a Rs 15,000 as annual assistance per landholding farmer, a minimum support price of Rs 3,500 per quintal for paddy and Rs 4,500 per quintal for sugarcane, five lakh solar pumps, Rs 10,000 as annual support for farm labourers, and 100% crop insurance. For fishermen’s wellbeing TVK manifesto promises to provide Rs 27,000 as lean-season relief, subsidised diesel for fishing boats, Rs 25 lakh as accident insurance, permanent housing and a ‘Meen Vilaiyum Neethi’ which it touts as the country’s first statutory MSP for fish (covering sardine, mackerel, prawn and squid) For state government Employees’ &amp; Worker’s Welfare Guarantee, the TVK said it will review restoring the Old Pension Scheme, regularisation of contract employees who have completed five years, Rs 18,000 as a monthly salary for Anganwadi workers, Rs 10,000 salary for sanitation workers, and Rs 15 lakh upon superannuation. The party has set a target for a prosperous Tamil Nadu with Rs 1.5 trillion economy by 2036, India’s First Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, AI University and AI City to power Tamil Nadu as the AI Capital of India. It has promised Rs 15,000 crore in MSME support, along with devising district-wise “Mandala Plans”. TVK promises a doorstep Delivery of Government Schemes (including ration) with Zero Exclusion Guarantee. Every government service (community certificate, land patta, birth certificate, etc.) legally guaranteed within fixed timeframes.&nbsp; Vijay also promised that if the party is voted to power one special day in Assembly to discuss issues raised directly by citizens and 10 per cent of district’s budget spending will be decided by the citizens themselves. Vijay, who is a candidate from the Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies, released the document at an event attended by party members and supporters. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight. Vijay is contesting from two seats against DMK’s incumbent MLAS RD Sekar and Inigo S Irudavarai, respectively. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies. Source: ANI

IMF reaffirms support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery

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Temporary shade shelter set up ...

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Avengers reassemble and Top Gu ...

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CPC announces end of temporary ...

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Vijay unveils TVK’s manifesto; ...

New Secretary to the Ministry of Energy appointed

New Secretary to the Ministry ...

Temporary shade shelter set up in Jaffna to protect travelers from hea ...

Temporary shade shelter set up ...

CPC denies claims of crude oil bought above $286

CPC denies claims of crude oil ...

Nutella debuts first new flavor in 60 years

Nutella debuts first new flavo ...

Avengers reassemble and Top Gun flies back - Hollywood studios preview ...

Avengers reassemble and Top Gu ...

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and Ministry Secretary resign from pos ...

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakod ...

CPC announces end of temporary fuel access concession without QR code

CPC announces end of temporary ...

Vijay unveils TVK’s manifesto; promises free gas cylinders

Vijay unveils TVK’s manifesto; ...

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New Secretary to the Ministry of Energy appointed

New Secretary to the Ministry ...

Temporary shade shelter set up in Jaffna to protect travelers from hea ...

Temporary shade shelter set up ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

CPC denies claims of crude oil bought above $286

CPC denies claims of crude oil ...

Nutella debuts first new flavor in 60 years

Nutella debuts first new flavo ...

Avengers reassemble and Top Gun flies back - Hollywood studios preview ...

Avengers reassemble and Top Gu ...

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