New guidelines issued on fuel and energy use

The Office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services has issued new guidelines on the use of fuel and energy where instructions have been issued to conduct all night functions with the participation of more than 100 people and musical shows without obtaining electricity from the national grid.

Badulla trader fined Rs. 100,000 for selling rice above controlled price

A trader in Badulla has been fined Rs. 100,000 after being found guilty of selling rice above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), as authorities intensify enforcement against price violations.

Contradiction in evidence: Four acquitted in 2006 police killing case

The Balapitiya High Court acquitted and released four accused who were indicted over a triple murder, including the killing of two policemen, in Thotagamuwa, Balapitiya in 2006, citing serious contradictions in the prosecution’s evidence relating to the identification of the suspects.

SriLankan Airlines Chairman resigns; Acting Chairman appointed

Sarath Ganegoda, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines and SriLankan Catering, has tendered his resignation from both Boards, effective March 31, 2026.

Batik Air Malaysia launches Colombo flights, boosting Sri Lanka–Malaysia connectivity

Batik Air Malaysia has commenced operations to Sri Lanka, marking a new milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Education Ministry reissues guidelines to schools amid dry weather and fuel concerns

The Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Ministry has reiterated instructions to schools regarding ongoing dry weather conditions and the emerging global fuel crisis, urging strict adherence to previously issued guidelines.

PUCSL introduces new tariff category for EV charging stations

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced a new tariff category for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations as part of the Second Electricity Tariff Revision for 2026, aiming to promote EV adoption and improve demand-side management, including peak shifting.

Fire erupts at Haifa oil refinery in northern Israel after missile barrage from Iran, Lebanon

A fire broke out at the Bazan oil refinery in Haifa on Monday after a missile barrage from Iran and Lebanon hit northern Israel, local media reported.

Doctors to strike from tomorrow

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that a 24-hour island-wide token strike will begin at 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (31), over what it alleges are politically motivated transfers carried out without proper inquiries.

Australian police fatally shoot suspect in 3-hour standoff after 2 officers killed

Australian police said they believe they shot dead a suspect Monday accused of killing two police officers and seriously wounding a third in a remote forest region seven months ago.

New Covid-19 variant Cicada confirmed: How did it form?

A newly identified Covid-19 variant, informally dubbed Cicada, has been detected in limited clusters across multiple regions, prompting scientists to closely monitor its characteristics, transmissibility, and potential impact.

CCD OIC under probe for hosting birthday party for Ishara Sewwandi

Strict disciplinary action has been taken against the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Colombo Crimes Division over allegations that he had hosted a birthday celebration for Ishara Sewwandi, the prime suspect in the murder of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

Dollar near 10‑month high on Middle East escalation concerns

The dollar was near a 10‑month high on Monday and heading for its biggest monthly gain since last July ​as mixed signals from Iran and the United States dimmed hopes of a possible quick end to the ‌Middle East conflict.

PUCSL announces electricity tariff revision from April 1

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced a revision to electricity tariffs, with the new rates set to take effect from April 1.

Water supply may be restricted amid dry weather: NWSDB

Water supply may have to be restricted for several hours a day over the next two to three weeks owing to the prevailing dry and drought conditions in the country, Chairman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), Chandana Bandara warned.

Recovery efforts to be accelerated after Cyclone Ditwah despite global economic challenges

Steps are being taken to accelerate recovery and relief operations following Cyclone Ditwah, amid ongoing global economic challenges, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said.

Writ petition challenging Minister’s eligibility for Parliamentary seat fixed for May 13

A writ petition filed seeking an order declaring that Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage is disqualified from being a Member of Parliament (MP), was today fixed for May 13 by the Court of Appeal.

Sri Lanka’s security has become fragile: Sajith

Sri Lanka’ s security has become fragile because of the Middle East conflict, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Pope Leo condemns using God to justify war

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday rejected claims that God justifies war during a Palm Sunday Mass, as the Iran war entered its second month.

Some countries have sought permission to use Lankan ports for military purposes - Sajith

We have information that some countries have sought permission to use Sri Lankan ports for military purposes, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.

Tractor illegally transporting sand kills sergeant before fleeing

A police sergeant died and another received serious injuries when a suspicious tractor transporting sand knocked them down and sped away at a police check point in Kodikamam.

Indian fuel shipment arrives at Colombo Port

An Indian vessel carrying a consignment of fuel reached the Colombo Port yesterday, the Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry said.

No impact on tea exports despite Middle East war

Despite the ongoing war on Iran by the U.S and Israel, Sri Lanka’s tea exports to Iran, U.A.E. and Iraq has not been hit to the feared level, Colombo Tea Traders Association’s Chairman, Lushan De Silva said.

Invitation to use MRIA; Govt to follow up with three airlines - Minister

The government will follow up with three Middle East airlines - Qatar Airways, Emirates and Gulf Air - regarding the invitation for the use of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), a minister said.

Doctors warn public not to delay Rabies treatment

In the wake of a recent uptick in rabies-related incidents and concern over animal bites, health experts are urging the public not to ignore the deadly threat posed by rabies.

Special security and traffic programmes for festive season to be implemented from April 1

Special security and traffic arrangements will be implemented from April 1 in line with the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year, police said.

Easter Sunday attacks to be debated in Parliament for sixth time

Parliament is to debate the Easter Sunday attacks for the sixth time on April 9, making it one of the most frequently debated topics in the House in recent years. The Parliament media unit said the matter will be taken up for debate on April 9.

NPP MP involved in Chilaw road accident

A motor vehicle driven by National People’s Power (NPP) Puttalam District Parliamentarian Muhammad Faizal veered off the road and crashed onto a wall at Bandarawatta in Chilaw late last night.

Russia to ban gasoline exports from April 1

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak on Friday instructed the energy ministry to draft a resolution banning gasoline exports from April 1, the Russian government said.

Sri Lankan Origin Athithiya Anantharajah appointed Deputy Mayor in Paris

Twenty-five-year-old French politician of Sri Lankan origin Athithiya Anantharajah has been appointed Deputy Mayor (maire adjoint) of Pontault-Combault, a suburb on the outskirts of Paris.