Regional stakeholders call for stronger digital platform governance in South Asia

Stakeholders from across South Asia have called for stronger, rights-based approaches to digital platform governance, as countries in the region work to address growing challenges in the digital space while safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information.

Heat index hits “Caution Level” across the country

Sri Lanka’s Meteorology Department has issued a warm weather advisory under an Amber alert, warning of a rising heat index across several provinces. However, the announcement has triggered debate, with critics questioning whether the warning is coming too late as extreme temperatures begin to affect daily life.

India steps in with emergency fuel shipment

A shipment of 38,000 metric tonnes (MT) of petroleum products is scheduled to arrive in Colombo on March 28, following high-level discussions between Sri Lanka and India aimed at addressing recent fuel supply disruptions.

Ambuluwawa marks 30 years as a symbol of harmony

The Ambuluwawa Religious and Biodiversity Complex in Gampola will mark its 30th anniversary with a series of commemorative events scheduled for 29 and 30 March 2026, highlighting its role as a centre of interfaith harmony and biodiversity.

Nuwan Thushara fails fitness test, Sri Lanka Cricket denies NOC to join RCB for IPL 2026

RCB face a major setback ahead of IPL 2026 opener as Nuwan Thushara fails Sri Lanka Cricket’s fitness test and is denied NOC. With Yash Dayal out and Josh Hazlewood uncertain, Jacob Duffy may step in. Pathirana and Hasaranga also await fitness clearance.

Health Ministry issues alert as heat levels rise

Health authorities have warned of a notable increase in temperatures across Sri Lanka due to prevailing climatic conditions, including high humidity, increased water vapour, low wind speeds, and strong solar radiation.

Rs. 1.8mn mercury test machines donated to CAA to check cosmetics safety

Two Mobile Mercury Analyzers worth Rs. 1.8 million have been donated to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen consumer safety measures and test mercury levels in cosmetic products, including skin lightening creams.

Wasp attack hospitalises 10 schoolchildren

Ten schoolchildren were admitted to the Bandarawela Base Hospital today (27) after being attacked by a swarm of wasps, the Bandarawela Police said.

Weeraketiya Youth Corps Opens Modern Shooting Range to Boost Sports Skills

The National Youth Corps has opened a new modern shooting range at its Weeraketiya Training Center, aiming to improve the sports skills of youth and schoolchildren in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province.

Customs seize Rs. 30 million worth of cigarettes at BIA

Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have seized a large consignment of foreign-made cigarettes valued at around Rs. 30 million, officials said.

Kuwait says main port damaged in drone attack

Kuwait’s main commercial port was damaged in a drone attack on Friday, authorities said, as Iran pressed its campaign in the Gulf in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes.

Iran tells people in Gulf to evacuate areas near US military, while striking civilian targets across region

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards urged civilians across the region on Friday to stay away from areas near US forces, nearly a month into the war with the United States and Israel.

CAA to expidite raids during festive season

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will conduct raids on wholesale stores of importers and wholesale dealers until April 30 to prevent hoarding of stocks during the festive season, Director of Consumer Affairs and Information at the Consumer Affairs Authority, Asela Bandara said.

Follow Modi government, reduce taxes on fuel: Sajith tells AKD

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to reduce taxes on fuel just as the Indian government has done.

Police hunt Chinese national suspected of Kohuwala murder

The Mount Lavinia Criminal Investigation Bureau is conducting an intensive investigation into the murder of a Chinese woman at a residence in Kohuwala.

Sri Lanka, Cuba explore expanded cooperation in education and agriculture

Sri Lanka and Cuba have held discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a focus on education, agriculture and sports.

Public warned of mobile package scam targeting city residents

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public about a group of fraudsters operating in several major cities, including Maharagama, who are attempting to extort money by posing as representatives of leading mobile phone companies.

Ex-rapper Balendra Shah sworn in as Nepal prime minister after sweeping election win

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah ​was sworn in as prime minister of Nepal on Friday, tasked with restoring ‌political stability and creating jobs in the poor Himalayan nation long troubled by fragile governments and weak growth prospects.

SLCERT holds cyber safety awareness programme for MPs

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has conducted a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme for Members of Parliament, aimed at promoting the secure and responsible use of digital technologies in national governance.

Supreme Court finds Keheliya, key officials liable in drug procurement case

The Supreme Court today held former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and several top health sector officials accountable for violating the Fundamental Rights of the people over a controversial drug procurement deal that caused serious public harm.

Energy saving calls must be matched by action: Chamith Wijesundera

Following recent calls by Minister Sunil Handunnetti urging the public to conserve energy, Kotte Municipal Councillor Chamith Wijesundera said that such appeals must be matched by personal examples to be truly effective.

Energy Minister Jayakody granted bail after indictment

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody was granted bail by the Colombo High Court after indictments were served against him in a corruption case.

Lankan arrested at BIA over plant smuggling

A Sri Lankan passenger has been arrested by airport customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) after he attempted to illegally take out ornamental plants worth around Rs. 200,000.

Police warn public on rising online shopping and courier scams

The Sri Lanka Police have issued a warning to the public to exercise caution when purchasing goods online or using courier services amid a rise in scams.

Viral reckless driving ends in arrest

The Kottawa Police have arrested a jeep driver who recently drew attention on social media for reckless driving and violating traffic laws.

India cuts special excise duties on petrol, diesel

India slashed its special excise duties on petrol and diesel, as fuel ​prices stay volatile with supplies choked by the Iran ‌war.

No price increase on biscuits, ice cream, chocolate until May – industry assures

The Sri Lankan Confectionery Owners’ Association has assured the government that prices of biscuits, ice cream, chocolate and other confectionery products will not be increased until May, following discussions with Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.

SriLankan Airlines reports revenue growth after adopting AI-powered system

SriLankan Airlines has recorded a notable increase in revenue following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine Learning (ML)-powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform, the airline said.

Sri Lanka’s gaming sector risks falling behind

Despite recent efforts to formalize its gaming industry through a new regulatory authority and aggressive taxation, Sri Lanka is at severe risk of falling behind global competitors due to glaring blind spots in its digital oversight and a lack of technological readiness.

Man gets 21-day jail term for keeping four litres of petrol

A 48-year-old man from Kobeigane has been sentenced to 21 days’ imprisonment and fined Rs. 1,500 after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing four litres of petrol, despite claiming it was intended for domestic use.