CSE extends rally as strong buying momentum drives sharp gains

The Colombo Stock Exchange extended its upward momentum on 25th March 2026, building on the previous session’s strong rebound as investor optimism continued to strengthen. Elevated turnover and share volumes signaled a clear return of positive sentiment, with increased participation supporting the market’s sustained upward trajectory.

No reason for rice price hike; sufficient stocks available: Deputy Minister

Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne has assured that there is no reason to increase rice prices for the New Year season, as the country has sufficient stocks.

Iran’s military rejects Trump’s talk of negotiation, Israel and Iran launch airstrikes

Israel and Iran exchanged airstrikes on Wednesday, as Iran’s military rejected President Donald Trump’s assertion the U.S. was in negotiations to end the war which has roiled energy and financial markets, saying the U.S. is negotiating with itself.

All examinations to be conducted as scheduled: Cabinet Sub-Committee decides

The Cabinet Sub-Committee Appointed to Streamline the Public Service has decided to ensure that examinations are conducted as scheduled.

Police stop outdoor class in Hatton on public holiday

Hatton police intervened today to stop an outdoor class conducted by two teachers on a public holiday declared by the government.

Australia to restrict entry to some Iranian visa holders

The federal government will temporarily restrict some Iranian visitor visa holders from entering the country for six months, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has announced.

Railway union urges no train fare hike

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) today requested the government not to revise train fares, stating that a large number of people have turned to railway transport for their daily travel due to the rising cost of living.

Suresh Sallay admitted to National hospital

Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, the former Head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), has been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital following a sudden illness, sources said.

Nine Vietnamese arrested in Poddala fraud bust

Nine Vietnamese nationals were arrested in the Godakanda area of Poddala on Tuesday (24) for allegedly engaging in online financial fraud, police said.

Water levels in Castlereagh, Maussakelle reservoirs drop sharply amid dry weather

The water levels of the Castlereagh and Maussakelle reservoirs are rapidly declining due to the dry weather conditions prevailing in the central hills, an official in charge of the reservoirs said.

Construction industry in severe crisis due to rising material prices: Construction Association

The construction industry is facing a severe crisis due to the rapid increase in the prices of construction-related materials, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Construction Association (SLCA) Susantha Liyanarachchi said.

Provide relief packages for the micro, SMEs: Sajith

While highlighting that the micro, small and medium enterprises have been severely affected by the fuel price hike, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the government to come up with a relief package for them.

Iran stops pak-bound ship from crossing Hormuz over lack of permission

A Pakistan-bound container ship has been stopped from crossing the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces amid the escalating war in the Middle East. The vessel, SELEN, sailing from the United Arab Emirates’ Sharjah anchorage toward Karachi, was forced to reverse course at the entrance to the crucial waterways due to the absence of transit authorisation, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Ranil will have to take over country to manage present crisis: Rathnapriya

Claiming that all the crisis situations faced by Sri Lanka in the past were managed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former UNP MP Saman Rathnapriya said today the present crisis situation faced by the country will also have to be managed by Wickremesinghe.

Kim Jong Un uses Iran war to justify North Korea’s decision to keep its nuclear weapons

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has said the United States’ war with Iran proves his country made the right decision to keep its nuclear weapons.

Sharp temperature contrast across island as Nuwara Eliya drops to 7.8°C

Sri Lanka experienced a marked contrast in minimum temperatures today (25), with Nuwara Eliya recording the country’s lowest at 7.8°C, the Department of Meteorology said.

Iran war: US reportedly offers 15-point plan to end war

The Iranian military has dismissed reports of US-Iran peace negotiations, casting doubts over the 15-point peace plan reportedly put forward by the White House.

Sri Lanka says it has no vessels to import fuel from Iran

While appreciating Iran’s offer to provide Sri Lanka with oil and other necessary goods, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday that country’s that own vessels can benefit from such opportunities and that Sri Lanka is not having such an ability.

Heavy influx of tourists at Ravana Ella

A heavy influx of foreign tourists was experienced yesterday at Ravana Ella.

Infant’s body discovered in Meegaswewa

The Meegaswewa Police have initiated an investigation following the discovery of an infant’s body in a private land in Palliyagodella, Meegaswewa.

US expected to send thousands more soldiers to Middle East, sources say

The Pentagon is expected to send ​thousands of soldiers from the U.S. Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, two people familiar with the ‌matter told Reuters on Tuesday, adding to a massive U.S. military buildup even as President Donald Trump talks about a possible deal with Tehran to end the war.

First 4D angio CT suite in South Asia installed at Sri Jayewardenepura hospital

The Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital has installed the first 4D Angio CT suite in the South Asian region, marking a major milestone in advanced medical care in the country. The state-of-the-art system, funded by the Japanese government at a cost of Rs. 925 million, was inaugurated yesterday (24) by Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, with the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Akio Isomata, also in attendance.

Health services at cross roads as doctors convene emergency meeting

Sri Lanka’s health services are at a critical juncture as doctors prepare to convene an emergency General Committee meeting today (25), with several key decisions expected amid a deepening crisis.

Lamborghinis stranded in Sri Lanka as war disrupts Asia’s used-car trade

The U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran last month plunged the Middle East into crisis, disrupted global shipping routes and spawned a series of headaches for Umar Ali Hyder Ali’s used-car business in Japan.

Thousands of TB cases remain undetected in Sri Lanka: WHO

In Sri Lanka, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 14,000 new TB cases occur annually, but only 8,500–9,500 cases are currently diagnosed, leaving about 5,000 patients undetected in the community. This significant gap underscores the need for intensified efforts to combat tuberculosis in the country.

Medicine prices may surge amid forex, fuel and Middle East crisis: Dr. Sanjeewa

A sharp increase in medicine prices in the local market could be inevitable due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, foreign exchange shortages, fuel price hikes, and the rising cost of goods and services, the Federation of Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Unions Chairman amd Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, claimed.

Python dance sparks legal action; suspect released on bail

The Colombo Additional Magistrate H.D.D.J. Premaratne yesterday ordered that the suspect, a young woman accused of engaging in a dance performance while holding a python around her neck in a cruel manner during a ’Avurudu Kumara Kumariya’ pageant held in the Colombo area, be released on bail.

Oil prices Tumble back below $100 on ceasefire optimism

Oil prices fell sharply in early asian trade on Wednesday, with both major benchmarks dropping more than 5% as traders reacted to signs of potential de-escalation in the Middle East conflict as well as a crude inventory build in the U.S.

“No More Excuses”: court flags tech failure, directs authorities to take action

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama yesterday directed the Police Narcotics Bureau to immediately inform relevant authorities that Sri Lanka lacks the technical capability to analyze satellite phone data, following a report submitted by the Government Analyst’s Department.

Philippine president declares energy emergency as impact of Iran war felt

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a national energy emergency in response to the US-Israel war on Iran ⁠and what he called the “imminent danger” posed to the country’s energy supply.