Govt. planning to procure fuel from emergency oil reserves released by IEA: Minister

In the wake of the International Energy Agency releasing over 400 million barrels of emergency oil reserves, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said yesterday the government is taking steps to procure fuel

President assures zero corruption behind emergency purchases

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday gave a firm undertaking that he is not hesitant to remove any Minister who is proved to have committed any fraud or corruption using his or her portfolio.

Power Cuts - Coming soon?

Sri Lanka’s electricity generation is under serious threat as poor-quality coal and disrupted fuel imports raise the risk of extended power cuts, officials warned yesterday.

Govt. declares every Wednesday as holiday for public service

As a move to save energy due to the Middle East tensions, the government yesterday declared every Wednesday a holiday for public service, the Commissioner-General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said.

Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your Fuel QR Code

Concerns over SL-China FTA misplaced: Chinese envoy

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said that some people in Sri Lanka believe that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China would result in deeper market access for Chinese goods here, but such concerns are misplaced.

Middle East war leaves Ella tourism zone dry

Ella Tourism Zone has been hit owing to the Middle East military conflict, much to the anxiety of thousands of people, who depended on the income from providing services to the foreign tourists.

Binance responds to cryptocurrency allegations

In light of the media coverage concerning ongoing court proceedings in Sri Lanka related to allegations of financial fraud involving the use of Binance accounts by certain individuals, Binance, an Abu Dhabi Global Markets licensed exchange with a fully KYC-ed user base globally, said these allegations pertain solely to the actions of specific parties

Half a million USD tourism revenue at risk due to war in Middle East

In the midst of escalating conflict in the Gulf, Sri Lanka’s daily tourism revenue at risk has been estimated at half a million US dollars, according to a top official from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Fuel shortage puts health services in a tight spot

Health services across the country are likely to be affected due to the prevailing fuel shortage, with doctors warning that the limited fuel quota allocated under the QR code system is insufficient for them to report for duty and carry out essential medical services.

Govt considers work-from-home to save fuel

In an effort to promote fuel conservation in the face of the current conflicts in the Middle East, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed authorities yesterday to study the possibility of implementing “work from home” arrangements for public and private sector employees.

No power cuts despite diesel price hike” – Government assures amid public doubts

The Power and Energy Ministry said that there would be no power cuts in the country despite the recent increase in diesel prices, dismissing concerns that the higher fuel costs could disrupt electricity generation.

With the Sinhala and Hindu New Year season approaching : QR code fuel system will increase burden on people – Consumer Rights Group

The re-imposition of the QR code system for fuel distribution will increase the burden on the public amidst the rising cost of living, Chairman of the National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NMCRP) Ranjith Vithanage said.

Govt. looks for alternatives on auspicious times for New Year rituals

Amid controversy over the auspicious timing designated for performing Sinhala New Year rituals, Deputy Minister of Buddhist Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake said yesterday that the government is considering an alternative if a consensus cannot be reached with the astrologers.

Navy maintains high alert following Iranian frigate incident

The Sri Lanka Navy had been put on high alert within the country’s territorial waters to ensure continued stability and safety following the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near Galle, Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekera said.

Sri Lanka should create fair, transparent, open, stable environment for FDI attractions- Chinese envoy

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong emphasised that Sri Lanka should think about creating a fair, transparent, open, and stable environment for the attraction of foreign investment.

Sixty wild elephants run amok destroying cultivation in A’pura

A herd of more than 60 wild elephants that raided cultivated land and home gardens in the Paniyankadawala area in Anuradhapura caused extensive damage to crops much to the anxiety of the farmers.

Ranil leaves for Singapore

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe left for Singapore yesterday on a private visit, the Daily Mirror reliably learn.

Motion by fmr SriLankan Airlines CEO alleging threats by bribery commission to be considered on March 19

A motion filed on behalf of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, alleging that officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption exerted pressure on him

Controversy over auspicious timing for New Year rituals Government assures to issue auspicious timing with consultation of astrologers

Amidst controversy over finalising the auspicious timing designated for performing Sinhala New Year rituals, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday assured that the government will

Ranil on Middle East crisis Heads of state in the region should meet at least once in two years

Whilst highlighting that Sri Lanka should integrate with others in the Indian Ocean region in the wake of the Middle East conflict, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said heads of state in the region should meet

Bodies of 84 Iranian sailors flown back home

Steps were taken yesterday for the 84 bodies of Iranian Navy personnel who were killed in a torpedo attack by a US submarine on the Iranian warship IRIS Dena on March 04 in the seas off Sri Lanka to be

“Dramatic” rise in poverty and food insecurity in Sri Lanka - International Food Policy Research Institute

Recent economic and natural disasters in the past five years have affected the country’s food security with 2 million individuals having been affected by severe damages to homes, crops, food supplies and critical infrastructure.

Coal crisis: Middle East crisis adds fuel to fire

The widening conflict in the Gulf which is having multiple impacts on Sri Lanka is now hampering the delivery of coal shipments required for power generation at the moment, an official said yesterday.

Doctors say NO to afternoon outdoor activities for students

In light of the prevailing high temperatures across the country and a recent incident where a 15-year-old student died while training for a school sports event in Buttala, health authorities have urged schools to avoid allowing students to take part in outdoor sports and physical activities during the hottest hours of the afternoon.

Coal purchase tender criteria further relaxed: FLSP

The coal purchase procurement criteria has been further relaxed for spot tenders which was called on March 11, Front Line Socialist Party (FLSP) alleged yesterday.

Govt. can guarantee continuous energy supply for only two months if war continues: President

Claiming that hardly anyone can predict the future developments if the Middle East war continues for more than two months, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the government can guarantee continuous energy supply only for two months if the Middle East tensions went beyond two months.

UN research vessel to begin survey in Sri Lankan waters after 2025 snub

The United Nations-flagged research vessel R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen is to carry out a marine scientific survey in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Children’s drugs in shortage? Health authorities break silence

Amid concerns among parents about a shortage of medicines for children, the health authorities have denied that there is any serious shortage at the hospitals.

Sallay running rat fever risk: MP

Former State Intelligence Services (SIS) Chief Suresh Sallay who is under detention order is running a risk of being infected with rat fever, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said yesterday.