Schools, workplaces urged to adjust schedules amid rising temperatures

Health authorities have called for adjustments to daily routines in schools and workplaces as hot weather conditions continue to affect the island, raising concerns over heat-related illnesses.

Warm conditions to persist; evening showers expected in parts of the island

The prevailing warm weather conditions across Sri Lanka are expected to continue today (31), according to the Department of Meteorology.

Resignation of SriLankan Airlines Chairman, appointment flawed from day one: Harsha

The appointment of Sarath Ganegoda was flawed from day one, as it involved a massive conflict of interest, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva said.

Court rules JVP’s takeover of FLSP office illegal

The Gampaha Magistrate’s Court today held that the takeover of the Frontline Socialist Party (FLSP) office in Yakkala by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was illegal and ordered the latter to hand over the office to the former.

Grade 5 scholarship exam on August 9; Applications open until April 30

The Examinations Department has announced that the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination for 2026 will be held on Sunday, August 9.

Market dips on weak sentiment

The Colombo Stock Exchange commenced the week on a negative note on 30th March 2026, with the ASPI declining by 283 points amid heightened volatility. The index fell sharply by 337 points within the first hour of trading, driven by negative sentiment carried over from the weekend.

Spain closes airspace to US planes taking part in war on Iran

Spain has barred US military aircraft involved in strikes on Iran from using its airspace, expanding earlier restrictions on access to jointly operated bases, Defence Minister Margarita Robles says.

High court rejects preliminary objections in case against former Ministers

Colombo High Court Judge Buddhika C. Ragala rejected the preliminary objections raised by former Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, who are accused of misappropriating public funds.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry denies claims of US-Iran negotiations

In a press briefing, the spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry denied claims of negotiations with the US and stated that Iran was not involved in a Pakistan-led diplomatic effort to end the war.

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.