Cabinet nod for $620 Mn ADB deal to drive 2026 reforms

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to secure US$620 million in policy-based financing from the Asian Development Bank for 2026, aimed at advancing Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform programme.

Four committees established to tackle impact of Middle East conflict

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the President to establish four special committees to address the economic and social impacts of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Avurudu Nakath Seettuwa released

The Avurudu Nakath Seettuwa for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year has been officially released, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said.

Israel says it has killed Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has been according to Israel’s Defence Minister Katz. Iran has not commented on the claim.

Circular issued declaring every Wednesday a holiday

The Public Administration Ministry has issued a circular stating that, in response to potential fuel shortages caused by the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East, the Government will conserve fuel in the public sector by declaring every Wednesday a holiday for government offices until further notice.

Cabinet approves grant from India to provide electric motorcycles for fisheries field officers

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to provide electric motorcycles to field officers engaged in fisheries duties under a financial grant from the Government of India.

Iran renews attacks on US Gulf allies, Trump says that was not expected

Iran launched fresh attacks ​on the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, the kind of strikes on U.S. Gulf allies that President Donald Trump said had not been expected, but which sources said he had been warned about before the ‌conflict.

Fuel quota to expire Saturday, to be renewed Sunday

The fuel quota currently available to the public will expire on Saturday night and will be renewed on Sunday, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, D. J. Rajakaruna said.

Schools to operate four days a week amid fuel crisis

All government and government-approved private schools will operate only four days a week until further notice due to the ongoing global fuel crisis, the Education authorities have informed school principals.

Public transport to be restricted on Wednesdays

Public transport services in Sri Lanka will be limited on Wednesdays declared as government public holidays, Essential Services Commissioner General Prabath Chandrakeerthi said today.

No Parliament sessions tomorrow

The Business Committee of Parliament has decided not to convene Parliament tomorrow as Wednessdays have been declared as a holiday by the government.

Power interruptions may become necessary, Minister tells Parliament

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody told Parliament that power interruptions could become unavoidable in the future despite the government’s efforts to maintain a continuous electricity supply.

Government moves to regulate online marketplaces and deliveries

The government would soon implement strict regulations on online businesses and courier services to safeguard consumers, Minister of Trade and Commerce Wasantha Samarasinghe said.

Jumbo electrocuted in Mahagodayaya, Buttala

The carcass of a wild elephant was recovered by Buttala police last morning from a cultivated land at Mahagodayaya in Buttala area.

17-year RI sentence for statutory rape

An accused who stood indicted with statutory rape of an underage girl was found guilty and sentenced to 17 year Rigorous Imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 32500 under two counts by Galle High Court Judge Purnima Paranagama.

Over five million vehicles registered with QR system by now: Eranga Weeraratne

Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne revealed today that 5,103,991 vehicles have been registered with the Fuel QR Code System so far.

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.

Trump seeks to delay meeting with Xi in China

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war.

Archchuna demands more fuel for MPs

Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna raised concerns, claiming that the fuel quota of 15 litres is not sufficient for Parliamentarians who come from outstations to attend Parlaimentary sessions.

Daily Mirror report comes to limelight in Parliament

The Daily Mirror report under the headline ’Court warns funds leaving Sri Lanka through Crypto currency’ came to the limelight in Parliament today when MP Ravi Karunanayake raised a question on this.

Police warn public against fake social media posts claiming official guidance

Amid a surge of misleading information online, the Sri Lanka Police has alerted the public to fake social media posts circulating under the title “Awareness by the Sri Lanka Police Department,” which falsely claim to provide official guidance.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa appears before Bribery Commission

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for a statement to be recorded.

Teens sue Musk’s xAI over Grok’s pornographic images of them

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company is facing a lawsuit from teenagers who say the company facilitated child pornography by allowing the creation of sexually explicit images of them.

50 forests to be gazetted as protected areas

Although this year’s International Day of Forests will not be celebrated with large-scale events, the Sri Lankan government has announced the protection of 50 additional forests under the ‘Vanaspathi’ programme, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabedi said today.

Ravi K, Deputy Minister clash over oral question

A verbal clash erupted between MP Ravi Karunanayake and Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ratna Gamage over an oral question raised by the MP that over eight companies importing canned fish are facing closure as a result of freight increases due to the Middle Eastern conflict.

Diesel stocks sufficient until April 12: Minister

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody revealed that diesel stocks sufficient until April 12 are available, including fuel stocks confirmed by the suppliers.

COPF recommends increment of CIABOC officials’ salaries

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has recommended a salary hike for the officers attached to the Committee to Investigate Complaints on Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and make it similar to that of judges.

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 million US dollars, according to a top official from the Sri Lanka Tourism, Development Authority.

Wednesdays off for private, international students

Students of international schools, private universities, and vocational training centers across the country will now have Wednesdays off, following a new government directive aimed at conserving fuel.

Middle East war leaves Ella tourism zone dry

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