Bank closures reported across Gulf countries after Iran warns civilians to stay 1 km away

Some international banks in the Middle East have shut branches and evacuated offices after Iran warned that banks and economic centres linked to the United States and Israel could become targets.

Cultural Affairs Ministry fails to come up with auspicious times for Sinhala Tamil New Year: Opposition MP

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has failed to come up with a proper timetable which outlines auspicious times for various activities in connection with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions, MP Ajith P. Perera told a briefing today.

US, China economic chiefs to meet in Paris to clear path to Trump-Xi summit

Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials are set to launch a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday to iron out kinks in their trade truce and clear a ​smooth path for U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.

Fuel queues return as QR code system relaunched today

Long queues were reported at several filling stations across Sri Lanka today after the Government reintroduced the National Fuel Pass (QR code) system with effect from 6.00 a.m.

Iran’s foreign minister says there is no problem with supreme leader

Iran’s foreign minister said Saturday that there was “no problem” with the Islamic Republic’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei after US officials reported he was wounded.

Govt working to resolve issues with fuel QR code system

The Department of Government Information said that steps are already being taken to quickly address issues that have arisen following the reintroduction of the fuel QR code system.

Trump says Iran is ready to negotiate a ceasefire but he’s not ready to make a deal

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he’s not ready to make a deal to end the war with Iran despite the country’s willingness to do so “because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” but declined to say what those terms would be.

Swiss reject two flyover requests from US for flights related to Iran war, permits three others

The Swiss ​government said on Saturday that ‌it discussed requests by U.S. military and official aircraft to fly over the country, ​and based on its law ​of neutrality, rejected two Iran-related war ⁠flights but permitted three others.

Namal calls for regional dialogue after Iranian ship sinking near Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan politician Namal Rajapaksa has called for stronger regional cooperation after the sinking of an Iranian ship near Sri Lankan waters, warning that the incident could threaten stability in the Indian Ocean.

F1 cancels Bahrain & Saudi Arabia Grands Prix

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekends in April have been cancelled as a result of the war in the Middle East.

Trump urges UK and other nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz

Donald Trump has urged the UK and other nations to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to help secure the key shipping route out of the Middle East.

QR code fuel system to be implemented from today

The government has decided to implement the National Fuel Authorization System using QR codes for fuel distribution with effect from 6.00 a.m. today (March 15), the Ministry of Energy announced.

Iran, Sri Lanka discuss rescue of crew after US strike on ship

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has discussed US and Israeli “military aggression” during a phone call with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.

Over 120,000 suspects arrested in nationwide anti-drug operation

A total of 120,752 suspects have been arrested during the nationwide drug prevention operation carried out from October 30, 2025, to March 12, 2026, Police said.

Trump threatens to hit Kharg Island oil network, Iran signals defiance

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to strike the oil infrastructure of Iran’s Kharg Island hub ​unless Tehran stopped attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a warning that could further roil markets coping with a historic supply disruption.

Nearly 3,000 student nurses recruited

A total of 2,918 students were recruited for nursing training with the aim of strengthening the country’s health workforce and improving the quality of healthcare services.

Iran warns UAE over US ‘hideouts’ after Kharg Island strike

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned the United Arab Emirates that locations used by the United States could become “legitimate targets” following US strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island.

150 investigators appointed to probe misconduct in state institutions

A new pool of 150 investigative officers has been created to strengthen the investigation of misconduct in government institutions, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government announced.

Heavy evening showers forecast for next 36 hours

The Meteorology Department has forecast showers and thundershowers in several parts of the country during the next 36 hours, with fairly heavy rainfall expected in some areas.

Drug menace must be treated as national priority: PM

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said that addressing the country’s growing drug problem must be treated as a national priority and should deliver tangible results at the ground level.

North Korea fires ballistic missiles as US-South Korea hold military drills

North Korea has fired multiple ballistic missiles from its west coast as the United States and South Korean forces stage their annual military exercises, according to Japanese and South Korean defence forces.

Ministry warns against online classes for children aged 3–5

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has urged parents and other relevant parties to refrain from conducting online education classes for children between the ages of three and five.

Lanka IOC assures public of stable fuel supply

Lanka IOC said today that the country’s fuel supply is in safe hands and reassured the public of continued availability.

IMF team to visit Sri Lanka for sixth tranche review

A team of representatives from the International Monetary Fund is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka later this month for review discussions ahead of the sixth tranche of the country’s Extended Fund Facility programme.

Ibbankatuwa solar power project suspended

The proposed solar power project in an 18-acre area of Dambulla Ibbankatuwa tank has been suspended pending further feasibility study.

Sri Lanka needs a new procurement law: MP

Whilst highlighting that there are many issues pertaining to government procurement, Opposition MP Harsha de Silva yesterday said the country needs a new procurement law.

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 take steps to issue the auspicious timing with the consultation of the astrologers.

US embassy in Iraq’s Baghdad hit in missiles attack, security sources say

The U.S. ​Embassy in ‌the Iraqi capital Baghdad ​was ​hit in a ⁠missiles ​attack, Iraqi ​security sources told Reuters on ​Saturday.

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 while recording his statement, was fixed to be considered before the permanent Chief Magistrate of the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court on March 19, the date on which the related case is scheduled to be taken up.

US offers up to $10m reward for information on Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

US State Dept website also lists four other officials, including the IRGC commander and secretary of defence council