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

US wiped out ‘every military target’ on Iran’s critical oil export hub Kharg Island, Trump says

President Donald Trump said Friday the US military had heavily bombed targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, which handles almost all of Iran’s crude exports, and he threatened to hit the island’s oil infrastructure.

Air fares soar amidst Middle East war

Air ticket prices in Sri Lanka are expected to see an increase in the near future, driven by the rising costs of aviation fuel in the global market.

Tea auction holds firm as buyers shrug off Middle East uncertainty

Auction No. 10 that concluded was the second auction following the recent tension in the Middle East and notwithstanding the speculation of adverse repercussions vis-à-vis the overall demand/prices at the auctions – there was good general demand, with only the Tippy teas declining substantially and at times being unsellable.

EDB convenes meeting with major export sector associations amid Middle East crisis

The Export Development Board (EDB) recently held a high-level meeting to discuss the critical issues faced by the exporters of major products to the Middle East market, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East region.

What is the Strait of Hormuz? How will its closure impact oil prices?

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20 percent of global oil supplies and energy trade worth about $500bn annually. It is also a transit route for liquefied natural gas, chemicals and fertilisers, raising the risk of wider economic disruption if the closure persists.

US’s Hegseth claims new Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei injured

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has claimed that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been wounded in US-Israeli attacks on the country.

President holds key talks with CEB trade unions on restructuring

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a key discussion with representatives of trade unions affiliated with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), assuring that the Government is committed to addressing issues faced by employees and safeguarding their rights during the ongoing restructuring process.

Gem worth Rs. 6 mn stolen in Kandy robbery caught on CCTV

CCTV footage has captured a dramatic robbery at a gem testing and sales centre on E.L. Senanayake Street in Kandy, where a suspect allegedly sprayed liquid at the owner’s face before fleeing with gems valued at around Rs. 6 million.

S. Satheestharan appointed High Court Judge

S. Satheestharan has been appointed as a High Court Judge, President’s Media Division said.

Heavy showers forecast for next 36 hours

The Meteorology Department has issued a general weather forecast for the next 36 hours, warning of potentially heavy rainfall and thundershowers in several parts of the country.

Largest groundwater source found in Pitabeddara

In a major boost for the country’s water security, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board has discovered what is believed to be the largest groundwater source in Sri Lanka during a tube well excavation in Pitabeddara.

Over 600,000 tourist arrivals in first three months

Sri Lanka has recorded 623,651 tourist arrivals during the first three months of 2026, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority (SLTA).

’No one can exclude us from World Cup’ rages Iran after Donald Trump issues new warning to players

Iran’s national football team has issued a defiant response to Donald Trump, declaring that no one has the authority to exclude them from this summer’s World Cup.

Four killed after US refuelling plane crashes in Iraq, military says

Four of six crew aboard a US military refuelling aircraft have died after it crashed in Iraq, US Central Command (Centcom) says.

Sri Lanka holds talks with Russia on fuel purchase

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath held discussions with the Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka, Levan S. Dzhagaryan, on the possibility of purchasing Russian fuel.