Samsung Sri Lanka opens pre-orders for Galaxy S26 series

Samsung Sri Lanka has officially opened pre-orders for the highly anticipated Galaxy S26 Series, introducing its most advanced AI-powered smartphones yet to customers across the island.

Regulatory void leaves virtual asset sector exposed to financial crimes

Sri Lanka’s financial landscape is facing new challenges, as an unregulated virtual asset market opens potential avenues for financial crimes.

Week begins on a negative note

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.8 Bn.

Fuel prices increased

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced a revision of fuel retail prices with effect from tonight (09).

Civil Aviation Authority refutes social media posts on charter flight to Rome

Refuting social media reports that SriLankan Airlines flight UL 1213 departed to bring a Government Minister back to the country, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said today the Minister mentioned in these reports had already returned to Sri Lanka several days ago.

Over 2,000 CEB employees apply for VRS

Head of the CEB Transformation Task Force, Pubudu Niroshan Hedigalla said today that a total of 2,153 employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have applied for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).

EDL takes over CEB’s electricity distribution under power reforms

Electricity Distribution Lanka (Private) Limited (EDL) has officially taken over electricity distribution responsibilities previously handled by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), as part of the power sector reforms introduced through the Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024.

Sajin Vass Gunawardena remanded

Former Parliamentarian Sajin Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over allegations of illegally acquiring assets worth Rs. 243.8 million, was today remanded till March 24 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

CEB restructuring should have been done with utmost care: Sajith

The restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) should have been done with utmost diligence, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Gary Kirsten appointed Sri Lanka men’s head coach

Gary Kirsten has been appointed as the new head coach of the Sri Lanka national men’s cricket team, Sri Lanka Cricket said. His appointment will take effect from April 15, 2026.

New Secretary appointed to Ministry of Plantation, Community Infrastructure

Gunadasa Samarasinghe has been appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, President’s Media Division (PMD)said.

Global Tensions Trigger Sharp Sell-Off; CSE Ends Deep in the Red

The Colombo market suffered a sharp decline on 09th March 2026, as escalating conflict in the Middle East sparked fears of a global fuel supply shock, prompting panic selling across the CSE. The ASPI plunged 818 points intraday, and despite a modest recovery, closed 797 points lower, reflecting widespread caution among investors.

Putin congratulates new supreme leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new leader, the Kremlin says.

Electricity trade unions launch strike over job security concerns

Twenty-five electricity trade unions have launched strike duties from 3 p.m. today, demanding the signing of a collective agreement and assurances on employee rights in the aftermath of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) restructuring.

China says it opposes any targeting of new Iran leader

China said on March 9 that Iran’s decision to name Mr Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader following the killing of his father was a domestic matter, and it opposed any attempt to target him.

SriLankan Airlines operates special charter flight from Colombo to Rome

SriLankan Airlines has operated a special charter flight from Colombo to Rome today to repatriate a group of citizens, following a request from the Italian Embassy, informed sources said.

SriLankan Airlines to resume flights to Riyadh and Dubai

SriLankan Airlines has announced that it will resume its flight operations to Riyadh and Dubai following a temporary disruption caused by the situation in the Middle East.

Australians turn to VPNs after adult website blocked under new age laws

Virtual private network apps have skyrocketed up the app charts in Australia after a number of adult sites began blocking Australian users in compliance with new online safety codes in effect from Monday.

Teen arrested in Nawagattegama over viral reckless riding video

A 19-year-old youth was arrested by police in Nawagattegama after a video showing reckless motorcycle riding went viral on social media, police said.

Nedungamuwe Raja’s preserved body to go on public display from March 11

The preserved body of the famed elephant Nedungamuwe Raja will be opened for public viewing from March 11 and could remain intact for nearly 500 years if properly maintained, officials said.

Sajin Vass arrested

Former Member of Parliament Sajin Vass Gunawardena has been arrested by officers of the Bribery Commission on charges of amassing illegal assets worth Rs. 243.8 million.

Bangladesh orders all universities closed to save electricity

Bangladesh will close all universities from Monday, bringing forward the Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency measures to conserve ​electricity and fuel amid a worsening energy crisis linked to ‌the conflict in the Middle East.

South Korea to impose fuel price cap to shield economy from energy shock

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Monday that authorities would cap ‌domestic fuel prices for the first time in nearly 30 years to contain a spike in prices after the conflict in the Middle East sent global crude prices sharply higher.

Cyclone Ditwah shows growing climate-driven disaster risks for Sri Lanka: Report

Sri Lanka’s recent experience with Cyclone Ditwah highlights how extreme weather events linked to climate change are increasingly shaping the country’s disaster risks, according to a new report by Greenpeace South Asia.

Hot weather may trigger skin problems, dehydration in children

Health officials have warned that the prevailing hot weather conditions in the country could lead to an increase in skin problems and dehydration among children.

IMF’s Georgieva warns Middle East conflict could push global inflation higher

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva ​on Monday warned ‌of inflation risks from the Middle East conflict, ​saying a 10% ​increase in oil prices, ⁠if persistent through ​most of the year, ​would result in a 40-basis-point increase in global inflation.

G7 finance ministers to discuss joint oil reserve release - report

G7 finance ministers will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss a possible joint release of petroleum from reserves coordinated by the International Energy Agency, as oil prices surge following the conflict in the Gulf, according to the Financial Times.

PM Harini leaves for Philippines

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya left for Manila, Philippines, at midnight yesterday (08) on an official visit at the invitation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to participate in events marking International Women’s Day.

Middle East attacks: Four injured Sri Lankans discharged

The four Sri Lankans who were injured in recent attacks in the Middle East have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra.

U.S. Pacific Command recognizes Sri Lanka acted according to international law

The US Indo-Pacific Command has recognized that Sri Lanka provided life-saving support to survivors of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict or the International Humanitarian Law.