Japan Foreign Minister Confirms Two Japanese Detained in Iran

Two Japanese nationals are currently detained in Iran, but Japan is in contact with them, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Friday.

US investigation points to likely US responsibility in Iran school strike

U.S. military investigators believe it is likely that U.S. forces were responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls’ school that killed scores of children on Saturday but have not yet reached a final conclusion or completed ​their investigation, two U.S. officials told Reuters.

Israel cancels Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque amid Iran conflict

Israel’s Civil Administration has cancelled Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, the latest in a series of Israeli restrictions imposed at Islam’s third-holiest site since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Trump says Iran being ‘demolished’ as Gulf attacks continue

US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran is being “demolished ahead of schedule and at levels people have never seen before,” asserting that the country now has “no air force, no air defence” and that its air capabilities are “gone.”

Two schoolboys killed in lorry accident in Madurankuliya

Two schoolchildren were killed after being hit by a lorry in the Kilamaduchenai area of Kadayamotte in Madurankuliya, police said.

Calf and she elephant rescued from well

A she elephant and a calf that fell into an abandoned well in a farm at Sinhapura in Welikanda was saved from drowning and released to Thrikonamaduwa forest reserve by the wildlife officers.

It is thankful Sri Lanka did not sign SOFA with U.S. - former Foreign Secretary

In the backdrop of an Iranian warship sinking off in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after a U.S. submarine attack, former Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha said it was ‘ thankfully’ that Sri Lanka had not signed the Status of Force Agreement with the U.S. despite many people advocating for it at that time.

Unregistered drugs entering Sri Lanka amid weak oversight, Doctors warn

Unregistered drugs whose quality has not been tested are being brought into Sri Lanka through ports and airports by pharmaceutical company agents, with the practice reportedly on the rise, Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights President Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa warned.

US grants 30-day waiver for India to buy Russian oil

The US said that it is granting a temporary 30-day waiver to permit Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil amid the escalating confrontation with Iran.

Namal welcomes Govt. decision to allow Iranian vessel to dock in Trincomalee

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa has welcomed the decision by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to allow the Iranian vessel IRIS Bushier to enter Sri Lankan waters and dock at Trincomalee Port while bringing its 208 crew members to Colombo on humanitarian grounds.

Finland plans to lift decades-old ban on hosting nuclear weapons

Finland plans to lift its long-standing ban on having nuclear weapons on its territory, in a move the government says would align the country more closely with Nato’s deterrence policy.

Meteorology Department issues heat advisory

The Sri Lankan Meteorology Department has issued an official advisory warning of a significant rise in the heat index today (6), particularly affecting Sabaragamuwa Province and several nearby districts.

Essential food commodities’ prices bound to rise as global shipping costs increase

Global shipping costs have started to rise following the Israel-US conflict in Iran as the Strait of Hormuz being closed by the Iranian authorities for passing ships containing all sorts of trade to Asia.

Sri Lanka rescues second Iranian vessel lingering near its waters

After a thorough assessment of the situation, Sri Lanka decided yesterday evening to extend humanitarian assistance to the second Iranian ship lingering near its territorial waters.

Britney Spears arrested in California on suspicion of driving under the influence

Britney Spears has been arrested in California under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Emirates restarts over 100 flights as regional airspace begins to reopen

Emirates said yesterday it is operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice following the partial reopening of regional airspace, as the airline cautiously resumes services while monitoring safety and

New RMB clearing facility to slash currency risks for local firms eyeing Chinese market

​The recent memorandum of cooperation signed between the People’s Bank of China and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to establish a renminbi (RMB) clearing arrangement is set to significantly reduce transaction

Domestic dollar bonds to support SL’s liquidity after debt restructuring: LRA

Sri Lanka’s recent regulatory measures to introduce Domestic Dollar Bonds and widen investor participation represent “two coordinated phases of a domestic foreign currency funding strategy” aimed

Slight selling pressure persists amid limited market activity

The secondary market yesterday witnessed limited activity with thin to moderate trading volumes.

Iranian vessel crew to be disembarked at Colombo Port, ship to be moved to Trincomalee: President

Sri Lanka will disembark the crew of an Iranian vessel currently near its territorial waters and move the ship to Trincomalee Harbour, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

India edge England to reach T20 World Cup Final

India beat England by seven runs in a high-scoring semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, securing their place in the final after holding off a superb century from Jacob Bethell.

Iranian crew to be brought to Colombo

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the crew of the Iranian naval ship IRIS Bushehr, currently positioned just outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, will be disembarked at the Port of Colombo.

Fifth national oral health survey to begin on March 10

The Fifth National Oral Health Survey will commence on March 10, aimed at assessing the oral health status of people across the country.

Nepalis vote in first election since Gen Z uprising for change

Millions of Nepalis have voted in the country’s first general election since violent youth-led protests toppled the government last September.

Market Extends Rally as Strong Volumes Signal Renewed Confidence

The Colombo market continued its upward trajectory on 05th March 2026, building on the previous session’s recovery with stronger momentum. Improved turnover and a significant increase in share volumes underscored strengthening investor sentiment. The presence of sizeable block trades further signaled growing confidence among value investors, offering a constructive outlook for near-term market stability.

US-Israeli Strike Destroys 12,000-Seat Azadi Stadium Hall in Tehran

A 12,000-seat indoor arena within Tehran’s Azadi Sports Complex was destroyed in a US-Israeli airstrike today, marking the latest in a series of criminal attacks targeting Iranian infrastructure.

Female attorney jailed over forged Borella land deeds

A female lawyer who was found guilty of preparing forged deeds was today sentenced to six years’ imprisonment by Colombo High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne.

Millions of Cubans plunged into darkness as fuel crisis deepens

Millions of people were left without power in Cuba on Wednesday - the latest in a string of blackouts to hit the island as it struggles with fuel shortages worsened by pressure from the US.

Vijitha Herath telephones Iranian Foreign Minister; expresses grave concern over escalation of hostilities

Foreign Miniter Vijitha Herath said he telephoned Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East.

Met Dept issues heat advisory

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warm weather advisory for March 6, 2026, highlighting potential health risks due to elevated heat conditions. The warning specifically targets Sabaragamuwa province and the districts of Kurunegala, Gampaha, and Monaragala, where the heat index is expected to reach a “Caution” level.