71% of women feel unsafe in public spaces due to alcohol use: ADIC

A nationwide survey has found that 71 percent of women in Sri Lanka have felt unsafe in public places due to the presence of alcohol users, prompting strong calls for government intervention.

Sri Lanka to lose US $ 15 million tourism revenue per week due to airspace closures in Middle East

One-week closure of Middle East airspace will deny Sri Lanka US$ 15 million in tourism revenue, as around 30 percent of arrivals take place through that region, an official said.

Interdiction challenged by ex-Deputy Secretary of Parliament fixed for March 18

A writ petition filed by former Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kumara Kularatne, challenging the legality of his interdiction from service, was today fixed for March 18 by the Court of Appeal.

Ex-Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake regrets he lapsed

Former Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake says he made a big mistake of not allowing Nishantha Ranatunga to win the presidency at the election of office bearers of Sri Lanka Cricket and instead appointed an Interim Committee in 2015.

Sri Lanka calls for protection of civilians amid Middle East conflict: Namal

Sri Lanka has expressed deep concern over reports of civilians being injured in the Middle East due to missile interceptions and strikes, reportedly carried out by armed forces on buildings, shopping malls, and hotels. Many civilians are reportedly seeking safe shelters, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa said.

Mexican drug lord ’El Mencho’ buried in golden coffin

Infamous Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as ’’El Mencho’’, was buried in a golden casket by his family on Monday.

Market Plunges as Middle East Tensions Trigger Panic Selling

The Colombo market witnessed a sharp sell-off on 03rd March 2026, as escalating tensions in the Middle East sparked concerns over potential fuel supply disruptions and a decline in worker remittances. Heightened uncertainty triggered panic selling at the Colombo Stock Exchange, resulting in extreme volatility throughout the session.

Duminda Silva named as suspect in Rs. 15 million bribery case

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed court that former Parliamentarian and former Chairman of the National Housing Development Authority, R. Duminda Silva, has been named as a suspect in connection with an alleged bribery incident involving Rs. 15 million.

Sajith calls for two days debate on Middle Eastern conflict

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today called for a two day debate on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Air Arabia suspends flights amid regional tensions

Air Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of its flights to and from the United Arab Emirates amid the ongoing regional situation.

Emergency extension debate on Friday

Party leaders have decided to take up the debate on the proclamation issued by the President to extend the emergency by another month on Friday, March 6 2025.

President extends invitation to Pope to visit Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended an invitation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka.

SriLankan Airlines ready to assist stranded Europe-bound passengers

Notwithstanding escalating tensions in the Middle East, SriLankan Airlines said it is continuing to operate its European routes as scheduled and stands ready to facilitate passengers travelling to London and other European destinations it serves, if requests are made amid widespread flight cancellations.

Iran Embassy in Colombo opens condolence book

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo has announced that a book of condolence will be opened following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

205 flights to and from BIA cancelled amid Middle East conflict

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka today said that 205 flights to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake were cancelled on March 3 due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East.

Over 700 organised criminals arrested within 17 months: Minister

Some 723 organised criminals, including gunmen have been arrested between January 1, 2025 and 31 May 2025, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said today.

Settle payments for area correspondents: Media Ministry tells media institutions

Media institutions have been asked to settle payments due to their area correspondents, Minister of Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament today.

Laugfs Gas agrees to maintain continuous supply: Minister

Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said today that Laugfs Gas has agreed to provide gas supply continuously where they have entered into an agreement with Geogas Trading S.A. to purchase 10,000 tonnes monthly.

Senior lawyer S.K Sangakkara passed away

Senior lawyer S.K. Sangakkara, father of former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara, has passed away, family sources said.

Russia says war could backfire by spurring Iran and Arab nations to seek nuclear weapons

Russia warned on Tuesday that the war launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran could result in the very outcome they were seeking to prevent, by spurring both ​Iran and its Arab neighbours to seek to acquire nuclear weapons.

US urges citizens to immediately leave over a dozen Middle East countries

The US Department of State has urged all Americans to immediately depart more than a dozen countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, amid escalating US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Police tighten security around foreign missions and tourist hotels amid Middle East tensions

The Sri Lanka Police has implemented special security measures to safeguard foreign diplomatic missions in the capital and hotels accommodating tourists in the wake of tensions in the Middle East, the Daily Mirror learns.

Ageing population reaches 18%, calls for stronger health systems

Nearly 18 percent of Sri Lanka’s population is now aged 60 years and above, reflecting a clear trend of population ageing, Population Association of Sri Lanka (PASL), President Prof. Manori Weeratunga, said.

Four Cricket Giants Ready for War

After four thrilling weeks of action, the Men’s T20 World Cup has reached its decisive stage, with India, South Africa, England and New Zealand powering into the semi-finals.

Jayasuriya cornered as Cricket fiefdom continues

Besieged coach Sanath Jayasuriya has found himself trapped or poised to backtrack after telling the media he will throw in the towel after the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan last Saturday and then deciding to stay on for talks with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that has become the fiefdom of a chosen few headed by Shammi Silva who is now into his seventh year at the helm, years longer than the term of the Head of State.

Over 13,000 dengue cases reported in two months

Sri Lanka has logged a total of 13,416 dengue cases so far this year, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said.

Opposition Leader calls for urgent meeting of Opposition parties on Middle East crisis

Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, has convened an urgent meeting of all opposition party leaders and MPs to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Opposition Leader’s office said today.

CPC compelled to release over 5.2 Mn litres of fuel

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has released over 5.2 million litres of fuel by 9.44 a.m. today in response to panic buying, its Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna said.

500 receive free cataract surgeries at Gampola Hospital

A total of 500 patients affected by the recent Dithwa cyclone received free cataract surgeries during a special two-day programme held on February 28 and March 1 at the Gampola District General Hospital.

Sri Lanka to be affected if Middle East crisis is prolonged: Opposition

Sri Lanka will be adversely affected if the conflict in the Middle East is prolonged, the Opposition said yesterday.