Burj Khalifa evacuated as Israel-Iran conflict reaches Dubai’s doorstep

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was evacuated after explosions were heard across the city as Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes targeting US military locations across the Gulf following joint American and Israeli attacks on Tehran.

Fuel stocks are sufficient for more than a month, no reason to panic: CPC

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) chairman D.J. Rajakaruna said fuel stocks in the country and shipments in transit are sufficient for more than a month.

Foreign Ministry monitoring situation in Middle East; Emergency hotlines activated

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said that it is maintaining close contact with all Sri Lankan diplomatic missions across the Middle Eastern region and continues to closely monitor ongoing developments.

Ensure safety of Sri Lankans in Middle East: Sajith

While expressing his concern on the developments in the Middle East, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the government to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans living in the region.

This is not your war’: Omani foreign minister urges US ‘not to get sucked in further’

We have the first public reaction by Badr Albusaidi, the foreign minister of Oman, who had been mediating the recent rounds of indirect talks between the US and Iran.

Israeli security source says will continue Iran strikes ’as long as we need’

An Israeli security source said that strikes on Iran would continue for ’’as long as we need’’, after the US and Israel began targeting military and ballistic missile sites in the Islamic republic on Saturday.

Foreign Ministry activates emergency response for Sri Lankans in Middle East

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka said that it is maintaining close and continuous contact with all Sri Lankan diplomatic missions across the Middle Eastern region amid the escalating tensions.

Mattala on standby to accommodate diverted flights if necessary: CAASL

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAASL) said that the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) has been placed on standby to accommodate diverted flights if necessary amidts escalating tensions in the Middle East region.

Sri Lanka suspends all flights to Middle East

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has officially announced the immediate temporary suspension of all flights from Sri Lanka to destinations in the Middle East, citing the rapidly deteriorating military situation in the region.

SriLankan Airlines cancels ten flights to Middle East

SriLankan Airlines has cancelled ten flights scheduled to operate today due to the closure of airspace in certain parts of the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region, SriLankan Airlines said.

SLAF dismisses rumours of foreign military jets in Sri Lankan airspace

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has dismissed social media rumours claiming that foreign military jets have been granted clearance to operate within Sri Lankan airspace.

Explosions in Israel, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait

Explosions rocked northern Israel as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles shortly after it attacked Iran. The blasts echoed just after the Israeli military said it would be using its air defence systems to bring down the Iranian fire. There was no immediate word on any casualties or damage from the ongoing attack.

Airlines suspend Middle East flights after US, Israel strikes on Iran

Global airlines suspended flights across the Middle East on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, plunging the region into a renewed military confrontation.

US, Israel attack Iran: Trump announces ‘major combat operations’

United States President Donald Trump says the US has begun “major combat operations” in Iran after Israel also said it ⁠had launched missile attacks against the country.

After Sallay, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the next - Ex MP

Former Minister and National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa yesterday alleged that the arrest of Major General (rtd) Suresh Salley is a politically motivated move aimed at appeasing elements of the Tamil diaspora while undermining national security.

United States aids Israel in attack on Iran as tensions high over nuclear talks

Israel launched a daylight attack Saturday on Iran’s capital, with a cloud of smoke rising from the city’s downtown. The first apparent strike happened near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

India launches floating dry dock for Sri Lanka Navy

A 4,000-tonne Floating Dry Dock (FDD) constructed for the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) was officially launched last week at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), after several years of negotiations, planning and high-level defence discussions between India and Sri Lanka.

At least 15 killed after military plane carrying banknotes crashes in Bolivia

At least 15 people have been killed and others injured after a Bolivian air force cargo plane crashed in the western city of El Alto, the country’s authorities say.

Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25 percent stake in Spanish second-tier club Almeria

Cristiano Ronaldo has bought a stake in Spanish second-division football club Almeria, according to a consulting firm representing the Portuguese athlete.

Monk faces fraud allegations over fake “Ditwah” relief scheme

A monk from Pilimatalawa, alleged to have fraudulently obtained money by falsely posing as the Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship and claiming that relief would be provided to entrepreneurs affected by the “Ditwah” cyclone, was arrested by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau and produced before court.

Vehicle imports decline in January: Central Bank

The imports of vehicles, including both personal and commercial vehicles, declined in January 2026 to USD 224 million when compared to December 2025, which recorded USD 301 million, the Central Bank said.

Sri Lanka makes presentation on ’’Sri Lanka EXPO 2026’’ in Germany

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said he had fruitful discussions on economic and investment landscape of Sri Lanka, trade relations, tourism and skilled employment opportunities during his visit to Germany.

Energy crisis if coal tender cancelled, Govt weighs options

The country is slated to face an energy crisis if the current coal tender is cancelled over the low quality supplies, an official said.

Paris crowns Sri Lankan baker for best traditional baguette

Sri Lankan-born baker Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan has won the coveted Grand Prix de la baguette de Paris 2026, the best traditional baguette prize, on his first attempt.

Showers and thunder showers expected as Sri Lanka begin withdrawing from Northeast Monsoon

Showers or thunder showers were forecasted in some parts of Sri Lanka as the country is withdrawing from the Northeast monsoon, the Department of Meteorology said yesterday.

Trade Unions withdraw from Ditwah relief services

Amidst more than 3,000 individuals still being sheltered in safe centres, trade unions including Grama Niladharis, Disaster Relief Service Officers and Technical Officers attached to the Cyclone Ditwah-related relief services yesterday announced their withdrawal from all relief services citing the government’s failure in adopting a proper mechanism for relief services.

CID detains Suresh Sallay for 90 days

Former Director of the State Intelligence Service, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, has been granted permission to be detained for 90 days for questioning in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Sri Lankan exporters to see tariff relief amid volatile US trade environment

​The Sri Lankan exporters could soon experience a measure of relief following a recent US Supreme Court ruling that struck down the reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Salam Ramadan 2026 kicks off in Colombo

Salam Ramadan kicked off this evening at Green Path, Colombo, celebrating unity, compassion and shared heritage.

Lunar eclipse to be visible in Sri Lanka on March 3

Sri Lankans will have the opportunity to witness a lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Arthur C Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies said.