Defence Secretary inspects Neville Fernando Hospital under SLAF management

Following the recent Cabinet decision to hand over the management of the Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) in Malabe to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha paid an official inspection visit to the hospital yesterday (23 February).

Expert warns substandard coal could cripple Norochcholai Plant

Energy expert Dr. Vidura Ralapanawa has warned that the continued use of substandard imported coal at the Lakvijaya (Norochcholai) Power Plant could severely damage its generators and boilers, posing a serious threat to the country’s power supply.

Railway crossing near Kiriwandala to close temporarily for repairs

The main railway crossing on the High Level Line at Mile 35, Chain 30, between Puwakpitiya and Avissawella on the Kelani Valley Railway Line will be temporarily closed for repairs from March 5 until March 8 .

Stanford develops universal nasal vaccine for flu and colds

Scientists at Stanford University say they are developing a single nasal spray vaccine that could protect against coughs, colds, flu, and even dangerous bacterial lung infections. Early research in animals suggests the spray may also reduce allergic reactions, including asthma triggered by dust mites.

National World Wildlife Day celebration to be held at Yala

The national celebration of World Wildlife Day will be held on March 3 at the Lunugamvehera area of Yala National Park, organized by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Ranchi-Delhi air ambulance with 7 on board crashes in Jharkhand’s Chatra

An air ambulance flight from Ranchi to Delhi crashed on Monday evening in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

Documentary on Sri Lanka crisis honoured at Jalgaon film festival

The acclaimed Pulitzer Center-supported documentary ‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ will receive two awards at the Second Jalgaon International Film Festival in India this year, for ‘Best Social Film’ and ‘Best Screenplay’, reports a press release.

EU raises concerns with Govt. over new counter-terrorism bill

The European Union (EU), which raised concerns about the proposed counter-terrorism bill has requested the government, among others, to narrow down its definition, an official familiar with the process said.

Oxford Union apologises to Namal for not allowing him to talk

While apologising to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa for not being able to proceed with his address to the Union, the Oxford Union has informed Namal that it had been rescheduled for a future date so that the lecture could be delivered without compromising the safety of the attendees.

Construction of Jaffna International Cricket Stadium temporarily halted

Construction work on the first international cricket stadium in the Northern Province has been temporarily suspended due to the absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

UEFA suspend Benfica’s Prestianni after alleged racist abuse

UEFA on Monday suspended midfielder Gianluca Prestianni from Benfica’s Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid this week after he was accused of racially abusing Vinicius Junior.

West Indies smash Zimbabwe with 254-6 to shake up Super Eights Points Table

The West Indies blew away T20 World Cup surprise packages Zimbabwe by a colossal 107 runs in Mumbai on Monday as Shai Hope’s team opened their Super Eights campaign with a dominant victory.

Trump renews attack on US Supreme Court, vows other tariffs, licenses

President Donald Trump renewed his condemnation of the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday after it ruled against his sweeping tariff program last week, vowing to turn to other tariff powers and licenses but giving no details.

Afghanistan to take on Sri Lanka in white-ball series

The white-ball series features three ODIs and three T20Is and gets underway from March 13.

LAUGFS gas confirms continued LPG supply amid temporary distribution constraints

LAUGFS Gas PLC has assured the public that uninterrupted supply of its branded LPG cylinders will be maintained despite temporary market constraints.

UK government quietly updates passport rules for dual citizens — again

British and Irish dual nationals may be able to use their expired British passports, along with a valid second passport, to enter the United Kingdom under new temporary measures — but only at the discretion of airlines and other carriers.

Powerful winter storm shuts schools, disrupts travel across US Northeast

Children across parts of the U.S. Northeast will stay home on Monday as a powerful winter storm forced school closures and pushed offices and transit systems onto emergency schedules, with officials across the region warning of heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous travel conditions.

Railway service disruption causes major public hardship, Warns Station Masters

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Master’s Union (SLRSMU) has criticized the current railway administration for causing severe hardship to the public due to poor planning in restoring services after Cyclone Ditwah.

Customs union signals possible disruptions over delayed promotions

The Customs Trade Union Alliance comprising the Customs Staff Officers’ Association, the Senior Customs Superintendents Association, and the Customs Officers Association has warned of potential work stoppages if longstanding delays in promotions and salary adjustments are not addressed immediately.

Highest temperature of 33.9°C recorded in Mattala

A maximum temperature of 33.9 degrees Celsius was recorded at the Mattala Meteorological Station today (23), the Metrology Department said.

Over 10,000 cyclone-affected people assisted as food security improves: WFP

More than 10,000 people affected by Cyclone Ditwah received assistance in January 2026 as food security conditions showed signs of improvement, according to the latest Country Brief issued by the World Food Programme (WFP).

Govt. committed to easing parents’ education burden: Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne

Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne said the government is committed to easing the heavy financial burden faced by parents in educating their children.

Rev. Dr. Kirinde Assaji awarded lifetime achievement honor by KITT University

Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji, Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, has been conferred the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by KITT University in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Buddhist scholarship, spiritual leadership, and the strengthening of Sri Lanka–India cultural relations.

Coal in ninth shipment too found to be of low quality: Sajith

Coal in the ninth shipment has been found to be of inferior quality as per real-time data, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Allegations of inferior quality coal are true: Lal Kantha

While admitting the allegations on inferior quality coal, Minster of Agriculture Lal Kantha said today there has been no fraud or corruption behind the coal supply tender.

Deadline extended for public complaints over CMC corruption probe

The deadline for submitting public complaints and information to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate into alleged acts of corruption, fraud, criminal breach of trust etc. has been extended until 16 March 2026.

MP Amarakeerthi case: Families of 12 death-row convicts seek President’s intervention

Relatives of the 12 men sentenced to death over the killing of former MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his police security officer staged an appeal outside the Presidential Secretariat this morning, urging the President to intervene.

Mirissa and Bentota among Asia’s Top Beaches by Tripadvisor

Sri Lanka’s Mirissa Beach and Bentota Beach have earned spots among Asia’s most celebrated coastal destinations, according to the 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches list released by Tripadvisor.

Kim Jong Un re-appointed leader of North Korea’s ruling party

North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party has again chosen Kim Jong Un to be its general secretary, state media report.

81-year-old sits O/L Maths exam to critique education system

Nimal Silva, an 81-year-old resident of Kiriberiya, sat for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Mathematics examination—not merely as a personal achievement, but to send a strong message to the government about the state of the national education system.