Govt. plans phased para-tariff removal to sharpen export competitiveness

The government is preparing to gradually remove para-tariffs in a structural trade reform aimed at lowering costs for exporters and improving the country’s competitiveness, as policymakers push to strengthen export-led industrial growth.

Maldives-based Sun Siyam Group eyes expansion in Sri Lanka

Maldivian hospitality company Sun Siyam Resorts is looking to expand its footprint in Sri Lanka with a new property in the pipeline, aiming to capitalise on combined dual-destination travel packages.

Record entrepreneur loans expected in 2026: Handunneththi

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, announced that 2026 will witness the highest number of loans granted to entrepreneurs in recent history, as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the industrial sector.

Three teenagers charged with murder after girl stabbed to death in Leeds

Three teenagers have been charged with the murder of a 16-year-old who was stabbed to death in Leeds.

Three million Indian officials to begin counting world’s largest population

More than 3 ​million Indian officials are to spend a year counting every single ‌person in the world’s most populous nation, a mammoth task delayed in part by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Russia, Sri Lanka discuss strengthening parliamentary ties

Parliamentary leader of the ruling United Russia party in the State Duma, Vladimir Vasilyev, met with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House, Bimal Rathnayake, during a meeting held at the State Duma.

Two disused train compartments catch fire near Galle station

Two out-of-service train compartments parked near the Galle Railway Station caught fire today.

Sri Lankan injured in Dubai Shrapnel incident

Four individuals including a Sri Lankan in Dubai have sustained injuries caused by falling debris from a successful interception.

Supreme Court revives indictments against ex-Minister Tennakoon

The Supreme Court today set aside the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in 2020, which quashed the operation of indictments filed against former Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon before the Kandy High Court over an alleged murder committed in 1999.

Suspect arrested over Kahawatta gem businessman’s murder

Police have taken a suspect into custody in connection with the murder of a gem businessman in Kahawatta.

Trump urges countries seeking oil to go to Strait of Hormuz and ’just take it’

President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged countries that did not help in the U.S.-Israeli strikes on ​Iran to buy American oil and go to ‌the Strait of Hormuz and ’’just TAKE it.’’

Market ends mixed amid volatility and index rebalancing pressure

The Colombo Stock Exchange experienced a highly volatile session on 31st March 2026, with the market oscillating between gains and losses throughout the day. Early optimism was supported by positive global cues following updates from the U.S. President regarding developments in the ongoing geopolitical situation, which initially lifted investor sentiment and pushed the market into positive territory.

Sri Lanka Coast Guard rescues 18 tourists from drowning in March

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard successfully rescued 18 local and foreign tourists from drowning during lifesaving operations carried out across several coastal areas in March 2026.

Discussions with electricity trade unions progress successfully

A key discussion between trade union representatives of the Ceylon Electricity Board and chairpersons of newly established state-owned electricity companies was held yesterday (30) at the Labour Ministry, under the patronage of Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe.

Russian deputy foreign minister arrives in Sri Lanka

Andrey Rudenko, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, arrived in Sri Lanka today on an official visit.

China bans entombing cremated remains in empty flats

Chinese authorities have banned entombing cremated remains in cheap apartments, a practice that had gained popularity as mourners took advantage of the subdued housing market to dodge rising funeral costs.

Russell Peters in Sri Lanka

Johnston Fernando’s sons granted bail

The Negombo High Court today (31) granted bail to four suspects, including two sons of former Minister Johnston Fernando, who had been remanded over the alleged misuse of a Lanka Sathosa lorry.

Sri Lanka to offer free tourist visas for 39 countries

Sri Lanka will introduce a six-month programme granting free tourist visas to passport holders from 39 selected countries in a bid to boost the country’s tourism industry.

CPC allows fuel for all vehicles tomorrow under QR system

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announced that fuel will be available tomorrow (April 1) for both odd- and even-numbered vehicles under the existing QR quota system.

Cabinet approves fuel allowances for ministers, MPs, and public officials

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved fuel allowances for Ministers, Members of Parliament, and government officers, calculated based on fuel prices as of March 1, 2026.

Unlawful garbage dumping: Supreme Court rules authorities violated Meethotamulla residents’ rights

The Supreme Court today declared that several key state authorities, including the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), the Kolonnawa Urban Council and the Urban Development Authority, had violated the Fundamental Rights of residents in the Meethotamulla area through unlawful conduct and improper garbage disposal practices.

Australia investigates tech giants over social media ban breaches

Australia threatened on Tuesday to sue social media ​giants for allegedly flouting a ban on under-16s, as its internet regulator disclosed it is investigating some of ‌the biggest platforms for suspected non-compliance with the world-first measure.

Cabinet nod to import rice amid Samba shortage

The Cabinet has decided to grant permits to import rice varieties similar to Samba and Keeri Samba, in a move aimed at addressing the current shortage in the country.

International Dhamma Programme webinar scheduled for Full Moon Poya Day

The International Dhamma Programme will host a special online session on Full Moon Poya Day, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, inviting participants worldwide to join via Zoom.

At least 70 people killed and 30 injured in Haiti gang attack

At least 70 people have been killed and 30 injured during an attack in Haiti’s breadbasket Artibonite region, significantly more than official estimates, a human rights group has said.

Sri Lankan Rupee slides further against USD

The Sri Lankan rupee continued its decline against the US dollar across commercial banks today (31), with the selling rate holding steady at Rs. 318.

Dr. Madurangi Ariyasinghe cleared by court to lead SLCEP

The Commercial High Court of Colombo has delivered a landmark judgement clearing the way for Dr. Madurangi Ariyasinghe, Consultant Emergency Physician, to assume office as the first female President of the Sri Lanka College of Emergency Physicians (SLCEP).

Calls for coal fraud probe

Food prices rise at eateries from tonight

Food prices at eateries across the country will be increased with effect from midnight today (March 31), following a decision by the All-Island Canteen and Restaurant Owners’ Association, citing rising operational costs.