Teenager among first to be executed over Iran’s anti-government protests

Iran has executed three men accused of killing police officers during anti-government protests in January, state media say, the first hangings to be carried out in relation to the demonstrations.

Blasts heard over Jerusalem as Israel confirms strike on Iran gas field

Explosions were heard over Jerusalem as fresh strikes were reported in Iran’s capital, Tehran, amid rapidly escalating tensions in the region. Iranian state television said at least four waves of missiles were launched in quick succession, signaling a sharp intensification of hostilities.

Tourist arrivals drop 18% in early March as transit disruptions bite

Following a historic start to the year, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is experiencing a notable deceleration, recording a steep 18.4 percent drop in international visitors during the first half of March 2026, a

Government developing Trinco oil tank farm to face global energy crisis: Vijitha

Claiming that no government had taken steps to develop fuel storage capacity to face a global energy crisis, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said today the National People’s Power (NPP) government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to construct a multi-product pipeline and to develop the Trincomalee oil tank farm as an energy hub to face a global energy crisis.

Shawwal moon not sighted; Ramadan to complete 30 days

The crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal was not sighted on Thursday (March 19), according to official announcements.

Medical student rescued after falling off World’s End while taking selfie

A 23-year-old female student from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo was miraculously rescued today, after falling down the precipice at World’s End in Horton Plains National Park. The student reportedly slipped and fell nearly 50 feet while attempting to take a selfie at the edge of the famous viewpoint.

Iran floats Hormuz transit tolls as Persian Gulf states warn of military response

Iran is considering charging transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a lawmaker said on Thursday, as officials in Tehran stepped up rhetoric over the strategic waterway after this week’s attacks on energy sites in the Persian Gulf.

Harendra Ranasinghe book on future security launched

SC rules Wasantha Mudalige’s rights violated by unlawful arrest under PTA

The Supreme Court has declared that the fundamental rights of former Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) convener Wasantha Mudalige were violated by the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Peliyagoda Police Station through his unlawful arrest and detention in 2022.

President pushes measures to manage fuel prices

A discussion on the economic challenges arising from the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East and the forward measures required to address them was held this morning (19) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

US objectives in Iran have not changed, Hegseth says

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that ​the United States’ objectives in the ‌war against Iran have not changed since strikes started on February 28.

Bohra funds drive Bambalapitiya Railway Station upgrade

The modernization of the Bambalapitiya Railway Station commenced today (March 19) under a public-private partnership, with significant financial backing from the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Japan PM to hold ’difficult’ talks with Trump as Iran conflict looms large

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is on her way to what she expects will be a ’’very difficult’’ meeting with US leader Donald Trump, days after his calls for allies to help secure the war-stricken Strait of Hormuz went largely unanswered.

No faith motion on Energy Minister to be taken up on April 10

Parliament has decided to take up the debate on the no faith motion against Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody on April 10, 2026.

Ex-SriLankan CEO claims he was threatened to involve Mahinda and Namal’s names

Lawyers for former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena have released an affidavit stating that his earlier statement to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption was obtained under alleged intimidation and he was threatened to include the names of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and MP Namal Rajapaksa in his statement.

Iran considers levying transit fees on ships in Hormuz Strait, lawmaker says

Iran is considering a proposal to levy transit fees on vessels passing ​through the Strait of Hormuz, a lawmaker ‌said on Thursday, a potential bid to monetise Tehran’s newfound grip over the critical waterway through ​which a fifth of global oil ​and liquefied gas passes.

Airbus bribery case: Evidence on warrant request to be heard on March 24

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed court that former SriLankan Airlines Board Director Shaminthra Rajapaksa and the suspect’s wife, Priyanka Niyomali, have been named as suspects in the case.

Tehran intensifies strikes on gulf energy facilities after Israel hits Iranian gas field

Iran intensified its attacks on its Gulf Arab neighbors’ energy infrastructure Thursday, setting Qatari liquified natural gas facilities ablaze as it hit back following an Israeli attack on its main natural gas field, a major escalation in the Mideast war that has sent global fuel prices soaring.

US special representative for South and Central Asia meets President

The United States Special Representative for South and Central Asia, and United States Ambassador to India, Mr Sergio Gor, who is currently visiting Sri Lanka, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning (19) at the Presidential Secretariat.

No crisis in the country: Deputy Minister

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said today there is no crisis in the country as some factions are trying to show.

Lankadeepa wins SLIM-Kantar People’s Award for 20th time

Wijeya Newspapers ’Lankadeepa’ was named the Most Popular Newspaper of the Year at the prestigious SLIM-Kantar People’s Awards last evening, marking its 20th win at the annual event.

Explosive Airbus bribery claim: Rs. 60 Mn allegedly paid to Mahinda Rajapaksa

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena had stated, in a statement to the Commission, that a sum of Rs. 60 million received as a bribe in the controversial 2016 Airbus transaction was handed over to then President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s surgery successful: Ravi K

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has undergone a successful surgery abroad, Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake told Parliament today.

War heroes protest in Fort

Sri Lanka among world’s least Happy Nations in 2026 report

Sri Lanka has been ranked among the least happy countries in the latest World Happiness Report 2026, placing 134th out of 147 nations with a score of 4.0, highlighting ongoing concerns over the country’s overall well-being.

Pentagon wants $200 billion for Iran war. It’s nearly 50% of Tehran’s GDP

The Pentagon is reportedly seeking over $200 billion from the US Congress to fund President Donald Trump’s war of choice in Iran. If approved, the war funds will boost the US military campaign that began on February 28 and ramp up the production of weapons used during the conflict, according to a report by The Washington Post.

No faith motion against Energy Minister handed over to Speaker

The Opposition handed over the no confidence motion against Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne today.

Cathay suspends Dubai flights until April 30 over Middle East war

Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific has suspended flights to and from Dubai until the end of April over the war in the Middle East.

Filling station in Colombo demands Rs. 3,000 to issue fuel without QR code: MP

A certain filling station in Thimbirigasyaya had wanted Rs. 3,000 to issue fuel without a QR code from a vehicle owner, MP G.D. Sooriyabandara told Parliament today.

Fuel issue hits banana growers?

As Opposition MP B. Ariyawansa revealed that local banana growers are affected by the fuel crisis as the Sinhala New Year draws near, Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne assured that the government will provide redress to the growers.