British Airways to return to Colombo with thrice-weekly flights

British Airways has announced that it will resume flights to Colombo in October.

Iran strikes Tel Aviv with cluster warheads in retaliation for killing of security chief

Iran targeted Tel Aviv with missiles carrying cluster warheads in what it said was retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday.

Used-car buyers blocked from National Fuel Pass

The reintroduced National Fuel Pass QR code system has triggered fresh controversy, with many vehicle owners claiming they are unable to obtain their weekly fuel quota because the system still shows their vehicles as registered under previous owners.

QR fuel system introduced to avoid shortages: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday said the reintroduction of the QR code fuel distribution system is a necessary step to manage limited energy supplies caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, while assuring that the Government has taken extensive measures to prevent shortages of fuel, gas and coal in the country.

Sri Lanka Tourism ensures seamless travel with priority fuel and LPG access

Fearing a possible fuel shortage stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict, the government has introduced a national fuel quota for vehicles.

International kingpin ’’Paravi Suda’’ linked to recent heroin haul

Investigations into the recent seizure of over 123kg of heroin in international waters south of Sri Lanka have uncovered a direct link to the notorious overseas-based drug trafficker and organised criminal, ’’Paravi Suda.’’

Economic activity holds in February; Iran war begins to weigh on outlook

Sri Lanka’s economic activities were seen holding up in February before the war broke out at the end of the month, as seen from the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data, but the economy is currently feeling the brunt of the Iran war which broke out at the end of February.

Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, urging Trump to ’reverse course’

The Trump administration’s top official on counterterrorism has resigned from his position, citing opposition to the war in Iran, and urged the president to ’’reverse course’’.

Middle East conflict delays crude oil shipments to Sri Lanka

Delays in crude oil shipments have been reported due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

President’s special statement

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake holds a special press conference on Sri Lanka’s current situation

CSE Extends Decline Amid Heightened Volatility and Power Cut Concerns

The Colombo Stock Exchange experienced a highly volatile session on 17th March 2026, as early optimism quickly gave way to sharp selling pressure. The ASPI gained 263 points during the first half of the session, reflecting positive investor sentiment at the open. However, the market reversed direction sharply following the circulation of news regarding potential power cuts linked to fuel supply disruptions, ultimately closing 521 points lower.

Cabinet approves legal action against misuse of eZCash and mCash for Crime

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved taking legal action against individuals using eZCash and mCash money transfer systems for transactions linked to drug trafficking and organized crime.

EPF members to adjust appointments as Wednesdays declared public holidays

Starting March 18, 2026, all Wednesdays will be considered as public holidays, a move that will affect services at the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Divisions.

President calls for practical fuel conservation plans across ministries

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (17) instructed all ministries to develop practical, sustainable, and data-driven plans for fuel conservation to ensure minimal energy consumption across public and private sectors.

Cuba suffers nationwide blackout as fuel supplies dwindle

Cuba’s electric grid suffered a total collapse Monday as the nation struggles with crumbling infrastructure and a de facto US oil blockade that’s pushed the communist-run island to the brink.

Key measures discussed to sustain air services amid fuel concerns

A high-level meeting took place today (17) at the Civil Aviation Authority premises, chaired by Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, to address strategies for sustaining air services amid fuel supply disruptions caused by the ongoing war situation.

Iran conflict could lead to severe hunger for 45 million by June, says World Food Programme

The World Food Programme has warned that the ongoing conflict in Iran could result in severe hunger for approximately 45 million people by June. According to Jin10, the organization highlighted the escalating humanitarian crisis as a direct consequence of the war, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention and support.

Seafrontier brings fuel to Sri Lanka

President to make special statement in Parliament on Friday

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is to make a special statement in Parliament on Friday, Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake announced today.

Death penalty affirmed in heroin case heard by present CJ as High Court Judge

The Supreme Court today affirmed the death sentence imposed on an accused by the Colombo High Court in 2013 for possession and trafficking of 34.32 grams of heroin.

President invites TPA for urgent meeting

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has invited the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) for an urgent meeting next week, extending the invitation to TPA Leader Mano Ganesan, MP, during a phone conversation.

Ravi K questions Government on cryptocurrency oversight

MP Ravi Karunanayake today pressed the Finance Minister in Parliament over Sri Lanka’s regulatory stance and oversight failures in cryptocurrency and digital asset transactions.

Cabinet nod for $620 Mn ADB deal to drive 2026 reforms

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to secure US$620 million in policy-based financing from the Asian Development Bank for 2026, aimed at advancing Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform programme.

Four committees established to tackle impact of Middle East conflict

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the President to establish four special committees to address the economic and social impacts of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Avurudu Nakath Seettuwa released

The Avurudu Nakath Seettuwa for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year has been officially released, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said.

Israel says it has killed Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has been according to Israel’s Defence Minister Katz. Iran has not commented on the claim.

Circular issued declaring every Wednesday a holiday

The Public Administration Ministry has issued a circular stating that, in response to potential fuel shortages caused by the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East, the Government will conserve fuel in the public sector by declaring every Wednesday a holiday for government offices until further notice.

Cabinet approves grant from India to provide electric motorcycles for fisheries field officers

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to provide electric motorcycles to field officers engaged in fisheries duties under a financial grant from the Government of India.

Iran renews attacks on US Gulf allies, Trump says that was not expected

Iran launched fresh attacks ​on the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, the kind of strikes on U.S. Gulf allies that President Donald Trump said had not been expected, but which sources said he had been warned about before the ‌conflict.

Fuel quota to expire Saturday, to be renewed Sunday

The fuel quota currently available to the public will expire on Saturday night and will be renewed on Sunday, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, D. J. Rajakaruna said.