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).

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.

Tharanga tops world list with record javelin throw

Sri Lanka’s rising javelin star Rumesh Tharanga produced a stunning performance to set a new national record with a throw of 89.37 metres at the Champions Track & Field Meet held at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium on Saturday.

Record entrepreneur loans expected in 2026: Sunil 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.

Accused energy minister should resign without waiting for opposition: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa has called for the resignation of the country’s accused Energy Minister, stating that such action should be taken without waiting for demands from the opposition.

CAA raids illegal fertilizer sale in Matara

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) in Matara has conducted a special raid targeting the illegal sale of fertilizer, following a complaint received on March 30, 2026.

Man nabbed at BIA for attempting to smuggle protected plant species to China

A foreign national was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morniong (31) while attempting to smuggle a stock of the protected plant Kotala Himbutu (Salacia reticulata) out of the country, Customs officials said.

Israel passes death penalty law for Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks

Israel’s parliament passed a law on Monday making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, fulfilling a pledge by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies.

Parliamentary Committee mulls immediate plan on ash disposal from Norochcholai

In the wake of controversy over substandard coal imports to Sri Lanka, a parliamentary Committee has instructed officials to immediately prepare a plan for the environmentally friendly disposal of ash emitted from the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant.

Oil down 1% after report says Trump open to ending campaign against Iran

Oil prices reversed course in Asian trading on ‌Tuesday, paring earlier gains, following a report that U.S. President Donald Trump told aides he is willing to end the Iran war without reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Study finds high mercury in women’s hair near Puttalam lagoon

A disturbing new study has intensified concerns over environmental pollution and public health in Sri Lanka due to combustion of low-quality coal, revealing that women with no occupational exposure to mercury have recorded alarmingly high levels of the toxic metal in their hair.

Giant oil tanker off Dubai hit by Iranian strike

Iran attacked and set ablaze a fully loaded crude oil tanker off Dubai on Monday, ​as President Donald Trump warned the U.S. would obliterate Iran’s energy plants and oil wells if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz.

Gem trader found dead in mine pit in Kahawatta

The body of a 61-year-old gem trader who had gone missing in the Kahawatta area has been discovered inside a mine pit in Neelagama.

Pakistan cricket star handed massive $105k fine for deleted social media post

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has been hit with a massive AU$105,000 fine for a deleted social media post that appeared to criticise Punjab’s chief minister Maryam Nawaz.

Schools, workplaces urged to adjust schedules amid rising temperatures

Health authorities have called for adjustments to daily routines in schools and workplaces as hot weather conditions continue to affect the island, raising concerns over heat-related illnesses.

Warm conditions to persist; evening showers expected in parts of the island

The prevailing warm weather conditions across Sri Lanka are expected to continue today (31), according to the Department of Meteorology.

Resignation of SriLankan Airlines Chairman, appointment flawed from day one: Harsha

The appointment of Sarath Ganegoda was flawed from day one, as it involved a massive conflict of interest, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva said.

Court rules JVP’s takeover of FLSP office illegal

The Gampaha Magistrate’s Court today held that the takeover of the Frontline Socialist Party (FLSP) office in Yakkala by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was illegal and ordered the latter to hand over the office to the former.

Grade 5 scholarship exam on August 9; Applications open until April 30

The Examinations Department has announced that the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination for 2026 will be held on Sunday, August 9.

Market dips on weak sentiment

The Colombo Stock Exchange commenced the week on a negative note on 30th March 2026, with the ASPI declining by 283 points amid heightened volatility. The index fell sharply by 337 points within the first hour of trading, driven by negative sentiment carried over from the weekend.