Saudi Arabia strongly condemns Iran’s moves to disrupt navigation in Strait of Hormuz - Saudi Envoy

In the midst of war raging in the Middle East, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, Khalid Hamoud Nasser Aldasam Alkahtani, in an exclusive interview with Daily Mirror, shares his country’s perspectives on the latest developments.

At least 34 killed in Colombia military plane crash, governor says

At least 34 people have died, and dozens of others have been wounded after a Colombian military plane with 125 people on board crashed after takeoff in the south of the country, officials said.

Sri Lanka ranked 79th in the world for ‘Ease of doing business in and with’

Sri Lanka is ranked 79th out of 193 countries in the world in 2026 for ease of doing business due to growing confidence in its regulatory environment, signalling a positive growth in business confidence.

IRIS Dena came here at Sri Lanka’s invitation: Iranian envoy

Putting to rest speculation about the U.S. attack on an Iranian warship in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which killed 104 Iranian sailors, Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alireza Delkhosh said yesterday that the vessel ‘IRIS Dena’ came here at the invitation of the Sri Lankan authorities.

Govt moves to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential food items

Importers of essential food items and institutions involved in the food distribution network were summoned to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development yesterday (23) to discuss measures to maintain uninterrupted supply and minimize possible disruptions due to the prevailing war situation.

ID office suspends all public services tomorrow

All public services, including the One-Day Service at the Head Office and all Provincial Offices of the Department for Registration of Persons will be suspended tomorrow, the Department for Registration of Persons announced today.

Suspended Customs officer arrested over Rs. 4 million palm oil fraud

An interdicted officer of the Sri Lanka Customs was arrested today by officials from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

India, Sri Lanka discuss repercussions of West Asia conflict

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on the repercussions of the West Asia conflict.

Bus fares to rise by 12.19% from tonight

Bus fares will be increased by 12.19% with effect from 12:01 a.m. on March 24, 2026, following Cabinet approval, in line with the National Tariff Policy, the National Transport Commission (NTC) announced.

President instructs officials to take measures to safeguard country’s energy conservation

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed the officials to take all possible measures to safeguard the country’s energy conservation by raising public awareness on the prudent use of energy during the peak consumption period between 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m., while ensuring the active participation of the public in these efforts.

Brent crude falls to $96 as Trump orders delay in military action on Iran

Oil prices fell by ⁠more than 13 percent after ⁠Trump said he would order the military ‌to postpone any strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure.

Iranian media say no direct or indirect contact with Trump, claim he ‘backed down’

Iran’s Fars news agency, quoting an unnamed Iranian source, says there has been no direct contact with US President Donald Trump, “not through an intermediary”.

Australia highlights strong education, cricket ties with Sri Lanka

The Australian High Commissioner noted that there are close relations between Australia and Sri Lanka in both the field of education and in the sport of cricket, during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (23).

Trump postpones military strikes on Iranian power plants

President Donald Trump said on Monday ​the U.S. has had good ‌and productive conversations with Iran and he will order the military ​to postpone any military ​strikes against Iranian power plants ⁠and energy infrastructure for five ​days.

2 killed, dozens injured after Air Canada flight hits fire truck on runway at LaGuardia Airport, official says

An Air Canada plane collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport Sunday, killing the flight’s pilot and copilot, injuring dozens and temporarily shutting down the the New York area’s third-busiest airport, officials said.

Importers assure no hike in milk powder, wheat flour prices

Milk powder importers and wheat flour companies have assured the Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, that they will not raise prices of imported milk powder and wheat flour in the country.

HK police can now demand phone passwords under new national security rules

Hong Kong police can now demand phone or computer passwords from those who are suspected of breaching the wide-ranging National Security Law (NSL).

Three-wheeler fares increased after fuel price revision

Three-wheeler fares have been increased following the recent government-announced fuel price revision.

FR petition challenging Suresh Sallay’s arrest and detention fixed for September

A Fundamental Rights petition challenging the legality of the arrest and detention of former Director of the State Intelligence Service, Suresh Sallay, in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks, was fixed for support by Supreme Court.

Iran Defence Council issues Strait of Hormuz order for ‘non-hostile countries’

Iran’s high-level security body Defence Council has said in a statement that the ‘‘only way for non-hostile countries’‘ to pass through Strait of Hormuz is ‘‘coordination with Iran’‘.

Australia’s ABC staff to go on strike for first time in 20 years

Staff at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will go on strike on Wednesday for the first time in 20 years, after rejecting a pay rise offer.

Bakery prices rise by Rs. 10 amid fuel cost surge

Bakery product prices across the country are set to increase by Rs. 10 from midnight today, following rising production and distribution costs triggered by the recent fuel price hike, the Bakery Owners’ Association said.

Bus fares could rise over 10% amid diesel price surge: IPPBA warns

The Inter-Provincial Private Bus Association (IPPBA) has warned that bus fares may need to increase by more than 10 percent following the latest national fuel price revision, IPPBA President Sarath Vijitha Kumara said.

Severe thunderstorm and lightning warning for Sabaragamuwa, Galle and Matara

The Meteorology Department has issued a warning for residents of Sabaragamuwa Province and the Galle and Matara districts following forecasts of thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning after 1.00 p.m. today (23).

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un reappointed as president of state affairs, KCNA says

North Korean leader ​Kim Jong Un was reappointed as president of state affairs, ‌state media KCNA reported on Monday, after the isolated nation convened the first session of its Supreme People’s Assembly a day earlier.

Bus shortages persist as NTC seeks fare hike approval

Despite some buses operating today (23), passengers continue to face disruptions in several areas, National Transport Commission (NTC) Director General Dr. Nilan Miranda said. Bus services on expressways remain completely suspended, forcing commuters to rely on ordinary roads.

Iran pledges oil, essential supplies to Sri Lanka amid regional tensions

Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alireza Delkhosh reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka as a ’’friend country,’’ stating that Tehran is ready to provide essential supplies, including oil, should the need arise.

Refinery to be shut down after mid-April due to crude oil issue : CPC

Even though assurance was given by the government that no power cuts will be imposed soon, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) chairman D.J Rajakaruna said yesterday that the refinery which produces furnace oil and naphtha for power generation, will have to be shut down by middle of April due to unavailability of crude oil.

Delivery of postal parcels to be done every other day.

The Department of Posts yesterday said the delivery of postal parcels will be done every other day.

Opposition MP to raise privilege issue against Minister for showing his middle finger

Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera yesterday said he will raise a privilege issue against Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara for showing his middle finger during sessions last week.