WhatsApp support introduced for National Fuel Pass registration

The Government Information Centre (GIC) has introduced a dedicated WhatsApp service to assist vehicle owners facing difficulties in registering for the National Fuel Pass.

Iran allowing more ships through Strait of Hormuz, data suggest

Iran is allowing a small but growing number of commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship tracking data.

Namal Uyana declared National Heritage site

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to declare Namal Uyana, the country’s largest ironwood forest, as a national heritage site.

Sri Lanka Air Force warns against unauthorized drone use

The Sri Lanka Air Force has issued a public notice reminding both local and foreign individuals to strictly adhere to regulations governing the use of drones in the country.

SriLankan Airlines issues warning on social media scams

SriLankan Airlines has issued an urgent warning to customers regarding a rise in social media scams circulating across platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and others.

Educational reforms for grade 6 to begin in 2027: Parliamentary committee

Concrete steps are being taken to initiate educational reforms for Grade 6 in 2027, while the progress of the new education reform process for Grade 1 is being closely monitored, officials said at a Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Education Reforms meeting yesterday.

Italy warns Russian tanker could explode in Mediterranean at any time

A sanctioned Russian tanker loaded with liquid natural gas is drifting out of control in the Mediterranean with no crew on board and a gaping hole in one side, prompting warnings of a ’’serious risk of a major ecological disaster’’.

Govt. planning to procure fuel from emergency oil reserves released by IEA: Minister

In the wake of the International Energy Agency releasing over 400 million barrels of emergency oil reserves, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said yesterday the government is taking steps to procure fuel from the emergency oil reserves.

Power cuts - Coming soon?

Sri Lanka’s electricity generation is under serious threat as poor-quality coal and disrupted fuel imports raise the risk of extended power cuts, officials warned yesterday.

Sri Lanka swelters under unusually hot weather: Heat stroke risk soars

Sri Lanka is facing an unusual surge in temperatures, with experts warning that the sweltering heat, combined with rising urban pollution, is creating a dangerous environment for vulnerable populations especially children.

Doctors’ Union alleges use of expired rabies vaccines, calls for public explanation

The Chairman of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, has demanded a public explanation from the Health Secretary and the Director General of Health Services following revelations by Dr. Savin Semage, former Executive Director of the Drug Regulatory Authority (DRA), that expired rabies vaccines were used during his tenure.

Power cuts may be unavoidable soon - Minister

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody hinted out power interruptions as such a scenario could become unavoidable in the future despite the government’s efforts to maintain a continuous electricity supply.

Cabinet approves Sri Lanka-Japan Big Data Project to protect Kelani river

In a major move toward modern environmental management, the Cabinet yesterday approved a landmark initiative to safeguard the Kelani River through advanced data-driven monitoring.

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.