50 forests to be gazetted as protected areas

Although this year’s International Day of Forests will not be celebrated with large-scale events, the Sri Lankan government has announced the protection of 50 additional forests under the ‘Vanaspathi’ programme, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabedi said today.

Ravi K, Deputy Minister clash over oral question

A verbal clash erupted between MP Ravi Karunanayake and Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ratna Gamage over an oral question raised by the MP that over eight companies importing canned fish are facing closure as a result of freight increases due to the Middle Eastern conflict.

Diesel stocks sufficient until April 12: Minister

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody revealed that diesel stocks sufficient until April 12 are available, including fuel stocks confirmed by the suppliers.

COPF recommends increment of CIABOC officials’ salaries

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has recommended a salary hike for the officers attached to the Committee to Investigate Complaints on Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and make it similar to that of judges.

Half a million USD tourism revenue at risk due to war in Middle East

In the midst of escalating conflict in the Gulf, Sri Lanka’s daily tourism revenue at risk has been estimated at half million US dollars, according to a top official from the Sri Lanka Tourism, Development Authority.

Wednesdays off for private, international students

Students of international schools, private universities, and vocational training centers across the country will now have Wednesdays off, following a new government directive aimed at conserving fuel.

Middle East war leaves Ella tourism zone dry

Ella Tourism Zone has been in had hit owing to the Middle East military conflict, much to anxiety of thousands of people, who depended on the income from providing services to the foreign tourists.

Binance responds to cryptocurrency allegations

In light of the media coverage concerning ongoing court proceedings in Sri Lanka related to allegations of financial fraud involving the use of Binance accounts by certain individuals, Binance, an Abu Dhabi Global Markets licensed exchange with a fully KYC-ed user base globally, said these allegations pertain solely to the actions of specific parties

Worker arrested over molestation of German tourist at Mihintale

Police have arrested an archaeological worker over the alleged molestation of a German female tourist at the historic Mihintale temple premises, police said.

Iran Navy Chief warns of “deadly retaliation” after sailors killed off Sri Lanka

The commander of the Iranian Navy has issued a stern warning following a fatal incident in the Indian Ocean, stating that the nation’s adversaries will encounter ’’deadly retaliation’’ after several sailors were killed off the coast of Sri Lanka, according to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV.

Google questions maintainability of Sri Lankan Judge’s writ petition in Karnataka High Court

Google and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology today questioned the maintainability of a writ petition filed in the Karnataka High Court by Sri Lankan Supreme Court Judge, Justice AHMD Nawaz, seeking deletion of certain online articles published against him.

MPs have to stay in queues to obtain fuel: Opposition MP

Members of Parliament also stay in the queues to purchase fuel just like the general public as there is no special treatment for them, Opposition MP S.M. Marikkar said.

Sri Lanka turns to American gas for cooking

Sri Lanka has turned to the United States for domestic gas purchases instead of depending on the Middle East for supplies, and a shipment that has already been imported is currently stored at anchorage in the Maldives waters due to the lack of sufficient storage facilities in the country, an official said.

Drones, rockets fired at US embassy in Baghdad, security sources say

Rockets and at least five drones were ​launched at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad ‌early on Tuesday from areas around the city, Iraqi security sources said, describing the attack as the most intense since ​the start of the U.S.-Israel war with ​Iran.

Prices of essential food items might be increased: Minister

Prices of essential food items might be increased due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Minister of Trade and Food Security Wasantha Samarasinghe said.

Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of killing 400 in attack on Kabul hospital

Afghanistan has accused Pakistan’s military of launching an air strike on a hospital treating drug users in the capital, Kabul, killing at least 400 people.

Sri Lanka charts course for high-end marine tourism with focus on shipwreck diving

Sri Lanka is actively pivoting towards high-value, experiential travel by heavily promoting its untapped marine tourism sector, with a strategic focus on shipwreck diving.

IPL 2026 Fixtures unveiled, season to begin March 28

The Indian Premier League has announced the opening phase of its 2026 season schedule, confirming fixtures and start times for the first leg of the tournament while the remainder will be revealed later.

Chelsea fined £10.75 mn for historical financial breaches

Chelsea were fined £10.75 million ($14.27 million) and received a suspended one-year transfer ban on Monday in relation to historical breaches of Premier League rules.

Technical glitches to be cleared by tomorrow, public assured of smooth fuel access

Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne has assured the public that all technical obstacles in the newly upgraded QR fuel system will be resolved by tomorrow morning, allowing citizens to obtain fuel without difficulty.

Reduce commissions instead of raising fuel prices: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa yesterday charged that instead of increasing fuel prices, the government should reduce alleged commissions and inefficiencies if there is no corruption at present, and provide relief to the public.

Qatar Airways announces ‘limited’ flights to and from Doha

Qatar Airways has announced a limited flight schedule to and from the Qatari capital, Doha, as the US-Israeli war on Iran roils air travel in the region.

EU leaders reject military involvement in Strait of Hormuz amid war on Iran

European leaders have rejected demands by United States President Donald Trump ⁠to help ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as foreign ministers from the European Union gathered in Brussels to discuss skyrocketing oil prices during the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Government declares every Wednesday as public holiday

The government has decided to declare every Wednesday as a public holiday in a move to save energy due to the Middle East tensions, the Commissioner-General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said.

CSE plunges amid fuel shortage fears, recovers part of early losses

The market began the week on a sharply negative note on 16th March 2026, as intensifying concerns over a potential fuel shortage in the local market triggered panic selling at the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Dubai airport resumes some flights after drone attack caused fuel tank blaze

Dubai’s ​international airport was gradually resuming flights on Monday after a fuel tank fire caused by a drone attack forced ‌a temporary suspension, spotlighting the challenge for regional carriers grappling with the Middle East crisis.

Judicial Service Commission directs courts to use online hearings for remand extensions amid fuel rationing

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a circular instructing judges to make use of online or virtual platforms wherever feasible, particularly when extending the remand periods of prisoners, in order to help reduce fuel consumption in the country.

Special programme introduced to provide fuel for agricultural activities

The government has introduced a special mechanism to issue fuel required for famers for their agricultural activities, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation said today.

Agreement reached on joint-Neketh Seettuwa for New Year

All groups of astrologers who had dissagreement on the auspicious times designated for performing Sinhala New Year rituals have agreed for a joint-Neketh Seettuwa, the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs said today.

Discussions still underway to implement work-from-home system

Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Prof. Chandana Abeyratne said that no final decision has been made so far regarding the implementation of a work-from-home system for public servants and that discussions are still ongoing.