Cabinet approves phased maize imports to sustain Thriposha production

Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited will be allowed to import up to 15,000 metric tons of maize in 2026 following Cabinet approval, ensuring uninterrupted production of the fortified nutritional product.

Sri Lanka to phase out import cess to boost export competitiveness

The government has approved a plan to phase out the cess imposed on imported goods over a four-year period from 2026 to 2029, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of local products in international markets.

SLTDA takes policy decision not to promote LGBTIQ tourism in Sri Lanka - AG

The Attorney General today informed the Court of Appeal that the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has taken a policy decision not to promote or develop LGBTIQ tourism in Sri Lanka.

Britain halts student visas for four countries

The British government announced Tuesday that it would stop issuing education visas to nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan and work visas for Afghans as part of its broader clampdown on asylum seekers.

South Korea woman and doctors guilty of murder after killing newborn baby

A South Korean court has convicted a woman of murder after she delivered a baby that was later killed.

IMF official flags inflation, growth risks from Middle East war

IMF First Deputy Managing Director Daniel Katz warned Tuesday that the escalating conflict in the Middle East carries significant risks for the global economy, particularly in terms of inflation and growth, but emphasized that it remains too early to assess the full extent of the impact.

Sri Lanka Navy, Air Force rescue 30 from Iranian ship sinking off Galle: Minister

Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air Force have rescued some 30 persons who were inside the ship, which is sinking off Sri Lankan waters, Minister Vijitha Hearth told Parliament today.

Bill to administer SLC to be presented to Parliament

A Bill pertaining to the reorganisation of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is to be presented to Parliament soon.

Brazilian President invited to visit Sri Lanka

Brazilian President Lula da Silva has been invited to visit Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today.

Air quality reaches unhealthy levels in several cities, NBRO warns

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has reported that air quality in parts of the country has deteriorated to unhealthy levels. Areas including Kolonnawa, Kotte, Kegalle, and Galle have recorded particularly high readings.

SriLankan Airlines resumes limited Middle East operations

SriLankan Airlines has announced that it is resuming its Middle East operations on a measured and limited basis.

Update: Sri Lanka responds to distress call from Iranian ship IRIS Dena

The Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air Force launched a joint rescue operation after an Iranian vessel IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate in the Southern Fleet of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, sent out a distress call off the coast of Galle.

India offers 200 fully funded scholarships for Sri Lankans

The High Commission of India in Colombo has announced 200 fully funded scholarships for Sri Lankan nationals for the 2026–2027 academic session.

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals top 530,000 by Feb 25

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has recorded a strong start to 2026, with total visitor arrivals surpassing 530,620 by February 25, reflecting sustained growth across key international markets.

Ali Khamenei’s son Mojtaba named Iran’s new Supreme Leader: Report

Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Ali Khamenei’s son Mojtaba as the next Supreme Leader under pressure from the Revolutionary Guards, informed sources told Iran International.

71% of women feel unsafe in public spaces due to alcohol use: ADIC

A nationwide survey has found that 71 percent of women in Sri Lanka have felt unsafe in public places due to the presence of alcohol users, prompting strong calls for government intervention.

Sri Lanka to lose US $ 15 million tourism revenue per week due to airspace closures in Middle East

One-week closure of Middle East airspace will deny Sri Lanka US$ 15 million in tourism revenue, as around 30 percent of arrivals take place through that region, an official said.

Interdiction challenged by ex-Deputy Secretary of Parliament fixed for March 18

A writ petition filed by former Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kumara Kularatne, challenging the legality of his interdiction from service, was today fixed for March 18 by the Court of Appeal.

Ex-Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake regrets he lapsed

Former Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake says he made a big mistake of not allowing Nishantha Ranatunga to win the presidency at the election of office bearers of Sri Lanka Cricket and instead appointed an Interim Committee in 2015.

Sri Lanka calls for protection of civilians amid Middle East conflict: Namal

Sri Lanka has expressed deep concern over reports of civilians being injured in the Middle East due to missile interceptions and strikes, reportedly carried out by armed forces on buildings, shopping malls, and hotels. Many civilians are reportedly seeking safe shelters, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa said.

Mexican drug lord ’El Mencho’ buried in golden coffin

Infamous Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as ’’El Mencho’’, was buried in a golden casket by his family on Monday.

Market Plunges as Middle East Tensions Trigger Panic Selling

The Colombo market witnessed a sharp sell-off on 03rd March 2026, as escalating tensions in the Middle East sparked concerns over potential fuel supply disruptions and a decline in worker remittances. Heightened uncertainty triggered panic selling at the Colombo Stock Exchange, resulting in extreme volatility throughout the session.

Duminda Silva named as suspect in Rs. 15 million bribery case

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed court that former Parliamentarian and former Chairman of the National Housing Development Authority, R. Duminda Silva, has been named as a suspect in connection with an alleged bribery incident involving Rs. 15 million.

Sajith calls for two days debate on Middle Eastern conflict

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today called for a two day debate on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Air Arabia suspends flights amid regional tensions

Air Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of its flights to and from the United Arab Emirates amid the ongoing regional situation.

Emergency extension debate on Friday

Party leaders have decided to take up the debate on the proclamation issued by the President to extend the emergency by another month on Friday, March 6 2025.

President extends invitation to Pope to visit Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended an invitation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka.

SriLankan Airlines ready to assist stranded Europe-bound passengers

Notwithstanding escalating tensions in the Middle East, SriLankan Airlines said it is continuing to operate its European routes as scheduled and stands ready to facilitate passengers travelling to London and other European destinations it serves, if requests are made amid widespread flight cancellations.

Iran Embassy in Colombo opens condolence book

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo has announced that a book of condolence will be opened following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

205 flights to and from BIA cancelled amid Middle East conflict

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka today said that 205 flights to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake were cancelled on March 3 due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East.