153 individuals found to have used illegal QR codes

Around 153 phone numbers have been identified for illegally downloading QR codes, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

Govt. absorbs Rs. 20 Billion monthly loss to stabilise fuel prices: Minister

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday that the government is currently absorbing a loss of Rs. 100 per litre of diesel and Rs. 20 per litre of petrol, despite the recent fuel price revision.

Font size of Daily Mirror angers NPP Deputy Minister

The concern from Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Kaushalya Ariyarathne, over Daily Mirror’s “big fonts” and front-page headlines, while the country tremors at the brink of a power crisis, is a glaring example of

National security not a blanket to deny information: Appeal Court

The Court of Appeal has ruled that invoking national security cannot serve as a “blanket or unreviewable justification” to deny access to information, in a significant judgement reinforcing the principles of

Presidential Secretariat uses over 600 vehicles: PM

The Presidential Secretariat currently uses 634 vehicles, Prime Minister HariAni Amarasuriya revealed in Parliament yesterday.

President hints imminent fuel price hike

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday stressed the need to increase fuel prices due to the escalating fuel prices in the world market, saying that if prices were not increased, fuel supply by the

Jaffna University student rescued after fall at World’s End

A female student from the University of Jaffna was rescued following a dramatic fall down a precipice at World’s End in Horton Plains, Nuwara Eliya.

Fuel consumption and sales doubled in some districts: Minister

Information has been received from some districts that consumers have doubled the amount of fuel they usually purchase and some filling stations have doubled the amount they sell daily, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament yesterday.

Man jailed for transporting 65 litres of petrol without permit

A man was sentenced to a mandatory two-month prison term and fined Rs. 2,500 by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court yesterday (19) for transporting approximately 65 litres of petrol without a valid permit.

Airbus bribery case: Rs. 60 Mn Airbus bribe allegedly handed to former president Mahinda Rajapaksa - Bribery Comm. informs court

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption told the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today that former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, while giving a statement, declared that he had given a sum of 60 million obtained as a bribe to then President Mahinda Rajapaksa in connection with the problematic 2016 Airbus deal.

Affidavit says: Chandrasena pressured by CIABOC to name former president Mahinda and Namal

Lawyers for former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena have submitted an affidavit to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, alleging that his earlier statement to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption was obtained under coercion and intimidation.

Heavy social media use linked to falling youth happiness: Report

Heavy social media use linked to falling youth happiness: Report

The World Happiness Report 2026 has flagged serious concerns about how social media is affecting young people’s wellbeing around the world.

Oil storage complex abandoned

A massive fuel storage complex near Thalawakele Railway Station for storing diesel and kerosene has been left to the mercy of the jungle for several decades.

Sri Lanka lacks storage facilities for excess fuel shipments for April

While long queues are still witnessed in most parts of the country, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) sources yesterday said that while all fuel shipments ordered for April have been confirmed, Sri Lanka is facing a severe shortage of storage facilities to store the fuel and may not be able to place any further orders.

Those in the present government prevented previous attempts to develop oil tank farm in Trincomalee: Vajira

Those in the present government have prevented three attempts made by previous governments to develop the oil tank farm in Trincomalee, UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena said.

Global vessel shortage hits Sri Lanka fuel imports amid Middle East crisis

The shortage of vessels amid the Middle East crisis has hampered fuel imports for Sri Lanka, with the government now trying to discourage consumption as much as possible.

No QR, no fuel: Odd and even days announced

Sri Lanka’s reintroduced National Fuel Pass QR code system has sparked widespread outrage, leaving thousands of motorists stranded and igniting a storm of criticism against authorities.

Power shock proposal: CEB seeks 13.56% tariff hike

A fresh electricity tariff hike proposal has sparked controversy after the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) revealed that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has requested a 13.56% increase in power tariffs for the second quarter of 2026, despite unresolved fuel agreements, disputed cost estimates, and billions in past debts now set to be passed on to consumers.

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

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

President assures zero corruption behind emergency purchases

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday gave a firm undertaking that he is not hesitant to remove any Minister who is proved to have committed any fraud or corruption using his or her portfolio.

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.

Govt. declares every Wednesday as holiday for public service

As a move to save energy due to the Middle East tensions, the government yesterday declared every Wednesday a holiday for public service, the Commissioner-General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said.

Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your Fuel QR Code

Concerns over SL-China FTA misplaced: Chinese envoy

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said that some people in Sri Lanka believe that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China would result in deeper market access for Chinese goods here, but such concerns are misplaced.

Middle East war leaves Ella tourism zone dry

Ella Tourism Zone has been hit owing to the Middle East military conflict, much to the 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

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 a million US dollars, according to a top official from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Fuel shortage puts health services in a tight spot

Health services across the country are likely to be affected due to the prevailing fuel shortage, with doctors warning that the limited fuel quota allocated under the QR code system is insufficient for them to report for duty and carry out essential medical services.