Middle East conflict could affect essential services: Deputy Minister

The Middle East conflict could affect essential services in Sri Lanka, and an emergency is needed to ensure the effective delivery of such services, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera told Parliament yesterday.

Iranian vessels came here as Navy Commander asked them verbally – Opposition MP

Making further allegations regarding recent developments in the Indian Ocean, Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake told Parliament yesterday that the Sri Lankan Navy Commander would incur blame for the Iranian

Protest in Colombo condemning US and Israel’s attack on Iran

A protest was held in Colombo Sri Lanka on March 6, 2026 by the Friends of a Free Palestine Organization under the theme “No Blood for Oil” condemning the recent military attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. Iranian

Middle East War: Essential food commodities’ prices bound to rise as global shipping costs increase

Global shipping costs have started to rise following the Israel-US conflict in Iran as the Strait of Hormuz being closed by the Iranian authorities for passing ships containing all sorts of trade to Asia.

Interested party deliberately involving Sri Lanka in Middle East conflict? Opposition

Opposition which fired a series of questions on the Middle East conflict questioned as to whether any interested party is deliberately trying to draw Sri Lanka into the conflict.

Meteorology Department issues heat advisory

The Sri Lankan Meteorology Department has issued an official advisory warning of a significant rise in the heat index today (6), particularly affecting Sabaragamuwa Province and several nearby districts.

It is thankful Sri Lanka did not sign SOFA with U.S. - former Foreign Secretary

In the backdrop of an Iranian warship sinking off in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after a U.S. submarine attack, former Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha said it was ‘ thankfully’ that Sri Lanka had not signed the Status of Force Agreement with the U.S. despite many people advocating for it at that time.

Retired Major General Suresh Sallay named third suspect in Easter attack probe

The Criminal Investigation Department yesterday informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that retired Major General Suresh Sallay, who is currently being detained and questioned under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), has been named as the third suspect in the ongoing investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks.

Repeated death sentence on two prisoners

The death sentence was imposed yesterday by Tangalle High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga on two prisoners in Angunukolapelessa prisons who stood indicted with murder of a fellow prisoner, and had already been convicted of another murder and sentenced to death.

Retirement of police officers on the rise due to work burden

A recent survey has revealed that the retirement of police officers due to the burden of work has been increasing and that it affected the police service.

Over 50 bodies of Iranian sailors kept on ice as mortuary exceeds capacity

Over 50 of 84 bodies of Iranian sailors killed in the sinking of the warship IRIS Dena are being kept on ice outside the Karapitiya Hospital mortuary after the facility exceeded its storage capacity, hospital sources said.

Fishermen warned to stay in Sri Lankan territorial waters amidst tension in Indian Ocean

In the wake of an attack on an Iranian naval ship within Sri Lanka’s economic zone, Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar yesterday urged the Sri Lankan fishing community not to intrude into International waters violating Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.

Middle East war spills over to Indian Ocean, adjacent to Sri Lanka

Indian Ocean security appears to be in jeopardy after an Iranian warship sank just outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters in the midst of war flaring up in the Middle East following the United States and Israel attack on Iran, which launched retaliatory strikes.

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.

DIG’s wife fined Rs 100,000

When the case against former Colombo Division DIG Udith Liyanage, his wife and seven others for attempting to dig up a treasure and aiding and abetting it was taken up before Anuradhapura Magistrate Siyapath Sasindu

Central Bank, Finance Ministry assessing possible impact of Middle East war on Sri Lankan economy: President

While claiming that the government is closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East region, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday the government is taking steps to face possible issues where reports have

Cancer cases on the rise with over 35,000 new diagnoses annually

Nearly 35,000 new cancer cases and 19,145 cancer-related deaths are reported annually in Sri Lanka, placing cancer among the leading causes of mortality in the country, according to data published by the National Cancer Control Programme in 2022.

Middle East war has no impact on Sri Lanka’s fuel supply

According to the government, Sri Lanka has received diesel and petrol from India, Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia in 2025.

Will turn to U.S. or Nigeria for crude oil if Middle East war continues: CPC

Assuring that there is no reason for a fuel shortage even if the war in the Middle East region continues, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), D.J. Rajakaruna said yesterday the CPC has prior plans to purchase crude oil from America or Nigeria if the war continues.

Government to extend state of emergency due to current situation: Nalinda

The government is planning to present a motion in Parliament next week to extend the state of emergency, considering the prevailing situation in the country, such as fuel queues, following the outbreak of war in Iran and the Middle East region, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

Iran asks Sri Lanka to speak out on ‘breach of international law’

Iran has called on Sri Lanka to clearly articulate its position on what it describes as violations of international law amid the escalating war in the Middle East.

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.

Ranil on Middle East conflict Sri Lankan government should come up with its stand on the conflict

Sri Lankan government should come up with its stand on the Middle East conflict while it should understand the gravity of it,” former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Thunder Showers Expected as Northeast Monsoon Withdraws

Showers or thunder showers were forecasted in some parts of Sri Lanka as the country is withdrawing from the Northeast monsoon, the Department of Meteorology said yesterday.

Energy crisis if coal tender cancelled, Govt weighs options

The country is slated to face an energy crisis if the current coal tender is cancelled over the low quality supplies, an official said.

Malinga’s emotional post...

Former Sri Lanka fast-bowling legend Lasith Malinga has called on cricket fans to remain patient and continue supporting the national team, insisting that another ICC World Cup triumph is within reach.

India launches floating dry dock for Sri Lanka Navy

A 4,000-tonne Floating Dry Dock (FDD) constructed for the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) was officially launched last week at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), after several years of negotiations, planning and high-level defence discussions between

Monk faces fraud allegations over fake “Ditwah” relief scheme

A monk from Pilimatalawa, alleged to have fraudulently obtained money by falsely posing as the Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship and claiming that relief would be provided to entrepreneurs affected by the “Ditwah”

Over 80% state university graduates are migrating

Sri Lanka is undergoing a brain drain crisis where a new study from the University of Peradeniya reveals that over 50 per cent of state university graduates, rising to 80-90 per cent in critical fields like medicine, engineering, and agriculture, are migrating permanently, never to return, according to a recent article by Ceylon Public Affairs.

Public demand Shammi Silva’s resignation while fans mock Sri Lanka Cricket

While public anger boiled over Sri Lanka’s humiliating performance on Wednesday night at the R. Premadasa Stadium against New Zealand, where they were officially eliminated from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, calls are now growing for the resignation of Shammi Silva, Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), with some alleging that he is clinging to power despite mounting failures.