Government schools to close on Wednesdays amid fuel shortage
The Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe, has announced that all government schools will remain closed on Wednesdays due to the ongoing fuel supply crisis.
- No fuel will be provided to those cutting the queues - Police
- Gulf states press US to neutralise Iran for good as Hormuz crisis deepens – report
- UAE temporarily closes airspace amid missile and drone threats from Iran
- Trump seeks to delay China summit due to Iran war
- Showers expected in parts of the island today
- US embassy in Iraq targeted by drone strikes
- Government schools to close on Wednesdays amid fuel shortage
- Trump upset as US partners reject call for Hormuz warship escorts
- Air traffic resumes in UAE, state media says
- Selected Health Ministry Departments to work from home on Wednesdays
Hot News
Selected Health Ministry Departments to work from home on Wednesdays
In light of the prevailing global crisis and in line with government measures to minimize fuel consumption, the Ministry of Health has authorized officers in selected sectors to work from home every Wednesday. MORE..
Air traffic resumes in UAE, state media says
Air traffic operations have returned to normal in the United Arab Emirates after a temporary closure earlier on Tuesday, state media is reporting, as cited by Reuters. MORE..
Trump upset as US partners reject call for Hormuz warship escorts
Several U.S. allies rebuffed Donald Trump’s call on Monday to send warships to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, drawing criticism from the U.S. president, who accused Western partners of ingratitude after decades of support. MORE..
US embassy in Iraq targeted by drone strikes
The US embassy in Baghdad has been targeted by a wave of drone and rocket attacks, according to reports from Reuters and Agence France-Presse (AFP). MORE..
Showers expected in parts of the island today
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces after 2.00 pm, today (17), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..
Trump seeks to delay China summit due to Iran war
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. MORE..
UAE temporarily closes airspace amid missile and drone threats from Iran
The United Arab Emirates’ air defences are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, Reuters reports. MORE..
Gulf states press US to neutralise Iran for good as Hormuz crisis deepens – report
Gulf Arab states did not ask the U.S. to go to war with Iran, but many are now urging it not to stop short by leaving the Islamic Republic still able to threaten the Gulf’s oil lifeline and the economies that depend on it, three Gulf sources told Reuters. MORE..
No fuel will be provided to those cutting the queues - Police
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W.P.J. Senadheera, has stated that no individuals attempting to bypass the queues at fuel stations will be permitted to obtain fuel. MORE..
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March 16, 2026 10:24 pm
National Fuel Pass system disruptions to be fully resolved by tomorrow – Ministry
The Ministry of Digital Economy has announced that the technical issues currently affecting the National Fuel Pass (NFP) system are being successfully resolved. MORE..
President leads high-level talks on energy management to safeguard economy and essential services
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that, in light of the challenges arising from the prevailing conflict situation in the Middle East, plans are being implemented to manage energy resources effectively while ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the country’s economic activities and essential services. MORE..
Wednesdays declared holiday for govt employees, schools & unis; private sector urged to do same
The Government has decided to declare Wednesdays of every week as a holiday for government sector employees with effect from March 18, 2026, after taking into consideration the current fuel situation in Sri Lanka. MORE..
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March 16, 2026 7:13 pm
Over 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler intercepted off Beruwala
The Sri Lanka Navy has revealed that the multi-day fishing trawler intercepted in the sea area off Beruwala and brought to the Dikkowita Harbour this evening (16) was discovered to be carrying over 250 kilograms of cocaine. MORE..
Weekly fuel quota for passenger buses to be increased
The Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC), P. A. Chandrapala, stated that arrangements are being made to provide a weekly fuel quota ranging from 60 to 360 litres for passenger transport buses. MORE..
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March 16, 2026 5:31 pm
Starmer says UK will not be drawn into wider Iran war
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not be drawn into a wider war in Iran but would work with allies including those in Europe to reopen the key Strait of Hormuz, although he acknowledged that it would not be easy. MORE..
Air traffic resumes in UAE, state media says
Air traffic operations have returned to normal in the United Arab Emirates after a temporary closure earlier on Tuesday, state media is reporting, as cited by Reuters. MORE..
Trump upset as US partners reject call for Hormuz warship escorts
Several U.S. allies rebuffed Donald Trump’s call on Monday to send warships to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, drawing criticism from the U.S. president, who accused Western partners of ingratitude after decades of support. MORE..
US embassy in Iraq targeted by drone strikes
The US embassy in Baghdad has been targeted by a wave of drone and rocket attacks, according to reports from Reuters and Agence France-Presse (AFP). MORE..
Showers expected in parts of the island today
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces after 2.00 pm, today (17), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..
Trump seeks to delay China summit due to Iran war
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. MORE..
UAE temporarily closes airspace amid missile and drone threats from Iran
The United Arab Emirates’ air defences are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, Reuters reports. MORE..
Gulf states press US to neutralise Iran for good as Hormuz crisis deepens – report
Gulf Arab states did not ask the U.S. to go to war with Iran, but many are now urging it not to stop short by leaving the Islamic Republic still able to threaten the Gulf’s oil lifeline and the economies that depend on it, three Gulf sources told Reuters. MORE..
No fuel will be provided to those cutting the queues - Police
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W.P.J. Senadheera, has stated that no individuals attempting to bypass the queues at fuel stations will be permitted to obtain fuel. MORE..
National Fuel Pass system disruptions to be fully resolved by tomorrow – Ministry
The Ministry of Digital Economy has announced that the technical issues currently affecting the National Fuel Pass (NFP) system are being successfully resolved. MORE..
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Over 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler intercepted off Beruwala (English)
Technology
Russia fines Telegram app for failing to remove banned content
Russia has fined the Telegram messaging app 35 million roubles ($432,366) for failing to remove banned content, Russia’s Interfax news agency reported on Monday. MORE..
Meta planning sweeping layoffs as AI costs mount
Meta planning sweeping layoffs as AI costs mount
Meta is planning sweeping layoffs that could affect 20% or more of the company, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Meta seeks to offset costly artificial intelligence infrastructure bets and prepare for greater efficiency brought about by AI-assisted workers. MORE..
Games with loot boxes to get minimum 16 age rating across Europe
Games with loot boxes to get minimum 16 age rating across Europe
Games which feature loot boxes will soon be given an age rating of 16 across Europe, including in the UK, under a host of changes by the European video game ratings organisation. MORE..
One-fifth of Australian teens still use TikTok, SnapChat after social media ban
One-fifth of Australian teens still use TikTok, SnapChat after social media ban
One-fifth of Australian teenagers under 16 were still using social media two months after the country banned platforms from allowing minors, industry data showed, raising questions about the effectiveness of age-gating methods they are using. MORE..
Entertainment
Oscars 2026: Winners list in full
Hollywood’s best and brightest have been honoured with the most coveted awards in the movie industry, the Oscars. MORE..
‘One Battle After Another’ wins six Oscars, including best picture
‘One Battle After Another’ wins six Oscars, including best picture
Paul Thomas Anderson’s darkly comic action thriller One Battle After Another has claimed the Academy Award for Best Picture, capping a dominant night that saw the film secure six Oscars in total. MORE..
Kpop Demon Hunters wins Oscars for best original song and best animated film
Kpop Demon Hunters wins Oscars for best original song and best animated film
Kpop Demon Hunters, the viral movie about supernatural K-pop stars, has won Oscars for best animated feature film and best original song. MORE..
Michael B. Jordan wins best actor Oscar for dual role in ‘Sinners’
Michael B. Jordan wins best actor Oscar for dual role in ‘Sinners’
First-time nominee Michael B. Jordan won the best actor Oscar on Sunday for playing twin brothers in the genre-bending vampire tale ‘‘Sinners." MORE..
Exchange Rates
Country |
Buying |
Selling |
|---|---|---|
USA
U.S.Dollar |
307.5208 | 315.1366 |
UK
Sterling Pound |
406.4081 | 419.1935 |
Europe
Euro |
350.8244 | 362.3511 |
Switzerland
Swiss Franc |
386.8861 | 402.4826 |
Canada
Canadian Dollar |
223.0389 | 231.1599 |
Australia
Australian Dollar |
213.5227 | 222.9569 |
Singapore
Singapore Dollar |
238.3758 | 247.7451 |
Japan
Japanese Yen |
1.9204 | 1.9859 |
Country |
Currency |
Rate |
|---|---|---|
Bahrain
|
Dinar | 823.5171 |
Kuwait
|
Dinar | 1,012.1109 |
Oman
|
Rial | 808.2006 |
Qatar
|
Riyal | 85.3448 |
Saudi Arabia
|
Riyal | 82.9113 |
UAE
|
Dirham | 84.7081 |
Sports
Spain v Argentina ‘Finalissima’ match cancelled due to Middle East conflict
The ‘Finalissima’ clash between Euro 2024 winners Spain and world champions Argentina set to take place on March 27 in Qatar has been cancelled, UEFA said on Sunday. MORE..
F1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to war in Middle East
Formula One has confirmed next month’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not take place as FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the sport ‘‘will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first." MORE..
147th ‘Battle of the Blues’ ends in draw
The 147th ‘Battle of the Blues’ between Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia ended in a draw at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo this evening (14). MORE..
Trinity wins Hill Country Battle of the Blues after 14 years against St. Anthony’s
Trinity College Kandy was awarded the victory in the 107th Hill Country ‘Battle of the Blues’ against St. Anthony’s College Katugastota at the Asgiriya International Cricket Stadium after the Anthonians refused to take to the field with Trinity just needing one run to score to claim an outright win in the traditional big match encounter. MORE..
“No one can exclude us”: Iran’s football team fires back at Trump over World Cup
Iran’s national football team said in a statement on social media that no one can exclude it from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after recent uncertainty over its participation in the tournament, reported Xinhua. MORE..
