News Archive

Vehicle parking fee collection in Colombo resumes today – CMC

Vehicle parking fee collection in Colombo resumes today – CMC

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has resumed the collection of vehicle parking fees across its jurisdiction from today (23). MORE..

Bus services disrupted in several areas; NTC proposes over 10% fare increase

Bus services disrupted in several areas; NTC proposes over 10% fare increase

A shortage of bus services has been reported in several areas today (23), despite a limited number of buses being in operation, according to Director General of the National Transport Commission (NTC), Dr. Nilan Miranda. MORE..

Private buses withdrawn from services, not on strike – Gemunu

Private buses withdrawn from services, not on strike – Gemunu

The President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne, stated that the decision by private bus operators to withdraw from services today (23) is not a strike action. MORE..

World faces worst energy crisis in decades, IEA chief warns

World faces worst energy crisis in decades, IEA chief warns

The war in the Middle East could plunge the world into its worst energy crisis in decades, International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol warned on Monday, describing the situation as ‘‘very severe.’’ MORE..

Several private bus operators suspend services amid delay in fare revision

Several private bus operators suspend services amid delay in fare revision

Severe queues were reported at major bus terminals this morning (23) after several private bus associations withdrew from operations pending a formal revision of bus fares. MORE..

Americans urged to exercise increased caution ‘worldwide’

Americans urged to exercise increased caution ‘worldwide’

The US State Department has issued an updated caution to Americans across the world due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. MORE..

Food and travel costs expected to surge amid prolonged conflict, analyst says

Food and travel costs expected to surge amid prolonged conflict, analyst says

Consumers around the world can expect to pay more for groceries and travel as the energy crisis triggered by US-Israel war with Iran drags on, an analyst told CNN. MORE..

Dollar rises as escalating Middle East war spurs haven demand

Dollar rises as escalating Middle East war spurs haven demand

The dollar rose on Monday as escalating retaliatory threats in the Middle East conflict curbed risk appetite and lifted demand for safe-haven assets. MORE..

Air Canada Express jet hits ground vehicle, closing New York’s LaGuardia airport

Air Canada Express jet hits ground vehicle, closing New York’s LaGuardia airport

An Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a ground vehicle upon landing at New York’s LaGuardia airport on Monday evening, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24, in an incident that closed the airport. MORE..

Nishikant Dubey slams Congress for ceding Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka

Nishikant Dubey slams Congress for ceding Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey said on Monday that the Congress and DMK surrendered India’s maritime rights by giving Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka. MORE..

Sri Lanka Police flag fake social media message; Urge public caution

Sri Lanka Police flag fake social media message; Urge public caution

The Sri Lanka Police has issued a clarification regarding a message circulating on social media that has been falsely attributed to the Sri Lanka Police. MORE..

Iran Defence Council issues Strait of Hormuz order for ‘non-hostile countries’

Iran’s high-level security body Defence Council has said in a statement that the ‘‘only way for non-hostile countries’‘ to pass through Strait of Hormuz is ‘‘coordination with Iran." MORE..

Dimuth Bhashitha Atapattu appointed as new DG of Data Protection Authority

Dimuth Bhashitha Atapattu appointed as new DG of Data Protection Authority

Dimuth Bhashitha Atapattu, an officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS), has been appointed as the Director General of the Data Protection Authority (DPA). MORE..

Increased heat exposure can raise concerns over child dehydration - Health Officials

Increased heat exposure can raise concerns over child dehydration - Health Officials

Health officials have urged parents to pay special attention to protecting children from dehydration amid the prevailing extreme heat conditions. MORE..

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un reappointed as president of state affairs

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un reappointed as president of state affairs

North Korea has re-elected Kim Jong Un as president of state affairs, state media reported on Monday (Mar 23). MORE..

US attack on ‘IRIS Dena’ near Sri Lanka a violation of humanitarian law - Iranian Ambassador

US attack on ‘IRIS Dena’ near Sri Lanka a violation of humanitarian law - Iranian Ambassador

At a special press conference held at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo, Iranian Ambassador Dr. Alireza Delkhosh made a series of serious allegations regarding recent developments involving Iran and the United States. MORE..

Rear Adm. Princely Liyanage completes 48-hour treadmill endurance, qualifies for three Guinness World Records

Rear Adm. Princely Liyanage completes 48-hour treadmill endurance, qualifies for three Guinness World Records

The Sri Lanka Navy proudly announces that Rear Admiral Princely Liyanage (Retd) has etched his name in the annals of global endurance by qualifying for three Guinness World Records on a manual treadmill. MORE..

Showers expected in certain parts of the island

Showers expected in certain parts of the island

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara and Nuwara-Eliya districts after 2.00 pm, today (23), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

Iran threatens to attack Mideast electrical plants powering US bases

Iran threatens to attack Mideast electrical plants powering US bases

As U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline on opening the Strait of Hormuz approaches, Iran on Monday threatened to attack Mideast electrical plants powering American military bases. MORE..

Saudi Aramco cuts oil supply to Asia for second month in April

Saudi Aramco cuts oil supply to Asia for second month in April

Saudi Aramco, the world’s top oil exporter, has cut crude supply to Asian buyers for a second month in April, two sources with knowledge of the matter said on Monday, after the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran disrupted trade via the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

Iran expresses readiness to support Sri Lanka with essential supplies, including oil

Iran expresses readiness to support Sri Lanka with essential supplies, including oil

At a press conference held at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo, Iranian Ambassador Dr. Alireza Delkhosh reiterated Iran’s commitment to its bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka and emphasized continued cooperation between the two countries. MORE..

Macron calls for ‘‘halt to attacks on energy facilities’‘ in talks with Saudi Crown Prince

Macron calls for ‘‘halt to attacks on energy facilities’‘ in talks with Saudi Crown Prince

French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron on Monday held talks with Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MORE..

Bus fare revision proposal to be presented to Cabinet today

Bus fare revision proposal to be presented to Cabinet today

The proposal to increase bus fares is scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet today (23). MORE..

FR petition against Suresh Sallay’s arrest to be considered in Sept.

FR petition against Suresh Sallay’s arrest to be considered in Sept.

The Supreme Court has ordered that a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition challenging the arrest and detention of the former Head of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, be taken up for consideration on September 25, 2026. MORE..

Ex-Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and brother indicted over corruption case

Ex-Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and brother indicted over corruption case

Former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Dhammika Ranatunga have been served indictments before the Colombo High Court today (23) on a corruption charge. MORE..

Asian stock markets tumble

Asian stock markets tumble

Major Asian stock markets fell sharply on Monday after the US and Iran threatened to intensify hostilities as the war enters its fourth week. MORE..

ADB Chief arrives in Sri Lanka on official visit

ADB Chief arrives in Sri Lanka on official visit

The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit this morning (23). MORE..

Bus fares likely to go up by over 10%; Cabinet approval sought

Bus fares likely to go up by over 10%; Cabinet approval sought

An increase of over 10% in bus fares has been assessed following the increase in fuel prices and a proposal on the same will be submitted for Cabinet approval tomorrow (23), according to the National Transport Commission (NTC). MORE..

No decision taken to restrict school days due to fuel situation – Minister

No decision taken to restrict school days due to fuel situation – Minister

Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the government has not yet taken any decision to restrict school operations in view of current fuel consumption concerns in the country. MORE..

Govt bears Rs. 20 bln monthly fuel subsidy; 37,000 MT diesel shipment to arrive March 25 – Minister

Govt bears Rs. 20 bln monthly fuel subsidy; 37,000 MT diesel shipment to arrive March 25 – Minister

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has announced that a vessel carrying 37,000 metric tons of diesel is scheduled to arrive in the country on March 25. MORE..

Sinopec increases prices of Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel above CPC rates

Sinopec increases prices of Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel above CPC rates

Following the recent fuel price revision by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Sinopec has also increased its fuel prices. MORE..

Police reveals key details on abduction of woman in Batticaloa; 3 including woman arrested

Police reveals key details on abduction of woman in Batticaloa; 3 including woman arrested

Police have uncovered key details regarding the incident in the Nellikkadu area of Batticaloa, where an abducted woman was rescued from an abandoned well and the remains of another woman was discovered at the same location. MORE..

153 individuals identified for illegal QR code downloads – Minister Nalinda

153 individuals identified for illegal QR code downloads – Minister Nalinda

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that nearly 6 million registrations have been recorded so far for the QR code system introduced to limit fuel consumption. MORE..

Vehicle parking fee collection in Colombo to resume tomorrow – CMC

Vehicle parking fee collection in Colombo to resume tomorrow – CMC

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has decided to resume the collection of vehicle parking fees across its jurisdiction starting tomorrow (23). MORE..

Three-wheeler taxi drivers seek fare increase for first km amid rising fuel costs

Three-wheeler taxi drivers seek fare increase for first km amid rising fuel costs

The National Joint Three-Wheeler Drivers and Industrial Workers’ Association (NJTWDIWA) has formally requested the government to approve a Rs. 20 increase in the fare for the first kilometre of travel, citing the recent rise in petrol prices. MORE..

CAA launches special inspections ahead of Sinhala and Hindu New Year

CAA launches special inspections ahead of Sinhala and Hindu New Year

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has initiated a special series of inspections and investigations from March 20, ahead of the upcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year celebrations. MORE..

Bus fares expected to rise following fuel price hike

Bus fares expected to rise following fuel price hike

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that measures to revise bus fares will be implemented today (22). MORE..

Iran threatens to ‘destroy’ energy sites across Middle East if Trump sticks to 48-hour Hormuz ultimatum

Iran threatens to ‘destroy’ energy sites across Middle East if Trump sticks to 48-hour Hormuz ultimatum

Iran has warned global oil prices will stay high for the long term if its key energy infrastructure is attacked. MORE..

Diesel to be used for nighttime power generation amid fuel supply concerns

Diesel to be used for nighttime power generation amid fuel supply concerns

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has stated that the final decision regarding a possible electricity tariff increase will be announced on April 01, 2026. MORE..

Iran hits Israeli town housing nuclear facility in retaliation for Natanz strike

Iran hits Israeli town housing nuclear facility in retaliation for Natanz strike

An Iranian missile has hit the Israeli town of Dimona, home to a nuclear facility, in what Iran said was retaliation for strikes on its own nuclear site at Natanz. MORE..

Strait of Hormuz will be ‘closed’ if power plants targeted: IRGC

Strait of Hormuz will be ‘closed’ if power plants targeted: IRGC

In a statement broadcast by Iranian media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it will “completely close” the Strait of Hormuz if the US targets Iranian energy infrastructure. MORE..

Iran is charging $2m from ships passing through Strait of Hormuz - Iranian MP

Iran is charging $2m from ships passing through Strait of Hormuz - Iranian MP

Iranian Member of Parliament Alaeddin Boroujrrdi has claimed on state TV today that some of the ships that pass through the Strait of Hormuz are being charged ‘‘with a $2 (£1.5) million fee’’ by Iran. MORE..

4 Sri Lankans injured in Israel trying to video Iranian attack in Dimona

4 Sri Lankans injured in Israel trying to video Iranian attack in Dimona

Four Sri Lankan nationals have been hospitalised after sustaining injuries while attempting to videograph the Iranian attack in Dimona, Israel, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel confirmed. MORE..

Private bus operators warn of strike over delay in fare revision

Private bus operators warn of strike over delay in fare revision

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has announced that it will launch a nationwide strike commencing at 6:00 p.m. today (22) if the scheduled bus fare revision is not officially announced by 5:00 p.m. MORE..

Postal Dept. limits mail transport to alternate days amid fuel crisis

Postal Dept. limits mail transport to alternate days amid fuel crisis

The Department of Posts has decided to limit mail transportation to an alternate-day basis in response to the fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. MORE..

Ali Sabry on US aircraft request: “I’m proud the President had the courage to do what is right”

Ali Sabry on US aircraft request: “I’m proud the President had the courage to do what is right”

Sri Lanka’s former Justice Minister Ali Sabry has lauded the government’s decision to maintain neutrality by declining a US request to allow aircraft to land at Sri Lankan airports in early March. MORE..

Qatar says 6 found dead after helicopter crash in territorial waters

Qatar says 6 found dead after helicopter crash in territorial waters

Qatar’s Interior Ministry said Sunday that six of the seven people reported missing after a helicopter crash in the country’s territorial waters have been found dead. MORE..

Thousands evacuated as Hawaii faces worst flooding in 20 years

Thousands evacuated as Hawaii faces worst flooding in 20 years

Hawaii remains under a statewide flood watch after a severe storm hit the state and prompted officials to order evacuations. MORE..

Container haulage charges to increase by 20%

Container haulage charges to increase by 20%

Import and export container transportation charges will be increased by 20% from midnight today (22) due to the recent fuel price hike, according to the Container Transport Owners’ Association. MORE..

Man arrested for illegally hoarding nearly 2,200L of diesel in Ambalantota

Man arrested for illegally hoarding nearly 2,200L of diesel in Ambalantota

A suspect has been arrested by the Hungama Police for illegally hoarding approximately 2,200 litres of diesel at a residence in the Mamadala area of Ambalantota. MORE..