News Archive

2025 A/L Exam results released

The results of the GCE Advanced Level Examinations 2025, have been released online, according to the Department of Examinations. MORE..

(0)Comments | April 1, 2026  12:01 am

CIABOC to launch centralized electronic system for asset and liability declarations today

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has announced that its centralized electronic system for submitting asset and liability declarations will be open starting today (31). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  9:36 am

Mainly dry weather expected in most parts of the island

Warm weather conditions prevailing over the island are expected to continue, today (31), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  6:02 am

“Next few days in Iran War will be decisive,” Pete Hegseth warns Tehran

The United States is well aware of what China and Russia are doing to help Iran and are confronting those efforts where necessary, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a briefing on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  6:24 pm

Customs to launch digital cargo clearance system from Colombo Port

The process of clearing cargo for the three cargo inspection yards from Colombo Port will be conducted online starting this Friday (03), the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, Seevali Arukgoda has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  3:44 pm

SC rules Colombo and Kolonnawa councils responsible over Meethotamulla tragedy

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Colombo Municipal Council and the Kolonnawa Urban Council violated fundamental rights of residents by illegally dumping waste on the land known as “Pothuvil Kumbura” in Meethotamulla. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  4:59 pm

Woman abducted and thrown into well in Batti: Pharmacy owner arrested

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident in Batticaloa where remains of a woman’s body were discovered in an abandoned well, and another abducted woman was rescued alive from the same location. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  6:37 am

NASA set for first crewed moon return in over half a century

NASA is preparing to launch the first crew of astronauts toward the moon in over 53 years with its second Artemis mission, a critical test flight in humanity’s broader lunar goals as the U.S. races to reassert leadership in space faced with growing competition from China. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  12:28 pm

Netanyahu tells US media he won’t ‘put a schedule’ on when Iran war’s likely to end

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told US TV company Newsmax that he doesn’t want to “put a schedule” on when the war with Iran is likely to end. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  7:48 am

Parliamentary Committee calls for urgent plan on Norochcholai ash disposal

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has instructed officials to immediately prepare a plan for the environmentally friendly disposal of ash emitted from the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  10:32 am

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko to visit Sri Lanka

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today (31). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  7:50 am

March tourist arrivals surpass 175,000

A total of 175,661 tourists have arrived in the country so far in the month of March, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows.

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  6:06 pm

Trump tells aides he is willing to end Iran war without reopening Hormuz, WSJ reports

U.S. President Donald Trump told aides he is willing to end the military campaign against Iran even ⁠if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed and leave a complex operation to reopen it for ⁠a later date, the Wall Street Journal reported on ⁠Monday, citing administration officials. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  9:55 am

Govt. to issue permits to import several rice varieties including Ponni Samba

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to issue permits to import rice varieties including Ponni Samba, as a measure to ease the shortage of Samba and Keeri Samba rice in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  2:36 pm

K.C. Saranga achieves hat-trick at Raigam Tele’es with ‘Science for Life’

At the 22nd edition of the Raigam Tele’es Awards in 2025, K.C. Saranga achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Best Educational Program of the Year for the third consecutive year. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  1:56 pm

Ex-MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena produced before court

Former Member of Parliament Sajin Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (31). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  12:34 pm

Aluminium hits four-year peak after Iran attacks Middle East smelters

Aluminium prices surged to four-year highs on Monday as Iranian airstrikes on two major Middle East producers over the weekend raised the risk of a prolonged supply shock. MORE.

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  9:58 am

GMOA launches nationwide token strike

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has launched the nationwide token strike, today (31), based on several demands, including the alleged illegal transfers of doctors. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  10:57 am

179 urea fertilizer bags seized in Matara by CAA

Authorities have raided a site where a stock of urea fertilizer was allegedly being tampered with for illegal sale, after the marked prices were removed and product information was fraudulently altered. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  2:34 pm

Three million Indian officials to begin counting world’s largest population

More than 3 million Indian officials are to spend a year counting every single person in the world’s most populous nation, a mammoth task delayed in part by the COVID-19 pandemic. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  6:12 pm

‘Sathosa’ Case: Ex-minister Johnston Fernando’s sons and two others granted bail

Two sons of former Minister Johnston Fernando and two former Lanka Sathosa officials currently in remand custody over the alleged misuse of a lorry belonging to Lanka Sathosa have been granted bail. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  4:28 pm

French Senate debates social media ban for children under 15

French senators vote on Tuesday on a draft law that aims to ban social media access for children under the age of 15, joining countries around the world in considering a move unpopular with many teenagers but supported by some parents and teachers. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  6:03 pm

Prices of multiple food items to increase from midnight today

The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has announced that the prices of several food items will be increased with effect from midnight today (31), following the recent electricity tariff hike. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  10:32 am

Ex-MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena granted bail

Former Member of Parliament Sajin Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), has been granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (31). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  3:04 pm

Chinese national arrested at BIA for attempting to smuggle ‘Kothala Himbutu’

A Chinese national was arrested by Customs officials at the departure terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this morning (31) while attempting to smuggle a consignment of Salacia reticulata (Kothala Himbutu), an indigenous plant to Sri Lanka that contains high medicinal value, out of the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  1:24 pm

Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-Western, Northern and North-Central provinces and in Monaragala district. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  4:21 pm

Health Minister issues strong response to GMOA over transfer demands

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, stated that the government is in the process of preparing and implementing a formal transfer mechanism for medical officers. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  6:39 pm

New law targeting organized criminals to be introduced within two weeks – Sri Lanka Police

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), Chandana Kodituwakku, has stated that a new act featuring stringent laws specifically targeting organized criminals will be introduced within the next two weeks. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  1:50 pm

Future of the Strait of Hormuz is mainly a “regional issue,” Qatar says

Qatar said on Tuesday that the future of the Strait of Hormuz is “primarily a regional” one that needs to be resolved by “regional consensus.” MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  5:54 pm

Several senior police officers transferred due to service requirement

A group of senior police officers have been transferred with immediate effect, according to the Police Media Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  2:20 pm

Israel prepared to keep striking Iran for ‘weeks to come’, military spokesperson says

Israel is prepared for “weeks” more of fighting in Iran, a military spokesman said on Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in ⁠an interview the war was “beyond the halfway point.” MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  4:49 pm

Kuwait says Iran struck giant oil tanker

Kuwait says Iran has hit one of its giant crude oil tankers that is docked at a Dubai port. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  6:41 am

Energy crisis to impact Vesak and Poson festivals? – Cabinet Spokesman clarifies

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, stated that no electricity supply restrictions will be imposed during the upcoming Vesak and Poson religious festivals despite the energy crisis that has emerged in Sri Lanka due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  5:21 pm

Three Buddhist nuns critically injured in road accident in Sooriyawewa

Three Buddhist nuns have sustained serious injuries in a road accident involving a three-wheeler and two lorries in the Nugekanda area of Sooriyawewa. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  11:47 am

National Vesak Festival to be held in Thihagoda, Matara

This year’s National Vesak Festival is scheduled to be held at the ancient Midellawala Temple in Thihagoda, Matara. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  2:45 pm

Colombo’s inflation increases to 2.2% in March 2026

The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) on a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis, increased to 2.2% in March 2026, compared to 1.6% in February 2026, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  3:12 pm

Water levels of Kotmale Reservoir drop to 21.8% amid dry weather

The water level of the Kotmale Reservoir has dropped to 21.8%, amidst ongoing dry weather conditions affecting the catchment areas, the reservoir’s resident engineer said. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  2:16 pm

Global oil prices edge higher as war shows no sign of easing

Global Oil prices continued to climb in early trade in Asia on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  8:21 am

Iranian plan to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz approved - state media

A parliamentary committee in Iran has approved plans to impose tolls on traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-affiliated Fars news agency. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  6:03 am

Eurovision Song Contest launches first-ever Asia edition

Known for its glitzy stage costumes and sometimes outlandish performances, the Eurovision Song Contest is now launching its first ever Asia edition. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  3:51 pm

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister arrives in Sri Lanka

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko has arrived in the island on an official visit. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  5:01 pm

Ministers voluntarily slash fuel quotas by over one-third

Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abeyratne, stated that Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers have voluntarily reduced their fuel quotas by more than one-third. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  7:46 am

All vehicle owners can obtain fuel tomorrow – CPC

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announced that vehicles with registration plates ending in both odd and even numbers will be able to obtain fuel from filling stations tomorrow (April 1).

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  4:08 pm

Cabinet decision on fuel allowances for Ministers, MPs and public officials

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to provide fuel allowances for Ministers, Members of Parliament, and government officers based on the fuel prices as of March 1, 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  3:14 pm

No oil leak after Kuwait tanker attack in Dubai port

Authorities in Dubai have confirmed no oil leaked from a tanker set on fire after an Iranian drone strike. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  11:45 am

GMOA to launch nationwide token strike today

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to launch a nationwide token strike, today (31) at 8 a.m. based on several demands, including the alleged illegal transfers of doctors. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  6:03 am

Pedestrian killed after run over by bus while crossing road

A man has died in a road accident in the Molagoda area of Kegalle, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  9:53 am

Celine Dion announces comeback with 10 concerts in Paris this fall

Canadian singer Celine Dion announced on Monday, her birthday, that she will return to the stage this fall with 10 concerts scheduled in Paris, spread out over September and October. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  8:39 am

War could wipe up to $194 billion from Arab economies, UNDP warns

A new United Nations Development Programme assessment is warning of sweeping economic fallout across the Middle East from the ongoing Iran war, with the GDP of regional Arab countries projected to shrink by as much as 6%. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  3:08 pm

Israel passes death penalty law for Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks

Israel’s parliament passed a law on Monday making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, fulfilling a pledge by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 31, 2026  9:08 am