News Archive

First in India: Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia for man who has been in coma for 13 years

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has permitted passive euthanasia for 32-year-old Harish Rana from Ghaziabad, who has been in a coma for the past 13 years after suffering severe brain injuries in a fall. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  1:34 pm

UN-flagged Dr. Fridtjof Nansen vessel to conduct marine scientific survey in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone

The United Nations-flagged vessel R/V Dr Fridtjof Nansen under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today (11) to conduct a marine scientific survey in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  10:00 am

PM Harini visits International Rice Research Institute in Philippines

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines today (11), and held a bilateral discussion with Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research...MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  7:17 pm

Qatar Airways to operate 29 flights tomorrow including to Colombo

Qatar Airways has announced that it will operate 29 flights on Thursday: 15 departing Doha, and 14 coming in. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  6:10 am

Pope Leo mourns victims in Middle East, prays for peace

Pope Leo XIV is following events in the Middle East with concern and has expressed “profound sorrow for all the victims of the bombings” in the region, according to Vatican News.

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  10:31 am

Heaviest day of strikes yet on Iran despite market bets that war will end soon

The United States and Israel pounded Iran on Tuesday with what the Pentagon and Iranians on the ground called the most intense airstrikes of the war, despite global markets betting that President Donald Trump will seek to end the conflict soon. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  8:35 am

Former CSD Chief Accountant arrested by Bribery Commission

A former Chief Accountant of the Civil Security Department (CSD) was arrested this morning (11) by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on charges related to the illegal accumulation of assets. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  9:59 pm

Police constable arrested for purchasing motorcycle using arrested suspect’s bank card

A Police Constable attached to the Kosgoda Police Station has been arrested over allegations that he fraudulently obtained more than Rs. 600,000 using the bank card of a suspect who had been arrested and remanded in connection with heroin trafficking charges. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  4:49 pm

President and top officials review issues faced by non-commercial state institutions

The Officials’ Committee, appointed under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Prime Minister to supervise the implementation of the decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers on March 17, 2025 concerning non-commercial state institutions, has convened under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake...MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  3:22 pm

Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces

A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-Western provinces and in the Monaragala and Mannar districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  4:09 pm

CEBEU submits letter to Energy Minister outlining stance on electricity sector issues and TU action

The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) has sent a letter to Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody, clarifying its position with regard to overcoming current issues facing the country’s electricity system and concluding the trade union action initiated by the Joint Trade Union Alliance. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  2:54 pm

Iran’s revolutionary guards says it launched “most intense” operation

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched its “most intense and heaviest operation” since the start of the war, according to state media. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  7:56 am

UN Security Council to vote on first resolutions since beginning of war

The UN Security Council is due to vote later today on competing draft resolutions over the war in Iran and its impact across the region. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  12:20 pm

IEA agrees to release 400 million barrels of oil to address Iran war supply disruption

The International Energy Agency on Wednesday agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil to address the supply disruption triggered by the Iran war, the largest such action in the organization’s history. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  7:58 pm

Sri Lanka court orders release of 84 Iranian sailors’ bodies to embassy

The bodies of 84 Iranian sailors, currently placed in two mobile cold storage units at the Galle National Hospital, have been ordered to be handed over to officials of the Embassy of Iran in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  10:50 am

Electricity trade unions call off strike action

The electricity sector trade unions have decided to call off the ongoing strike action launched by them based on several demands, following a discussion with relevant authorities. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  5:24 pm

CEO of India’s IndiGo airline Pieter Elbers resigns, months after mass flight cancellations

Indian airline IndiGo said on Tuesday chief executive Pieter Elbers has resigned, an abrupt departure following months of scrutiny over the carrier’s failure to plan properly for pilot rest and duty rules that left tens of thousands of passengers stranded. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  11:48 am

SC reserves judgment in appeals filed by ex-ministers Mahindananda and Nalin Fernando

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has reserved its judgment on the appeals filed by former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, who were previously sentenced to imprisonment over corruption-related charges. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  4:16 pm

CID launches probe into the killing of underworld figure Makandure Madush

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into the killing of underworld gang leader Makandure Madush, who was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen while in the custody of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  1:43 pm

Iran accuses US of obstructing rescue after sinking of IRIS Dena warship near Sri Lanka

Iran has accused the United States of obstructing rescue operations after the sinking of its IRIS Dena vessel near Sri Lanka earlier this month. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  5:38 am

North Korea supports Iran’s choice of new supreme leader, KCNA says

North Korea said on Wednesday it supports the Iranian people’s choice of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who ⁠was named on Monday to succeed his father killed in the initial strikes against the country by the U.S. and Israel, state media said. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  9:03 am

Widespread power outages reported across Sri Lanka amid CEB TU action

Power outages have been reported in several parts of the country yesterday (11). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  7:26 am

Easter attacks probe shouldn’t be diverted towards political rivalries or geopolitical agendas – Namal

Easter Sunday attacks investigations should not be diverted towards political rivalries or geopolitical agendas, Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  11:41 am

Iran’s new Supreme Leader ‘safe and sound’ despite war injury reports, says President’s son

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is “safe and sound” despite reports of an injury during the war with Israel and the United States, said the son of the Iranian president on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  1:17 pm

Six die in Swiss bus blaze after reports that person set fire to themselves

At least six people died and three were injured in a bus fire in Switzerland possibly caused by someone setting fire to themself. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  5:43 pm

Container vessel damaged by “suspected projectile” off UAE, reports UKMTO

A container vessel has sustained damage off the north coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  9:22 am

Iran says won’t allow ‘a single litre of oil’ to pass through Strait of Hormuz for US, Israel

Iran says its policy for reciprocal strikes “has ended”, a spokesman for Tehran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters says in a statement. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  7:26 pm

G7 welcomes potential record release of oil reserves in bid to curb soaring prices

G7 nations have said they would support the collective release of oil from their reserves to tackle soaring prices since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  6:47 pm

Gulf states face fresh waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks

Gulf states have been intercepting new waves of Iranian drones and missiles early Wednesday local time. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  7:05 am

US destroys Iranian naval ships and minelayers near Strait of Hormuz, military says

The US military said it destroyed multiple Iranian naval ships — including 16 minelayers — near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  5:39 am

UN concerned closure of Strait of Hormuz could increase food costs

The United Nation’s Trade and Development body, UNCTAD, has released analysis expressing concerns the closure of the Strait of Hormuz may increase food costs and “intensify cost-of-living pressures”. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  8:52 am

U.S. military tells civilians to avoid port facilities where Iranian navy operating

The US military on Wednesday warned civilians to leave port facilities where Iranian naval forces are operating, adding that US ⁠forces could not guarantee their safety. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  10:24 pm

Oil prices fall after IEA proposes biggest oil stock release in history

Oil prices dropped this morning after the Wall Street Journal reported the International Energy Agency has proposed the largest release of oil reserves in its history to bring down crude prices that have soared amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  8:16 am

President urges collective action to tackle economic impact of Middle East crisis

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the objective of the present government is to build in Sri Lanka an economy shaped by the advancements of science and technology in this era and invited the entire business community to join in strengthening the national economy by making the fullest use of these new economic opportunities. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  4:48 pm

Indian national among four injured after drones fall near Dubai airport

Three people have been injured after two drones “fell in the vicinity” of Dubai International Airport, says the Dubai Media Office. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  1:24 pm

40% salary demand could force electricity tariffs to double – NTNSP Chairman

The trade unions currently engaged in strike action in the power sector have demanded a 40% salary increase, and if that demand is granted, electricity tariffs may have to be increased by around 100%, according to Nusith Kumaratunga, the Chairman of the National Transmission Network Service Provider (Pvt) Ltd. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  12:33 pm

Few showers expected in parts of the island today

A few showers are likely in the Northern and Eastern provinces today (11), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  5:41 am

18-month-old toddler dies after falling into pond near daycare centre

An 18-month-old toddler has died after reportedly falling into a pond located near the daycare centre where he had been under care. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  2:39 pm

LAUGFS Gas increases domestic LPG refill prices

LAUGFS Gas PLC has announced an increase of domestic LPG cylinder refill prices with effect from midnight today (11). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  8:43 pm

Around 140 US service members injured thus far in Iran war, Pentagon says

Approximately 140 US troops have sustained injuries since the beginning of the US military’s operations against Iran, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Tuesday, including eight who have been seriously wounded. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  7:02 am

ADB Chief commends Sri Lanka’s efforts to stabilise the economy during meeting with PM Harini

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has held discussions with the President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda during her official visit to Manila. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  6:40 am

Power sector workers ordered to report to duty

Two newly established power sector companies have instructed electricity workers to report to work and continue performing their duties as usual in order to ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  8:19 am

YouTube opens deepfake detection tool to politicians and journalists

YouTube on Tuesday started offering a free tool to government officials, journalists and political candidates to help them identify and remove AI-generated videos that resemble their appearance. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  3:40 pm

Economic Monitoring Committee meets to assess external risks to Sri Lanka’s economy

The Economic Monitoring Committee, established on the proposal by the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to safeguard Sri Lanka’s economic stability and protect the welfare of citizens due to the conflict in the Middle East, met last afternoon (10) at the Presidential Secretariat. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  9:41 am

SC resumes hearing of appeals filed by ex-ministers Mahindananda and Nalin Fernando for third day

The hearing of the appeal filed by former Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando against the prison sentences imposed by the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar over corruption charges commenced for the third day before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  10:47 am

Aswesuma March allowance to be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts tomorrow

The Welfare Benefits Board of Sri Lanka has announced that the allowance for the month of March for beneficiaries of the first phase of the Aswesuma Program will be credited to their respective bank accounts tomorrow (12). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  4:26 pm

“We are having a tremendous impact,” Trump says in G7 call after IEA decision on oil stocks

US President Donald Trump praised the “tremendous impact” of decisions being made on Wednesday as leaders of the Group of Seven Nations met to discuss war in Iran and its economic consequences, according to a short videoclip shared ⁠by the French presidency. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  9:25 pm

Italy buys rare Caravaggio portrait for €30m

The Italian state has bought a painting by 16-17th Century baroque master Caravaggio for €30m (£25.9m), one of the largest sums it has ever paid for an artwork. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  12:21 pm

North Korean leader Kim watches cruise missile tests with his daughter

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter observed tests of strategic cruise missiles fired from a warship, state media reported Wednesday, as North Korea threatened responses to U.S.-South Korean military drills. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  1:53 pm

Sri Lankan workers in Israel warned over possible cyber attacks

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Israel has advised Sri Lankan migrant workers living in Israel to avoid responding to unknown messages received via social media or email. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 11, 2026  1:09 pm