News Archive

Trump extends pause on striking Iran’s energy plants by 10 days

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Mar 26) pushed back his deadline for strikes on Iran’s energy assets to Apr 6, saying it was at Tehran’s request and that talks were “going very well”. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 27, 2026  4:45 am

Bakery owners hold talks with Trade Minister over price hike concerns

A discussion was held today (26) between the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, and local bakery manufacturers and bakery owners. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  7:26 pm

Registration of Persons Dept. temporarily suspends services due to system failure

All services at the Department of Registration of Persons (ID Office) have been temporarily suspended following an unexpected breakdown in the computer system at its main office, the department stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  4:32 pm

Trump tells advisors he wants Iran conflict to end in coming weeks: Report

A Wall Street Journal report has suggested that US President Trump has told associates in recent days that he wants to avoid a protracted war in Iran and that he hopes to bring the conflict to an end in the coming weeks. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  12:16 pm

Iran’s Foreign Minister denies US talks, calls mediation ‘admission of defeat’

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly denied Wednesday that any negotiations are taking place between Tehran and Washington to end the ongoing conflict, dismissing US claims of diplomatic engagement as posturing. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  6:01 am

President Dissanayake to meet Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to meet with visiting Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin this evening (26) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, with discussions centering on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  4:46 pm

Internet blackout continues in Iran

A government-imposed digital blackout in Iran has entered its 27th day, according to internet monitoring group NetBlocks. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  2:59 pm

Former SIS Chief Suresh Sallay returns to CID after receiving treatment at National Hospital

The former Head of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital following a sudden illness, has been discharged. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:20 am

First teaser trailer for Harry Potter TV series released

In a major revelation for fans of the wizarding world, HBO has unveiled the first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, which is set to premiere on Christmas 2026. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  8:38 am

South Korea confirms easing of US sanctions on Russian oil

South Korea confirmed it has been granted permission to import certain Russian energy products under the US’ relaxing of sanctions, following some conditions, as the global fuel crisis grows. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:53 am

18 bodies recovered after bus plunges into Bangladesh’s Padma River

At least 18 bodies have been recovered after a passenger bus with about 50 people onboard plunged into the mighty Padma River in Bangladesh on Wednesday while it was boarding a ferry, said officials. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  9:48 am

Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister arrives in Sri Lanka

The Deputy Minister of Energy of Russia, Roman Marshavin has arrived in the country on a three-day official visit. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  11:15 am

Nepal report recommends prosecution of ex-PM Oli over deadly 2025 uprising

A Nepal government-backed report into the deadly September 2025 uprising has recommended the prosecution of ex-prime minister KP Sharma Oli and other officials. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  1:26 pm

India urges households to reduce reliance on LP Gas

India is urging households to increase their reliance on piped natural gas (PNG) as the country reels from the energy fallout of the war – a move that could transform cooking habits for tens of millions of people. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  12:48 pm

Nearly 300 U.S. troops injured in US-Iran conflict: CENTCOM

The number of U.S. military personnel wounded in Operation Epic Fury continues to rise as the campaign against Iran approaches its fourth week. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  9:52 am

IGP issues guidelines on arrests under ICCPR Act

The Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued guidelines to be followed when arresting suspects in relation to offences committed under Section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  7:07 am

Iran war timeline is “approximately 4 to 6 weeks”: White House

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has reiterated that the timeline for the war with Iran is still four to six weeks when asked if the conflict will end before President Donald Trump’s planned trip to China in mid May. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  8:17 am

Two dead, three injured in Abu Dhabi after missile interception debris

Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident in Sweihan Street, where falling debris from a successfully intercepted ballistic missile caused casualties and property damage. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  1:01 pm

Two Sri Lankans arrested with over 10 kg of ‘Kush’ cannabis at BIA

Two Sri Lankans have been arrested by officers of the Sri Lanka Customs Narcotics Control Division at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a consignment of ‘Kush’ cannabis. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  9:13 am

IMF delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka today

A delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to arrive in the country today (26). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  6:28 am

Sri Lanka seek to attract visitors from countries unaffected by Middle East conflict

A special discussion was held today (26) in a bid to address the challenges faced by those in the tourism sector owing to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  3:25 pm

More than 1,000 complaints filed over misuse of fuel QR system

The Ministry of Digital Economy states that it has received more than 1,000 complaints regarding fraudulent activities involving the use of other individuals’ QR codes to obtain fuel. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  2:17 pm

Sri Lanka’s total exports reach USD 1.4 billion in February: EDB

Sri Lanka’s total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1,401.78 million in February 2026, reflecting a notable year-on-year growth of 4.22% compared to February 2025, according to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  1:20 pm

Services suspended at Registration of Persons Dept. until further notice

All services at the Department for Registration of Persons (ID Office), including the one-day National Identity Card (NIC) service at the main office in Battaramulla and all provincial offices, will be suspended from tomorrow (27)...MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  6:13 pm

Essential goods prices rise amid fuel hike, CAA conducts raids

Prices of essential goods have surged in the market following the recent increase in fuel prices, traders say. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  8:00 am

Three former DMT officials arrested by Bribery Commission

Three former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested over multiple charges including allegations of fraudulently registering several vehicles, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  3:42 pm

UN Chief warns Mideast war ‘has gone too far’

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres tells the US and Israel it is time to end the war, and calls on Iran to stop attacking nearby countries. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  5:56 am

Donald Trump plans May visit to China for talks with Xi after Iran war delay

US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in May during his first visit to China in eight years, a closely watched trip postponed due to the ongoing Iran war. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  7:34 am

Dedicated number introduced to report issues in fishing industry

The Ministry of Fisheries has introduced a hotline, 011 432 3389, to report issues encountered in obtaining fuel for the fishing industry. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  2:17 pm

Private Tanker owners demand 25% hike in transportation charges

The Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association has demanded a 25% increase in fuel transportation charges. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  6:40 am

Deputy Minister orders police to raid illegal fuel stockpiles

Police have been instructed to carry out raids on locations where fuel has been illegally stockpiled by individuals amidst the energy crisis owing to the conflict in the Middle East. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  3:00 pm

Oil moves higher after Iran rejects direct US talks

Global oil prices are trading higher on Thursday morning in Asia after Iran’s foreign minister said the country has ‘‘no intention of negotiating for now’’ with the US. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:33 am

Chief of Iran’s elite naval force, responsible for Hormuz blockade, killed: Israel

The commander of Iran’s elite naval force, Alireza Tangsiri, has been killed in a strike in southern Iran, an Israeli official said, the latest high-profile casualty in the war that’s now in its fourth week. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  2:38 pm

Teacher union criticizes inquiry into absence from Tangalle meeting chaired by PM

The Hambantota District Ceylon Teachers’ Association has strongly condemned a request from the Zonal Education Office of Tangalle seeking an explanation for teachers’ absence from a recent meeting held in Tangalle. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  8:41 am

3 Chinese nationals held for producing ketamine in Dhaka flat, smuggling to Sri Lanka

Three Chinese nationals have been arrested for producing the illegal drug ketamine in a makeshift laboratory inside a flat in Dhaka, Bangladesh and smuggling it to Sri Lanka concealed within sound equipment. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  7:17 pm

Over 2.7 million new QR codes issued since March 15 - Ministry

More than 6.2 million people have registered for the National Fuel Pass system and obtained new QR codes since March 15, when the government re-introduced fuel distribution through ‘QR’ codes to manage fuel usage. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  5:17 pm

US oil prices rise as investors assess Middle East de-escalation

US oil prices rose in early trade on Thursday, recovering some of the previous day’s losses as investors assessed prospects for de-escalation in the Middle East and Iran reviewed a U.S. proposal to end the war, which has disrupted energy flows from the Gulf. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  6:55 am

Woman pleads not guilty to attempted murder of singer Rihanna

A woman from Florida pleaded not guilty Wednesday to attempted murder of Rihanna, and a newly public police report revealed that the shots she is alleged to have fired from an AR-15 style rifle hit an Airstream trailer while the singing superstar and her partner A$AP Rocky were inside. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  11:16 am

G7 allies meet against backdrop of wars in Ukraine and Iran, with unpredictable US

Foreign ministers from the world’s leading Western democracies meet in France this week against the backdrop of wars in Iran and Ukraine, economic uncertainty, and mounting unease over an increasingly unpredictable U.S. foreign policy. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:12 am

Ex-NIE Director faces contempt of court charges in Scholarship Exam paper leak case

A charge sheet has been handed over today to IGS Premathilaka, the former Director of the National Institute of Education, who is accused of contempt of court for failing to implement a court order issued in relation to fundamental rights petitions filed over the leaking of three questions from the 2024 Scholarship Examination paper. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  2:22 pm

Showers or thundershowers expected after 2pm today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts after 2:00 p.m. today (26), the Department of Meteorology stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  5:58 am

Tourist arrivals nearing 700,000 in 2026

Nearly 700,000 tourists have visited Sri Lanka so far this year, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  2:52 pm

Iran drafts law to impose tolls for transiting Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian parliament is working on a draft bill to charge a fee in exchange for providing security to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:50 am

CID ordered to produce former SIS chief Suresh Sallay before court

The Colombo Fort Magistrate has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to produce the former Head of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who is currently in CID custody under detention orders, before the court on April 22. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  3:44 pm

At least 24 killed as bus plunges into Padma river in Bangladesh; search on for missing

At least 24 people were killed and several others remain missing after a bus plunged into a river in Bangladesh while attempting to board a transport ferry, officials said on Thursday (March 26, 2026). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  5:01 pm

Iran Speaker warns “enemies are preparing to occupy” Kharg Island

Iran’s powerful parliament speaker warned on Wednesday about the possible invasion of an Iranian island with the support of an unnamed regional country. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  9:01 am

Meta, Google lose US case over social media harm to kids

A Los Angeles jury on Wednesday found Meta and Alphabet’s Google negligent for designing social media platforms that are harmful to young people, in a $6 million verdict that will serve as a bellwether for numerous similar cases. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  10:14 am

Ex-President Maithripala Sirisena holds talks with Iranian Ambassador

A meeting has been held between former President Maithripala Sirisena and the Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alireza Delkhosh in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  12:43 pm

Hormuz route opened for India: Iran FM Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said that they have permitted the passage of vessels for friendly countries, including India, through the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  11:22 am

Russia agrees to supply refined fuel to Sri Lanka following talks - official

Russian Deputy Minister of Energy, Roman Marshavin, who is currently on a visit to Sri Lanka, has agreed to supply refined fuel to Sri Lanka during discussions with Sri Lankan officials, according to an official. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 26, 2026  5:38 pm