News Archive

France to deploy nearly a dozen warships, mulls Hormuz mission, Macron says

France is sending about a dozen naval vessels, including its aircraft carrier strike group, to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and potentially the Strait of Hormuz, as part of defensive support for allies threatened by the Middle East conflict. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  6:55 am

Five Iranian women’s soccer players granted humanitarian visas in Australia

Australia on Tuesday granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women’s soccer team players after they sought asylum fearing persecution in their home nation. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  10:18 am

PM Harini highlights importance of recognising women’s unpaid care work

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya today participated in the International Women’s Day Flagship Event hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  6:27 pm

Fuel prices increased to manage stocks and stabilize Market, officials say

The Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL), Mayura Neththikumarage has explained today (10) the reasons for yesterday’s increase in fuel prices in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  1:51 pm

School van charges raised by 5% with effect from today

With the recent surge in fuel prices, the All Ceylon School Children’s Transport Association has decided to increase school transport fees by 5%, effective from today (10). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  10:17 am

‘More fun to sink them’: Trump on destruction of 46 Iranian naval ships

US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that the US Navy has sunk 46 “top-of-the-line” Iranian naval ships so far. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  11:41 am

Functions of RTI Commission to be digitized

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to implement a project for the digitalization of the operational activities of the Right to Information Commission. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  4:57 pm

Rihanna steps up security following shooting attack at her residence

Grammy-winning singer Rihanna has reportedly increased her personal security after a gun attack on her home, which left her shaken. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  3:55 pm

Canadian couple arrested with over 32kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA

A foreign couple who allegedly attempted to smuggle a consignment of ‘Kush’ cannabis into the country has been arrested by Sri Lanka Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this morning (10). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  3:02 pm

Vietnam urges people to work from home to save fuel as Iran war disrupts supplies

Vietnam’s trade ministry has called on local businesses to encourage their employees to work from home as part of efforts to save on fuel amid supply disruptions and price surges triggered by the Iran war. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  3:21 pm

Sri Lanka forms Committee on Economic Surveillance amidst Middle East conflict

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal to appoint a ‘Committee on Economic Surveillance’ to tackle issues that Sri Lanka may face amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  2:42 pm

North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong says US-South Korea drills to harm regional stability

North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said U.S.-South Korea military drills that began this week were a “provocative and aggressive war rehearsal” that would harm regional stability, state media KCNA reported on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  12:25 pm

‘We will decide when to end war, not US’: Iran’s sharp response to Trump

Tehran has responded to US President Donald Trump’s remark about ending the war in Iran, saying it will be the one who will “determine” when the military actions against American and Israeli targets cease. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  8:22 am

SC postpones hearing of Mahindananda and Nalin’s appeal petitions to tomorrow

The Supreme Court has adjourned until tomorrow (11) the hearing of the appeal petitions filed by former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando against the prison sentences imposed on them over corruption charges. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  5:53 pm

Woman arrested with 100g of ‘Ice’ in Rathmalana

A woman has been arrested in the Rathmalana area for the possession of 100 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Ice’, police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  9:36 am

Sri Lanka did not receive prior notice from US over strike on Iranian warship: Govt. Spokesman

The government of Sri Lanka was not informed in advance about the strike carried out by the United States on an Iranian warship in seas close to Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  4:10 pm

No revision of bus fares despite fuel price hike - NTC

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that bus fares will not be revised despite the recent increase in fuel prices. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  8:28 am

Cabinet nod to increase allowance for landslide resettlement programme to Rs. 2.5 mln

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a revision of the financial assistance provided for the construction of houses under the family resettlement programme implemented for families evacuated from landslide-prone areas and those already affected by landslides. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  3:21 pm

UAE condemns Iran’s attempted ballistic missile strike on Turkey

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned on Monday Iran’s attempt to target Turkey with a ballistic missile, marking the second such incident in less than a week. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  6:50 am

Former DIG of CID arrested by Bribery Commission

The former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Prasad Ranasinghe, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for allegedly obstructing investigations. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  2:29 pm

UK parliament votes to reject social media ban for under-16s

A ban on social media for under-16s has been rejected by members of parliament in the UK. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  11:25 am

Peace loving country like India should be UNSC permanent member: Opposition Leader

Leader of the Opposition of Sri Lanka Sajith Premadasa on Monday said that a peace-loving country like India should be made a permanent member in the United Nations. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  12:29 pm

Australia to send missiles to UAE, deploy military surveillance aircraft

Australia will deploy a military surveillance aircraft to the Middle East and send missiles to the United Arab Emirates but will not put troops on the ground in Iran, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  9:10 am

Another gunman arrested over Jinthupitiya shooting incident

Another gunman involved in the shooting that killed a man and injured two children in Jinthupitiya recently has been arrested. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  7:22 am

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 District. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  4:14 pm

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

The hearing of the appeal filed by former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, challenging the prison sentences imposed on them over corruption charges, has been commenced for the second day today (10) before the Supreme Court. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  10:44 am

Oil prices fall after Trump signals that war will end soon

Global oil prices fell in early Tuesday morning trading in Asia. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  6:45 am

Agreement signed to hand over vehicle number plate printing to new company

The printing of number plates for motor vehicles has been handed over to a new company, with the relevant agreement signed today (10). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  1:22 pm

191 injured in Israel over last 24 hours as conflict with Iran intensifies: Israeli Health Ministry

Figures released by the Israeli Ministry of Health and published by the Times of Israel reveal that a total of 191 individuals sustained injuries over the last 24 hours amid the continuing hostilities with Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  2:10 pm

Iran says oil blockade will continue until attacks end, Trump threatens to escalate strikes

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday they would not allow “one litre of oil” to be shipped from the Middle East if US and Israeli attacks continue, prompting a warning from President Donald Trump that the US would hit Iran much harder if it blocked exports from the vital energy-producing region. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  11:29 am

Public urged to reduce non-essential travel and conserve fuel amid global energy crisis

The Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), D.J. Rajakaruna, has requested the public to reduce non-essential travel and use fuel sparingly in order to manage the energy crisis arising from the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  4:36 pm

PM Harini holds bilateral talks in Philippines to enhance cooperation in education and other sectors

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of meetings with key Philippine institutions during her ongoing official visit to the Philippines from 09–11 March 2026, focusing on strengthening cooperation in education, higher education, technical skills development, and agricultural research. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  12:17 pm

Govt. defends fuel price hike, cites surge in consumption and global oil prices

The government has clarified the reasons behind the recent increase in fuel prices despite earlier assurances that sufficient fuel reserves were available in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  3:30 pm

Mainly dry weather expected in most parts of the island

A few showers are likely in Northern Province and in Trincomalee and Anuradhapura districts, today (10), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  7:03 am

Putin, in a phone call with Trump, shares proposals to end Iran war quickly

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a telephone conversation on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump, put forward proposals for a quick settlement of the conflict around Iran, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  7:49 am

Netanyahu says Israel will continue Iran strikes

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Tuesday that Israel will continue striking Iran. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  1:59 pm

Cabinet approves 14-day visa extension for foreign nationals amid Middle East flight disruptions

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal to grant a 14-day visa extension to foreign nationals currently staying in Sri Lanka due to the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  2:35 pm

Electricity TUs to continue their strike as talks with authorities end in deadlock

A number of electricity trade unions have announced that they will continue their strike action over several demands. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  5:30 pm

Tuesday will be most intense day of strikes on Iran, Hegseth says

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday would be the most intense ⁠day of strikes against Iran in the campaign so far. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  5:54 pm

Govt. should use funds in treasury to provide concessions instead of increasing fuel prices – Harsha

The government should utilize the funds in the treasury to provide concessions to the general public instead of increasing fuel prices in line with global developments, the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), Member of Parliament Harsha de Silva stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  1:30 pm

Iranian foreign minister says negotiations with U.S. may be off the table

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that talks with the United States may be off the table after the U.S. and Israel initiated a military operation against the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  12:04 pm

Astrologers question govt over decision not to release ‘Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa’

A group of astrologers has questioned the government as to why information and data related auspicious times was obtained from them if the “Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa,” the table of auspicious times for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year, is not to be published. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  3:02 pm

Navy seizes fishing trawler suspected of carrying narcotics haul and weapons

A multi-day fishing trawler transporting a stock of sacks suspected to contain narcotics and weapons was seized during a special operation conducted in the deep seas off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. MORE..

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

Fifth National Oral Health Survey in Sri Lanka begins today – Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health states that the Fifth National Oral Health Survey in Sri Lanka will commence today (10). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  9:38 am

Sri Lanka broadcasters meet UN Resident Coordinator to discuss media trends and laws

Representatives of the Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Guild met with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Marc-André Franche in Colombo. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  3:30 pm

President pledges to introduce national policy to upgrade Sri Lanka’s public transport system

It is the government’s expectation to establish a strong public transport system that is comfortable, safe, efficient and reliable for the people and that the government is currently in the process of formulating a national policy to achieve this objective, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  5:27 pm

Trump warns of ‘death, fire, and fury’ if Iran disrupts global oil passageway

President Trump has issued another warning to Iran about disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  8:12 am

US has not ‘won enough’ yet, Trump says as he claims war will be over ‘pretty quickly’

Donald Trump has said the US has not “won enough” in Iran, as he claimed that the conflict will be over “pretty quickly” during a press conference. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  6:39 am

Strike delays restoration of power disruptions in several areas

The restoration of the prevailing electricity disruptions in Colombo 9, Colombo 14, and several areas in Gampaha is expected to take some time due to an ongoing strike launched by trade unions.

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  7:31 am

16-hour water cut in Negombo and Katana on Thursday

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 16-hour water supply suspension affecting the Negombo and Katana areas on March 12. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 10, 2026  1:23 pm