Wednesdays declared holiday for govt employees, schools & unis; private sector urged to do same
The Government has decided to declare Wednesdays of every week as a holiday for government sector employees with effect from March 18, 2026, after taking into consideration the current fuel situation in Sri Lanka. MORE..
- Vehicle importers raise concerns over QR code–based fuel quota system
- Only 50% of private buses will operate if fuel supplied through SLTB depots - LPBOA
- Starmer says UK will not be drawn into wider Iran war
- Weekly fuel quota for passenger buses to be increased
- Russia fines Telegram app for failing to remove banned content
- Over 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler intercepted off Beruwala
- Wednesdays declared holiday for govt employees, schools & unis; private sector urged to do same
- President leads high-level talks on energy management to safeguard economy and essential services
- National Fuel Pass system disruptions to be fully resolved by tomorrow – Ministry
- No fuel will be provided to those cutting the queues - Police
Hot News
No fuel will be provided to those cutting the queues - Police
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W.P.J. Senadheera, has stated that no individuals attempting to bypass the queues at fuel stations will be permitted to obtain fuel. MORE..
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1 hour ago
National Fuel Pass system disruptions to be fully resolved by tomorrow – Ministry
The Ministry of Digital Economy has announced that the technical issues currently affecting the National Fuel Pass (NFP) system are being successfully resolved. MORE..
President leads high-level talks on energy management to safeguard economy and essential services
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that, in light of the challenges arising from the prevailing conflict situation in the Middle East, plans are being implemented to manage energy resources effectively while ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the country’s economic activities and essential services. MORE..
Over 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler intercepted off Beruwala
The Sri Lanka Navy has revealed that the multi-day fishing trawler intercepted in the sea area off Beruwala and brought to the Dikkowita Harbour this evening (16) was discovered to be carrying over 250 kilograms of cocaine. MORE..
Weekly fuel quota for passenger buses to be increased
The Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC), P. A. Chandrapala, stated that arrangements are being made to provide a weekly fuel quota ranging from 60 to 360 litres for passenger transport buses. MORE..
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6 hours ago
Starmer says UK will not be drawn into wider Iran war
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not be drawn into a wider war in Iran but would work with allies including those in Europe to reopen the key Strait of Hormuz, although he acknowledged that it would not be easy. MORE..
Only 50% of private buses will operate if fuel supplied through SLTB depots - LPBOA
The President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne, stated that private passenger buses are currently facing numerous difficulties in obtaining fuel from depots belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). MORE..
Vehicle importers raise concerns over QR code–based fuel quota system
President of the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL), Prasad Manage, says that vehicle importers have encountered difficulties due to the QR code–based fuel quota system introduced by the government for fuel distribution. MORE..
QR-based fuel quota system not necessary if public conserves fuel – Dy Minister
The Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, stated that a QR code-based fuel quota system would not be necessary if the public uses fuel sparingly in light of the current crisis. MORE..
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8 hours ago
China calls for immediate cease to military operations, after Trump’s comments
China has responded after President Trump earlier, in an interview with UK newspaper the Financial Times, threatened to delay a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if Beijing doesn’t send help to secure the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..
School events should not place financial burden on parents – PM Harini
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that school events should be organized in a manner that does not place a financial burden on parents. MORE..
Farmers to receive fuel for harvesting and ploughing without QR code
Farmers will be provided with 15 litres of fuel per acre for harvesting and 20 litres per acre for ploughing (land preparation) without the need for a QR code, according to the Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Development, Dhammika Ranatunga. MORE..
Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance unveils ‘Love Sri Lanka, Always’ campaign
The Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance has launched its new tactical campaign burst, “Love Sri Lanka, Always,” an evocative global initiative designed to reposition the island as a destination to discover and rediscover throughout the year across select international markets. MORE..
Final agreement reached on unified ‘Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa’– Minister
The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated that both parties have reached an agreement to publish a unified set of auspicious times (“Avurudu Nekath Seettuwa”) for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year. MORE..
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March 16, 2026 1:03 pm
Dubai airport resumes some flights after drone attack spotlights risks
Dubai’s international airport was gradually resuming flights on Monday, authorities said, after a fire caused by a drone attack forced a temporary suspension, further disrupting traffic in one of the world’s busiest air travel hubs. MORE..
National Fuel Pass system disruptions to be fully resolved by tomorrow – Ministry
The Ministry of Digital Economy has announced that the technical issues currently affecting the National Fuel Pass (NFP) system are being successfully resolved. MORE..
President leads high-level talks on energy management to safeguard economy and essential services
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that, in light of the challenges arising from the prevailing conflict situation in the Middle East, plans are being implemented to manage energy resources effectively while ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the country’s economic activities and essential services. MORE..
Over 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler intercepted off Beruwala
The Sri Lanka Navy has revealed that the multi-day fishing trawler intercepted in the sea area off Beruwala and brought to the Dikkowita Harbour this evening (16) was discovered to be carrying over 250 kilograms of cocaine. MORE..
Weekly fuel quota for passenger buses to be increased
The Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC), P. A. Chandrapala, stated that arrangements are being made to provide a weekly fuel quota ranging from 60 to 360 litres for passenger transport buses. MORE..
Starmer says UK will not be drawn into wider Iran war
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not be drawn into a wider war in Iran but would work with allies including those in Europe to reopen the key Strait of Hormuz, although he acknowledged that it would not be easy. MORE..
Only 50% of private buses will operate if fuel supplied through SLTB depots - LPBOA
The President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne, stated that private passenger buses are currently facing numerous difficulties in obtaining fuel from depots belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). MORE..
Vehicle importers raise concerns over QR code–based fuel quota system
President of the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL), Prasad Manage, says that vehicle importers have encountered difficulties due to the QR code–based fuel quota system introduced by the government for fuel distribution. MORE..
QR-based fuel quota system not necessary if public conserves fuel – Dy Minister
The Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, stated that a QR code-based fuel quota system would not be necessary if the public uses fuel sparingly in light of the current crisis. MORE..
China calls for immediate cease to military operations, after Trump’s comments
China has responded after President Trump earlier, in an interview with UK newspaper the Financial Times, threatened to delay a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if Beijing doesn’t send help to secure the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..
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Over 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler intercepted off Beruwala (English)
Technology
Russia fines Telegram app for failing to remove banned content
Russia has fined the Telegram messaging app 35 million roubles ($432,366) for failing to remove banned content, Russia’s Interfax news agency reported on Monday. MORE..
Meta planning sweeping layoffs as AI costs mount
Meta planning sweeping layoffs as AI costs mount
Meta is planning sweeping layoffs that could affect 20% or more of the company, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Meta seeks to offset costly artificial intelligence infrastructure bets and prepare for greater efficiency brought about by AI-assisted workers. MORE..
Games with loot boxes to get minimum 16 age rating across Europe
Games with loot boxes to get minimum 16 age rating across Europe
Games which feature loot boxes will soon be given an age rating of 16 across Europe, including in the UK, under a host of changes by the European video game ratings organisation. MORE..
One-fifth of Australian teens still use TikTok, SnapChat after social media ban
One-fifth of Australian teens still use TikTok, SnapChat after social media ban
One-fifth of Australian teenagers under 16 were still using social media two months after the country banned platforms from allowing minors, industry data showed, raising questions about the effectiveness of age-gating methods they are using. MORE..
Entertainment
Oscars 2026: Winners list in full
Hollywood’s best and brightest have been honoured with the most coveted awards in the movie industry, the Oscars. MORE..
‘One Battle After Another’ wins six Oscars, including best picture
‘One Battle After Another’ wins six Oscars, including best picture
Paul Thomas Anderson’s darkly comic action thriller One Battle After Another has claimed the Academy Award for Best Picture, capping a dominant night that saw the film secure six Oscars in total. MORE..
Kpop Demon Hunters wins Oscars for best original song and best animated film
Kpop Demon Hunters wins Oscars for best original song and best animated film
Kpop Demon Hunters, the viral movie about supernatural K-pop stars, has won Oscars for best animated feature film and best original song. MORE..
Michael B. Jordan wins best actor Oscar for dual role in ‘Sinners’
Michael B. Jordan wins best actor Oscar for dual role in ‘Sinners’
First-time nominee Michael B. Jordan won the best actor Oscar on Sunday for playing twin brothers in the genre-bending vampire tale ‘‘Sinners." MORE..
Exchange Rates
Country |
Buying |
Selling |
|---|---|---|
USA
U.S.Dollar |
307.5208 | 315.1366 |
UK
Sterling Pound |
406.4081 | 419.1935 |
Europe
Euro |
350.8244 | 362.3511 |
Switzerland
Swiss Franc |
386.8861 | 402.4826 |
Canada
Canadian Dollar |
223.0389 | 231.1599 |
Australia
Australian Dollar |
213.5227 | 222.9569 |
Singapore
Singapore Dollar |
238.3758 | 247.7451 |
Japan
Japanese Yen |
1.9204 | 1.9859 |
Country |
Currency |
Rate |
|---|---|---|
Bahrain
|
Dinar | 823.5171 |
Kuwait
|
Dinar | 1,012.1109 |
Oman
|
Rial | 808.2006 |
Qatar
|
Riyal | 85.3448 |
Saudi Arabia
|
Riyal | 82.9113 |
UAE
|
Dirham | 84.7081 |
Sports
Spain v Argentina ‘Finalissima’ match cancelled due to Middle East conflict
The ‘Finalissima’ clash between Euro 2024 winners Spain and world champions Argentina set to take place on March 27 in Qatar has been cancelled, UEFA said on Sunday. MORE..
F1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to war in Middle East
Formula One has confirmed next month’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not take place as FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the sport ‘‘will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first." MORE..
147th ‘Battle of the Blues’ ends in draw
The 147th ‘Battle of the Blues’ between Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia ended in a draw at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo this evening (14). MORE..
Trinity wins Hill Country Battle of the Blues after 14 years against St. Anthony’s
Trinity College Kandy was awarded the victory in the 107th Hill Country ‘Battle of the Blues’ against St. Anthony’s College Katugastota at the Asgiriya International Cricket Stadium after the Anthonians refused to take to the field with Trinity just needing one run to score to claim an outright win in the traditional big match encounter. MORE..
“No one can exclude us”: Iran’s football team fires back at Trump over World Cup
Iran’s national football team said in a statement on social media that no one can exclude it from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after recent uncertainty over its participation in the tournament, reported Xinhua. MORE..
