Mar 26 (Island) Coal is not an agricultural output, as is public knowledge, and therefore how on earth it can bring tears to farmers’ eyes, one may ask. But in SL dirty coal has not only worsened air pollution in areas surrounding the Norochcholai power plant but also caused untold hardships to farmers across the country, especially in rice-growing areas, besides causing huge losses to the state coffers. The govt has managed to break the back of the fuel-queue problem for all intents and purposes, more..

Mar 26 (CT) Recent unrest in the Middle East has raised concerns that SL may face a shortage of oil supply. Because oil plays such a central role in the economy—powering transportation, construction, electricity generation, and many other activities—many observers expect that such a shortage will inevitably lead to inflation. This expectation is commonly explained through the idea of cost-push inflation, where rising production costs—such as higher oil prices—are believed to push up the overall price level. more..

Mar 26 (CT) For decades, labour migration has been a lifeline for many SL families. Thousands of women, particularly from rural areas, travel to Middle East every year to work as domestic workers, hoping to secure a stable income for their households. Yet, the promise of financial security is often shadowed by uncertainty, particularly during periods of political tension and conflict in the region. Today, as geopolitical tensions continue to unsettle parts of the region, more..

Mar 26 (DN) The world is shape-shifting. Creating a digital economy, AI readiness, and shaping a globally competitive SL takes place at a pivotal moment, where global supply chains are being rewired, traditional work methods are being contested, global political turmoil is taking place, and the race for AI adoption is faster than ever. In such a backdrop, being digitally exposed matters in creating jobs for the digital age. As outlined in last week’s article, the more digitally exposed a country is, more..

Mar 26 (DN) Unlike in earlier times, undergraduates in state universities across various disciplines are now required to complete internships in private companies. A decade or two ago, students would generally take up part-time work mainly to earn some extra pocket money. This happens without the knowledge of university authorities. In some cases, they were even employed in the public sector unofficially. Today, however, internships have become the part and parcel of many degree programmes. more..

Mar 26 (SO) When the crescent moon of Shawwal appears in the skies above, it marks the end of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid ul-Fitr. For many, Eid may bring to mind plates of biryani or the rich sweetness of Watalappam, but the meaning of this day runs far deeper. For Muslims, Eid is a reflection of faith, gratitude, compassion and a renewed connection with others. Known locally as Nombu Perunal, Eid comes after a month of Ramadan, a period of fasting from food and drink more..

Mar 26 (ST) Uncertainty! That is the frightening scenario SL and many countries are facing, this time unlike SL’s 2022 economic meltdown, as no one can predict – apart from US Prez Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu – when the war in West Asia will end. In 2022, SL’s economy was shattered by mismanagement and delayed decisions which resulted in a shortage of dollars. There was enough fuel in the world but fuel ships were stationed outside the Colombo Port as the authorities more..

Mar 26 (DM) The world is facing multiple crises due to the Middle East conflict; one in terms of fuel price hikes and other essential items. Another unseen crisis that the conflict is contributing to is global warming. Statistics indicate that the US has launched more than 8,000 combat flights since Operation Epic Fury – the coordinated US-Israeli attack on Iran from late February. It has been estimated that the war has generated more than half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide during the first 120 days. more..

Mar 25 (DM) Against the backdrop of disruptions to global oil supply, Sri Lanka expects to finalize an oil purchase deal with Russia next week, an official said. Earlier, Minister Vijitha Herath held discussions with Russian Ambassador Levan S. Dzhagaryan, on the possibility of purchasing Russian fuel to navigate the current energy crisis. After that, the Russian Embassy in Colombo forwarded Sri Lanka’s request to Moscow for consideration by the Russian authorities. more..

Mar 25 (TM) Bus fares could be revised once again under the national bus fare policy scheduled to be implemented in July, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. He said that any future revision would depend on developments linked to the ongoing conflict in the ME. Responding to a query on whether fares could be increased again, he noted that certain decisions may have to be taken depending on how the situation evolves, and that such decisions would be made at the appropriate time. more..

Mar 25 (AD) CID has apprehended 29 major drug suppliers responsible for trafficking narcotics into SL, according to the Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala. He made these remarks while participating in the Ratama Ekata – National Operation programme held in Trincomalee. He explained that the illegal trade consists of two primary components: the supply chain and consumer demand. more..

Mar 25 (TM) SL Tea Board reports a surge in demand for Ceylon Tea from Middle Eastern countries amid ongoing regional tensions. Chairman Raj Obeyesekere said increased stockpiling of food in the region has driven demand, while prices have stabilized after an initial dip. The average auction price last week stood at Rs. 1,153 per kilogram, with unsold volumes remaining within normal levels. Exports to countries such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iran have faced disruptions due to more..

Mar 25 (Island) The landmark Supreme Court verdict finding that the fundamental rights of Mohamed Rifai Suhail have been violated has once again exposed the dark reality surrounding Sri Lanka’s law enforcement machinery and freedom of expression, Internet Media Action (IMA) said It said as an Internet Media Action (IMA) group standing for rights in the internet and social media space, we are deeply concerned about the serious democratic crisis emerging through this incident. more..

Mar 25 (AD) SL’s workers’ remittances have not seen a reduction despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Governor of the CB, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe stated. He said based on currently available data, they have not seen a decline in remittances. According to Governor they have in fact observed a slight increase in remittances in the past few days. He added that he has not seen any inquiries or more..

Mar 25 (Island) Former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday said that Sri Lanka’s response to US sinking of the unarmed Iranian frigate, just outside the country’s territorial waters, on 04 March, should now be re-examined against the backdrop of Iranian declaration that the NPP govt invited the ill-fated IRIS Dena and two other vessels to visit Colombo. Prof. Peiris was responding to Iranian Ambassador Dr. Alireza Delkhosh statement made at his Colombo residence on Monday. more..

Mar 25 (AD) Around 60% of children admitted to grade one classes in schools across Nuwara Eliya have been found to have poor oral health, according to Maskeliya Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Dr. M.H A.M. Irshan. He made these remarks while participating in an oral health awareness exhibition held at the Maskeliya MOH office premises in conjunction with World Oral Health Day. Dr. Irshan noted that the situation was identified through a clinical survey, describing it as more..

Mar 25 (FT) Integrated financial services conglomerate Janashakthi Ltd, (JXG) yesterday unveiled its next growth wave to be powered by the Rs. 5 billion Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO, which opens on 9 April offers 500 million shares or a 21.74% stake in the family owned entity at Rs. 10 per share. JXG comprises four listed companies including First Capital Holdings PLC, Janashakthi Insurance and Janashakthi Finance. The Company intends to utilise nearly Rs. 4 billion from IPO more..

Mar 25 (DM) Zonal Education Office in Tangalle has instructed all school principals in the Tangalle Education Zone to submit reports explaining the non-participation of teachers at a special meeting held on March 15, 2026, at the Tangalle Town Hall under the patronage of PM Harini Amarasuriya. In a circular issued by the Zonal Education Director W.A.S.D Kalyani on Monday, principals were informed that the meeting had been organized for teachers in the Tangalle Education Zone and more..

Mar 25 (Island) A looming power crisis is casting an ominous shadow over the country, with engineers warning that the current no power cut situation may not last beyond the Sinhala and Tamil New Year due to worsening diesel shortages and ongoing coal-related disruptions. A senior electrical engineer, attached to CEB Engineers Union, cautioned that while authorities appear to be managing the system for now, more..

Mar 25 (NW) The Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed to ensure the orderly functioning of the public service convened for the second time, under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. During the meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (24), extensive discussions were held on the immediate measures required to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of govt services to the public and to address the challenges faced by public servants. more..

Mar 25 (EN) Commercial Bank won the Gold Award for Excellence in Digital Payments under the banks category at SL’s LankaPay Technnovation Awards held on Tuesday. Bank of Ceylon won the Silver, with Hatton National Bank securing the Bronze. LOLC won its 7th consecutive Gold in the non-bank financial institutions category, with LB Finance the runner up. In the FinTech category, Dinnovation won Gold while MegaPay received the Merit Award. 56 awards, under 12 categories were awarded more..

Mar 25 (Island) Opposition sources alleged yesterday that the National People’s Power (NPP) was trying to further delay Provincial Council polls. Sources said that the govt couldn’t justify its actions under any circumstances. The SJB-led Opposition and the NPP have failed to reach a consensus on conducting PC polls with the latter proposing that the parliament should consult the Attorney General & Elections Commission. more..

Mar 25 (FT) The escalating conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel represents a global energy stress test with profound implications for international fuel and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) security. At the heart of this vulnerability is the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime chokepoint responsible for the passage of approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply. Disruptions in this region trigger immediate global shockwaves, including price spikes exceeding $100 per barrel, more..

Mar 25 (FT) There is a particular kind of complacency that thrives in world politics: the belief that war can be geographically contained. It reassures distant capitals, comforts markets and allows policymakers to speak as though violence were a regional inconvenience rather than a systemic force. The reported Iranian missile launch towards Diego Garcia should bury that illusion. What happened was not simply another dramatic episode in an already volatile confrontation. more..

Mar 25 (AD) The CPC has revealed that fuel orders for the country currently exceed actual requirements by around 10%. However, the CPC stressed that there is no risk of a shortage if emergency stockpiling is avoided. Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage, Managing Director of CPC stated that the country has adequate fuel reserves to meet demand at least until mid-May. He emphasized that the current challenges are not due to a lack of fuel, but rather to hoarding and mismanagement of distribution. more..

Mar 25 (EN) Japan has provided 181,837 dollars (55.7 million rupees) for a project implemented by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of SL (TRCSL) to provide radio equipment under the scheme Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The project will support establishment of reliable networks that enable real-time coordination among rescue teams and relevant agencies by providing high-quality equipment made in Japan, including HF radios, more..

Mar 25 (NW) Brito Fernando has been awarded the Per Anger Prize 2026 for his work seeking truth and justice for the tens of thousands of people who have disappeared involuntarily in SL. According to Sweden’s civil rights watchdog, Civil Rights Defenders, the Per Anger Prize is the Swedish Govt’s international prize for human rights and democracy. Brito Fernando is the founder and chair of Families of the Disappeared (FoD), more..

Mar 25 (AD) A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-Western provinces and in the Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya, and Monaragala districts. Accordingly, the heat index, the temperature felt by the human body, is likely to increase up to the Caution Level at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-Western provinces and in the Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts tomorrow. more..

Mar 25 (NW) A group of Vietnamese nationals engaged in fraudulent money transactions via the internet was arrested on Tuesday (24), it was reported. According to the Police Media Division, the 09 suspects had arrived in Sri Lanka on tourist visas and were engaged in online fraud. The suspects were arrested from a house in the Godakanda area, under the Poddala Police Division. Police seized a computer, a laptop, and 84 mobile phones from the suspects during the operation. more..

Mar 25 (DM) With a crucial field visit scheduled for next week, the SL govt is advancing discussions with major Gulf carriers to utilise Mattala Rajapaksa Int'l Airport (MRIA) as an alternative transit hub amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Following a meeting held this week, Minister Bimal Rathnayake formally wrote to the airlines inviting them to inspect the southern facility, aiming to capitalise on the sudden shift in more..

Mar 25 (AD) The Bodhi Buddhagaya Award Ceremony, organized by the Magadh Buddhagaya Foundation to honour distinguished individuals who have made meaningful contributions to society in line with Buddhist teachings, was held at Wat Pathum Khongkha Ratchaworawihan. The ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Most Venerable Maha Ratchamangklamuni (Thongchai Dhammadhajo), Member of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand, more..

Mar 25 (AD) The former Head of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay has been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital following a sudden illness. Former SIS Chief Suresh Sallay is being held under a 90-day detention order to interrogate his links to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Meanwhile, reports indicate that family members had requested permission to visit him to check on his condition, but approval has not been granted. more..