Mar 13 (FT) Advocata Institute Chairman Murtaza Jafferjee said SL’s ability to withstand the economic shock from the escalating Middle East conflict will depend not only on immediate policy responses, such as fuel price adjustments, but also on addressing deeper structural problems of State capture and weak capacity. He said the Govt’s decision to raise fuel prices soon after global crude prices crossed $ 100 a barrel was more..

Mar 13 (DM) John Keells Properties yesterday unveiled a 60-storey residential development, Vauxhall DSTRCT, in central Colombo, marking the group’s first major real estate launch since SL’s economic crisis, with more than 100 apartments sold on the opening day amid signs of renewed demand for city-centre housing. The project will rise along Vauxhall Street in Col 2, occupying one of the city’s most connected urban corridors with views across Colombo’s skyline and the Beira Lake. more..

Mar 13 (GV) On March 8, 1908 about 15,000 working women gathered in New York demanding shorter working hours (less than a 12 hour workday), better pay and the right to vote. Following year, Socialist Party of America declared March 8 as National Women’s Day. The idea later became International Women’s Day after being proposed by German socialist leader Clara Zetkin. In 1910, she presented the proposal to 100 women delegates from 17 countries at the Int'l Congress of more..

Mar 13 (DM) As the unprovoked and illegal war on Iran continues for the 14th day, one thing is certain: the US and Israel—the aggressors in this case—are not winning, nor is Iran losing. Yet in Washington and Tel Aviv, there is no shortage of arrogant rhetoric. US Prez Donald Trump and the dimwitted members of his administration keep saying, “We won the war, but we will stay in the fight to finish the job.” If that is so, why waste your fast-depleting, costly ammunition, Mr Trump? more..

Mar 13 (DM) The controversy surrounding the English proficiency of SL’s Foreign Minister has sparked a debate that, while understandable in a country with a colonial legacy and global diplomatic engagements, risks missing the larger point. In diplomacy, language is undoubtedly an important tool. Yet, what ultimately matters is the substance of policy, the ability to foster dialogue, and the clarity of the strategic direction a country seeks to pursue the real questions that Sri Lanka must confront more..

Mar 13 (SO) “Safeguarding public funds is, in essence, safeguarding public trust and democratic integrity,” said newly appointed Auditor General (AG) Samudika Jayarathna, SL’s first woman to hold the esteemed post. In an institution with a history spanning 226 years, she becomes its 42nd AG. A seasoned career official with expertise in banking, finance, insurance, taxation, treasury services and debt management, she brings more..

Mar 13 (TM) Former Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has levelled a serious charge against the present Govt. His claim that Sri Lanka today lacks a coherent foreign policy is not a matter that can be dismissed lightly. For a country located at the heart of the Indian Ocean sea lanes, silence and indecision in international affairs carry consequences far beyond diplomacy. They affect the economy, national security and the country’s global standing. Prof. Peiris’ criticism came more..

Mar 13 (TM) In the world of competitive academics, few feats are as daunting as mastering the Cambridge International syllabus. For one Wesley College student, however, mathematics isn't just a subject—it’s a language. Having recently been named Top in the World for Mathematics and Best Across Three in Sri Lanka, he represents a rare blend of focused discipline and creative passion. From the quiet halls of Wesley to the global stage, this is a journey defined by curiosity, more..

Mar 13 (SO) It has been eight months since the momentous Supreme Court (SC) ruling that said the main petitioner, Ven. Welimada Dhammadinna Bhikkhuni of the Bhikkhuni Educational Academy, had her Fundamental Rights breached when she was refused a National Identity Card (NIC) with the term Bhikkhuni by the Commissioner General, Dept of Registration of Persons and the Commissioner General, Dept of Buddhist Affairs, more..

Mar 13 (Island) US Prez Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu have not been able to stabilise the global oil market with their rhetoric and assurances. Their airstrikes on Iran’s naval ships, and mine-laying vessels, etc., have not helped make the Strait of Hormuz safe for int'l navigation. Iran has attacked six ships so far in that vital choke point. Oil prices began to climb again yesterday despite the release of 400 million barrels of oil, as part of a coordinated Int'l Energy Agency action more..

Mar 13 (ST) The Gulf is in chaos. What began as tension between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has spread wider, pulling once-stable countries and cities into uncertainty. The war has broken the sense of safety. Trade routes are disrupted, energy markets shaken, and millions of lives unsettled. A region that thrived for decades is now marked by instability. The world’s response is mixed. Some countries expected to take sides have stayed out, avoiding a bigger global conflict. more..

Mar 12 (AD) Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, has been arrested today by the CIABOC in connection with investigations into the controversial Airbus deal. Chandrasena had appeared before the Bribery Commission this morning to provide a statement regarding the matter and was arrested after recording a lengthy statement. Accordingly, he has been arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of USD 2 million related to an Airbus aircraft deal. more..

Mar 12 (AD) Around 1,800 cases of leptospirosis have been reported so far this year, according to Ministry of Health. Consultant Community Physician Dr. Thushani Dabrera said that a higher number of cases have been reported from Galle, Matara, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Monaragala and Kegalle districts. “Leptospirosis is the second most commonly reported infectious disease in SL. Approximately 13,000 cases are reported annually to the Epidemiology Unit, though the actual more..

Mar 12 (DM) With the aim of safeguarding the mobility rights of persons with disabilities who have so far received little attention within SL’s public transport system, Ministry of Transport and Highways together with the Clean SL programme will launch a dedicated priority bus service next month for persons with disabilities. The programme is being implemented in line with the govt’s vision of building a country that guarantees equal more..

Mar 12 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa convened an urgent meeting with foreign policy experts, former diplomatic officials and academics to discuss the national security and economic implications of the escalating crisis in the Middle East. During the discussion, Premadasa noted that SL is still navigating a fragile recovery following the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which he said resulted in economic losses exceeding USD 4.1 billion and affected nearly 4% of SL’s GDP. more..

Mar 12 (FT) Leaders of several Opposition parties met in Colombo yesterday under the theme Protecting Democracy, Rule of Law and the Sovereignty of the People, amid calls for greater coordination among political groups outside Govt. In a message sent to the gathering, former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe said Opposition parties must work together to address the challenges currently facing the country, noting that unity was essential if the Opposition was to succeed. more..

Mar 12 (TM) The food industry is reeling in the wake of the recent fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price hikes, with businesses grappling to contain the fallout. Food industry associations across the country are actively taking measures to address the situation, The Daily Morning learns. President of All Ceylon Canteen Owners' Association, Harshana Rukshan, announced that canteens across more..

Mar 12 (AD) Former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could have a significant impact on the future of SL. He made these remarks while speaking to journalists following the unveiling ceremony of the newly constructed sacred pinnacle of the Noble Stupa at the Siri Mangalaramaya Viharaya in Akurugoda, Tissamaharama. Former Prez Rajapaksa raised several concerns regarding the current political climate in the country and global situation more..

Mar 12 (TM) The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has launched round-the-clock monitoring operations in the Southern coastal area to assess any potential damage to the Ocean and marine life following the incidents of the country receiving two Iranian vessels within Sri Lanka’s search and rescue region. The surveillance, which has been in effect since 7 March, includes deep-sea inspections and diving exercises near coral reefs to evaluate adverse impacts. more..

Mar 12 (DM) A 15-year-old student of Royal College Colombo was seriously injured after falling from a three-storey building on the school premises last morning, police said. The incident occurred around 7:15 a.m, police said. The student, a resident of Hokandara, reportedly attempted to enter a closed classroom on the upper floor of the building through a window. Preliminary investigations revealed that the classroom had been locked at the time as many students had left to join a motorcade more..

Mar 12 (AD) Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the opposition is hoping to propose a new initiative titled PSOP (Peace, Stability, Order and Prosperity) aimed at promoting regional and global peace while addressing key socio-economic challenges. Speaking in an exclusive interview with India Today, Premadasa emphasized the need for international cooperation and a renewed global approach to maintain stability amid growing geopolitical tensions. more..

Mar 12 (NW) Recently imported coal has not caused any damage to the machinery at the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai, Chairman of the COPE, MP Nishantha Samaraweera said. He noted that the plant is operating properly, and although there has been some reduction in electricity generation, it does not pose a problem for the country’s current energy needs. MP further stated that the plant has more..

Mar 12 (DM) BYD, in partnership with its authorised distributor John Keells CG Auto (JKCG Auto), officially launched the BYD SEALION 8 on March 10. Unveiled at a special launch event held at the Cinnamon Lakeside, the SEALION 8 launch marks the arrival of BYD’s flagship seven-seat plug-in hybrid electric SUV to the local market. Notably, Sri Lanka is among the first countries in the world to introduce the model, including the high-performance DM-p (Dual Mode Performance) variant. more..

Mar 12 (AD) Sri Lanka has been endorsed for a project under the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF), positioning the country among the first globally to move into large-scale implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The milestone marks a significant step in translating global biodiversity commitments into coordinated national action. KBF project proposal was formally signed by Mr. K.R. Uduwawala, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, and Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, more..

Mar 12 (AD) More than 200 new buses are scheduled to be integrated into the Sisu Sariya school transport service this year as part of efforts to further streamline the service. This was confirmed by Deputy Minister Madhura Seneviratne, along with officials of the National Transport Commission (NTC). Sisu Sariya bus service is jointly implemented by Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and more..

Mar 12 (AM) A woman has filed a petition in the Colombo District Court seeking a legal declaration that SL cricketer Chamika Karunaratne is the father of her child. The petitioner, Sewwandi Senadheera, has requested the court to recognise Karunaratne as the father of her minor son, Aryan Karunaratne, who was born on 29 Sept 2025. She has also sought an order directing the issuance of a birth certificate confirming the child’s paternity and a court directive for a DNA test to establish the claim. more..

Mar 12 (AD) Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena and MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam participated in the Open Govt Partnership Regional Learning Exchange Roundtable held in Bangkok, Thailand. The special international conference was organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy of the UK. The event was attended by senior policymakers and representatives from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand, more..

Mar 12 (DM) A gazette has been issued officially enacting new legislation that introduces severe penalties—including the death penalty and life imprisonment—for drug-related crimes committed on the high seas. The Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act, No. 7 of 2026, was passed by the Parliament of Sri Lanka and published as a supplement to the Gazette on March 6, 2026, strengthening the country’s fight against international maritime drug smuggling. more..

Mar 12 (DM) ​Sri Lanka’s ambitions to transform into a vibrant regional economic hub would remain stunted unless the current capital restrictions and exchange controls are systematically rolled back, former CB Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy warned. He emphasised that while the country has made painful but necessary strides in macroeconomic stabilisation, these foundational improvements must now translate into a more open financial architecture. more..

Mar 12 (AD) The value of the stock of narcotics seized from the two intercepted trawlers in seas off the Southern coast is estimated to be Rs. 10 billion, Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekara confirmed. The two multi-day fishing trawlers suspected of transporting narcotics and weapons were brought to Dikkowita Harbour today after being seized by the SL Navy in international waters. Dy Minister said seizure was the result more..

Mar 12 (EN) Parliament’s committee on high posts has approved the appointments of 10 new envoys. Committee on High Posts approved: Dharshana M Perera as high commissioner-designate to Malaysia. Dhammika Fernando as high commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to Kenya. D M S P Dassanayake as ambassador and permanent representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva. Dayani Mendis as ambassador and permanent representative to Austria. more..

Mar 12 (AD) ​PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya who was on an official visit to Manila, Philippines following the invitation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has returned to SL. She landed at the BIA, last night. During her visit, PM delivered a keynote address at the International Women’s Day event hosted at the ADB Headquarters in Manila. On the sidelines of the event, the PM also held bilateral meetings with several Ministers of the Govt of the Philippines to further strengthen cooperation more..