Mar 18 (AD) A motion of no-confidence against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, signed by opposition MPs, will be handed over to the Speaker of Parliament tomorrow (19). So far, 17 opposition MPs, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, have signed the motion of no-confidence. The motion claims the Minister of Energy has failed to discharge his primary duty to ensure the procurement of sufficient and quality coal for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai, more..

Mar 18 (DM) A special programme to restore vision to 1,000 patients suffering from cataracts will be carried out on March 21 and 22, National Eye Hospital Director Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara said. He said the programme aims to perform cataract surgeries on 1,000 patients who are currently on the waiting list and have lost their vision due to the condition. The project is being implemented by the National Eye Hospital in collaboration with the SL Institute of Ophthalmologists. more..

Mar 18 (AD) Owners of vehicles will be allowed to purchase fuel under an odd–even number plate system from today, according to the Managing Director of the CPC, Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage. He noted that from tomorrow, fuel sales for vehicles will be carried out strictly on a rotating system based on odd and even numbers. Under the system, the last digit of the vehicles with zero and even-numbered number plates will be allowed to more..

Mar 18 (NW) Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said he had lodged a complaint with the Bribery Commission on Feb 18 over alleged irregularities in coal procurement, despite yesterday’s remarks by the President on the matter. Ranawaka said that the Prez appears to be ill-informed on the matter. Referring to a 2022 procurement process, Ranawaka cited Auditor General recommendations stating that procurement guidelines should not be changed arbitrarily. more..

Mar 18 (AD) A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-Central, Southern, North-Western provinces and Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya, and Mullaitivu 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, North-Central, Southern, North-Western provinces and Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya & Mullaitivu districts tomorrow. more..

Mar 18 (DM) Declassified documents from Israel’s Foreign Ministry have revealed that former Prez J.R Jayewardene had requested $1 million from Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad to finance his election campaign in 1987. According to cables dated Aug 6 and Aug 14, 1987, request was made during a meeting with a Mossad representative, at a time when the SL govt was facing mounting pressure from Arab states more..

Mar 18 (AD) Deputy President of the National Chamber of Commerce of SL (NCCSL), Dr. Lakmal Fernando, stated that imposing the burden from the losses caused by inferior quality coal on the general public is an illegal act. He made these remarks while participating in the final provincial public consultation session conducted by the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) in Colombo on Wednesday, held to obtain verbal submissions from the public on the proposed revision of more..

Mar 18 (NW) SL faces serious economic risks from the ongoing Middle East conflict, former Minister Harin Fernando said, warning of potential impacts on exports, tourism, and foreign exchange inflows. Fernando said rising global oil prices, disrupted shipping routes, and increasing inflation could affect the country’s fragile economic recovery. He noted that Brent crude prices have surged, while global supply chain disruptions are expected to drive up the cost of transport, food & essential services. more..

Mar 18 (FT) The United States finds itself ensnared in a perfect storm of its own making: a debilitating war in Iran, a transatlantic alliance on life support, and the quiet unravelling of the financial mechanism that has underpinned its global dominance for fifty years. The root cause, argue a growing chorus of strategic thinkers, is not incompetence, but a fundamental capture of foreign policy by interests that are profoundly at odds with American national security and economic stability. more..

Mar 18 (FT) Sri Lanka’s latest tender for importing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in 2026 has delivered a timely lesson in energy security. The contract ultimately secured supplies from the US, helping the country avoid a looming shortage at a moment of heightened geopolitical tension. Yet the outcome owed less to careful planning than to circumstance: the winning bid came from Geo Gas of Switzerland, a firm sourcing LPG from American refineries, which simply offered the lowest price. more..

Mar 18 (FT) Global shipping disruptions, rather than fuel availability or foreign exchange, have emerged as the primary risk to SL’s energy security despite stocks being sufficient into May, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody told Parliament yesterday, underscoring the constraints posed by the escalating Middle East conflict. Making a special statement, Minister said inventories and confirmed shipments remain adequate under more..

Mar 18 (AD) The govt has decided to grant a weekly holiday to public sector employees every Wednesday starting today, until further notice, in response to ongoing fuel supply challenges. The Commissioner General of Essential Services, Prabath Chandrakeerthi stated that the holiday will also apply to schools, universities, and the judicial sector. In addition, govt has requested that both state-approved schools and private tuition classes suspend activities for the day. more..

Mar 18 (DM) Investigations into the recent seizure of over 123kg of heroin in international waters south of SL have uncovered a direct link to the notorious overseas-based drug trafficker and organised criminal, Paravi Suda. The multi-day fishing trawler, carrying a narcotics consignment valued at over Rs. 3 billion was intercepted by the Sri Lanka Navy during a special operation. The vessel and its five-member crew were brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour on Monday more..

Mar 18 (TM) Chairperson of the CPC, D.J. Rajakaruna announced the weekly fuel quota issued to the public under the QR code–based system will remain valid until 12 midnight on Saturday every week and will be refreshed every Sunday. He stated the CPC expects the QR code–based fuel quota system to reduce the country’s fuel consumption by 20%. The daily diesel consumption in the country currently stands at more..

Mar 18 (Island) Parliamentary Business Committee yesterday decided that Parliament would not convene today, in line with the govt’s directive declaring Wednesday a holiday for the public service. According to the parliamentary calendar, sittings had initially been scheduled for today, but the decision was revised following the policy announcement made earlier this week. The govt on Monday declared that all Wednesdays would be observed as a public holiday for state sector. more..

Mar 18 (DM) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has invited the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) for an urgent meeting next week, extending the invitation to TPA Leader Mano Ganesan, MP, during a phone conversation. According to Barath Arullsamy, Vice President of the Democratic People’s Front (DPF–TPA), the return of queues highlights a growing gap between govt assurances and ground realities. “The Prez told Parliament there is sufficient fuel stock and no need to panic. more..

Mar 18 (NW) Dr. Nishan de Mel, Executive Director of Verité Research, has proposed 3 practical measures to reduce fuel queues and save time, while maintaining the current total fuel allocation. Presenting the recommendations, Dr. de Mel said the focus should be on improving efficiency in distribution rather than increasing fuel quotas. First proposal is to introduce a timing restriction system, where access to fuel stations is staggered based on the last digit of a vehicle’s number plate more..

Mar 18 (DN) The inaugural ceremony of the A Village That Raises the Nation Community Productivity Model Village Project, organized by the National Productivity Secretariat under the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, was held this morning at the Sivdevgama Community Hall, Kalutara. Inaugural event was held under the patronage of the Minister Sunil Handunnetti, and the Sivdevgama village belonging to the Maharekma Grama Niladhari Division more..

Mar 18 (DM) Fearing a possible fuel shortage stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict, the govt has introduced a national fuel quota for vehicles. However, in a decisive move to protect the country’s hospitality sector, tourism officials have rolled out a dedicated priority fuel system and assured an uninterrupted supply of LP gas, in an effort to guarantee a comfortable and seamless travel experience for international visitors. more..

Mar 18 (Island) CIABOC yesterday recorded a statement from former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the allocation of a house for a maid working at the residence of the then Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, PC. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the Secretary to the Ministry Defence and Urban Development, allegedly authorised the allocation of the house on the recommendation of the CJ during Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second term. Rajapaksa govt brought in Peiris as the Chief Justice more..

Mar 18 (FT) In a bid to curb the misuse of digital money transfer platforms for illegal activities, the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the establishment of a consolidated data-sharing system integrating the Central Bank, SL Police and the Department of Registration of Persons. The move follows recommendations submitted by a Special Committee appointed earlier with Cabinet approval and Chaired by the Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry Secretary. more..

Mar 18 (NW) Health sector trade unions have raised concerns over the govt’s recent measures, calling for holiday allowances and a dedicated fuel quota to maintain essential services. Co-convener of Health Services Trade Union Alliance, Ravi Kumudesh, said health workers required proper compensation if they are expected to report to duty on designated public holidays. “If we are required to work on a holiday such as Wednesday, the govt must pay the relevant holiday allowance,” he said. more..

Mar 18 (NW) British Airways has announced the launch of direct flights between London Gatwick and Colombo, marking a significant boost for SL’s tourism sector ahead of the winter 2026 season. The airline confirmed that flights to Colombo will commence on Oct 23, operating three times a week as part of its expanded winter schedule. The route will run for the winter season, offering direct connectivity between the UK and SL. Welcoming the development, British High Commissioner more..

Mar 18 (DM) SL’s economic activities were seen holding up in February before the war broke out at the end of the month, as seen from the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data, but the economy is currently feeling the brunt of the Iran war which broke out at the end of February. PMI for manufacturing activities was at 56.8 index points, slightly higher than the 56.1 index points in January but the services PMI fell to 54.4 index points more..

Mar 18 (Island) As Sri Lanka marked the 30th anniversary of their Cricket World Cup triumph, the odds they overcame remain the stuff of cricketing folklore. Barely 15 years into their journey as a full member of the ICC, they didn’t just compete – they turned the game on its head, blindsiding the cricketing world with a brand of cricket that was as audacious as it was effective. With field restrictions in place for the first 15 overs, Sri Lanka cashed in like seasoned pros at the top of their game. more..

Mar 18 (Island) One of the most anticipated school cricket encounters in the south, the Lovers’ Quarrel between Richmond College and Mahinda College returns with high expectations as the 2026 edition gets underway at the iconic Galle Int'l Stadium on Thursday. ‎Despite its rich legacy and passionate following, the series has been locked in draws, with no outright winner emerging over the past six years. While such streaks are not uncommon in Sri Lanka’s school cricket circuit, more..

Mar 18 (FT) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament that the Prez AKD-led NPP Govt has no scenario planning to deal with the crisis influenced by the war in the Middle East. He said at a time when the country faces a series of grave challenges, Prez or the PM should have made a statement to Parliament and the people on how to confront the existing crises — yet instead of doing so, they are merely offering advice on more..

Mar 18 (DM) Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is aggressively pivoting toward the Indian Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market, positioning the island as a lucrative alternative to Dubai for regional corporate travellers, as escalating tensions in the Middle East cause a temporary dip in European arrivals. The industry, which was on a strong recovery trajectory, is now recalibrating its strategies to mitigate the fallout from global flight disruptions. more..

Mar 18 (ST) MSC, one of the largest container carrier shipping lines, has declared end of voyage asking shippers and consignees to take responsibility for goods dropped off at ports bound for war-affected West Asia. Notifications have already been sent to the industry declaring end of voyage on all shipments currently under MSC’s custody and care, whether located ashore or at sea, and destined for ports in the Arabian Gulf. All cargo discharged at the ports are to be picked up more..

Mar 18 (DN) Traditional rivals St. Joseph’s College Colombo and St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya will meet in their 92nd Battle of the Saints annual cricket encounter which is scheduled to be played from March 19 to 21 at the SSC grounds. The Big Match is fought out for the Rev. Fr. Maurice LeGoc Trophy and no doubt it’s going to be a closely contested affair since the two teams are evenly balanced. Both teams will have a positive approach to bring about a result. more..

Mar 18 (ST) The Colombo Fraud Bureau (CFB) has informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court that it has yet to receive advice from the Attorney General on whether to name Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe and two others as suspects in the case involving the alleged fraudulent leasing of a building belonging to National Workers’ Congress in Dehiwala using a forged deed. CFB explained this to Mount Lavinia Magistrate Pasan Amarasena when the case was taken up recently. more..