The threat to ships carrying oil in the Middle East is at its worst since the Iran war started, experts have said, after a spate of attacks on another key route in the region.

The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has approved a Rs. 71.7 billion relief package introduced through Supplementary Estimate No. 03 of 2026 to assist people affected by economic impacts arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Department of Communication of Parliament said.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a Red Warning for strong winds and rough sea conditions in the sea areas extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has extended the ban on fishing activities in sea areas from Puttalam to Pottuvil due to strong winds and rough sea conditions.

A fire broke out at a shop located on Main Street in Pettah this evening.

Water supply to several areas will be temporarily suspended tomorrow (04) due to essential maintenance work being carried out at the Kandana Water Treatment Plant, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced.

Several roads across the country have been temporarily closed to vehicular traffic due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Road Development Authority (RDA) said.

The office of the Commission on Public Sector Salaries and Pensions will commence operations tomorrow (04) with the opening of its office at 10.00 a.m. on Malalasekara Mawatha, Colombo 07.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (03) met representatives of an alliance comprising six Tamil and Muslim political parties to discuss constitutional reforms, Provincial Council elections and a range of issues affecting Tamil-speaking communities.

A total of 2,331 individuals from 581 families have been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions in the Nuwara Eliya District.