Hot News
Netanyahu posts video in response to online rumours that he is dead
Netanyahu posts video in response to online rumours that he is dead
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video of himself getting a cup of coffee and chatting with his aide on Sunday, after rumours that he was dead or injured were aired by Iranian state media and spread online in Iran. MORE..
| March 16, 2026 12:00 am
Iran denies asking for ceasefire or talks after Trump claims it wants deal to end war
Iran denies asking for ceasefire or talks after Trump claims it wants deal to end war
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran was not interested in talks with the United States, pushing back on US President Donald Trump’s stance that Tehran wants a deal to end the war. MORE..
India and Sri Lanka’s ports should be complementary rather than competitive: Senasinghe
India and Sri Lanka’s ports should be complementary rather than competitive: Senasinghe
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lankan Member of Parliament Sujeewa Senasinghe delivered a keynote address at the NXT Conclave 2026 in new Delhi on the future of sea trade and transshipment between India and Sri Lanka. MORE..
Lebanon says 850 killed in two weeks of Israel-Hezbollah war
Lebanon says 850 killed in two weeks of Israel-Hezbollah war
Lebanon’s health ministry said on Sunday that Israeli attacks have killed 850 people in the country during two weeks of war between Israel and Hezbollah. MORE..
Average US gas prices reach $3.70 — up almost 24% since start of Iran war
Average US gas prices reach $3.70 — up almost 24% since start of Iran war
US gas prices reached an average of $3.70 a gallon today, according to AAA, a near 24% increase since the war in Iran began on February 28. MORE..
No shortage of fuel expected until end of next month, fuel to be issued with police supervision – CPC
No shortage of fuel expected until end of next month, fuel to be issued with police supervision – CPC
Fuel will only be distributed through the QR code system at filling stations from now on, with the assistance and supervision of police, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced. MORE..
Pope Leo calls for ceasefire in Middle East amid ‘horrific violence of war’
Pope Leo calls for ceasefire in Middle East amid ‘horrific violence of war’
Pope Leo XIV has called for a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict as Israel and Iran continue to trade blows and the death toll across the region mounts. MORE..
Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces and districts
Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces and districts
A warm weather advisory has been issued for residents of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in THE Monaragala, Mannar, Anuradhapura and Vavuniya districts. MORE..
Israel to continue Iran campaign for at least three more weeks
Israel to continue Iran campaign for at least three more weeks
The Israeli military is planning at least three more weeks of its campaign against Iran with “thousands of targets” remaining, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military spokesperson told CNN Sunday. MORE..
Four more members of Iran’s women’s soccer team withdraw Australia asylum claims
Four more members of Iran’s women’s soccer team withdraw Australia asylum claims
Four more members of the Iranian women’s soccer squad withdrew their asylum requests to the Australian government after facing pressure from Tehran, two sources close to the team have said. MORE..
Possible increase in prices of imported goods amid Middle East conflict – Dy Minister
Possible increase in prices of imported goods amid Middle East conflict – Dy Minister
Deputy Minister of Trade RM Jayawardena has warned that Sri Lanka may experience a rise in the prices of imported goods due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in fuel transportation. MORE..
Oil poised for further gains as Middle East conflict threatens export facilities
Oil poised for further gains as Middle East conflict threatens export facilities
Oil prices could extend gains at Monday’s open as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran entered a third week, putting oil infrastructure at risk and keeping the Strait of Hormuz shut in the world’s largest supply disruption. MORE..
President reviews energy supply measures amid Middle East conflict
President reviews energy supply measures amid Middle East conflict
A special discussion has been held at the President’s Office this afternoon (15) on the next steps to be taken amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. MORE..
Navy intercepts another multi-day fishing vessel carrying suspected narcotics
Navy intercepts another multi-day fishing vessel carrying suspected narcotics
Five suspects have been taken into custody by the Sri Lanka Navy along with a local multi-day fishing vessel that was transporting a stock of sacks suspected to contain narcotics.
New curriculum will be introduced for preschools next year: PM Harini
New curriculum will be introduced for preschools next year: PM Harini
A new curriculum will be introduced for preschools in 2027, while steps will also be taken to train teachers accordingly and to regulate preschools through a regulatory authority, the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated. MORE..
QR fuel allocations insufficient for medical services: GMOA
QR fuel allocations insufficient for medical services: GMOA
The fuel allocations proposed under the QR code system are insufficient, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has stated. MORE..
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in good health, Iran FM says
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in good health, Iran FM says
The health of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is good, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Al Araby Al Jadeed, APA reports. MORE..
Emergency measures discussed to maintain health, agriculture and education services in Sri Lanka
Emergency measures discussed to maintain health, agriculture and education services in Sri Lanka
Amid the ongoing wartime situation in the Middle East, the President’s Office today (15) held a meeting with secretaries of relevant ministries and heads of institutions to discuss challenges encountered in maintaining essential public services.
QR code process to obtain fuel quotas through National Fuel Pass system fully restored: Govt
QR code process to obtain fuel quotas through National Fuel Pass system fully restored: Govt
The QR code process to obtain fuel quotas through the National Fuel Pass system has now been fully restored and is currently operating normally, the Ministry of Digital Economy has announced.
All PSC-approved 2026 transfers to take effect on April 2
All PSC-approved 2026 transfers to take effect on April 2
All transfers approved for the year 2026 must be implemented starting from April 2, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced. MORE..
More than 100 hospitalised in Israel over past 24 hours
More than 100 hospitalised in Israel over past 24 hours
The Israeli health ministry has confirmed that 108 people have been taken to hospital with injuries in the past 24 hours. MORE..
Fuelpass registration now available for unregistered and transferred vehicles
Fuelpass registration now available for unregistered and transferred vehicles
The registration process under the QR code system has now been restored for new vehicles, vehicles that were transferred to a new owner and previously unregistered vehicles, authorities have confirmed. MORE..
Sri Lanka calls for immediate de-escalation of tensions in Middle East
Sri Lanka calls for immediate de-escalation of tensions in Middle East
Sri Lanka is deeply concerned by the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East and West Asia, which poses a direct threat to the civilian population, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. MORE..
Be mindful of accuracy of information before sharing it on social media: PM Harini
Be mindful of accuracy of information before sharing it on social media: PM Harini
The weakening of public trust in information disseminated through the media is extremely dangerous for a society, and therefore people must be mindful of the truthfulness of information before sharing it on social media, according to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. MORE..
| March 15, 2026 1:27 pm
Iran arrests 20 suspected Israeli spies
Iran arrests 20 suspected Israeli spies
Iranian law enforcement authorities have arrested 20 people in the city of Urmia, the administrative center of West Azerbaijan Province, on suspicion of espionage and collaboration with Israeli intelligence, Tasnim News Agency reports. MORE..