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Over 124,000 arrests made under ‘A Nation United’ programme since October 2025
Over 124,000 arrests made under ‘A Nation United’ programme since October 2025
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the quantitative increase in arrests of drugs and drug-related individuals is a positive development, while emphasising that ensuring public confidence, as well as that of operational teams, in the destruction of seized drug stocks is a priority. MORE..
Iran confirms intelligence minister killed in Israeli strike
Iran confirms intelligence minister killed in Israeli strike
Iran has confirmed that Intelligence minister Esmail Khatib was killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday. Taking to X, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the “cowardly assassination” and offered his condolences. MORE..
Iran’s huge Gulf gas field is struck in major escalation
Iran’s huge Gulf gas field is struck in major escalation
Iran’s huge Pars gas field was hit on Wednesday in the first reported strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure in the Gulf during the U.S.-Israeli war, a major escalation that prompted Tehran to warn its neighbours to evacuate their energy installations. MORE..
Notice on documents accepted to verify vehicle registration numbers
Notice on documents accepted to verify vehicle registration numbers
The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has issued a statement regarding the accepted forms of documents that can be produced to verify the identification of a vehicle if required to do so when obtaining fuel under the National Fuel Pass system. MORE..
Iranian footballers return home after dropping Australian asylum bids
Iranian footballers return home after dropping Australian asylum bids
Five members of Iran’s national women’s football team who dropped their bids for Australian asylum have returned to the country with the rest of the squad. MORE..
Longest extra-wide Bailey Bridge installed by India in Sri Lanka inaugurated
Longest extra-wide Bailey Bridge installed by India in Sri Lanka inaugurated
A 240-foot Bailey Bridge on the Chilaw–Thoduwawa Road, connecting the coastal villages of Thoduwawa and Iranawila, was inaugurated today (18) under India’s post-Ditwah reconstruction assistance programme. MORE..
No-confidence motion against Energy Minister to be submitted to Speaker tomorrow
No-confidence motion against Energy Minister to be submitted to Speaker tomorrow
A motion of no-confidence against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, signed by opposition Members of Parliament, will be handed over to the Speaker of Parliament tomorrow (19). MORE..
China vows stronger law enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka to curb online fraud
China vows stronger law enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka to curb online fraud
China has reaffirmed its strong commitment to cracking down on telecommunications and online fraud, while pledging to further strengthen law enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka. MORE..
Ministry issues directive on fuel allocation registration for tourism sector
Ministry issues directive on fuel allocation registration for tourism sector
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism has issued an official announcement outlining the registration process for obtaining fuel allocations for the tourism industry. MORE..
Concerns raised over placing burden of inferior coal costs on the public
Concerns raised over placing burden of inferior coal costs on the public
The Deputy President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (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. MORE..
Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces for tomorrow
Warm weather advisory issued for several provinces for tomorrow
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. MORE..
‘War upon our shores’: Namal calls Indian Ocean the new global ‘economic highway,’ warns of global system collapse
‘War upon our shores’: Namal calls Indian Ocean the new global ‘economic highway,’ warns of global system collapse
Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa, speaking at WION’s World Pulse summit on Wednesday (Mar 18), said the global system is undergoing a major transformation, adding that “global institutions are being tested like never before.” MORE..
Iranian intelligence minister killed, Israel says
Iranian intelligence minister killed, Israel says
Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib, has been killed overnight, according to the Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz. MORE..
Actions underway to launch Grade 6 educational reforms in 2027
Actions underway to launch Grade 6 educational reforms in 2027
Steps have been taken to monitor the progress of the new education reform process introduced for Grade One, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division. MORE..
Vehicle parking fees in Colombo suspended until further notice – CMC
Vehicle parking fees in Colombo suspended until further notice – CMC
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has announced the suspension of vehicle parking fee collection across its jurisdiction until further notice. MORE..
Public warned on emerging online financial scams exploiting names of reputable institutions
Public warned on emerging online financial scams exploiting names of reputable institutions
Sri Lanka Police states that despite continuous public awareness efforts regarding fraudulent activities and financial crimes carried out through the internet and modern technology, the number of complaints related to such scams is steadily increasing. MORE..
Advisory issued for severe lightning
Advisory issued for severe lightning
An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Central, Southern, Uva, North-Western provinces and Mannar district. MORE..
Air Force warns against unauthorized drone use
Air Force warns against unauthorized drone use
Both local and foreign nationals have been warned against operating drones within Sri Lanka without proper authorization, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has announced. MORE..
Four killed, 40 injured following accident involving two buses in Weerawila
Four killed, 40 injured following accident involving two buses in Weerawila
At least four individuals have been killed in a head-on collision involving two buses along the Ambalantota–Kataragama road in Weerawila, police stated. MORE..
| March 18, 2026 12:31 pm
Public advised to resolve QR code issues before visiting filling stations
Public advised to resolve QR code issues before visiting filling stations
The Filling Station Owners’ Association has advised the general public to resolve any issues related to their QR codes prior to visiting filling stations, with the regulation being enforced strictly from today (18). MORE..
| March 18, 2026 12:16 pm
WhatsApp service introduced to register for National Fuel Pass
WhatsApp service introduced to register for National Fuel Pass
The Ministry of Digital Economy has introduced a special WhatsApp number to assist with registering for the National Fuel Pass (QR code). MORE..
Sri Lanka to dispense fuel for vehicles on ‘odd–even’ basis
Sri Lanka to dispense fuel for vehicles on ‘odd–even’ basis
Owners of vehicles will be allowed to purchase fuel under an odd–even number plate system from today (19), according to the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage. MORE..
Govt introduces new fuel management system to support fisheries sector
Govt introduces new fuel management system to support fisheries sector
The Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources, Dr. B. K. Kolita Kamal Jinadasa, has announced the implementation of a new fuel management system aimed at ensuring the continued sustainability of the fisheries sector. MORE..
Naval escorts could make tankers a target for Iran, warns UN maritime chief
Naval escorts could make tankers a target for Iran, warns UN maritime chief
Naval escorts will not guarantee safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz and could even present a target for Iran as it attempts to leverage control of the vital shipping lane, the head of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has warned. MORE..
Minister assures uninterrupted fuel supply to operators in tourism industry
Minister assures uninterrupted fuel supply to operators in tourism industry
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe has assured that the tourism industry will remain safeguarded against any potential fuel disruptions affecting other sectors of the country. MORE..