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‘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..
Two LP gas ships arrive in Sri Lanka
Two LP gas ships arrive in Sri Lanka
Two liquefied petroleum gas carriers docked this morning (18) at the Thaldiyawatta gas unloading jetty in Uswetakeiyawa. MORE..
| March 18, 2026 10:33 am
Duo arrested with over 10kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA
Duo arrested with over 10kg of ‘Kush’ at BIA
Two Sri Lankans have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning while attempting to smuggle a stock of ‘Kush’ cannabis worth Rs. 105 million into the country. MORE..
INTERPOL: 45,000 malicious IP addresses taken down in international cyber operation
INTERPOL: 45,000 malicious IP addresses taken down in international cyber operation
An international cybercrime operation targeting phishing, malware and ransomware has seen the INTERPOL take down more than 45,000 malicious IP addresses and servers, the organisation has announced. MORE..
Australia announces temporary travel ban for specified group of visitors
Australia announces temporary travel ban for specified group of visitors
Australia has introduced a new legislation under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026, allowing a temporary ban for a specified group of travellers to travel to the country during international crises. MORE..
Oil prices drop as Iraqi and Kurdish authorities agree to export deal
Oil prices drop as Iraqi and Kurdish authorities agree to export deal
Oil prices eased on Wednesday to pare back some of Tuesday’s sharp gains after the Iraqi government and Kurdish authorities reached a deal to resume oil exports via Turkey’s Ceyhan port, providing modest relief to concerns about Middle East supplies. MORE..
Iran’s army chief threatens ‘decisive’ retaliation for killing of Larijani
Iran’s army chief threatens ‘decisive’ retaliation for killing of Larijani
Iranian army chief Amir Hatami has threatened to launch a “decisive” retaliation for the killing of security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli air strike. MORE..
Australian facilities damaged in Iranian attack on Middle East air base
Australian facilities damaged in Iranian attack on Middle East air base
Iran has launched an attack on an air base in the Middle East where Australian soldiers are stationed, starting a fire that damaged Australian medical and accommodation facilities. MORE..
Israel extends re-entry visas for Sri Lankans and overseas workers
Israel extends re-entry visas for Sri Lankans and overseas workers
Visas of workers who have left Israel for vacation or other purposes have been extended until April 30, 2026, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara stated. MORE..
British Airways to resume flights to Colombo
British Airways to resume flights to Colombo
British Airways has announced that it will resume flights to Colombo in October. MORE..
Two killed in Iranian strike on Tel Aviv
Two killed in Iranian strike on Tel Aviv
Two people have been killed during an Iranian missile attack that struck “several” sites around Tel Aviv, local police said. MORE..
Batch of US-donated TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters leaves for Sri Lanka
Batch of US-donated TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters leaves for Sri Lanka
The United States Government has commenced transferring a total of 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C. stated. MORE..