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Russia urges end to Middle East hostilities, condemns US-Israel actions
Russia urges end to Middle East hostilities, condemns US-Israel actions
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday issued a strong statement condemning the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East blaming the United States and Israel for what it described as a ‘‘treacherous and unprovoked attack on Iran’‘ and calling for an immediate end to hostilities. MORE..
Iran navy chief vows ‘deadly’ response for IRIS Dena ship sinking
Iran navy chief vows ‘deadly’ response for IRIS Dena ship sinking
Iran’s navy commander Shahram Irani warned that Tehran’s enemies would face retaliation for the killing of dozens of sailors after the IRIS Dena was sunk in the Indian Ocean off Sri Lanka. MORE..
Wednesdays declared holidays for tuition classes
Wednesdays declared holidays for tuition classes
Due to ongoing fuel supply challenges, the Commissioner General of Essential Services, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, has requested not to conduct tuition classes on Wednesdays. MORE..
Govt’s objective is to create opportunities for all citizens to enjoy freedom – PM
Govt’s objective is to create opportunities for all citizens to enjoy freedom – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that freedom had long been limited to only a privileged segment of society and that the government’s objective is to create opportunities for all citizens to equally experience and enjoy that freedom. MORE..
Afghanistan says 400 killed in Pakistan air strike on Kabul hospital, Pakistan rejects claim
Afghanistan says 400 killed in Pakistan air strike on Kabul hospital, Pakistan rejects claim
At least 400 people were killed and 250 injured in an air strike by Pakistan on a drug users rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, a spokesman of the Afghan Taliban government said on Tuesday, a sharp escalation in the conflict between the neighbours. MORE..
Selected Health Ministry Departments to work from home on Wednesdays
Selected Health Ministry Departments to work from home on Wednesdays
In light of the prevailing global crisis and in line with government measures to minimize fuel consumption, the Ministry of Health has authorized officers in selected sectors to work from home every Wednesday. MORE..
Air traffic resumes in UAE, state media says
Air traffic resumes in UAE, state media says
Air traffic operations have returned to normal in the United Arab Emirates after a temporary closure earlier on Tuesday, state media is reporting, as cited by Reuters. MORE..
Trump upset as US partners reject call for Hormuz warship escorts
Trump upset as US partners reject call for Hormuz warship escorts
Several U.S. allies rebuffed Donald Trump’s call on Monday to send warships to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, drawing criticism from the U.S. president, who accused Western partners of ingratitude after decades of support. MORE..
Government schools to close on Wednesdays amid fuel shortage
Government schools to close on Wednesdays amid fuel shortage
The Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe, has announced that all government schools will remain closed on Wednesdays due to the ongoing fuel supply crisis.
US embassy in Iraq targeted by drone strikes
US embassy in Iraq targeted by drone strikes
The US embassy in Baghdad has been targeted by a wave of drone and rocket attacks, according to reports from Reuters and Agence France-Presse (AFP). MORE..
| March 17, 2026 6:59 am
Showers expected in parts of the island today
Showers expected in parts of the island today
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces after 2.00 pm, today (17), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..
Trump seeks to delay China summit due to Iran war
Trump seeks to delay China summit due to Iran war
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. MORE..
UAE temporarily closes airspace amid missile and drone threats from Iran
UAE temporarily closes airspace amid missile and drone threats from Iran
The United Arab Emirates’ air defences are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, Reuters reports. MORE..
Gulf states press US to neutralise Iran for good as Hormuz crisis deepens – report
Gulf states press US to neutralise Iran for good as Hormuz crisis deepens – report
Gulf Arab states did not ask the U.S. to go to war with Iran, but many are now urging it not to stop short by leaving the Islamic Republic still able to threaten the Gulf’s oil lifeline and the economies that depend on it, three Gulf sources told Reuters. MORE..
No fuel will be provided to those cutting the queues - Police
No fuel will be provided to those cutting the queues - Police
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W.P.J. Senadheera, has stated that no individuals attempting to bypass the queues at fuel stations will be permitted to obtain fuel. MORE..
| March 16, 2026 10:24 pm
National Fuel Pass system disruptions to be fully resolved by tomorrow – Ministry
National Fuel Pass system disruptions to be fully resolved by tomorrow – Ministry
The Ministry of Digital Economy has announced that the technical issues currently affecting the National Fuel Pass (NFP) system are being successfully resolved. MORE..
President leads high-level talks on energy management to safeguard economy and essential services
President leads high-level talks on energy management to safeguard economy and essential services
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that, in light of the challenges arising from the prevailing conflict situation in the Middle East, plans are being implemented to manage energy resources effectively while ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the country’s economic activities and essential services. MORE..
Wednesdays declared holiday for govt employees, schools & unis; private sector urged to do same
Wednesdays declared holiday for govt employees, schools & unis; private sector urged to do same
The Government has decided to declare Wednesdays of every week as a holiday for government sector employees with effect from March 18, 2026, after taking into consideration the current fuel situation in Sri Lanka. MORE..
| March 16, 2026 7:13 pm
Over 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler intercepted off Beruwala
Over 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler intercepted off Beruwala
The Sri Lanka Navy has revealed that the multi-day fishing trawler intercepted in the sea area off Beruwala and brought to the Dikkowita Harbour this evening (16) was discovered to be carrying over 250 kilograms of cocaine. MORE..
Weekly fuel quota for passenger buses to be increased
Weekly fuel quota for passenger buses to be increased
The Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC), P. A. Chandrapala, stated that arrangements are being made to provide a weekly fuel quota ranging from 60 to 360 litres for passenger transport buses. MORE..
| March 16, 2026 5:31 pm
Starmer says UK will not be drawn into wider Iran war
Starmer says UK will not be drawn into wider Iran war
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not be drawn into a wider war in Iran but would work with allies including those in Europe to reopen the key Strait of Hormuz, although he acknowledged that it would not be easy. MORE..
Only 50% of private buses will operate if fuel supplied through SLTB depots - LPBOA
Only 50% of private buses will operate if fuel supplied through SLTB depots - LPBOA
The President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne, stated that private passenger buses are currently facing numerous difficulties in obtaining fuel from depots belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). MORE..
Vehicle importers raise concerns over QR code–based fuel quota system
Vehicle importers raise concerns over QR code–based fuel quota system
President of the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL), Prasad Manage, says that vehicle importers have encountered difficulties due to the QR code–based fuel quota system introduced by the government for fuel distribution. MORE..
QR-based fuel quota system not necessary if public conserves fuel – Dy Minister
QR-based fuel quota system not necessary if public conserves fuel – Dy Minister
The Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, stated that a QR code-based fuel quota system would not be necessary if the public uses fuel sparingly in light of the current crisis. MORE..
| March 16, 2026 3:46 pm
China calls for immediate cease to military operations, after Trump’s comments
China calls for immediate cease to military operations, after Trump’s comments
China has responded after President Trump earlier, in an interview with UK newspaper the Financial Times, threatened to delay a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if Beijing doesn’t send help to secure the Strait of Hormuz. MORE..