Sri Lanka reaffirms neutrality amid global crisis, moves to secure energy supply

IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said Sri Lanka’s economy is showing solid recovery, but rising global risks, especially from the Middle East, could impact its future performance.

Sri Lanka and Japan strengthened defence ties through high-level talks, strategic briefings, and naval cooperation discussions during the Japan-Sri Lanka Defence Dialogue in Tokyo on March 18, 2026.

A man who transported fuel in a lorry and kept 65 liters of petrol in his possession without a license was yesterday (March 19) ordered by Mount Lavinia Magistrate Pasan Amarasena to pay a fine of Rs. 2,500 and serve a mandatory two-month prison sentence.

SriLankan Airlines and the Government of Sri Lanka have completed a major international bond restructuring with over 99% participation, marking a key step in the airline’s recovery.

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today (March 19) ruled that the police violated the fundamental rights of Wasantha Mudalige, former convenor of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF), by arresting and detaining him under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) during the 2022 protest movement.

Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), has begun a two-day official visit to Japan for the 2nd Japan–Sri Lanka Defence Dialogue, focusing on defence cooperation and maritime security.

Sri Lanka’s Bribery Commission told the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (March 19) that former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, in a statement given to investigators, had said that Rs. 60 million from bribe money linked to the Airbus deal was paid to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Opposition today handed over a no confidence motion against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held urgent talks on Middle East tensions, with Sri Lanka expressing solidarity with Qatar and both leaders calling for stability.

A Sri Lanka Police Sub-Inspector was arrested for allegedly taking a total bribe of Rs. 10,000 to allow illegal roadside activities at the Ragama marketplace.

Sri Lanka has introduced a new system feature from today (March 19) allowing vehicle owners to easily obtain their fuel QR code even if the original registered mobile number is no longer in use.

Fuel distribution under the QR system in Sri Lanka begins today (March 19) with an odd-even number plate rule.

Sri Lanka has issued 5.5 million fuel QR codes while resolving most technical issues and introducing WhatsApp support for those still facing difficulties.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has announced that a new fuel distribution system will come into effect starting tomorrow (March 19), based on the last digit of vehicle license plate numbers.

The Department of Census and Statistics states that Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate for 2025 is estimated at 5%.