Five CEYPETCO officials to oversee ministries; QR fuel system for key sectors

A committee chaired by Minister Bimal Rathnayake has decided to appoint five Ceylon Petroleum Corporation officials to handle fuel-related issues across all ministries and help prevent supply shortages and price increases ahead of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year.



Sri Lanka to launch new railway ticketing system

Sri Lanka plans to introduce a new railway ticketing system at all stations, starting with a pilot run in April on the Kelani Valley line, with the full project expected to be completed within this year.



Sri Lanka Navy rescues sick crew member from Chinese vessel

Sri Lanka Navy carried out an emergency medical evacuation of a crew member from a Chinese-flagged vessel on March 27, 2026, after the ship reported a health emergency while sailing about 700 nautical miles from Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Region.



Motor Traffic Chief arrested by CID

Kamal Amarasinghe, the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, was arrested today (March 27) by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).



Supreme Court orders Keheliya to pay Rs. 75 Million over illegal drug purchase

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ruled that former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and several other officials violated fundamental rights by buying medical supplies from an unregistered company outside proper procurement procedures under the Indian credit scheme in 2022.



Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody faces corruption charges

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody, was served with an indictment today (March 27) before the Colombo High Court in connection with a corruption charge.



Court orders fresh trial in Raviraj murder case, overturns 2016 acquittal

The Court of Appeal has ordered a fresh trial into the 2006 murder of former TNA MP Nadaraja Raviraj, setting aside the Colombo High Court judgment that cleared five accused, including three Navy intelligence officers.



Man gets 21-day jail term for petrol possession in Kobeigane

A 48-year-old man from Kobeigane was sentenced to 21 days in prison and fined Rs. 1,500 for illegally possessing four litres of petrol during a period of fuel restrictions.



Sri Lanka Police arrest three in fuel hoarding raids across three areas

Sri Lanka Police on March 26, 2026, arrested three suspects in Negombo, Puthukkudiyiruppu, and Hingurakgoda for possessing large quantities of diesel and kerosene without licenses.



Police sergeant arrested over alleged bribery in Akkaraipattu

A Traffic Division police sergeant attached to the Akkaraipattu Police Station was arrested by bribery investigators inside Akkaraipattu Hospital on March 26, 2026, over allegations that he demanded and accepted a bribe to avoid legal action in connection with a road accident.



Czech monk dies after leopard attack in Panama

A 43-year-old Czech monk staying as a meditation practitioner at the Bambaragasthalawa Forest Hermitage in the Panama Police Division has died after reportedly being bitten by a leopard.



Russia pledges support to Sri Lanka amid Middle East crisis

Russia has assured Sri Lanka of its support in facing any challenges caused by the Middle East conflict, Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Marshavin said during a meeting with Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today (March 26).



Russia agrees immediate fuel supply to Sri Lanka

Russia has agreed to supply fuel to Sri Lanka and is ready to immediately provide refined petroleum products, as both sides move toward a possible long-term deal to strengthen fuel security and energy cooperation.



Court orders Suresh Sallay to be produced on April 22, 2026

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (March 26) ordered that Suresh Sallay, the former head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), who is being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, be produced before the court on April 22, 2026.



Sri Lanka exports rise to $1.4 Billion in February on services surge

Sri Lanka’s total exports reached US$ 1,401.78 million in February 2026, marking a 4.22% year-on-year increase, driven by strong growth in services exports.



Russian Deputy Energy Minister arrives in Sri Lanka for fuel talks

Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin arrived in Sri Lanka today (March 26) for a three-day visit, as talks on securing fuel supplies from Russia move forward.