Category: Local News

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%.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, stated that the visa period for workers who have left Israel for holidays or other purposes has been extended until April 30, 2026.

Sri Lanka’s energy supply is facing pressure due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, prompting urgent government measures and increased fuel and gas imports, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed all Ministries to implement practical, data-driven fuel conservation plans and submit reports promptly to ensure minimal energy use.

Sri Lanka may face higher electricity costs and possible power cuts due to reduced generation and global diesel shortages, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa warned in Parliament today (March 17).

Former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has left the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) after giving a statement regarding an ongoing investigation.

Public transport in Sri Lanka will be restricted on Wednesdays after the government declared every Wednesday a public holiday from March 17, 2026, due to a fuel shortage linked to the Middle East conflict, with travel limited to essential needs.