Category: Local News

Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attended as the chief guest at the India–Sri Lanka Defence Industry Seminar held yesterday (March 25) at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo.

Former SIS Director Suresh Sallay, detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) over Easter Sunday attack allegations, has been admitted to the National Hospital of Colombo following a sudden illness.

Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves rose to USD 7.3 billion by the end of February 2026, showing a steady strengthening of the country’s external position.

Sri Lanka Police seized a total of 6,872 liters of diesel and petrol hidden at a house in Gonapola on March 24, 2026, and arrested a 46-year-old suspect for illegal possession without a license.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a telephone conversation this evening (March 24) with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the escalating war situation in the Middle East.

The special room reserved for the President of Sri Lanka at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital was opened to the general public for treatment today (March 24), following instructions from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to increase the amount approved for Sri Lanka for this year (2026) from USD 380 million to USD 480 million, and to promptly disburse USD 200 million of that total in light of the current situation.

Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe was arrested at around 9:10 a.m. today (March 24) by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on charges of corruption.

Sri Lanka has approved a new programme to promote QR-based digital payments by removing fees on transactions below Rs. 5,000 to boost digital adoption and reduce cash use.

Cement prices in Sri Lanka have increased by Rs. 150 to Rs. 175 due to rising production costs.

Due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East and the risk of fuel import disruptions to Sri Lanka, new nationwide guidelines have been issued to strictly manage fuel and energy use while ensuring uninterrupted essential services.

A 41-year-old man was arrested in Serunuwara on March 23, 2026, for illegally possessing and selling 1,820 liters of diesel without a license.

The bus fares in Sri Lanka will be increased by 12.19% with effect from midnight today (March 23).

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered urgent measures to protect the country’s energy supply, calling on the public to reduce electricity use during peak hours from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

The Road Passenger Transport Authority of the Western Province has decided to increase the three-wheeler fare for the first kilometre by Rs. 10 due to the recent fuel price hike.

The Bakery Owners’ Association in Sri Lanka has decided to increase the price of a 450g loaf of bread by Rs. 10, effective from midnight today (March 23).