Category: Local News

Motor Traffic Chief further remanded until April 10, 2026, in fraud probe

Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Kamal Amarasinghe, who was arrested by the CID over an alleged fraudulent vehicle assembly case, has been further remanded until April 10, 2026.



Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court goes fully digital with first-ever paperless hearing

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has taken a major step in its digital transformation by holding its first fully electronic, paperless open-court proceeding on March 26, 2026, following the launch of its e-Filing Portal under the e-Courts Project.



Sri Lanka welcomes over 700,000 tourists so far this year

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) states that the number of foreign tourists arriving in Sri Lanka so far in 2026 has surpassed the 700,000 mark.



Sri Lanka launches ‘Surakimu Lanka’ energy saving drive

Surakimu Lanka launched today (March 29) to encourage people to save energy and help protect Sri Lanka’s national energy security over the next five months.



Monaragala Pradeshiya Sabha Income Inspector arrested in bribery case

An income inspector of the Monaragala Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested today (March 29) after allegedly accepting a Rs. 50,000 bribe from two businessmen in exchange for not sealing a beef shop and public toilet and for helping them continue operating.



Russian Deputy FM Andrey Rudenko to visit Sri Lanka

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko will visit Sri Lanka on March 31, 2026 for official talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries.



Sri Lanka to launch digital asset declaration system

CIABOC will open Sri Lanka’s new centralized electronic assets and liabilities declaration system on March 31, 2026, marking a major step in enforcing the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023.



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.