Iran stops Pakistan-bound ship from crossing Hormuz over lack of permission
A Pakistan-bound container ship has been stopped from crossing the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces amid the escalating war in the Middle East. The vessel, SELEN, sailing from the United Arab Emirates’ Sharjah anchorage toward Karachi, was forced to reverse course at the entrance to the crucial waterways due to the absence of transit authorisation, according to the Islamic …
Continue Reading
Kim Jong Un says Iran war justifies North Korea’s decision to keep its nuclear weapons
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has said that the US’ war with Iran proves his country made the right decision to keep its nuclear weapons. In a speech to North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly on Tuesday, Kim accused Washington of “acts of state sponsored terrorism and aggression.” “The present situation clearly proves” that North Korea was justified in rejecting what …
Continue Reading
Select Committee of Parliament to conduct a comprehensive study on the lack of preparedness to face Cyclone Ditwah Meets for the First Time
The Select Committee of Parliament to conduct a comprehensive study on the lack of preparedness to face Cyclone Ditwah and report to Parliament and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, met for the first time on 19.03.2026 at Parliament under the chairmanship of Minister (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa. Addressing the meeting, the Chair emphasized the importance of gaining a …
Continue Reading
Disability should be viewed not only from a medical perspective but also from social and human rights perspectives – Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni
Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni, stated that disability should be viewed not only from a medical perspective but also from social and human rights perspectives. He made these remarks while participating in an awareness programme on service delivery for persons with disabilities, held on 20th March 2026, at the auditorium of the National Epilepsy Centre of the …
Continue Reading
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability Meets for Two Days
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability met in Parliament on 04.03.2026 and 05.03.2026 under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament Hector Appuhamy. During these meetings, discussions were held with officials from relevant institutions on several sectors requiring timely attention. Accordingly, the Committee held extensive discussions on the challenges, obstacles, and issues related to the administration of …
Continue Reading
Dimuth Bhashitha Atapattu Appointed Director General of Data Protection Authority
Mr. Dimuth Bhashitha Atapattu, an officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS), has been appointed as the new Director General of the Data Protection Authority with effect from 05 March 2026. This appointment marks a significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s personal data protection framework, as it establishes a permanent Director General for the Authority. The move is expected to enhance …
Continue Reading
Iranian media say no direct or indirect contact with Trump, claim he ‘backed down’
Iran’s Fars news agency, quoting an unnamed Iranian source, says there has been no direct contact with US President Donald Trump, “not through an intermediary”. The source claimed Trump “backed down” after being warned that Iran would target power plants across the Gulf and in Israel. The report added that Trump had said talks with Iran were under way, despite …
Continue Reading
Brent crude falls to $96 as Trump orders delay in military action on Iran
Oil prices fell by more than 13 percent after Trump said he would order the military to postpone any strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. Brent crude futures had fallen about $17, or 15 percent to a session low of $96 a barrel by 11:08 GMT while US West Texas Intermediate had fallen $13, or about 13.5 percent, …
Continue Reading
Comprehensive Measures Planned to Enhance Energy Conservation with Public Support – President instructs officials
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed the officials to take all possible measures to safeguard the country’s energy conservation by raising public awareness on the prudent use of energy during the peak consumption period between 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m., while ensuring the active participation of the public in these efforts. The President emphasised that, in the face of the global …
Continue Reading
Facebook offering TikTok and YouTube creators $3,000 to post content
Facebook is offering larger influencers $3,000 (£2,260) a month to post on the platform, as part of its Content Fast Track programme. The social media giant, which has over 3bn users, says the scheme is for creators with over a million followers on other video-sharing sites, citing Instagram, TikTok and YouTube in the scheme’s announcement. Parent company Meta said it …
Continue Reading
