Marc-André Franche welcomed the Government of Sri Lanka’s focus on humanitarian assistance based on principles of the United Nations and international conventions. He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka has maintained the country’s commitment to multilateralism, neutrality and peace.

UN official welcomes Sri Lanka’s focus on humanitarian assistance

US Embassy clarifies social media post to American citizens in Sri Lanka

Parliament of Sri Lanka approved the extension of the State of Public Emergency by a majority of 100 votes this evening(06). A total of 108 Members of Parliament voted in favour of the proposal, while 8 opposition MPs voted against it.

Parliament approves extension of State of Public Emergency

The Police have issued a warning to prevent the misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, which could threaten national security or facilitate terrorist activities. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has directed all police stations to ensure that institutions importing drones and drone parts, as well as businesses involved in selling or repairing them, fully comply with the Civil Aviation Act No. 14 of 2010. This includes maintaining proper records and adhering to regulations set forth by the law. Recent intelligence indicates that some institutions may be importing drones and spare parts in ways that pose security risks. The police have expressed concern that current handling of drone imports, sales, and related services may not fully align with legal requirements. Under the Civil Aviation Act, all drone operations within Sri Lanka must be authorized and regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority. The Authority has the authority to suspend, restrict, or permit drone use based on safety and security considerations. Notably, the Authority has previously suspended existing drone permits due to national security concerns. The police emphasise the importance of strict adherence to legal procedures to prevent the potential misuse of drones for unlawful activities.

Police issues warning to prevent misuse of drones in national security threats

Central Bank of Sri Lanka stated that Sri Lanka’s official reserve assets rose to USD 7,284 million in February 2026. This marks a 6.6% increase from USD 6,832 million recorded in January. The country’s reserves have surpassed the USD 7 billion mark for the first time since August 2020. The CBSL noted that the total includes proceeds from a swap arrangement with the People's Bank of China.

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves exceed USD 7 billion

Indonesia will ban social media for children under 16, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said Friday. Hafid in a statement to media said that she just signed a government regulation that will mean children under the age of 16 can no longer have accounts on high-risk digital platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox. The implementation will start gradually on March 28. ‘‘The basis is clear. Our children face increasingly real threats. From exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and most importantly addiction.&nbsp; The government is here so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the giant of algorithms.’‘ Hafid said. Source: AP

Indonesia to ban social media for children under 16

Iranian media reported that Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held separate phone calls with Sri Lankan and Indian counterparts. Araqchi condemned U.S. targeting of the Iranian Dena warship in international waters, calling it a violation of international law and said Tehran would pursue legal accountability. He also thanked Sri Lanka for rescuing Dena’s crew and stressed the importance of protecting Iranian vessels and personnel, media reported. The IRIS Dena was sunk by the U.S. on Wednesday, 19 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s southern port city of Galle. Source: Reuters

Iran’s FM thanks Sri Lanka for helping rescue sailors after US strike

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath announced that he had a phone call today (6) with Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, to discuss the current regional situation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Minister Herath stated, “Exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.” He also expressed appreciation for Oman’s ongoing support to the Sri Lankan community residing in Oman. Minister Albusaidi assured that the Omani government remains committed to the welfare and well-being of Sri Lankan nationals in the country.

Oman’s Foreign Minister assures welfare and well-being of Sri Lankans

The Committee on Public Accounts approved forwarding a report on the Department of Motor Traffic Sri Lanka to the Attorney General's Department of Sri Lanka for further action. The decision was taken at a COPA meeting held in Parliament of Sri Lanka on 4 March under the chairmanship of Kabir Hashim. COPA noted that further action is required regarding 25 cases of fraud, corruption and irregularities reported within the department. The report will be sent to the Attorney General after it is submitted to and approved by Parliament.

UN official welcomes Sri Lanka’s focus on humanitarian assis ...

US Embassy clarifies social media post to American citizens in Sri Lan ...

US Embassy clarifies social me ...

Parliament approves extension of State of Public Emergency

Parliament approves extension ...

Police issues warning to prevent misuse of drones in national security ...

Police issues warning to preve ...

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves exceed USD 7 billion

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves e ...

Indonesia to ban social media for children under 16

Indonesia to ban social media ...

Iran’s FM thanks Sri Lanka for helping rescue sailors after US strike

Iran’s FM thanks Sri Lanka for ...

Oman’s Foreign Minister assures welfare and well-being of Sri Lankans

Oman’s Foreign Minister assure ...

COPA approves sending DMT report to Attorney General

COPA approves sending DMT repo ...

US Embassy clarifies social media post to American citizens in Sri Lan ...

US Embassy clarifies social me ...

Parliament approves extension of State of Public Emergency

Parliament approves extension ...

Police issues warning to prevent misuse of drones in national security ...

Police issues warning to preve ...

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves exceed USD 7 billion

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves e ...

Indonesia to ban social media for children under 16

Indonesia to ban social media ...

Iran’s FM thanks Sri Lanka for helping rescue sailors after US strike

Iran’s FM thanks Sri Lanka for ...

Oman’s Foreign Minister assures welfare and well-being of Sri Lankans

Oman’s Foreign Minister assure ...

COPA approves sending DMT report to Attorney General

COPA approves sending DMT repo ...

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US Embassy clarifies social media post to American citizens in Sri Lan ...

US Embassy clarifies social me ...

Parliament approves extension of State of Public Emergency

Parliament approves extension ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Police issues warning to prevent misuse of drones in national security ...

Police issues warning to preve ...

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves exceed USD 7 billion

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves e ...

Indonesia to ban social media for children under 16

Indonesia to ban social media ...

Iran’s FM thanks Sri Lanka for helping rescue sailors after US strike

Iran’s FM thanks Sri Lanka for ...