The Government of Sri Lanka has declared Wednesdays as a holiday for public sector employees with effect from 18 March 2026. The Commissioner General of Essential Services stated that the decision was taken due to the prevailing fuel constraints in the country.

Wednesdays declared holiday for public sector amid fuel crisis

Russia has fined the Telegram messaging app 35 million roubles ($432,366) for failing to remove banned content, Russia’s Interfax news agency reported on ⁠Monday. Authorities have repeatedly accused Telegram, one of the most popular messaging apps in Russia, of allowing itself to be used as a platform ⁠for illegal and extremist content. Telegram rejects the charge and has accused ⁠Russia of trying to throttle its services in order ⁠to force people to switch to ⁠a state-run app called MAX. Source: Reuters

Russia fines Telegram app for failing to remove banned content

The Sri Lanka Navy stated that nearly 250 kilograms of cocaine were discovered on a multi-day fishing trawler intercepted off Beruwala. The vessel was brought to Dikkowita Harbour today (16), where the narcotics were found during inspection.

Nearly 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler off Beruwala

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not be drawn into a wider war in Iran but would work with allies including those in Europe to reopen the key Strait of Hormuz, although he acknowledged that it would not be easy. Starmer, who has faced pressure from critics at home and from U.S. President Donald Trump over what support to provide for the strikes on Iran, said reopening a waterway that is vital for oil and liquefied natural gas was key to stabilising energy markets. He also set out the first financial support as a result of the conflict, a 53-million-pound ($70.30 million) package for the most vulnerable households which rely on heating oil, an energy source which has spiked after the launch of the conflict. Trump said at the weekend that he wanted allies including China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and others to send ships to the area to keep the Strait open and safe. Starmer told a press conference on Monday that ultimately the Strait of Hormuz had to be reopened to “ensure stability in the (oil) market”. But he added: “That is not a simple task”. “So we’re working with all of our allies, including our European partners, to bring together a viable collective plan that can restore freedom of navigation in the region as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact.” About a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the strait, a narrow passage of water between Iran and Oman. Tehran’s ability to stop shipping through the channel could give it enormous leverage over the U.S. and its allies. Source: Reuters

Starmer says UK will not be drawn into wider Iran war

The National Transport Commission (NTC) Chairman P. A. Chandrapala stated that passenger buses will receive a weekly fuel quota of 60 to 360 litres, based on distance travelled. He noted that until a systematic framework is fully implemented, private buses will continue to get fuel through SLTB depots.

Weekly fuel quota for passenger buses to be increased – NTC

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijeratne stated that private buses face difficulties obtaining fuel from SLTB depots. He noted that if distribution continues through these depots, only 6,500 of nearly 13,000 buses could operate daily. Wijeratne highlighted insufficient depots, early closing times, and long queues as key challenges and urged the government to prioritise public transport. He also reiterated the need for a QR code–based fuel quota system for private buses.

Only 50% of private buses may operate if fuel supplied via SLTB depots – LPBOA

GMOA urges transport support for medical staff amid fuel restrictions

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) today (16) launched the ‘Mother Lanka’ digital platform to improve efficiency and public participation in development projects. The launch took place at the Ministry of Urban Development in Battaramulla under the patronage of Minister Bimal Ratnayake. The UDA noted that the platform allows stakeholders, professionals, and the public to share opinions, proposals, and concerns in all three languages. Feedback submitted through the platform will be reviewed and addressed by the relevant teams.

UDA launches ‘Mother Lanka’ digital platform for public engagement

The Department of Meteorology has issued a heat advisory warning for the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-central, and North-western provinces, as well as the Monaragala, Mannar, and Vavuniya districts.&nbsp; The advisory is in effect for tomorrow (17) and includes caution level alerts for 15 districts. According to the department, the heat index the temperature perceived on the human body is expected to rise to ‘Caution level’ in some areas within these districts.&nbsp; The public is advised to take precautions against heat-related fatigue, especially during prolonged exposure and physical activity. Officials warn that continued activity in high temperatures could lead to heat cramps and other health issues, urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid excessive outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and seek shade whenever possible.

Wednesdays declared holiday for public sector amid fuel cris ...

Russia fines Telegram app for failing to remove banned content

Russia fines Telegram app for ...

Nearly 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler off Beruwala

Nearly 250kg of cocaine seized ...

Starmer says UK will not be drawn into wider Iran war

Starmer says UK will not be dr ...

Weekly fuel quota for passenger buses to be increased – NTC

Weekly fuel quota for passenge ...

Only 50% of private buses may operate if fuel supplied via SLTB depots ...

Only 50% of private buses may ...

GMOA urges transport support for medical staff amid fuel restrictions

GMOA urges transport support f ...

UDA launches ‘Mother Lanka’ digital platform for public engagement

UDA launches ‘Mother Lanka’ di ...

Caution level heat alert in effect for 15 districts tomorrow

Caution level heat alert in ef ...

Russia fines Telegram app for failing to remove banned content

Russia fines Telegram app for ...

Nearly 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler off Beruwala

Nearly 250kg of cocaine seized ...

Starmer says UK will not be drawn into wider Iran war

Starmer says UK will not be dr ...

Weekly fuel quota for passenger buses to be increased – NTC

Weekly fuel quota for passenge ...

Only 50% of private buses may operate if fuel supplied via SLTB depots ...

Only 50% of private buses may ...

GMOA urges transport support for medical staff amid fuel restrictions

GMOA urges transport support f ...

UDA launches ‘Mother Lanka’ digital platform for public engagement

UDA launches ‘Mother Lanka’ di ...

Caution level heat alert in effect for 15 districts tomorrow

Caution level heat alert in ef ...

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Russia fines Telegram app for failing to remove banned content

Russia fines Telegram app for ...

Nearly 250kg of cocaine seized from fishing trawler off Beruwala

Nearly 250kg of cocaine seized ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Starmer says UK will not be drawn into wider Iran war

Starmer says UK will not be dr ...

Weekly fuel quota for passenger buses to be increased – NTC

Weekly fuel quota for passenge ...

Only 50% of private buses may operate if fuel supplied via SLTB depots ...

Only 50% of private buses may ...

GMOA urges transport support for medical staff amid fuel restrictions

GMOA urges transport support f ...