Sri Lanka has initiated discussions with Russia on the possibility of purchasing fuel, as the Government seeks to stabilise supplies amid disruptions to global energy networks linked to the conflict in the Middle East. According to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan S. Dzhagaryan at the ministry on Friday (13) to explore potential cooperation in securing Russian fuel supplies. The move is part of broader efforts by the Government to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies as global markets remain volatile. During the meeting, the FM raised the possibility of sourcing energy resources from Russia, while Ambassador Dzhagaryan said Sri Lanka’s request would be immediately conveyed to authorities in Moscow. The Russian envoy also indicated that the Russian Government would consider the request and coordinate with relevant institutions regarding potential supply arrangements. In a separate statement, the Russian Embassy in Colombo confirmed that the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister had asked Moscow to examine the possibility of supplying energy resources to the country. Ambassador Dzhagaryan said the request would be promptly communicated to the Russian Government. Sri Lanka has previously explored alternative fuel procurement channels during periods of global supply disruption as part of efforts to maintain domestic energy security.

Sri Lanka explores Russian fuel supplies amid Middle East tensions

Warm weather advisory issued for 15 districts

The Committee on Economic Surveillance met at the Presidential Secretariat under the chairmanship of Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss urgent measures to stabilise the domestic market. During the meeting held yesterday (12), attention was focused on the potential economic impact on Sri Lanka from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including rising global oil prices and disruptions to maritime supply chains. According to the President’s Media Division, the committee also reviewed matters discussed at its previous meeting and considered steps to safeguard citizens and maintain economic stability.

Economic Surveillance Committee discusses measures to stabilise domestic market

Prime Minister (PM) Harini Amarasuriya stated that Sri Lanka’s language diversity reflects the richness of the country’s pluralistic heritage. She made these remarks while attending the International Mother Language Day 2026 celebration held at the University of Colombo. The Prime Minister emphasized that protecting language rights and promoting multilingual education can strengthen social harmony and empower future generations.

Sri Lanka’s language diversity reflects pluralistic heritage - PM

S. Satheestharan has been appointed as a High Court Judge in Sri Lanka. The letter of appointment was presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (13). Satheestharan, a Special Grade officer of the Judicial Service, previously served as the District Judge of Chavakachcheri.

S. Satheestharan appointed HC Judge

The Japanese zoo housing Punch, the baby monkey turned viral internet sensation, insists that he is not being bullied after concerns were raised online. Punch, a seven-month-old macaque abandoned by his mother, gained global attention after he was seen clinging to a plush orangutan toy from IKEA at the Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo. He was seen in videos being chased away by other monkeys but was eventually taken in by a troop and cared for. Afterwards, in February, the zoo said that Punch “had been scolded many times by other monkeys” but none had “shown serious aggression towards him”. However, more videos showing him being chased by the troop circulated online, sparking concern about continued bullying. In a statement on 10 March, the zoo said that it had received “many voices of concern from people both in Japan and overseas” about the baby monkey. “First, Japanese macaques follow a strict hierarchical society and dominant individuals show ‘disciplining actions’ toward their subordinates. These behaviours differ from human ‘abuses’. Japanese primatologists have been studying the behaviour, society, and ecology of Japan’s native monkeys since 1948. Based on the existing literature, this ‘discipline’ occurs naturally in Japanese macaque groups and is not limited to Punch’s group,” it said. The zoo added that Punch was spending “most of the day peacefully” and the “disciplining actions” against him did not occur incessantly. “The number of monkeys who look after or play with Punch is also increasing. Because of this, the time Punch spends away from his stuffed toy has increased.” “A few high-ranking macaques demonstrated aggression more frequently,” the zoo noted, but they were removed from the troop on March 8 “as a temporary measure”. They would be monitored for some time. “At this time, there has been no evidence that Punch has been attacked in a way that would threaten his survival. Furthermore, we have no intention of ignoring the ‘discipline’ or altering our care in order to attract sympathy from people and thereby increase the number of visitors to our zoo or increase profits,” the zoo said. It noted that some people had urged them to separate Punch from the troop. “This sentiment is completely understandable. However, Punch has become accustomed to living in this troop, so separating him now would create the risk that he would never be able to return to the group and would have to continue living that way for the rest of his life,” it said. Animal rights group PETA previously criticised the treatment of Punch, arguing that it was evidence of “the cruelty of zoos”. In a statement, PETA criticised what people had described as “cute” and “heart-warming”, saying it instead showed an animal coping with “isolation and loss”. “Zoos are not sanctuaries,” Jason Baker, the Asia president for PETA, noted, “they are places where animals are confined, deprived of autonomy, and denied the complex environments and social lives they would have in the wild”. “Internet fame does not change the reality of captivity. It only fuels a cycle in which facilities breed and display babies to drive ticket sales, while the animals pay the lifelong price.” Source : BBC

Punch the monkey is being ‘disciplined’ not bullied, insists Japanese zoo

The Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannilage stated that about one-fourth of the population of Sri Lanka is currently living in poverty, with nearly 80% of those affected residing in rural areas. Speaking on poverty alleviation efforts, the Minister said development plans should be prepared at the Grama Niladhari Division level with the involvement of Community Development Councils to address the root causes of poverty. He also noted that ongoing tensions in the Middle East have impacted the global economy, but economic strengthening measures taken over the past 15 months have helped reduce their effect on Sri Lanka and prevent a return to the past “era of queues.”

One fourth of Sri Lankans living in poverty, Minister Upali Pannilage

Minister of Foreign Affairs,Vijitha Herath held discussions with Levan S. Dzhagaryan, the Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka, on the possibility of purchasing Russian fuel. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, focused on ensuring a stable fuel supply amid global disruptions linked to conflicts in the Middle East and the lifting of sanctions on Russian oil purchases. Ambassador Dzhagaryan agreed to convey Sri Lanka’s request to the Russian government and coordinate with relevant institutions to explore possible arrangements.

Sri Lanka explores Russian fuel imports amid global supply concerns

The Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka launched a new foreign scholarship programme yesterday (12) at Isurupaya, selecting 32 top-performing students in its first phase. Described by Prime Minister (PM) Harini Amarasuriya as a national investment in education, the initiative aims to develop skilled human resources for the country’s future.&nbsp; The programme plans to award 200 scholarships between 2025 and 2033, with each student receiving up to Rs. 20 million annually for studies at top 500 global universities. Nine students have already secured admission to leading institutions in Australia and New Zealand, including University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University, and University of Auckland.

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Sri Lanka’s language diversity reflects pluralistic heritage - PM

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S. Satheestharan appointed HC Judge

S. Satheestharan appointed HC ...

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One fourth of Sri Lankans livi ...

Sri Lanka explores Russian fuel imports amid global supply concerns

Sri Lanka explores Russian fue ...

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Warm weather advisory issued f ...

Economic Surveillance Committee discusses measures to stabilise domest ...

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Sri Lanka’s language diversity reflects pluralistic heritage - PM

Sri Lanka’s language diversity ...

S. Satheestharan appointed HC Judge

S. Satheestharan appointed HC ...

Punch the monkey is being ‘disciplined’ not bullied, insists Japanese ...

Punch the monkey is being ‘dis ...

One fourth of Sri Lankans living in poverty, Minister Upali Pannilage

One fourth of Sri Lankans livi ...

Sri Lanka explores Russian fuel imports amid global supply concerns

Sri Lanka explores Russian fue ...

Foreign scholarship programme launched for top A/L students

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