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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in the Middle East. The safety and well-being of approximately one million Sri Lankan nationals living and working in the region remain the Government's highest priority. In light of prevailing regional volatility, Sri Lankan citizens in...

The Sri Lanka Police strongly urges the public to refrain from unnecessarily hoarding fuel, citing the current unstable situation in the Middle East region. A statement issued by the Police Media Division on March 01 indicates that it has been observ

The Israeli Air Force has launched a second round of new attacks on Tehran, the capital of Iran, and explosions have been reported from several areas of the city. This situation has further escalated after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamene

Reuters - The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, targeting its leadership and plunging the Middle East into a new conflict that President Donald Trump said would end a security threat and give Iranians a chance to topple their rulers. The strikes put nearby oil-producing Gulf Arab countries on edge as fears of escalation grew,...

Massive protests have erupted across Pakistan against the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint attack by the United States and Israel. At least nine people were killed during a pro-Iranian protest held near the Ame

Impact on Flights for Tourism, Tea, Trade Supply Chain and Remittances Commenting from Bahrain, the CEO of MTI Consulting has cautioned that the Sri Lankan economy could be stress-tested as the war in the Gulf escalates. According to Hilmy Cader, the airlines from the 6 Gulf Countries have around 140 scheduled commercial flights a week,...

Following a record breaking year for Sri Lanka's largest private sector retail bank, HNB PLC's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Damith Pallewatte, was named Sri Lanka's 'Bank CEO of the Year 2025' by the Global CEO Forum. The CEO of the Year Awards - which was hosted at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, recognises leadership excellence...

Iran has launched a new series of attacks in response to attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, including the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Their main targets have been American military bases in the Gulf r

There is currently significant attention on an unprecedented series of attacks launched by Iran against the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates. While the UAE has been making strenuous efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts through dia

Reports indicate that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and 40 other commanders have been killed in a massive missile attack launched by the United States and Israel. Approximately 30 missiles struck Khamenei's office complex, and his daug

SriLankan Airlines has announced the cancellation of multiple flights scheduled to operate today (01) due to the continued closure of airspace in certain parts of the Middle East. The affected services include routes between Colombo and several regional destinations, namely Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Riyadh, and Kuwait City. Cancelled flights UL231 Colombo - Dubai UL232 Dubai...

Our experts, Urooj Mumtaz and Farveez Maharoof, want change, but can't spot any real alternatives in either the Pakistan or the Sri Lanka set-up

A series of massive flight disruptions has now been created across the Middle East region due to attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026, and the subsequent retaliatory actions. As of March 1, 2026, this crisis c

In a display of grit, tactical discipline, and signature flair, Kandy Sports Club secured their berth in the Semi Finals with a hard-fought victory over a resilient Army Sports Club side, at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday.

Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Mr. D.J. Rajakaruna, emphasizes that there is no risk of any fuel crisis in Sri Lanka amidst the prevailing war situation in the Middle East region.He clarified these points as a tendency for people in so

Iran's state media has officially confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated inside his office in a series of joint airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel. Following these attacks on Saturday morning, Ir

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation says that there is no disruption to the country's fuel supply amidst the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Speaking exclusively to Newsfirst, Chairman of CPC, D. J. A. S. De S Rajakaruna assured that CPC currently retains sufficient fuel reserves for one month.He added that fuel imports scheduled for this month will arrive via India and Singapore rather than through the Hormuz region, noting that alternative supply arrangements have already been secured.Rajakaruna highlighted that there is no risk of an immediate fuel shortage, assuring that existing reserves are sufficient to meet national demand for at least one month. He assured that fuel distribution process will be made efficient and urged the public to remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic buying, stressing that fuel distribution will continue without disruption.

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Laugfs Gas PLC announced that between 35,000 and 40,000 domestic LP gas cylinders will be released to the market daily starting today.CEO of Laugfs Gas PLC, Nalinda Kurukulasuriya, said that measures have been taken to ensure round-the-clock distribution of LP gas supplies.A vessel carrying 3,500 metric tons of LP Gas arrived in the country yesterday morning to support ongoing distribution efforts.Meanwhile, Litro Gas Lanka confirmed that another ship transporting 3,700 metric tons of LP Gas reached the island the previous day. Distribution of that stock commenced yesterday morning.Litro Gas Lanka currently releases approximately 1,700 metric tons of LP Gas to the market daily.

"When we don't do well, we have to understand the hurt they [Sri Lanka's fans] feel; we have to stay humble and accept our mistakes," Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya says

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is directly intervening to provide relief and assistance to Sri Lankans affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.Speaking exclusively to News 1st, Ministry Spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo stated that, in coordination with Sri Lankan embassies, authorities are closely monitoring the situation in the region around the clock. In the event of an emergency, Sri Lankans can contact the 1989 hotline or reach out via WhatsApp at +94 71 980 2822.He added that the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment has established a 24-hour operations centre to respond to urgent matters. In addition, individuals can report concerns to the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +94 74 259 5546.Approximately one million Sri Lankans are currently residing in the Middle East. The Ministry confirmed that, so far, no Sri Lankan nationals in the region have been reported harmed.Sri Lankans in the Middle East are advised to follow updates and guidance issued by Sri Lankan embassies and through official media channels. The Ministry has also urged citizens to temporarily postpone any planned travel to the Middle East due to the current situation.Ministry Spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo further stated that Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs will oversee and coordinate the emergency communication channels established to assist those in need.Meanwhile, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala announced that a one-week visa concession period has been granted to individuals unable to return to their home countries due to airspace closures caused by the conflict.Tensions escalated in the Middle East yesterday after Israel launched missile strikes on Iran.Foreign media reported that the United States and Israel began carrying out airstrikes early yesterday morning targeting military sites in Iran, including locations in the capital, Tehran.Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, provided an update on the current situation, stating that approximately 29,000 Sri Lankans are currently employed in Israel, primarily in the construction sector.He noted that several Sri Lankan workers had planned to travel back to Sri Lanka; however, due to the ongoing conflict, they will be required to remain in Israel for a longer period than anticipated.The Ambassador further explained that flights to the Middle East have been suspended following the closure of multiple airspaces, particularly affecting commercial and passenger services.

The geopolitical shockwave could unsettle President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s plans

Ananda College will face Nalanda College in the 96th Battle of the Maroons 2026, scheduled to be held on 27th and 28th February and 1st March at the SSC Grounds, Colombo.

Final Day of the Revo Premier League T10 Tournament 2026 will take place on 01st March 2026.