News First

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.

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.

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.

In response to the cancellation of Middle East-bound flights effective from 28 February 2026, the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka has announced a special visa extension for affected passengers.Travelers who are unable to leave Sri Lanka within the validity of their visas may now receive a free 7-day extension, allowing them to stay legally in the country while they make alternative departure arrangements.The extension will be granted for seven days from the date of expiry of the passenger's current visa, ensuring minimal inconvenience during this travel disruption.The announcement was made by the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, emphasizing the department's commitment to facilitating international travelers amid unforeseen flight cancellations.Passengers are advised to contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration for further guidance on obtaining the extension.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has revised fuel prices with effect from midnight today. Accordingly, the price of one litre of auto diesel has been increased by Rs. 4, and its new price now stands at Rs. 281. The price of one litre of Super Diesel has been increased by Rs. 6, with its new price now standing at Rs. 329. Meanwhile, the price of one litre of Octane 92 Petrol has been increased by Rs 1, and its new price is Rs. 293. There will be no change in the prices of Kerosene and Octane 95 Petrol.

:All flights operated by SriLankan Airlines between Sri Lanka and the Middle East have been temporarily suspended.In a statement, the airline announced that 10 flights scheduled for today have been cancelled.Passengers can obtain further information regarding the suspension by contacting the airline via the following hotlines:1979011 777 19 79074 444 19 79 (WhatsApp)Updates are also available on the official website: www.srilankan.comMeanwhile, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Captain Daminda Rambukwella, stated that flights may be cancelled or delayed due to the current situation.He advised passengers to contact their respective airlines to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding their flights.He further noted that airports across the country have been placed on emergency preparedness.

:Nimal Bandara, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Israel, says all Sri Lankans in the country are safe.Speaking to News 1st, the Ambassador stated that Sri Lankans residing in Israel have been provided with the necessary safety instructions amid the current situation.He further noted that in case of an emergency, Sri Lankans can contact the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Israel on 00972 9305731.Director General of the ministry of foreign affairs Thushara Rodrigo said that The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with all the Sri Lankan diplomatic missons in the Middle Eastern region and have been and will continue to moniter the development. The ministry noted that So far there has not been much impact on the Sri Lankans in the Middle Eastern region at the moment. The head of the missions are in touch with the Foreign Ministry.

- The Civil Aviation Authority has announced that flights between Sri Lanka and the Middle East may be cancelled or delayed.Director General & CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Captain Daminda Rambukwella, assured that air passengers need not be unduly concerned.Meanwhile, BIA and Mattala Airport are prepared to receive flights that may be diverted to Sri Lanka due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East

- A woman alleged to have managed the drug trafficking network in the island , operated by overseas kingpin "Rathmalana Anju" has been arrested.The Police Special Task Force (STF) say that 11 grams and 520 milligrams of heroin, along with a mobile phone, were recovered from the suspect's possession at the time of arrest.She was taken into custody by Special Operations officers of the Police Special Task Force.

- The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has announced that SriLankan Airlines flights will be rerouted following the closure of Iranian and Israeli airspace.As a result, travel time on affected flights is expected to increase by approximately one hour.Daily flights UL 503 and UL 504, operating between Colombo and London, will now fly via Saudi Arabia.The airspace closure comes amid escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel earlier today.

- Two suspects were arrested in connection with a shooting in Jinthupitiya that left one person dead and four others injured.Police said the driver of the three-wheeler used by the shooter to flee, along with a female accomplice who assisted him, were taken into custody. A 7-day detention order is to be sought for both suspects.The arrests were carried out by officers from the Colombo North Crimes Investigation Division. Authorities also seized drugs during the arrests: one suspect had 6 g and 540 mg of ICE, while the other had 3 g and 100 mg of ICE.The suspects are residents of Sedawatta and Weheragodella.

- Cabinet approval has been granted for the emergency purchase of 300,000 metric tons of coal.General Manager of the Lanka Coal Company, Namal Hewage said the stock is expected to be imported by April.He noted that the coal will be maintained as a safety stock in the event of issues with the current coal tender.Hewage added that 11 ships have already arrived under the existing tender, but concerns have arisen regarding the quality of coal in one shipment.

- The National Building Research Organization says air pollution levels have increased again in several parts of Sri Lanka. Senior Scientist of the Air Pollution Management Unit, Sarath Premasiri,said prevailing wind patterns and air pollution conditions in other South Asian countries have contributed to the situation.The Air Quality Index (AQI) rose in several areas of the Colombo district, with Kotte recording 127 units. The normal AQI level should be below 50. Air pollution levels were also recorded at 76 units in Anuradhapura, 71 units in Dambulla, and 69 units in Galle. Premasiri further noted that air quality has declined today in the districts of Badulla, Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Kegalle, and Polonnaruwa.

Israel has launched what it has called a "pre-emptive attack" against Iran.In a statement this morning, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a "special and permanent state of emergency" across Israel.Three explosions have been heard in downtown Tehran, according to Iranian media.The Fars News Agency says it has received reports that several missiles have hit the Republic area of the Iranian capital.Further reports of explosions in Tehran are now emerging. The state-affiliated Fars News Agency in Iran is reporting that several new explosions were heard in the north and east of Tehran.This is a developing story. More details will follow as they become available.Source: BBC

- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, met Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte, Mayor of Bremen, at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bremen City Hall (Bremer Rathaus).Posting on X, Minister Herath said the discussion focused on how Bremen, which is a centre of industries including automotive, trading and logistics, could explore emerging opportunities in Sri Lanka.The meeting also highlighted the potential for increased collaboration in Sri Lanka's tourism sector, given its growing popularity in Germany.

- Two men and a woman have been arrested in Ahungalla and Ambalangoda with a large stock of drugs and live ammunition.Police said, the arrests followed three raids conducted by Ahungalla police based on a tip-off. Authorities seized 14 kg and 112 g of heroin, 13 kg and 32 g of ICE, and 30 rounds of 3.8 mm live ammunition.The male suspects, aged 41 and 45, are residents of Balapitiya, while the 41-year-old female suspect is from Ambalangoda.Separately, a 21-year-old man from Wahamalugollawa was arrested in Anuradhapura for transporting 405 g of heroin on a motorcycle.

- A suspect linked to the Kadawatha double murder was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department upon arriving in Sri Lanka from Qatar.Police said the 32-year-old resident of Siyambalape has been handed over to Kadawatha Police for further investigations.The double murder occurred on March 24, 2022, in Kadawatha, with a T56 firearm. Police said the suspect was previously remanded, released on bail, and had traveled abroad in violation of court orders.

- The Ministry of Health says that between 5,000 and 6,000 children are born with birth defects in Sri Lanka each year.According to the Ministry, around 650 of these children die within their first year due to complications related to birth defects.Health authorities define birth defects as structural or functional abnormalities in a fetus developing in the mother's womb, caused by genetic or environmental factors.Sri Lanka records between 250,000 and 350,000 live births annually.The Ministry noted that birth defects can be identified during pregnancy, at birth, or after birth. These include heart defects, neurological disorders, and other complex congenital conditions.Director of the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa stated that a special awareness week will begin next Monday to educate the public about children with birth defects.

- Several trade unions, including Grama Niladhari unions, have withdrawn from Post-Ditwah disaster relief operations in protest over unmet demands.General Secretary of the All Ceylon Free Grama Niladhari Officers Union, M.K.G. Jagath Chandralal,stated that the trade union action will continue until the promised allowances for disaster relief services are granted.He further noted that the All Ceylon Disaster Relief Service Officers' Trade Union, All Ceylon Central Government Technical Officers' Union, along with several Grama Niladhari trade unions, have decided to join the ongoing action demanding the payment of the allowances.

- Laugfs Gas PLC says a vessel carrying 3,500 metric tons of LP gas is scheduled to arrive in the island today.Its CEO, Nalinda Kurukulasuriya, stated that the gas stock unloaded at midnight will be distributed to the market from midnight onward.Meanwhile, Litro Gas Lanka announced that another vessel carrying 3,700 metric tons of LP gas has also arrived in the country.The company said distribution of this stock begins this morning.Litro Gas Lanka currently releases around 1,200 metric tons of LP gas to the market daily.

- Permission has been granted to question former State Intelligence Service Director, retired Major General Suresh Salley, under a 90-day detention order in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.Salley was arrested on February 25 in Peliyagoda by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).At the time of the 21 April 2019 attacks, Salley, then serving as a Brigadier, was attached to the Sri Lankan High Commission in Malaysia as an adviser. Before that appointment, he served as the Director of Military Intelligence.Police stated that the arrest was carried out based on independent evidence uncovered during the ongoing investigation.

Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan, a 43-year-old Sri Lankan-born baker, clinched the Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville de Paris 2026 on February 26, beating 142 rivals in his first-ever entry.His bakery, Fournil Didot at 103 Rue Didot in Paris's 14th arrondissement, earned €4,000 and a year-long contract to supply baguettes to the Élysée Palace.The City of Paris event, presided by Deputy Mayor Nicolas Bonnet Oulaldj, judged entries on appearance, taste, baking, crumb, aeration, size, and salt. A jury of pros, journalists, and locals crowned Jegatheepan's baguette supreme among 143 contenders.Customers mobbed the shop post-win, hailing the baker who turned immigrant grit into Parisian legend. In 2023, Sri Lankan-origin Baker Tharshan Selvarajah made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to win the prestigious competition for best baguette in Paris.

Sri Lanka's headline inflation, measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index, slowed further in February 2026, according to the late st data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.Headline inflation on a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis decelerated to 1.6% in February 2026, down from 2.3% recorded in January 2026.Food inflation saw a sharp slowdown during the month. On a Y-o-Y basis, food inflation eased significantly to 0.2% in February from 3.3% in January. In contrast, non-food inflation accelerated to 2.3% in February, compared to 1.8% in the previous month.On a month-on-month basis, the CCPI recorded a decline of 0.85% in February 2026. The decrease was largely driven by the food category, which contributed -0.86 percentage points to the overall change. This was mainly due to reductions in the prices of vegetables and green chillies. Meanwhile, the non-food category made a marginal positive contribution of 0.01 percentage points.Core inflation, which reflects underlying inflationary trends by excluding volatile items, also moderated. Core inflation (Y-o-Y) declined to 2.1% in February from 2.3% in January.According to the Central Bank's inflation projections presented at the January 2026 monetary policy review, inflation is expected to gradually move towards the 5% target by the second half of 2026, supported by appropriate policy measures.The latest figures indicate continued stability in price levels, with easing food prices playing a key role in bringing overall inflation down during February.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association of Corporate Lawyers Sri Lanka got underway in Colombo earlier this evening.The event saw the election of office bearers for the year 2026/2027.Suranga Jayalath, Group Director Legal of the Capital Maharaja Group was elected as President of the Association of Corporate Lawyers Sri Lanka. He serves on the main Board of Directors of the Capital Maharaja Organization Ltd., and is a member of the Asia-Pacific Users' Council of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA).Melody S. Wickramanayake, who serves as Executive Vice President Legal/Chief Legal Officer of Hatton National Bank PLC, was reelected as Vice President, along with Rangika Kondaramage, from the University of Colombo.Ruwandi Thanthirige from Lion Brewery was elected as Secretary, whilst Asitha Peiris from Renuka Agro Group was appointed Assistant Secretary.Rajika Louis, Partner at Julius and Creasy, was elected as Treasurer, and Viveka Anthony from Ansell Group, elected as Assistant Treasurer.

The national program to provide free title deeds was launched today in Anuradhapura under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.The ceremony took place at the North Central Provincial Council Auditorium in KorakahawewaThe program aims to grant farmers full ownership of the lands for which they have already received permission and grant papers.