Topic: Politics — Neutral reports only
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: People in countries that experience winter tend to keep a close eye on the weather. The climate of those countries largely dictates the rhythm of the daily life. Weather is front and centre in such places. It shapes routines, travel, and even livelihood. Tropical countries like Sri Lanka take weather in a different stride.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The war between the United States of America (US) and Israel on the one hand and Iran on the other has made its impact on Sri Lanka as well as the rest of the world, compelling the Government to enforce a series of measures to ensure relative normalcy and sustain the economy of the country.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Sri Lanka’s most Trusted and Innovative media services provider
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Iran targeted Tel Aviv with missiles carrying cluster warheads in what it said was retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Security Chief Ali Larijani, Iranian State television reported.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The financial sector in Sri Lanka has witnessed strong growth in 2025, with the profitability and lending growth of banks and financial institutions increasing, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) statistics revealed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The world is a complex one today. Countries pursue their national interests through the use of hard and soft power or smart power – a mix of both. It is a self-centred exercise because they place their national interests over global concerns. The current US-Israel strike on Iran is a classic example of this theory which is unfolding.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: A trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Sri Lanka, India, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an effort to refurbish the Trincomalee oil tank farm, Cabinet Spokesman, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. He stated that an additional Rs.32 billion has been allocated over the next three years to support the extensive restoration process, with physical renovation work already underway in line with the MoU.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: A 240-foot Bailey Bridge on the Chilaw-Thoduwawa Road, connecting the coastal villages of Thoduwawa and Iranawila, was jointly inaugurated by Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Prof. Chandana Abeyratne and High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha yesterday. The bridge was built under India’s Post-Ditwah Reconstruction Assistance to Sri Lanka.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Our Court Correspondent
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:59 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Sri Lanka marks a proud milestone in its tourism journey with the official launch of Lily Lanka, a locally developed digital travel platform created to enhance the tourism experience across the island.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:57 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Sri Lanka’s maritime sector marked a historic milestone as Colombo West International Terminal (Private) Limited (CWIT) announced that it had successfully handled one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) within its first year of operations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:56 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) successfully hosted the South Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa Presidents’ Meeting 2026 from 5th to 8th February 2026 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo. The four-day gathering brought together over 300 attendees, including Chapter Presidents, President-Elects and Chapter Managers, representing 79 chapters across three regions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: President Donald Trump said Tuesday NATO and most other allies have rejected his calls to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, grousing that he has been unable to rally support behind his war of choice in Iran that he insists he’s conducting for the good of the world, even if it doesn’t appreciate his effort.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Sri Lanka’s tea production recorded a strong year-on-year increase in February 2026, although output remained below levels seen in 2024, according to data compiled by Forbes & Walker Research.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: AI has been in the forefront of all topics for the past three years. Although the technology is promised to deliver value, the process hasn’t been as straight forward. Its timelines for value creation are extended than initially expected. In such landscape how do future jobs in our region including the Pacific countriesshape in the AI enabled future?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The QR code, which has been implemented in a way that minimises the inconvenience to the people in obtaining solutions to the current fuel problem, has been 95 percent successful, Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne stated in Parliament.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody revealed in Parliament the current status of the country’s fuel supplies, outlining the durations for which current fuel stocks are expected to last under normal consumption levels.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman D. J. Rajakaruna yesterday announced a new programme to issue fuel under the QR system based on the last digit of the vehicle’s registration plate. According to the new decision, vehicles with registration plates ending in zero (0) or an even number (2, 4, 6, 8) can only obtain fuel on even-numbered dates of the month.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:53 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: A 25-member delegation from the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services companies (SLASSCOM) visited India from February 2nd – March 13th, 2026 to participate in a specialised Training and Capacity-Building Programme. The delegation comprised founders, owners and co-owners of Sri Lankan Start-ups.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Security in the Strait of Hormuz is expected to take centre stage at a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday amid Iran tensions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The war that the US and Israel have unleashed against Iran demonstrates that Washington has not learned the right lessons from the results of its past regime change policies in the Middle East, largely conducted in an attempt to ensure Israel’s long-term security.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The Ladies’ College Old Girls’ Association (OGA) recently launched ‘She Means Business – a pioneering digital platform dedicated to promoting Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) within its Old Girls’ network.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Sri Lanka Navy arrested three suspects and seized a haul of nearly 2,000 sea cucumbers during a search operation conducted in the Pallikuda area of Kilinochchi last Thursday (12).
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Army intelligence, in collaboration with Immigration and Emigration Department officials on Tuesday apprehended 134 foreigners including 126 Chinese nationals, who are allegedly involved in a large-scale online scam operation. Four nationals from Myanmar and four from Taiwan were among those arrested during the operation carried out in the Anuradhapura and Mihintale areas.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: China committed to cracking down on telecom and online fraud and will continue to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said yesterday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Sri Lanka is set to send a squad of 14 athletes to India following an invitation from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). The team will compete in the National Open Relay Championship in Chandigarh on March 28.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:49 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: SLPP Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, addressing the WION Global Summit yesterday, urged global powers to push for a peaceful deal in West Asia.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:48 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Families have gathered outside a drug treatment centre in the Afghan capital, Kabul, looking for their loved ones after it was hit in a Pakistani air strike, which Taliban authorities said killed 408 people.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:47 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: TechnoMate Ltd, in partnership with EMCO CAL (USA) and Cal Pacific Agri Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (India), recently hosted the Sri Lanka Berry Industry Development Forum 2026 at Araliya Green City, Nuwara Eliya, bringing together government officials, researchers, growers and industry stakeholders to discuss the future development of Sri Lanka’s berry sector.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:46 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts received multiple accolades at the TAGS Awards 2026, Diamond Chapter, marking another strong year for reporting across its listed entities. John Keells Hotels PLC was also named the overall winner of the Tourism and Leisure Category.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:46 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the quantitative increase in arrests of drugs and drug-related individuals is a positive development, and emphasised that ensuring public confidence, as well as that of operational teams, in the destruction of seized drug stocks is a priority. He instructed the relevant authorities to expedite the necessary legal amendments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: NDB Bank marked International Women’s Day 2026 by hosting its ‘Araliya’ Medical Camp for the second consecutive year, reaffirming the Bank’s continued commitment to the well-being and empowerment of its valued women customers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: As part of Daily News’ ongoing series into exploring analog photography, I took a roll of Ilford’s Pan 400 film stock on a recent assignment to Jaffna. The film was purchased by and developed at an independent darkroom ‘Sri Lanka on Film’.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: India is a major supplier of refined petroleum products to neighbouring countries. Speaking at a press conference, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi is reviewing requests for additional fuel supplies from several nations, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives. “These are being examined taking into account our own energy requirements and availability,” he said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: A 25-member delegation from the Central Bank (CB) visited India from March 2 to 6 to participate in a specialised Training and Capacity-Building Programme on ‘Financial Frontiers – Innovation, Resilience and Internationalisation’.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: As Sri Lanka moves forward with economic recovery and reforms, the need for meaningful dialogue has become more important than ever. Without spaces to raise concerns, employee uncertainty can quickly turn into unrest and disruption, affecting both workers and the wider population. Addressing these challenges is critical for public sector transformation and economic recovery.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Four persons were killed and 37 others injured following a head-on collision between two Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses in the Thuru Sewana area of Weerawila yesterday (18) morning.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: D.S. Senanayake College Colombo defeated Gurukula College Kelaniya by 66 runs in their Under-19 Two-Day Inter-Schools Cricket Tournament fixture yesterday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:42 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Janashakthi Life, the flagship brand of JXG (Janashakthi Group), secured the Gold Award in the Insurance category among companies recording a Gross Written Premium of up to LKR 10 billion at the recently concluded prestigious TAGS Awards 2025, organised by CA Sri Lanka.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:42 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: In a revolutionary step towards sustainable manufacturing, reducing plastic pollution and creating local jobs, Britol and the Antler Group of Companies partnered with GP Certified to integrate certified recycled plastics into large-scale production of their products.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:42 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Digital Economy Ministry Consultant Sumudu Ratnayake stated that a new WhatsApp support service has been introduced to promptly resolve issues regarding the QR code used for obtaining fuel quotas.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:41 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Novus Technologies, a global FinTech service solution provider, has come on board as a Platinum Sponsor for the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2026, marking its second time as a valued partner of the country’s flagship platform celebrating innovation and excellence within the payment technology space.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has taken a leadership role in advancing key sustainability priorities of the United Nations Global Compact Network Sri Lanka by becoming a Patron of Network Sri Lanka’s ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ and ‘Water & Ocean Stewardship’ Working Groups.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Speaking to journalists in Colombo on Tuesday he said leaders and people in all nations where there is a Muslim majority should collectively work to bring international pressure on Israel on the matter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe officially announced three national-level policies and action plans aimed at improving the quality and patient safety of the country’s healthcare system.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:39 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Legendary Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga in collaboration with Singer Sri Lanka started off the ‘Singer Pace Hunt with Lasith Malinga’, a national fast-bowling talent search and development programme aimed at identifying and nurturing Sri Lanka’s next generation of pace bowlers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:39 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: ‘She moves The World’, a curated leadership forum for corporate women by Great Place To Work Sri Lanka was held on March 16, at Kingsbury Hotel Colombo.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:39 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Fuel Filling Station Owners’ Association President Kumar Rajapaksa, stated that the National Fuel Pass QR code is now strictly mandatory for obtaining fuel and urged consumers to resolve any technical issues before visiting filling stations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Sri Lankan Premier performance and lifestyle brand, Carnage has officially entered into a landmark partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) by signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), committing to strengthening athlete developmentand elevating Sri Lankan sporting performance on the international stage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-03-19 06:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Agro Eco Villa Padukka is emerging as a distinctive addition to Sri Lanka’s growing portfolio of nature-based tourism experiences. A recently completed bird audit has confirmed the property’s ecological richness, positioning it as an attractive soft-birding and countryside retreat for both leisure travellers and specialist tour operators.
--------------------------------------------------------------------