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VIDEO: Petrodollar Under Threat? Iran’s Petro-Yuan Oil Plan Via Hormuz | Explained
Iran may be considering a dramatic economic counterstrike in the escalating US-Iran conflict — targeting the very foundation of Washington’s global financial power: the petrodollar system. Reports suggest Tehran could allow oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz only if transactions are settled in Chinese yuan, a move that could challenge decades of […]
EDB Chairman Announces Fast-Track Fuel Supply for Exporters Amid Fuel Shortage
In a critical response to Sri Lanka’s escalating fuel shortages driven by Middle East tensions and QR rationing, Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe has highlighted a priority program to ensure exporters receive their essential fuel stocks without delay. Treating the export sector as the nation’s top priority, this government-backed initiative aims to shield […]
Sri Lanka’s Economy Hits 5% Growth in 2025; 4.8% Expansion in Q4
The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) of Sri Lanka has reported a 5.0% GDP growth rate for 2025, with the economy expanding to Rs. 13,128,577 million at constant prices. This positive momentum was supported by a final fourth-quarter growth rate of 4.8%. In nominal terms, the GDP at current prices rose by 8.8% to […]
Macrofinancial Strength Drives Credit Surge in 2025, But Risks Loom: CBSL
Sri Lanka’s macrofinancial conditions strengthened throughout 2025, fueling a major expansion in credit despite persistent external vulnerabilities. According to recent year-end data, the financial sector has shifted its focus heavily toward the private sector, supported by a broad-based recovery and accommodative monetary policy. The banking sector saw credit growth accelerate to 21.4% year-on-year by the […]
World Wildlife Day 2026: From rescue to rewilding, Kalo’s journey continues
He arrived at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe on March 23, 2024, barely eightmonths old. Kalo had spent an unknown number of days trapped at the bottom of anabandoned well near Galenbidunuwewa in Sri Lanka’s Anuradhapura District, separatedfrom the herd he had lost. When wildlife officers from the Department of WildlifeConservation pulled him out, […]
Ceylon Chamber Urges Measures to Safeguard Economic Stability Amid Global Uncertainty
The evolving global situation and the escalating conflict in the Middle East requires coordinated measures to safeguard economic stability. The Ceylon Chamber remains ready to work with the Government in addressing potential economic risks and has outlined detailed policy recommendations. The Chamber, in its submission of 11 March 2026, recommended a number of policy measures […]
Sri Lanka advocates for immediate de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East and West Asia, and calls for global peace
Sri Lanka is deeply concerned by the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East and West Asia, which poses a direct threat to the civilian population. We are saddened by the tragic loss of civilian life and condemn any attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Sri Lanka underscores that the protection of civilians on all […]
Sri Lanka and Indonesia Further Strengthen Defence Cooperation
On 12 March 2026, Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to Indonesia Sashikala Premawardhane paid a courtesy call on Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, Lieutenant General Tri Budi Utomo, and discussed avenues to further strengthen defence and security cooperation between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The discussion focused on the early […]
Sri Lanka Reintroduces Fuel Rationing via QR Amid Supply Disruptions
The Ministry of Energy has announced the immediate reintroduction of the National Fuel Pass (QR code) system, effective from 6:00 AM on March 15, 2026. The decision follows a surge in domestic demand and ongoing disruptions to Middle Eastern supply routes caused by regional conflict. Government officials stated the move is necessary to manage existing […]
PickMe calls for higher fuel allocations to ride-hailing and taxi services
PickMe has called for higher fuel allocations to ride-hailing and taxi services during rationing periods, arguing that shared mobility maximises scarce resources, sustains daily economic activity, and protects driver livelihoods. Sri Lanka faces renewed global uncertainty over energy supplies. While not a repeat of the recent fuel crisis, the situation highlights the need for efficient […]