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Dry conditions to dominate island; calm seas expected

The Department of Meteorology has forecast predominantly dry conditions across much of Sri Lanka for today.

However, early morning mist is likely in parts of the Western Province, Sabaragamuwa Province, Central Province, Southern Province and North Central Province, as well as in the Vavuniya District. Visibility may be temporarily reduced in affected areas during the morning hours.

In maritime zones surrounding the island, weather conditions are expected to remain generally fair. Winds over the sea will be variable in direction, with speeds ranging between 20 and 30 kilometres per hour.

Sea conditions are predicted to be slight, offering relatively calm waters around the country’s coastline.

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Mostly clear weather forecast across Sri Lanka today

The Department of Meteorology forecasts predominantly fair weather across most regions of Sri Lanka today (01).

Despite the generally clear conditions, mist is likely to develop in several parts of the island during the early morning, which could temporarily affect visibility in some areas.

Authorities noted that the mist is expected to clear as the day progresses, allowing normal weather conditions to prevail across the country.

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Gas Prices increase after Qatar halts LNG output

Qatar has halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) production following strikes on its energy facilities, according to international reports.

The Gulf nation, which accounts for around 20 percent of global LNG exports, suspended output at key industrial sites amid escalating regional tensions.

The disruption has triggered concerns in global energy markets, with gas prices reacting to fears of supply shortages.

Shortly after the announcement, benchmark Dutch and British wholesale gas prices soared by almost 50 percent, while benchmark Asian LNG prices jumped almost 39 percent.

Qatari authorities have not yet announced a timeline for the resumption of operations.

(Soure:Newswire)

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New shipment of LP gas arrives; stocks to be released to market today - Laugfs

Laugfs Gas PLC has announced that a vessel carrying a new shipment of LP gas arrived in the country today (28).

Following the arrival, the company stated that the stocks will be expedited to the market starting today to ensure a steady supply.

According to the statement, domestic consumers will be able to purchase the required gas cylinders through authorized Laugfs Gas dealers as usual, effective immediately.

(Source - Adaderana.lk)

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Fire at US embassy complex in Riyadh after blast heard, sources say

A loud blast was heard and flames were seen at the U.S. embassy in Riyadh early on Tuesday ⁠morning, three people familiar with the matter said, with one person saying the fire was minor.

Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the circumstances of the incident.
An ⁠embassy spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the ⁠Saudi government media office.

Black smoke was seen rising over Riyadh’s ⁠Diplomatic Quarter, which houses foreign missions, two of ⁠the people said.

Source:adaderana.lk

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Sanath Jayasuriya to Step Down as Sri Lanka Head Coach After T20 World Cup Super Eight Clash

Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya will step down as Head Coach of the Sri Lanka national cricket team following today’s Super Eight encounter against Pakistan at the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, sources said.

Jayasuriya had earlier indicated that he intended to relinquish his position at the conclusion of the tournament. Responding to an inquiry, he confirmed that although his contract as Head Coach remains in effect, he does not plan to continue in the role beyond the World Cup campaign.

He was first appointed as Interim Head Coach for Sri Lanka’s series against India in July 2024. Later that year, he was confirmed as the full-time Head Coach.

During his tenure, Sri Lanka featured in 74 international matches across all three formats. The team secured 34 victories, suffered 38 defeats, while two matches ended without a result.

His departure marks the end of a chapter that began as an interim assignment and evolved into a full-time leadership role guiding the national side through multiple international fixtures.

 
 
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Rosé makes history for K-Pop with BRIT Awards 2026 win

Rosé winning Best International Song at the BRIT Awards 2026 marks a landmark moment for Korean musicians overseas as the BLACKPINK star is the first K-pop artist to take home a win at the U.K.’s biggest night for music.

Rosé’s mega-hit collaboration with Bruno Mars “APT.” was named Best International Song, beating out a stacked category that included Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” and 11 other cross-continental smashes.

Visibly moved and excited, the Tiffany & Co’s global ambassador accepted the trophy in person and addressed the crowd in a stunning asymmetric black gown and a few pieces from the luxury brand.

“Oh my gosh it is such an honor to be receiving this award in front of so many talented and admirable musicians in the U.K.” she told the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England. “There are so many people I want to thank. First of all, Bruno — I’m receiving this award on behalf of the both of us — thank you so much for everything. For being my biggest mentor and best friend, I love you so much. So many people to thank! I’d love to thank my Atlantic [Records] family for believing in me always, love you guys so much.”

Just as Rosé and her BLACKPINK band mates made a record-smashing return with their new album DEADLINE, the 29-year-old made sure to mention the group with whom she began her music career, as well as the main musical producer behind BLACKPINK’s sound.

“I would like to give a shoutout to BLACKPINK,” Rosé added, eliciting loads of cheers from the crowd. “Jennie, Jisoo and Lisa, I love you guys so much. Thank you for always inspiring me, I love you guys so much. Teddy oppa, I love you so much. Thank you so much, this means so much.”

BTS were the first Korean act to enter into BRITs consciousness with a breakthrough nomination in 2021 for International Group of the Year (ultimately losing to HAIM) and shortlisted again in the category in 2022 (losing to Silk Sonic).

Later, BLACKPINK became the first female K-pop group to be nominated at the BRITs, scoring a nod in International Group of the Year in 2023, ultimately losing out to the Fontaines D.C. that year.

K-pop had even more representation at this year’s BRIT Awards with KPop Demon Hunters group HUNTR/X consisting of EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami also nominated not just for Best International Song with “Golden” but International Group of the Year. 

While the trio didn’t take home any trophies, EJAE, Audrey, and Rei performed their nominated hit at the awards, marking the KDH stars’ biggest awards show moment to date, with highlights from the Netflix film playing behind them.

Zooming out from the K-pop highlights at this year’s BRIT Awards, the 2026 Grammys’ Best New Artist and neo-soul breakout Olivia Dean swept every category she was nominated in for the night, while rock singer-songwriter Sam Fender also took home two wins. 

Other winners throughout the night included Lola Young, PinkPantheress, Wolf Alice, Skepta, Rosalía, the late Ozzy Osbourne and more.

Source:adaderana.lk

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Poland plans social-media ban for children under 15 – reports

Poland plans to introduce new legislation to ban social media for children under 15 years of age and will hold platforms responsible for age verification, Education Minister Barbara Nowacka told Bloomberg News in an interview published on Friday.

The ruling Civic Coalition will present the draft outline on Friday, with fines planned for platforms that remain accessible to younger users, Nowacka said, adding that the law could take effect by early 2027.

“We see the mental health of children and young people, we see a decline in their intellectual competence,” said Nowacka adding that the size of penalties that companies would have to pay is still under discussion.

Several European governments including Denmark, Greece, France, Spain and Britain have explored similar restrictions amid claims that social-media services are harmful or addictive for minors.

The British government said in January it was considering restrictions to protect children online, after Australia implemented similar laws in December.

The initiative could put Warsaw at odds with U.S. tech firms such as Meta and Elon Musk’s X, some of which have pushed back against restrictions following Australia’s ban last year.

Source: Reuters

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China urges immediate ceasefire after US, Israel strike Iran

China’s ministry of foreign affairs has expressed concern over United States-Israeli strikes against Iran and called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all sides to avoid escalation and to resume dialogue and negotiation.

In a statement on Saturday (Feb 28), the ministry said Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected.

On Sunday, China’s embassy in Israel issued a notice advising Chinese citizens in Israel to evacuate to safer areas within the country as soon as possible or to leave for Egypt via the Taba border crossing.

The US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday, targeting its military capability. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the operation, state media reported.

Separately, Hong Kong-based airline operator Cathay Group on Saturday suspended operations in the Middle East, citing regional tension following the strikes.

The suspension affects passenger flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh, as well as freighter services operating through Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, Cathay, the parent of Cathay Pacific Airways, said in a statement.

It said it is rerouting flights that typically pass over the affected area. 

Source: adaderana.lk

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Two arrested for aiding and abetting Jinthupitiya shooting

A male and a female suspect have been arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the fatal shooting of a person and the injuring of four others inside a barbershop (salon) in the Jinthupitiya area.

Investigations have revealed that the male suspect had driven the three-wheeler used by the gunman to flee the scene with the firearm following the shooting, while the female suspect had allegedly assisted in the crime.

The shooting incident occurred on February 14, after which officers of the Colombo North Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau commenced investigations.

Accordingly, the two suspects were arrested yesterday (27), the male suspect in the Sooriyapaluwa area of Kadawatha and the female suspect in the Weheragodella area of Wellampitiya, police stated.

Police stated that a team of officers from the Colombo North Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau arrested the male suspect in possession of 6 grams and 540 milligrams of Crystal Methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’) and the female suspect with 3 grams and 100 milligrams of ‘Ice’. 

They were subsequently handed over to the Foreshore Police Station, police said.

The male suspect, aged 44, has been identified as a resident of Sedawatta, while the 29-year-old female suspect is a resident of Weheragodella, according to the police.

Police said that a seven-day detention order is to be obtained for both suspects. 

The Foreshore Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

(Source - Adaderana.lk)

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Iran speaker brands US, Israel chiefs ‘filthy criminals,’ warns of retaliation

Iran’s parliament speaker on Sunday called the leaders of the United States and Israel “filthy criminals” who will face “devastating blows” for their ongoing attacks on the Islamic Republic.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made the comment in a televised address.

Qalibaf is the highest-ranking official to appear on camera since the attacks began Saturday. “You have crossed our red line and must pay the price,” he said. “We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg.”

Source: adaderana.lk

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Suspect Wanted Over 2022 Kadawatha Double Murder Arrested at Airport

A suspect wanted over a 2022 double murder in the Kadawatha area has been arrested upon his return to Sri Lanka from overseas, police said.

The 32-year-old suspect was taken into custody on February 27 by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department at Bandaranaike International Airport shortly after arriving from Qatar.

Police stated that the double shooting occurred on March 24, 2022, within the Kadawatha Police Division. Two individuals travelling on a motorcycle were fatally shot using a T-56 assault rifle.

Investigators noted that the suspect had previously been arrested in connection with the incident and was remanded after being produced before the Mahara Magistrate’s Court. He was later released on bail but allegedly left the country in violation of court orders.

Authorities subsequently obtained an international arrest alert through Interpol, leading to the suspect’s apprehension upon re-entry to the country.

Police identified the suspect as a resident of the Siyambalape area. Further investigations are being carried out by Kadawatha Police.

 

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