During a bilateral briefing, President Donald Trump drew a parallel between U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran and Japan’s 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, catching Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi off guard and causing an awkward moment. The quip highlighted sensitivities around discussing Pearl Harbor in the context of current tensions. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=119982
In Parliament, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya pledged that the government will maintain uninterrupted essential services, public services, and industries amid the ongoing crisis. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=119980
Epstein’s personal attorney testified before a congressional committee that he had ‘no knowledge whatsoever’ of Epstein’s crimes, stating he was unaware of any wrongdoing by his client. The remarks were part of a broader discussion on the financier’s abuses. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=119979
Authorities at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) arrested a Sri Lankan passenger early today for attempting to smuggle more than 5 kilograms of Kush cannabis. The seizure was carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB). Investigation ongoing. Report by Ada Derana, March 20, 2026. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=119978
EU leaders urged temporary measures to ease higher energy prices from the Iran conflict, proposing electricity tax cuts, reduced grid fees, and state support as short-term fixes. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=119977
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to address Parliament today, March 20, 2026. AdaDerana’s brief notes the parliamentary address, with the report published at 12:24 PM via RSS. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=119976
A man in Wellawatte was fined Rs. 2,500 and sentenced to two months in prison for transporting 65 liters of petrol in a lorry without a valid permit. Mount Lavinia Magistrate Pasan Amaraseena issued the order. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=119975
The Department of Meteorology warns of showers or thundershowers after 2 p.m. today in several areas: Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, and Galle, Matara, Mannar, Anuradhapura and Vavuniya districts. For updates, see AdaDerana; forecast published March 20, 2026. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=119972
The United States is considering easing sanctions on some Iranian oil to help limit disruptions in energy markets caused by its war in Iran. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=119971
Oil prices slipped after Brent briefly touched $119, as U.S. prices gave up gains on Thursday after Israel said it was helping reopen the key Strait of Hormuz. source http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=119970