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Opening Strike: US–Israel Launch Joint Offensive on Iran

Asian TribuneMarch 2, 2026

The Middle East entered a dangerous new phase of conflict after the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes targeting key military and strategic sites inside Iran. The operation, described by Washington as a “preemptive measure,” aimed to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and disrupt its alleged nuclear program. Explosions were reported across multiple cities, including...

GMOA Announces Series of Island-Wide Professional Actions

Asian TribuneFebruary 28, 2026

Colombo, Feb. 28 – The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced a series of island-wide professional actions, citing the government’s failure to honour written agreements aimed at addressing longstanding issues affecting doctors and the public health system. In an official statement, the GMOA emphasized that strengthening Sri Lanka’s free healthcare services and resolving systemic...

US–Iran Talks End With Claims of Progress, But Major Gaps Remain

Asian TribuneFebruary 28, 2026

Tehran/Geneva – A fresh round of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Geneva with both sides describing the discussions as “serious” and “constructive.” However, few concrete details were released, and significant differences remain unresolved, raising continued concerns over potential military escalation in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that...

Jaffna Wetland Under Threat: Controversial Cricket Stadium Project Raises Legal and Environmental Concerns

Asian TribuneFebruary 26, 2026

The proposed construction of an international cricket stadium and sports city in Mandaitivu Island, Jaffna, has triggered serious environmental, legal, and social concerns, as large-scale land filling operations have reportedly begun without mandatory environmental approvals. The project, for which the foundation stone was laid on September 1, 2025, by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, upon the...

Sri Lanka Court of Appeal Orders Compliance with Approved Plan in Trincomalee Temple Dispute

Asian TribuneFebruary 21, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka on February 20 ruled that the dispute surrounding alleged unauthorized construction at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya in Trincomalee should be resolved in accordance with the temple’s originally approved building plan. The ruling was delivered when a writ petition filed by the Chief Incumbent, Ven. Kalyana...

Only One MP Declines Salary as Sri Lanka Reveals Parliamentary Allowances

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Debate intensifies over MPs’ benefits after new disclosures in Parliament Details of salaries and allowances paid to Members of Parliament in Sri Lanka have come under renewed scrutiny following disclosures made in Parliament on February 19. Responding to a question raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Chaminda Wijesiri, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya outlined the...

Former Deputy Secretary General Challenges Suspension in Court

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

A former Deputy Secretary General of Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne, has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal challenging his suspension from duty. In his petition, he argues that the decision to suspend him was taken without a fair inquiry, rendering it unlawful. The respondents named in the petition include the Speaker...

BASL members decide not to appear in court cases tomorrow in solidarity move

Asian TribuneFebruary 16, 2026

Colombo, February 15, 2026 – In a significant show of protest and solidarity, members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) have unanimously decided not to appear for court hearings across the country tomorrow. The decision was taken at a special general meeting held today with widespread participation from lawyers affiliated with the association....

Digital ID project: MSI engagement expected by mid-April

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Colombo, February 15, 2026 – The Government of Sri Lanka is advancing its Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) initiative, with engagement of a Master Systems Integrator (MSI) expected by mid-April 2026 to begin implementation of the national digital identity system. Five Indian technology firms have been shortlisted to compete for the SLUDI contract, which...

GMOA announces further escalation of trade union action in health sector

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has confirmed that it will continue and further escalate its trade union action across the island in response to unresolved issues in Sri Lanka’s public health system. The GMOA, representing thousands of government doctors, has been conducting ongoing trade union measures aimed at pressuring the Ministry of Health and...