Iran Shoots Down US F-18 Jet Amid Middle East Tensions

Iran has claimed responsibility for shooting down a US-owned F-18 fighter jet. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between United States and Iran in the Middle East.

Iran released a video on its official platform showing the jet being shot down. However, authorities have not provided details on the exact location, extent of damage, or the status of the aircraft and crew.

The incident follows a series of military exchanges between Iran, the US, and Israel, which has intensified conflict in the region. Both sides have launched retaliatory actions over the past 25 days.

Earlier, Donald Trump announced a temporary halt of attacks on Iran for five days, citing ongoing constructive negotiations. Despite this, Iran has systematically denied engaging in any negotiations with the US, asserting its stance firmly.

Analysts warn that the Middle East remains highly volatile, and any further escalation could significantly impact regional security and global energy markets.

Japan Releases Oil Reserves to Ease Energy Supply Crisis.

Japan has begun releasing crude oil from its national strategic reserves to stabilize fuel supply disruptions caused by rising tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Government officials confirmed that approximately 8.5 million kilolitres of crude oil will be released to support domestic demand for about 30 days.Japan depends on the Middle East for more than 90% of its crude oil imports. However, disruptions affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have created serious supply risks. As a result, authorities moved quickly to protect energy stability and prevent further price increases.

Oil distribution started from the Kikuma storage terminal located in Ehime Prefecture. Officials also confirmed that additional releases will continue from eight more storage sites before the end of March. Furthermore, authorities plan to release additional supplies from storage facilities in Nagasaki Prefecture and Kagoshima Prefecture in early April.

The government will supply crude oil worth approximately 540 billion yen (about $3.4 billion) to four major wholesale distributors, including ENEOS. Meanwhile, petrol prices in Japan recently reached a record level of 190.80 yen per litre. Therefore, the government continues to provide subsidies to reduce pressure on consumers.

By the end of 2025, Japan maintained strategic reserves equal to about 254 days of domestic consumption, totaling nearly 470 million barrels of oil. However, officials warned that supply shortages are also affecting naphtha, a key material used in producing plastics and synthetic fibers. Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely to maintain industrial stability.

Sri Lankan Police Officer Found Dead in Milan Residence.

Shehan Fernando, a Sri Lankan-born police officer serving in Milan, Italy, was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside his official residence, according to Italian authorities. Police confirmed that the 27-year-old officer, originally from Wennappuwa, had been serving in the Italian Police Department and was widely respected by colleagues and the local community. Investigators discovered the officer’s body alongside his service firearm, raising questions about whether the incident involved suicide or possible homicide. As a result, Italian police launched a formal investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death. Officials stated that forensic teams continue to examine evidence from the scene. Further updates are expected after the completion of the investigation.

Shehan Fernando was known as the only Sri Lankan officer representing the Italian police service, making his death particularly shocking for both authorities and the Sri Lankan community living in Italy. Colleagues described him as a dedicated officer who earned strong respect within the department.Authorities confirmed that Fernando’s parents also live in Italy and remain deeply affected by the sudden loss. Meanwhile, funeral arrangements are scheduled to take place in Milan. Members of the Sri Lankan community across Italy expressed condolences and called for a transparent investigation into the incident.

Qatar Decision Shocks US Forces, Analyst Criticizes Trump

Qatar Decision Shocks US Forces, Says Political Analyst

Political analyst Nehru Gunaratnam stated that a recent decision by Qatar created concern among United States military forces and reflected weaknesses in current regional strategy. He shared these views while participating in a discussion program broadcast by Lankasri Media. Analyst Criticizes Trump’s Middle East Strategy According to Gunaratnam, decisions made by Donald Trump created conditions that could lead to multi-level strategic setbacks for the United States in the Middle East. He further explained that several regional developments indicate growing dissatisfaction among key partners in the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Thinking Is Changing

Gunaratnam also highlighted that Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, appears to be pursuing a different strategic vision compared to previous Western-aligned policies. He noted that Saudi Arabia remains the leading country within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Therefore, any shift in its position could influence the direction of other GCC member states. Regional Conflict May Affect US Global Influence The analyst further claimed that regional tensions linked to support for Israel could reshape alliances across the Middle East. He warned that continued involvement in regional conflicts may weaken the United States’ geopolitical strength over time if diplomatic solutions do not emerge.

Heat Warning Issued for Several Districts in Sri Lanka.

The Department of Meteorology Sri Lanka issued a heat warning for several areas across Sri Lanka, stating that temperatures may rise to alert-level conditions in the coming days.Officials explained that the heat index, which reflects the temperature felt by the human body, could increase significantly in multiple provinces. According to the department, the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and North Western Provinces may experience higher heat index levels. In addition, several districts including Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya, and Monaragala are also expected to face alert-level heat conditions in some areas.

Authorities advised the public to remain cautious during daytime hours. They also encouraged people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official safety guidance. Weather experts continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue further updates if conditions change.

Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital Launches 4D Angio CT Unit

Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital Launches South Asia’s First 4D Angio CT Unit

Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital officially opened South Asia’s first 4D Angio CT unit, introducing a major advancement in Sri Lanka’s public and private healthcare system.

In addition, the hospital launched a modern dental unit equipped with ten advanced treatment chairs. These facilities significantly strengthen diagnostic and treatment capabilities within the national healthcare sector. The Government of Japan funded the project with a grant exceeding Rs. 1,000 million. This investment supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernize medical infrastructure and improve patient care services. Healthcare officials confirmed that the new technology allows doctors to perform faster and more accurate diagnoses. As a result, specialists can manage complex surgical procedures more safely and efficiently.Medical experts stated that the introduction of the 4D Angio CT system will improve treatment planning and clinical decision-making. Furthermore, the new imaging technology helps doctors detect conditions earlier and respond more effectively.

Authorities also emphasized that this milestone marks an important step forward in strengthening Sri Lanka’s advanced diagnostic imaging capacity across the region.

Man Arrested with 1,750 Litres of Illegal Fuel in Kilinochchi.

Police officers arrested a suspect after seizing 1,220 litres of petrol and 530 litres of diesel hidden illegally in the Kalmadunagar area under the Kilinochchi Ramanathapuram Police Division.

The Ramanathapuram Police carried out the raid after receiving confidential intelligence information about illegal fuel storage in the area. During the operation, officers discovered the hidden fuel stock and immediately confiscated it.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect stored the fuel without legal authorization, violating fuel distribution regulations. As a result, officers arrested the individual at the scene for further investigation.

Police stated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect had links to organized fuel hoarding or illegal distribution networks in the region.

Officials also warned that illegal fuel storage creates serious safety risks and negatively affects the country’s regulated fuel supply system. Therefore, police continue to strengthen monitoring operations to prevent similar incidents.

Chicken, Egg Prices Surge Amid Fuel Hike

Rising fuel prices in Sri Lanka have pushed up the cost of chicken and eggs. A single egg now sells for LKR 40, while one kilogram of chicken with skin costs over LKR 100.

Small eggs sell at LKR 37, medium eggs at LKR 39, and large red eggs reach LKR 41 per egg.

Ajith H. Gunasekara, President of the Sri Lanka Livestock Producers Association, explained that higher fuel and gas costs have severely affected poultry farming. Farmers use gas to keep chicks warm, but rising fuel prices have disrupted this process, increasing operational costs.

Chicken with skin now sells at LKR 1,200 to LKR 1,250 per kilogram in the market.

The daily supply stands at around 700 metric tons, while monthly demand reaches approximately 22,000 metric tons.

Rising diesel prices have reduced the number of fishing boats, lowering fish supply. Additionally, higher prices for pork, beef, and goat meat have increased demand for chicken, making poultry products more profitable.

Gunasekara highlighted that poultry farming currently offers better returns, despite rising production costs

Gold Prices Rise Slowly in Sri Lanka:

Gold buyers in Sri Lanka expected a big surge, but the increase came gradually. The All Ceylon Jewellers Association reported that gold prices rose by LKR 8,000 in a single day on 25 March 2026.

Currently, 24-carat gold sells at LKR 393,000 per pound, while 22-carat gold goes for LKR 361,500 per pound. The price per gram is LKR 49,125 for 24-carat gold and LKR 45,188 for 22-carat gold.

Globally, the gold market showed an upward trend today. In the international market, gold rose by 2.94% in the morning session and reached $4,539.52 per ounce. Investors and buyers should monitor both local and international gold markets, as prices may continue to fluctuate in the coming days.

US Court Fines Meta $375M for Child Safety Violations,

A US court has ordered Meta to pay $375 million for harming children and exposing them to sexual exploitation on its platforms. The ruling comes after a six-week trial in New Mexico.

State officials accused Meta of failing to protect minors. The jury agreed that Meta prioritized profit over safety and violated sections of New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act.

The court found that Meta misused children’s vulnerabilities and engaged in “unethical business practices.” The ruling marks the first time a US state has successfully sued Meta over child protection issues.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, faces multiple lawsuits regarding its platforms’ impact on youth mental health. The jury sided with the state’s arguments that Meta ignored safety concerns to increase profits.

During the trial, 40 witnesses testified, including whistleblowers. Lawyers reviewed hundreds of documents, reports, and emails.

Meta’s spokesperson rejected the ruling and announced plans to appeal. He stated, “We work hard to keep our users safe. Identifying and removing harmful content remains challenging, but we continue to improve our systems.”

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed the lawsuit in 2023 against Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Investigators created fake accounts of users under 14 to test platform safety. These accounts received sexual content and interacted with adults seeking such content, prompting multiple charges.

Torrez called the ruling a historic victory for children and families. He said, “Meta must now pay the price for placing profits above child safety. No tech company stands above the law.”

The trial’s second phase begins in May, where a judge will determine whether Meta must pay additional fines or implement further platform changes.

Meanwhile, a separate jury in California is examining Meta and YouTube over their impact on children. This case could influence thousands of similar lawsuits nationwide. Regulators are reviewing whether platforms intentionally designed features to engage young users.