Sri Lanka Cabinet approves fuel subsidy to hold prices from March 22, 2026

The Negombo High Court today (March 31) granted bail to four suspects, including two sons of former Minister Johnston Fernando, over the alleged misuse of a Lanka Sathosa lorry.

Prices of fried rice and kottu in Sri Lanka will be increased by Rs. 30 from April 1, 2026, with restaurant owners citing higher electricity costs ahead of the tariff hike set to take effect on the same day.

Sri Lanka has 42,000 metric tons of gas ready in the Maldives, enough to meet April 2026 demand, while more shipments are scheduled to arrive later.

Sri Lanka’s Government Medical Officers’ Association launched a nationwide token strike from 8:00 a.m. today (March 31), over several demands including what it says are unlawful transfers of doctors.

Sri Lanka’s Commissioner General of Essential Services has issued new nationwide guidelines on the careful use of fuel and electricity, including switching off air conditioners in government institutions by 3:00 PM, turning off advertising screens after 8:00 PM, and limiting power use for large night events.

Sri Lanka is looking at ways to create more foreign jobs for retiring Navy personnel in the shipping and marine sector, while also helping them gain internationally recognized qualifications needed for global employment.

Sarath Ganegoda has resigned as Chairman of SriLankan Airlines and SriLankan Catering, with A.K.D.D. Dimal Arandara set to serve as Acting Chairman from March 31, 2026, until a new appointment is made.

Sri Lanka’s electricity tariffs will increase from April 1, 2026, after the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved a revision for the second quarter of 2026.

Sri Lanka has deported 125 Chinese nationals arrested over alleged online financial fraud, after talks with the Chinese government and the arrival of a special aircraft from China.

Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Kamal Amarasinghe, who was arrested by the CID over an alleged fraudulent vehicle assembly case, has been further remanded until April 10, 2026.

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has taken a major step in its digital transformation by holding its first fully electronic, paperless open-court proceeding on March 26, 2026, following the launch of its e-Filing Portal under the e-Courts Project.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) states that the number of foreign tourists arriving in Sri Lanka so far in 2026 has surpassed the 700,000 mark.

Surakimu Lanka launched today (March 29) to encourage people to save energy and help protect Sri Lanka’s national energy security over the next five months.

An income inspector of the Monaragala Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested today (March 29) after allegedly accepting a Rs. 50,000 bribe from two businessmen in exchange for not sealing a beef shop and public toilet and for helping them continue operating.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko will visit Sri Lanka on March 31, 2026 for official talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries.