Category: Local News

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to increase the amount approved for Sri Lanka for this year (2026) from USD 380 million to USD 480 million, and to promptly disburse USD 200 million of that total in light of the current situation.

Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe was arrested at around 9:10 a.m. today (March 24) by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on charges of corruption.

Sri Lanka has approved a new programme to promote QR-based digital payments by removing fees on transactions below Rs. 5,000 to boost digital adoption and reduce cash use.

Cement prices in Sri Lanka have increased by Rs. 150 to Rs. 175 due to rising production costs.

Due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East and the risk of fuel import disruptions to Sri Lanka, new nationwide guidelines have been issued to strictly manage fuel and energy use while ensuring uninterrupted essential services.

A 41-year-old man was arrested in Serunuwara on March 23, 2026, for illegally possessing and selling 1,820 liters of diesel without a license.

The bus fares in Sri Lanka will be increased by 12.19% with effect from midnight today (March 23).

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered urgent measures to protect the country’s energy supply, calling on the public to reduce electricity use during peak hours from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

The Road Passenger Transport Authority of the Western Province has decided to increase the three-wheeler fare for the first kilometre by Rs. 10 due to the recent fuel price hike.

The Bakery Owners’ Association in Sri Lanka has decided to increase the price of a 450g loaf of bread by Rs. 10, effective from midnight today (March 23).

The Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, reaffirmed Iran’s strong support for Sri Lanka, stating that Iran is ready to supply oil and essential goods while keeping key maritime routes open and ensuring the safety of Sri Lankans in Iran.

Former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and former Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Chairman Dhammika Ranatunga were served indictments before the Colombo High Court today (March 23) over a corruption case linked to an alleged Rs. 800 million loss.

A retired Sri Lanka Army Brigadier was arrested over alleged corruption in the allocation of 22 housing units under Colombo’s Urban Regeneration Project.

Sri Lankan authorities have launched investigations into 153 mobile phone connections linked to the illegal use of fuel QR codes, referring suspects to the Computer Crime Investigation Division.

Sri Lanka Police arrested five suspects and seized large quantities of illegally stored fuel, including more than 6,000 liters of diesel, petrol, and kerosene, during coordinated raids carried out on March 22, 2026.

Lanka IOC has decided to increase its fuel prices, effective March 22, 2026.