Top stories of the day

Bread price up by Rs. 10 

The All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association says that the price of a 450-gram loaf of bread will be increased by Rs. 10 with effect from midnight today (23) and a loaf of bread will be sold for Rs. 130 from tomorrow.

Overall rate of inflation decreased to 1.6%

According to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics, the overall rate of inflation, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), has decreased to 1.6% in February 2026, compared to 2.4% in January 2026.

Three-wheeler fares increased

The Road Passenger Transport Authority of the Western Province stated that the three-wheeler fare for the first kilometre has been increased from Rs. 100 to Rs.110 while three-wheeler operators will charge Rs. 90 for each additional kilometer. 

Police warn of fake social message circulation 

‘‘Be vigilant. We kindly urge you to pay close attention to several important matters that we all need to understand and bear in mind during this period of economic hardship in our country’’, police have issued a clarification regarding the above message circulating on social media insisting that it was not issued by the Police through any official channel.

Several private bus associations withdrew from operations 

The government decided to revise fuel prices which are effective from midnight on March 21. Several private bus associations withdrew from operations pending a formal revision of bus fares which caused significant disruption to passengers today (23), leaving many stranded and struggling to find alternative transportation during peak hours. 

Former Minister Arjuna  Ranatunga and former CPC Chairman Dhammika Ranatunga indicted

Indictments have been served on Former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Dhammika Ranatunga at the Colombo High Court for corruption charges. The court ordered the defendants to be released on two surety bonds of Rs. 5 million each.