Fuel Prices Soar, IMF Funds Arrive Amidst Vesak Tragedies and Political Scrutiny

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticized the government, alleging widespread deception and economic mismanagement, particularly highlighting the struggles of farmers unable to sell their harvests profitably

. In other government actions, Sri Lanka has halted the controversial e-passport tender process with immediate effect, a decision reportedly directed by the Cabinet of Ministers

. Furthermore, a ban on single-use plastic water bottles in all state institutions became effective today, aiming to improve solid waste management

. On the international front, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath is on an official tour of Australia and New Zealand, focusing on enhancing parliamentary cooperation, trade, and diaspora support

. Domestically, Major General Nilantha Premaratne has been appointed as the 69th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army

. Despite recent fuel price hikes, the National Transport Commission assures that bus fares remain unchanged, though three-wheeler associations plan to increase their rates

. Internationally, US President Donald Trump announced a tentative US-Iran deal, aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons

. Lastly, Sri Lanka and Cuba discussed strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the health sector

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has implemented a significant fuel price hike, effective midnight May 30, marking the eighth revision this year, with Lanka Auto Diesel, Super Diesel, 95 Octane, 92 Octane Petrol, and Kerosene all seeing increases

. This surge has prompted the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association to request an interim 5% fare increase and a minimum fare of Rs. 32 or Rs. 33

. In positive economic news, the IMF Executive Board approved Sri Lanka's fifth and sixth Extended Fund Facility (EFF) reviews, granting access to approximately US$695 million expected in early June

. However, the IMF's report also warns that Sri Lanka's debt repayment capacity remains at a high-risk level and stresses the need for increased economic growth potential through structural reforms

. Sri Lanka also saw a significant surge in foreign remittances, earning approximately USD 3.06 billion in the first four months of 2026, a 24.5% increase over the previous year

. To support disaster recovery, Japan has provided a USD 1.33 million grant to aid freshwater fishermen in the Eastern Province affected by Cyclone Diwtah

. Lastly, temporary power disruptions were experienced in several areas following a request for rooftop solar owners to deactivate their systems for grid stability during a low-demand holiday period

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Airport Police Narcotics Bureau officers arrested two Sri Lankan cousins at BIA, seizing 13 packets of 'Kush' cannabis valued at Rs. 418 million found in their travel bags

. In a separate major drug bust, police in Baduraliya seized 3 kilograms and 362 grams of 'Ice' methamphetamine, valued at nearly Rs. 550 million, discovered abandoned by the roadside

. In a tragic domestic incident, Eravur Police arrested a 14-year-old boy in connection with the death of his 11-year-old sister, whose body was found in a bathroom water tank following an argument over a mobile phone

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A tragic incident in Meegoda saw six individuals killed and at least 12 injured after a cab crashed into a crowd gathered near a Vesak Dansala; the driver has been arrested with initial suspicions of intoxication

. In Kalametiya, the search continues for a third missing student after the bodies of two others, aged 19 and 13, were recovered following a sea tragedy on May 30th

. Separately, a 41-year-old man died in Maskeliya after a soil mound collapsed on him while he was excavating land near his home

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Sri Lanka Police have implemented a special traffic management plan for the Dambulla Vesak Zone, active daily from 3:00 PM to midnight until June 2nd, to manage congestion during the festive period

. Following the conclusion of the Sri Pada pilgrimage season on Vesak Poya, the Sacred Relic Casket, Statue of God Saman, and divine insignia have commenced their ceremonial procession towards the Pelmadulla Galpoththawela Sri Pada Rajamaha Viharaya

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Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) identified 148 Vesak dansals operating with health and safety guideline violations during an island-wide inspection program, though officials opted to instruct organizers to rectify issues immediately rather than close them

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New forecasts for June 1st and today anticipate intermittent rain in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, along with Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara-Eliya districts, as the monsoon establishes. Moderate strong winds are also expected in several regions, with advisories issued for precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning

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