Sri Lanka

Fuel QR System and Odd-Even Rule Reintroduced for Petrol Vehicles Starting Midnight

Asian TribuneApril 18, 2026

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced that the National Fuel Pass (QR) system for petrol vehicles will be officially reinstated starting midnight tonight (April 18). Key Details of the Resumption The temporary suspension of the QR system, which was implemented on April 11 to facilitate travel during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive...

CPC Confirms $286 Diesel Barrel Purchase; Denies Allegations of Overpricing

Asian TribuneApril 18, 2026

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has officially confirmed the purchase of a diesel barrel at a rate of $286. However, the corporation strongly rejected claims circulating in political circles that the purchase was made at an inflated price above global market rates. Detailed Analysis of the Situation:

Jayakody’s Resignation is “Too Late” and Insufficient, says Namal Rajapaksa

Asian TribuneApril 18, 2026

Reacting to the resignation of Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, MP Namal Rajapaksa criticized the move, describing it as a calculated political decision that came far too late. Key Points of Criticism:

Sri Lanka Among Worst Impacted Asia-Pacific Nations Due to West Asia Conflict – UN Report

Asian TribuneApril 18, 2026

A recent report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has identified Sri Lanka as one of the most vulnerable countries in the Asia-Pacific region following the escalation of the conflict in West Asia (Middle East). Key Findings of the Report: The report emphasizes that along with Sri Lanka, nations like the Maldives, Pakistan, and...

Oil Prices Plummet by 11% as Iran Reopens the Strategic Strait of Hormuz

Asian TribuneApril 18, 2026

Global oil markets saw a dramatic shift on Friday as prices plunged by over 11% following an announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened for all commercial shipping. Detailed Breakdown: Global and Local Impact: The reopening is expected to provide significant relief to the global economy and...

Energy Minister and Secretary Resign to Ensure Impartial Probe into Coal Imports

Asian TribuneApril 18, 2026

COLOMBO, April 17: In a significant political development, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and the Secretary to the Ministry, Prof. Udayanga Hemapala, handed over their letters of resignation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this afternoon. The Reason Behind the Resignation According to a statement by the Presidential Media Division (PMD), the resignations were tendered to facilitate...

Former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi Arrested with Cache of Firearms and Ammunition

Asian TribuneApril 17, 2026

Former Member of Parliament Chandana Kathriarachchi has been taken into custody by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) following the discovery of a significant quantity of illegal ammunition and explosives at his residence. The Raid and Recovered Items: Acting on specific intelligence, the CCD obtained a search warrant from the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court and conducted a...

CPC Chairman Denies Reports of Paying $286 Per Barrel of Crude Oil

Asian TribuneApril 17, 2026

The Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has categorically denied reports claiming that the corporation paid USD 286 per barrel for imported crude oil. Addressing the allegations circulating in social media and certain news outlets, the Chairman stated that the CPC has at no point purchased crude oil at such an inflated price. He...

Former Basnayake Nilame Arrested Over Financial Fraud

Asian TribuneApril 17, 2026

A former Basnayake Nilame of a prominent Kovil (Devalaya) in Kandy has been arrested by the Kandy Special Crimes Investigation Division in connection with a multi-million rupee financial fraud. According to police investigations, the 72-year-old suspect and his son are alleged to have defrauded several individuals of approximately Rs. 180 million (18 Crores) under the...

Government Pushes Forward With Economic Reforms

Asian TribuneApril 3, 2026

The Sri Lankan government has intensified efforts to implement reforms under its agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Authorities are focusing on strengthening revenue collection, restructuring state-owned enterprises, and improving fiscal discipline. Officials emphasize that these reforms are essential to stabilizing the economy after the crisis experienced in recent years. However, the impact on the...