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A discussion on increasing bus fares following recent diesel price hikes was held this morning (04) at the Ministry of Transport and Highways.

However, representatives of bus associations were informed by the Private Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Bimal Rathnayake that an urgent meeting would be arranged with the Subject Minister to further discuss the matter.

The talks come in the wake of two fuel price increases last month, with Auto Diesel rising by Rs. 10 on May 3 and a further Rs. 15 on May 30, reportedly due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Private bus operators say the cumulative Rs. 25 increase within a single month has placed significant strain on the industry, making operations increasingly difficult.

Earlier, several bus associations convened discussions on the issue and called for either a 5% interim bus fare increase or a fuel subsidy in line with rising costs.

In response, representatives of private bus associations attended today’s meeting at the Ministry of Transport and Highways, where they held discussions with the Private Secretary to the Transport Minister.

The meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes, after which bus operators addressed the media.

The Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association, Gemunu Wijeratne criticized the current handling of the issue, saying ministers should be properly briefed before making statements.

He added that the associations expect a meeting with the Minister tomorrow and warned that a decision on further action would be taken next week if the matter is not resolved.

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has decided to introduce a new insurance scheme for coffee cultivation as part of efforts to expand coffee production in Sri Lanka.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the scheme will be available to farmers who cultivate coffee in line with recommendations issued by the Department of Export Agriculture.

Under the proposed insurance program, coverage will be provided during the first three years after planting coffee seedlings. Farmers will be required to pay a premium equivalent to 7 percent of the insured value for each year.

The insurance coverage will amount to Rs. 510,000 in the first year, Rs. 660,000 in the second year, and Rs. 840,000 in the third year.

The policy is designed to protect coffee growers against a range of risks, including drought, floods, damage caused by wild elephants, uncontrollable plant diseases, pest infestations and losses resulting from other animal attacks.

Additionally, growers will be able to obtain optional coverage for accidental fires and landslides by paying an extra premium of 0.5 percent of the insured amount for each additional risk covered.

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board said the initiative is expected to encourage greater investment in coffee cultivation and support the expansion of the country's coffee industry.

The Speaker of House, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has endorsed the certificate on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill.

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, which amends the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, was passed on May 19, 2026. 

The Act modernizes tax administration procedures, clarifies existing provisions, enhances tax compliance and enforcement, improves the accuracy of tax calculations and deductions, supports strategic economic objectives, and strengthens transparency and anti-money laundering measures, according to the Communications Department of Parliament.

Key changes include the mandatory use of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificates for certain significant financial transactions, several revisions to the calculation of income, greater clarity regarding tax exemptions for specific projects and businesses and an expanded scope for the disclosure of information to relevant authorities.

Accordingly, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill comes into force as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026.

Two individuals arrested for the possession of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) have escaped from the Mihintale Police Station while being held in custody, police said.

The suspects, aged 29 and 30 and residents of Mihintale, were arrested last afternoon (03) with a quantity of the narcotic substance.

Police said the suspects had already been charged and were due to be produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today (04).

However, authorities stated that the two men allegedly removed the lock of the police cell early this morning and fled while in custody.

Mihintale Police OIC Chief Inspector Chandrasiri Ranjith confirmed the escape and said multiple special police teams have been deployed to apprehend the suspects.

Investigations are continuing.

Sri Lanka's javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga has broken into the top 5 of the Men's Javelin Throw world rankings.

Tharanga jumped two places to secure the No. 5 spot with an average performance score of 1287 following an outstanding performance in recent meets.

Tharanga won the silver medal at the Rabat Diamond League meeting in Morocco with a throw of 85.97 metres on Monday (01).

Julian Weber of Germany tops the Men’s Javelin Throw world rankings.

Anderson Peters of Grenada and Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago occupy the second and third places while India’s Neeraj Chopra is placed fourth ahead of Rumesh Tharanga in the world rankings.