The Department of Meteorology says showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces today (1). Rain is also expected in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. Showers or thundershowers may develop in Uva Province and the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1pm. Winds of 30–40 kmph are expected in several areas, including the Northern, North Central, North-Western and Southern provinces. Residents are advised to take precautions during thundershowers.

Showers expected in several provinces after 1pm today

Six people, including three women, have died after a cab crashed into a crowd near a Vesak Dansala at Meegoda Junction in Homagama. Police said the vehicle veered off the road and struck people who were waiting in a queue before fleeing the scene. At least 12 injured persons were admitted to Homagama Base Hospital. The driver of the cab has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Six killed after vehicle crashes into crowd near Vesak Dansala in Meegoda

<ul><li>Five rapid hikes since March drive prices close to 2022 levels&nbsp;</li><li>All fuel categories see Rs 100+ increase&nbsp;</li><li>Octane 95 and Super Diesel each surge by Rs 155 a litre&nbsp;</li><li>Kerosene records steepest percentage increase at 56.6%</li></ul> Prices in all major fuel categories have risen sharply since March, with increases ranging from Rs 103 to Rs 155 per litre following five separate price revisions implemented between 1 March and 31 May.&nbsp;With the latest fuel price revision, which came into effect from midnight yesterday (31 May), prices have now risen to their highest levels this year. Compared with the prices that prevailed prior to 1 March, Octane 95 petrol has seen an overall increase by Rs&nbsp; 155 per litre, Octane 92 petrol by Rs&nbsp; 141, Lanka Auto Diesel by Rs&nbsp; 126, Lanka Super Diesel by Rs 149 and kerosene by Rs&nbsp; 103.The first revision came into effect on 1 March, following the eruption of Middle East tensions on 28 February. At that stage, Octane 92 petrol increased by Rs&nbsp; 1 per litre from Rs&nbsp; 292 to Rs&nbsp; 293. Auto diesel rose by Rs&nbsp; 4 from Rs&nbsp; 277 to Rs&nbsp; 281, and super diesel increased by Rs 6 from Rs 323 to Rs&nbsp; 329. Prices of Octane 95 petrol and kerosene remained unchanged at Rs&nbsp; 340 and Rs&nbsp; 182 respectively.A second revision followed on 10 March. Octane 95 petrol increased by Rs&nbsp; 25 per litre to Rs&nbsp; 365, while Octane 92 petrol rose by Rs&nbsp; 24 to Rs&nbsp; 317. Auto diesel increased by Rs&nbsp; 22 to Rs&nbsp; 303, super diesel by Rs&nbsp; 24 to Rs&nbsp; 353 and kerosene by Rs&nbsp; 13 to Rs&nbsp; 195 per litre.The largest single increase during the period came on 22 March amid growing concerns over global energy supplies. Octane 95 petrol increased by Rs&nbsp; 90 per litre from Rs&nbsp; 365 to Rs&nbsp; 455. Octane 92 petrol rose by Rs&nbsp; 81 from Rs&nbsp; 317 to Rs&nbsp; 398. Auto diesel increased by Rs&nbsp; 79 from Rs&nbsp; 303 to Rs&nbsp; 382, super diesel by Rs&nbsp; 90 from Rs&nbsp; 353 to Rs&nbsp; 443 and kerosene by Rs&nbsp; 60 from Rs&nbsp; 195 to Rs&nbsp; 255 per litre.Fuel prices were revised again on 3 May. Under that revision, Octane 95 petrol increased by Rs&nbsp; 15 per litre to Rs&nbsp; 470, Octane 92 petrol by Rs&nbsp; 12 to Rs&nbsp; 410, auto diesel by Rs&nbsp; 10 to Rs&nbsp; 392, super diesel by Rs&nbsp; 15 to Rs&nbsp; 458 and kerosene by Rs&nbsp; 10 to Rs&nbsp; 265.The fifth and latest revision took effect from midnight yesterday (31). Octane 95 petrol increased by a further Rs&nbsp; 25 per litre from Rs&nbsp; 470 to Rs&nbsp; 495. Octane 92 petrol rose by Rs&nbsp; 24 from Rs&nbsp; 410 to Rs&nbsp; 434. Auto diesel increased by Rs&nbsp; 15 from Rs&nbsp; 392 to Rs&nbsp; 407, super diesel by Rs&nbsp; 20 from Rs&nbsp; 458 to Rs&nbsp; 478 and kerosene by Rs&nbsp; 20 from Rs&nbsp; 265 to Rs&nbsp; 285 per litre.As a result, current retail prices stand at Rs&nbsp; 495 per litre for Octane 95 petrol, Rs&nbsp; 434 for Octane 92 petrol, Rs&nbsp; 407 for Lanka Auto Diesel, Rs&nbsp; 478 for Lanka Super Diesel and Rs&nbsp; 285 for kerosene.A comparison between prices that prevailed on 1 February, just 27 days before the Middle East conflict began, and those currently in effect shows the scale of the increases over the four-month period. Octane 95 petrol has increased from Rs&nbsp; 340 to Rs&nbsp; 495, representing a rise of Rs&nbsp; 155 or 45.6 per cent. Octane 92 petrol has increased from Rs&nbsp; 292 to Rs&nbsp; 434, a rise of Rs&nbsp; 142 or 48.6 per cent. Auto diesel has increased from Rs&nbsp; 277 to Rs&nbsp; 407, a rise of Rs&nbsp; 130 or 46.9 per cent. Super Diesel has increased from Rs&nbsp; 323 to Rs&nbsp; 478, a rise of Rs&nbsp; 155 or 48 per cent. Kerosene has increased from Rs&nbsp; 182 to Rs&nbsp; 285, representing the highest percentage increase of the group at 56.6 per cent, equivalent to Rs&nbsp; 103 per litre.The successive increases have come against the backdrop of continuing instability in the Middle East. The conflict began on 28 February following military action involving the United States, Israel and Iran, triggering concerns over global oil supplies and the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes for crude oil and petroleum products.Although diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict have intensified in recent weeks and discussions between Washington and Tehran are continuing, uncertainty over regional security and future energy supplies has kept international oil markets volatile. Those developments have contributed to upward pressure on fuel prices globally, with the impact continuing to be reflected in Sri Lanka's domestic fuel pricing formula through a series of revisions implemented over the past three months.

Since ME Tensions Began: Fuel Shock: Up Rs  103-155 a Litre in 3 Months 

<ul><li>Bus fares set to rise by 5%;&nbsp;</li><li>Farmers warn rice production costs could climb to Rs&nbsp; 140 per kilo</li></ul> The latest fuel price increase, which came into effect yesterday (31 May) is expected to have a significant impact on several sectors, particularly transport and agriculture, with industry representatives warning of rising operating costs and potential price increases.Speaking to The Daily Morning, Lanka Private Bus Owners Association (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijeratne said that private bus operators had decided to seek an increase in fares by five per cent following the diesel price hike. “At the moment, we have the right to seek an overall fare revision. There are 12 factors that are taken into consideration when determining bus fares. We are seeking a broader revision later this month. For now, we have decided to seek an adjustment of fares based on the increase in diesel prices,” he said.However, the National Transport Commission (NTC) stated that no revision of bus fares would be implemented despite the latest increase in fuel prices. The announcement came after the LPBOA's requested an interim fare revision following the fuel price increase.Meanwhile, National Agrarian Unity (NAU) President Anuradha Tennakoon, speaking to The Daily Morning, said that the fuel increase would place additional pressure on farmers and could push the cost of producing a kilogram of rice to around Rs&nbsp; 140. “We are about to begin harvesting in several areas and diesel is essential for agricultural operations. We hope the Government will intervene and provide a fuel quota for farmers&nbsp; Otherwise, agriculture will no longer be a profitable sector and many may be forced to leave the industry,” he said.&nbsp;The All Island Bakery Owners Association (AIBOA) also stated that a price increase may become unavoidable if production costs continue to rise. “The prices of ingredients have not increased yet. However, if LP gas prices go up, we may have to consider increasing bakery product prices,” Association President Harshana Rukshan said.The All Island Three-Wheeler Owners Association also expressed concern over the situation, noting that operators continue to face difficulties despite repeated requests for fare revisions and fuel support. Association President Lalith Dharmasekara told The Daily Morning that three-wheeler operators had still not received an adequate fuel quota and that the Government had not yet gazetted revised fare rates. “No matter how much fuel prices increase, we cannot simply raise fares on our own,” he said.

Fuel Price Hike: Transport, agriculture hit hard

<ul><li>Expert committee to assess impact on sacred tree and heritage site</li></ul> The Department of Archaeology has confirmed that it did not grant approval for the installation of terracotta flooring at the Upper and Lower Terraces of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura.When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (31), Director General of Archaeology Department, Senarath Wickramasinghe said that the Department planned to conduct an assessment with the assistance of experts, including specialists from the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, to determine whether the flooring poses any risk to the ancient sacred tree. He said that a committee comprising relevant experts would be appointed to examine the issue and that the terracotta flooring would be removed immediately if any harmful impact is identified. The controversy emerged after renovation work at the Sri Maha Bodhiya site included the laying of terracotta tiles. Concerns were first raised by an academic, who claimed in a social media post that such flooring could alter environmental conditions around the tree and potentially make it vulnerable. The issue subsequently sparked discussion on social media, with several parties questioning both the possible environmental consequences and the appropriateness of carrying out such modifications at a World Heritage site. The Sri Maha Bodhiya is regarded as one of the oldest historically documented trees in the world and holds immense religious, cultural and archaeological significance.

Terracotta Flooring at Sri Maha Bodhi: No approval granted: Archaeology Dept 

<ul><li>Ministry exploring tax-free products</li></ul> The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) claimed that females and schoolgirls across Sri Lanka are facing increasing difficulty in accessing sanitary products due to rising prices, which it claimed are among the highest in Asia when affordability is taken into account.MCPA President Dr&nbsp; Chamal Sanjeewa said that the cost of sanitary pads has increased sharply in recent years because of currency fluctuations, taxation, and rising production and import costs.He noted that a packet of sanitary pads that previously cost around Rs&nbsp; 140 now sells for between Rs&nbsp; 260 and Rs&nbsp; 500, with some imported and branded products priced even higher.Dr&nbsp; Sanjeewa said that the issue was not simply the market price of sanitary products but their affordability relative to household income. “For many low-income families, monthly spending on sanitary products represents a noticeable share of household earnings.”&nbsp; He warned that the financial strain was having wider social consequences, with reports indicating that some rural women and schoolgirls miss work or school during menstruation because they cannot afford sanitary products. “This is not just a consumer issue. It is a broader social and economic concern,” he said, calling for a national discussion on menstrual hygiene costs and related policy gaps. However, informed health sources noted that although the Ministry of Health has worked with organisations such as United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the education sector on menstrual hygiene education and awareness programmes, there has been little effort to influence taxation policies relating to products that are considered essential for females' health and hygiene. Attempts to contact the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr&nbsp; Hansaka Wijemuni for comment were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs stated that it was holding discussions with relevant stakeholders on introducing tax-free sanitary products in an effort to reduce costs for females and girls. Speaking to The Daily Morning, Ministry Secretary Tharangani Wickramasinghe said that discussions were still ongoing and that approvals from several parties would be required before any policy changes could be implemented. “We are yet to receive the approval of some stakeholders, and there are others with whom discussions have not yet taken place.”&nbsp;

High Cost of Sanitary Products: Docs warn of difficulties for women

<ul><li>Recent fatalities were caused by bacterial meningitis&nbsp;</li></ul> Recent deaths attributed to meningitis were caused by bacterial meningitis and are not linked to the enteroviral meningitis cases currently being reported among children, informed sources at the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit stated.Responding to queries from The Daily Morning yesterday (31), sources said that some media and social media reports had confused bacterial meningitis cases with the current enteroviral meningitis outbreak, creating unnecessary public concern. They stressed that no child affected by enteroviral meningitis has developed severe complications or died from the disease so far.According to health officials, viral meningitis cases reported from several parts of the country are gradually declining and the situation is coming under control. Hospital admissions have also reduced compared with the early stages of the outbreak.When checked yesterday, there were around 50 hospitalised patients under observation, sources said, adding that all suspected cases were reported through the national epidemiological surveillance system. They noted that not every reported patient is ultimately confirmed as having meningitis, as investigations are conducted before a diagnosis is established.Health officials further said that no significant increase in cases has been reported from new districts in recent weeks, although surveillance activities continue across the country. "Meningitis can affect both children and adults. However, all enteroviral meningitis cases identified during the current outbreak have involved children. No adult cases linked to the present outbreak have been detected to date,” sources said.They added that Sri Lanka’s disease surveillance system continues to monitor the situation closely and that health authorities in all districts have been instructed to remain vigilant and ensure patients receive appropriate treatment.Although deaths from bacterial meningitis are reported from time to time, including a small number of recent fatalities, officials reiterated that no deaths or serious complications have been recorded among children affected by the current enteroviral meningitis outbreak.Attempts to contact the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and the Chief Epidemiologist for comment were unsuccessful.

No deaths linked to Enteroviral Meningitis

<ul><li>Nearly 17,000 people affected since 22 May</li></ul> The Department of Meteorology stated that showers would occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya today (1 June).Showers or thunderstorms are also expected at several locations in Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon and evening.Fairly strong winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected over the western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North Central, North Western and Southern provinces, as well as in Trincomalee District.The public has been advised to take precautions against lightning and temporary strong winds associated with thunderstorms. At sea, south-westerly winds are expected to strengthen to between 60 and 65 kmph in waters stretching from Mullaittivu to Chilaw via Kankasanthurai and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Sea conditions in those areas are expected to be very rough, with wave heights reaching between 2 and 2.5 metres in some coastal waters. Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre stated that a total of 16,668 people belonging to 4,271 families have been affected by severe weather conditions reported across several districts between 22 May and yesterday (31 May).&nbsp;&nbsp; Ratnapura, Galle, Hambantota, Trincomalee, Kalutara, Colombo, Gampaha, Puttalam and Vavuniya are among the worst-affected districts. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, floods, landslides, lightning strikes and falling trees were reported during the period. One person was killed and another injured. Three houses were completely destroyed, whereas 957 houses suffered partial damage. A total of 116 people from 49 families are currently being accommodated at two safety centres.

Weather: Showers, strong winds forecast

<ul><li>NHSL's Institute of Neurology reopens</li></ul> The Ministry of Health and Mass Media is set to provide five state-of-the-art mammography machines to major hospitals across the country in a move aimed at strengthening breast cancer detection and follow-up treatment services.The new machines, used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in breast tissue at an early stage, will be installed at the National Hospitals of Sri Lanka (NHSL) in Colombo, Galle, and Kandy, the Teaching Hospital in Anuradhapura, and the National Cancer Institute (Apeksha Hospital) in Maharagama.&nbsp;Each machine is valued at Rs&nbsp; 153 m, bringing the total investment to Rs&nbsp; 765 m.Funding has been provided through the Health System Enhancement Project (HSEP) with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).In addition, the Ministry has arranged to provide two refurbished mammography machines to the District General Hospitals in Trincomalee and Nuwara Eliya to address urgent service requirements. At present, 16 mammography machines are in operation across the country. The addition of the seven new units will increase the total number to 23.Meanwhile, the fully renovated Institute of Neurology at the Colombo NHSL will be reopened to the public today (1 June) following a refurbishment project costing Rs&nbsp; 99 m.The Institute of Neurology provides diagnosis and treatment for conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscular system. The newly renovated Neurology Unit Ward Complex 62 and 63 will also be declared open. The complex consists of separate male and female wards with 22 beds each.Of the total expenditure, Rs&nbsp; 52 m was allocated for renovating the ward complex. A further Rs&nbsp; 22 m was spent on refurbishing the physiotherapy unit on the ground floor, while Rs&nbsp; 25 m was used to modernise the speech therapy, occupational therapy and auditorium facilities on the third floor.

Showers expected in several provinces after 1pm today

Six killed after vehicle crashes into crowd near Vesak Dansala in Meeg ...

Six killed after vehicle crash ...

Since ME Tensions Began: Fuel Shock: Up Rs 103-155 a Litre in 3 Month ...

Since ME Tensions Began: Fuel ...

Fuel Price Hike: Transport, agriculture hit hard

Fuel Price Hike: Transport, ag ...

Terracotta Flooring at Sri Maha Bodhi: No approval granted: Archaeolog ...

Terracotta Flooring at Sri Mah ...

High Cost of Sanitary Products: Docs warn of difficulties for women

High Cost of Sanitary Products ...

No deaths linked to Enteroviral Meningitis

No deaths linked to Enterovira ...

Weather: Showers, strong winds forecast

Weather: Showers, strong winds ...

Breast Cancer Detection: Hospitals get new Mammography machines worth ...

Breast Cancer Detection: Hospi ...

Six killed after vehicle crashes into crowd near Vesak Dansala in Meeg ...

Six killed after vehicle crash ...

Since ME Tensions Began: Fuel Shock: Up Rs 103-155 a Litre in 3 Month ...

Since ME Tensions Began: Fuel ...

Fuel Price Hike: Transport, agriculture hit hard

Fuel Price Hike: Transport, ag ...

Terracotta Flooring at Sri Maha Bodhi: No approval granted: Archaeolog ...

Terracotta Flooring at Sri Mah ...

High Cost of Sanitary Products: Docs warn of difficulties for women

High Cost of Sanitary Products ...

No deaths linked to Enteroviral Meningitis

No deaths linked to Enterovira ...

Weather: Showers, strong winds forecast

Weather: Showers, strong winds ...

Breast Cancer Detection: Hospitals get new Mammography machines worth ...

Breast Cancer Detection: Hospi ...

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Six killed after vehicle crashes into crowd near Vesak Dansala in Meeg ...

Six killed after vehicle crash ...

Since ME Tensions Began: Fuel Shock: Up Rs 103-155 a Litre in 3 Month ...

Since ME Tensions Began: Fuel ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Fuel Price Hike: Transport, agriculture hit hard

Fuel Price Hike: Transport, ag ...

Terracotta Flooring at Sri Maha Bodhi: No approval granted: Archaeolog ...

Terracotta Flooring at Sri Mah ...

High Cost of Sanitary Products: Docs warn of difficulties for women

High Cost of Sanitary Products ...

No deaths linked to Enteroviral Meningitis

No deaths linked to Enterovira ...