• Price of lunch packets by 20% from the current price
• School van fare by Rs.1,000 
• Bread price by Rs.30 and other bakery items by Rs. 10 
• Increase the three-wheeler fares 

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

The recent fuel price increases in the country that had directly affected the fare increase of many sectors such as public and school transport, food supply and manufacturing chains and several other sectors in the country.  

Even though the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) claimed that there would be no increase in their fuel prices, the fuel prices suddenly increased by Monday night.  

As soon as the fuel price increased, the All Island Canteen Owners’ Association (AICOA) Chief Asela Sampath said that they have decided to increase the price of lunch packets by 20% from the current price, as they mostly use three-wheelers and mini trucks for transportation and delivery of lunch packets and other food items.  The All Island School Van Operators’ Association (AISVOA) also claimed that they were compelled to increase the school van fares by Rs. 1,000.  Meanwhile, the All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Union (AITWDA) Chairman Lalith Dharmasekara said that they were unable to increase the three-wheeler fares after every fuel price increase and requested their members to go for a three-wheeler fare after discussions with the consumers.

“We cannot depend on the taximeter ratings and we cannot change the fares in response to every fuel hike,” the union said.  The Prima Ceylon (Pvt) Limited also increased the price of wheat flour by Rs. 40 with immediate effect following the recent fuel price increase, which directly affected the bakery industry.  

Accordingly, the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association (ACBOA) President N.K. Jayawardena said the price of a 450g loaf of bread will be increased by Rs. 30 from last night, and other bakery items by Rs. 10.  He said the decision was taken due to the recent fuel price increase and the increase in wheat flour.  

Moreover, several private bus owners, yesterday held a discussion with the Transport Minister about the increase in bus fare rates.   After lengthy discussions, a 35% total bus fare revision was approved with the increase of the minimum bus fare to Rs. 27.  

• Protesting around the country blocking the main roads and railway lines