Inflation jumps to 5.4% in April

Sri Lanka's inflation saw a significant increase in April 2026. The overall inflation rate, based on the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), jumped to 5.4% compared to 2.2% in March, as reported by the Department of Census and Statistics. Food inflation rose to 2.8% in April, up from 0.7% the month before. Meanwhile, non-food inflation increased to 6.8%, a rise from 2.9% during the same timeframe. Concerns have been raised regarding a plan to share Sri Lanka's biometric data with a blacklisted Indian company. The High Court has delayed delivering verdicts against former Deputy Minister Sarana. In sports, the Gujarat Titans achieved a win that boosted their Net Run Rate. Most areas of the island are expected to experience showers or thundershowers after 1:00 PM. The Heat Index is at Caution Level in some regions, including the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, and North-western provinces, as well as in Monaragala district during daytime hours. In a separate investigation, an interdicted Ministry of Finance official, involved in a USD 2.5 million fraud probe, was found dead at home. A Warm Weather Advisory was issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3:30 PM on April 30, 2026, effective for May 1, 2026. The Heat Index, which reflects how temperature feels on the human body, is expected to reach 'Caution Level' in certain areas during the day. This forecast is based on relative humidity and maximum temperature and is not the same as the maximum temperature forecast. It is produced by the Department of Meteorology using global weather prediction models.