Global Tensions Rise as Iran Attacks Oil Tankers; Sri Lanka Secures Russian Fuel Amid Domestic Crises

Global tensions escalate as US President Trump criticizes NATO and the US military reportedly uses a new missile in an attack on a school in Lamerd, Iran, killing at least 21. Protests against the war are spreading across the US. Amidst this, the UAE has restricted entry for most Iranian nationals

. In Sri Lanka, former Minister Udaya Gammanpila launched a book naming Zahran Hashim as the sole mastermind of the Easter Attacks, drawing criticism for allegedly 'whitewashing the Rajapaksas'

. Domestic issues continue with the GMOA accusing the Health Minister of compelling doctors into service during their strike

, and controversy over coal imports persists

. Russia has assured Sri Lanka of energy support regardless of any crisis

. The Supreme Court delivered key rulings, holding councils responsible for the Meethotamulla disaster

and overturning an Appeal Court decision favouring ex-minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon in a murder case

. Separately, former MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena was granted bail in an illicit assets case

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The global energy market is rattled by two significant maritime attacks: an Iranian drone struck a Kuwaiti tanker off Dubai, and a cruise missile hit a QatarEnergy tanker near Doha

. Despite this, the CPC confirms Russian fuel supplies for April and May, assuring there is no risk of a fuel shortage in Sri Lanka

. Domestically, Colombo's inflation rose to 2.2% in March, driven by non-food price increases

. The Cabinet addressed the ongoing energy crisis, while motorcyclists protested the decision to turn off street lights from 6 PM to 10 PM

. The implementation of the new VAT invoice format has been deferred again, now to July 1, 2026

. Regionally, India has begun its first-ever digital population census, Census 2027

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Recent law enforcement operations continue, with new details confirming two Chinese nationals aged 36 and 37 were arrested with illegal cigarettes worth Rs. 17.7 million, and an STF raid in Kalmunai uncovered 16 rounds of T56 ammunition

. Meanwhile, two Sri Lankan cricketers are facing separate legal issues. A paternity case against Chamika Karunaratne is proceeding in the Colombo District Court, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa has sent a Letter of Demand to actress Harshi Rasanga over alleged false accusations on social media concerning a pawned gold chain

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The Department of Meteorology has issued a warm weather advisory for April 1, warning that the heat index will reach the 'Caution Level' in 21 districts across seven provinces and Monaragala. While the prevailing dry weather is expected to change from April 2 with some thundershowers, warm conditions will persist

. In response to the dry spell, the Irrigation Department and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) are urging the public to conserve water. The NWSDB has deployed bowser trucks to affected areas and asks residents to report issues via hotline 1939

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The results for the G.C.E. Advanced Level 2025 examination have been released. The Commissioner General of Examinations, A. K. S. Indika Kumari Liyanage, has clarified that 66% of the candidates who sat for the exam have qualified for university admission. Additionally, the island's first-place rankings for the Physical Science, Commerce, and Engineering Technology streams were also announced

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Buddhists across Sri Lanka are observing Bak Full Moon Poya today, April 1st. The day holds significant religious importance, commemorating the Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka to mediate a dispute between two Naga kings, Chulodara and Mahodara, over a gem-studded throne in Nagadeepa. It also marks the day Prince Siddhartha saw the first of four great omens. Temples island-wide are conducting special religious programs to mark the occasion

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Adverse weather conditions on the night of March 31 caused disruptions for flights arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake. Due to heavy rain and poor visibility, a China Eastern Airlines flight was diverted to Mattala International Airport (MIA), while several other flights from airlines including Emirates and SriLankan Airlines were delayed

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Former Sri Lanka cricketer Avishka Gunawardena has resigned from his coaching position at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). His resignation comes after SLC reassigned him from his successful role as the Sri Lanka 'A' team head coach to coach the Under-19 team. Gunawardena, credited with developing several emerging players, has stated he will provide more details on his decision later

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