US-Iran Tensions Rattle Global Markets as Sri Lanka Halts Privatization; GMOA Strike Continues

The standoff between the GMOA and the Health Minister continues over the April 4th deadline for intern doctors, with the union vowing not to apply

. Globally, the US-Iran conflict intensifies as President Trump threatens further attacks, causing oil prices to surge and drawing criticism from French President Macron

. This turmoil is reflected in a major Pentagon reshuffle, with Trump dismissing Attorney General Pam Bondi and Army Chief of Staff Randy George

. Locally, controversy surrounds Udaya Gammanpila's book on the Easter Attacks, with claims of a fake PDF circulating

, while allegations of suppressing a report on substandard coal imports plague the Energy Minister

. Other developments include enhanced Sri Lanka-Russia bilateral talks

, discussions on state patronage for the 2026 'Walk for Peace'

, and the appointment of Prasad Hemantha Kumara as Acting Commissioner General of Prisons

.

In a major policy shift, the government has halted the privatization of eight state enterprises, including Sri Lanka Telecom and SriLankan Airlines, as confirmed by the Attorney General to the Supreme Court

. The IMF delegation continued its review, meeting with parliamentary leaders to discuss economic progress, though Sajith Premadasa was notably absent

. The tourism sector shows mixed results, with Q1 arrivals reaching 740,634, but March saw a 19.7% decline due to the Middle East conflict

. This conflict is also impacting regional economies, with Pakistan raising fuel prices by up to 55%

. To manage domestic supply, the government has approved rice imports

and is rationing urea fertilizer for the Yala season

. Other economic news includes a parliamentary committee addressing illegal beedi leaf smuggling

, a new insurance scheme for divers

, the launch of a safari bus in Hatton to boost tourism

, and ongoing efforts to manage state expenditure

.

Law enforcement agencies have been highly active, with a major bust in Chilaw leading to the arrest of over 140 foreign nationals for online financial fraud

. At the BIA, authorities foiled two attempts to smuggle Kush cannabis worth over Rs. 473 million

. A tragic family attack in Galle left two dead and one critically injured

. In Colombo, the OIC of the CCD has been transferred pending an investigation into an alleged birthday party for a suspect

. Island-wide operations resulted in over 500 arrests for various offenses

. In a cold case breakthrough, two suspects were arrested for the murder of a Panadura three-wheeler driver missing for over a year, revealing an underworld link to 'Kudu Salindu'

. Additionally, nine suspects were arrested in a Mattakkuliya homicide case

, and two were arrested in Thambalagamuwa with over 2,000 litres of illegal diesel

.

The Department of Meteorology has extended its warm weather advisory to April 4th and forecasts severe lightning and heavy thundershowers across the island until April 6th, with foggy conditions expected in the mornings in several provinces

. Meanwhile, the NWSDB continues to implement scheduled 18-hour water cuts in parts of the Colombo district due to dry weather, with restrictions now set to last until April 10th

. In contrast, Nuwara Eliya received heavy rains on April 2nd, ending a prolonged dry spell, though a lightning strike on a tree resulted in minor injuries to three people

.

Christians across Sri Lanka observed Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Special services were held nationwide, including at St. Lucia's Cathedral in Kotahena, with preparations underway for Easter Sunday, which will include prayers for the victims of the 2019 attacks

. The media community is mourning the loss of veteran journalist Bhakti Dharmapriya Mendis, who passed away at the age of 47 following a road accident. An alumnus of Richmond College, Galle, his final rites are scheduled for April 6th

.

NASA's historic Artemis II mission continues its lunar orbit, with the space agency releasing the first stunning photographs of Earth taken by the astronauts on April 3rd. Mission Commander Reid Wiseman captured the images, including a notable 'pale blue dot' photo, using a tablet device. The mission also successfully overcame an early technical issue with the Orion spacecraft's toilet system with help from mission control

.