Minister Survives No-Confidence Vote Amid Coal Probe; US-Iran Talks Begin as Sri Lanka Braces for New Year

Parliament was the center of major developments as the no-confidence motion against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody was defeated by 104 votes, while the government announced a probe into all coal imports since 2009

. The NPP stated the minister's removal is pending investigation results, calling the incident an "oversight"

. In a stunning claim, the Public Security Minister alleged former SIS Director Suresh Salley deliberately hindered investigations into the Easter attacks

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Internationally, landmark US-Iran peace talks officially commenced in Islamabad, marking the first direct diplomatic engagement since 1979

, though later reports clarified Pakistan is mediating the first phase

. The US military has begun clearing the Strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire declaration

. Sri Lanka's government officially welcomed the ceasefire, urging a lasting peace process

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On the domestic front, the GMOA's 48-hour nationwide strike concluded, with future actions pending an executive meeting

. Tensions flared at Matara Cooperative Hospital over an alleged NPP-affiliated group's attempt to seize administrative control, resulting in a staff strike and injuries

. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe returned to Sri Lanka, with the UNP claiming his doctors faced CID pressure, prompting his treatment abroad

. Other news includes Kabir Hashim's appointment as SJB Chairman

, a planned visit by Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu

, and India's proposal to expand social media regulations

. Reports also emerged that Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei was severely injured in an airstrike

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The government has secured petrol supplies until the end of June and diesel until the end of May, prompting the temporary lifting of the QR system for petrol vehicles during the festive season

. However, economic pressures persist, with the ADB projecting that a prolonged Middle East crisis could reduce Sri Lanka's growth by up to 0.8% and warning of rising food prices due to a 50% spike in fertilizer costs

. The Sri Lankan Rupee has depreciated by 1.8% against the US Dollar in 2026, with the selling rate crossing the Rs. 319 mark

. On a positive note, foreign remittances surged, reaching US$ 814.8 million in March and US$ 2.3 billion for Q1 2026, a 26.5% increase year-on-year

. Meanwhile, the CID has launched a probe into coal imports since 2009, and the Lanka Coal Company office is now under police protection

. A 25,000 MT fertilizer shipment is expected, with the government providing it to farmers at a subsidized rate of Rs. 10,200

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Authorities continue to crack down on smuggling at BIA, with another Chinese national arrested, bringing the recent total to sixteen. The latest suspect was caught with 26,100 illegal cigarettes valued at over Rs. 3.9 million

. Nationwide anti-drug operations are ongoing, with recent raids in Chilaw and by the STF netting heroin, 'ice', and several suspects, including some linked to organized crime figure 'Batuwatte Chamara'

. In a move to curb organized crime from within prisons, seven prominent underworld figures, including Wele Suda, were transferred from Boossa High-Security Prison to Welisara

. Sri Lanka Police have launched a new WhatsApp service on 070-4755600 for the public to report reckless driving

. Additionally, a businessman was arrested at BIA for attempting to smuggle 229 ornamental plants worth Rs. 775,000 from India

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The Department of Meteorology has issued a stark warning of a potential prolonged drought until September if El Niño conditions develop, urging strict water management

. For April 12, a 'Caution Level' heat advisory remains in effect for several provinces, with the forecast also predicting afternoon thundershowers and moderately heavy rainfall (over 50 mm) in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern provinces

. This intense heat is exacerbated by the sun being positioned directly overhead the island between April 5 and 15, which was observed in Anuradhapura and Mihinthale today around 12:11 PM

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As the country prepares for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, integrated transport and security plans are in full swing. The SLTB's special bus service is operating in two phases: from Colombo until April 13 and back to Colombo from April 15 to 21

. To ensure public safety during the festivities, approximately 20,000 police officers have been deployed island-wide, supported by mobile patrols and the armed forces, with a special focus on preventing drunk driving

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NASA's historic Artemis II mission has successfully concluded, with the Orion capsule and its crew splashing down safely off the coast of San Diego, California. The return to Earth occurred around 5:42 AM Sri Lanka time on April 11th, marking the end of the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon in over 50 years

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University students have received their Mahapola scholarship payment for March ahead of schedule. The early disbursement was confirmed by the fund's chairman, retired Supreme Court Judge Vijith Malalgoda, who attributed it to improved administrative efficiency, providing timely financial relief for students during the festive season

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