Global Oil Prices Plummet as Iran Opens Strait of Hormuz; Sri Lanka's Energy Minister Resigns Amid Deepening Coal Crisis

Global oil prices plummeted by 11% after Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz is 'completely open' for commercial vessels, a move confirmed by U.S. President Trump

. This comes as the IMF warns the conflict had posed a 'broad and deep shock' to the global economy, particularly impacting energy markets

. Locally, Sri Lanka received its first crude oil shipment since the tensions began, with the tanker 'Desh Mahima' delivering 97,500 metric tons from the UAE

. The CPC Chairman clarified a controversial $286 per barrel payment was for finished diesel, not crude oil

. Meanwhile, a Sri Lankan delegation led by the Central Bank Governor received praise from the IMF for its economic progress during the Spring Meetings

. In other news, former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena was further remanded until April 28 over an alleged US$ 2 million bribe

, and critically low water levels in the Castlereagh and Maussakelle reservoirs persist amid the dry spell

.

Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody resigned amidst a deepening coal crisis, prompting the appointment of a Special Presidential Commission, led by Supreme Court Justice Gihan Kulatunga, to investigate irregularities in coal imports since 2009

. G.M.R.D. Aponsu was subsequently appointed as the new Energy Ministry Secretary

. On the international front, as a 10-day Israel-Lebanon truce holds, Iran has opened the Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump hinting at resumed talks

. China's Foreign Minister also urged Iran to keep the strait open, citing international demand

. However, Iran rejected any temporary ceasefires, demanding a comprehensive regional peace deal

. In diplomatic news, Indian Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan will visit Sri Lanka from April 19-20

. Domestically, former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi remains in detention over a weapons cache discovery

, while former SLRC Chairman Sarath Kongahage was granted bail in a corruption case

. A court also ordered former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka's phone for forensic analysis

.

Authorities continue a nationwide crackdown on crime and narcotics. In a major operation, the multi-day fishing trawler 'Denuwan Putha' was intercepted on April 16th with 161kg of heroin after departing from Matara

. At BIA, three more Chinese nationals were arrested with cigarettes worth Rs. 6.9 million, bringing the recent total to 34 Chinese nationals apprehended in various smuggling busts

. In a significant underworld development, Karandeniya Sanath de Silva, brother of notorious figure 'Karandeniya Sudda', was extradited from India and brought to Sri Lanka by the CID

. Island-wide police operations on April 15-16 resulted in over 950 arrests for various offenses, including drug possession and drunk driving

. Other incidents include an attempted shooting in Ahungalla targeting the brother of a criminal figure

, a fatal stabbing in Watawala stemming from a personal dispute

, and the arrest of five suspects over a forcible hair-cutting incident in Ragama

.

The international 'Walk for Peace' pilgrimage, set for April 2026, will be conducted under full state security, with the visiting monks receiving state honors upon arrival at BIA

. As the New Year holiday period concludes, the NTC and Sri Lanka Railways have extended special transport services until Monday morning and through April 19th to accommodate returning passengers

. Meanwhile, the Department for Registration of Persons has suspended all public services nationwide on April 17th, including its one-day service, due to a sudden computer system breakdown

.

The Department of Meteorology forecasts favorable conditions for evening thundershowers across many parts of the island from April 20th onwards, offering potential relief from the persistent heat

. In policy news, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired a special discussion at the Presidential Secretariat to review the 'Clean Sri Lanka' 2026 Action Plan, emphasizing the need for greater public engagement to ensure the program's success

.

A series of tragic water-related accidents during the holiday period has resulted in a grim toll, with the number of drowning deaths across Sri Lanka rising to 24. On April 16th alone, eleven people died, including eight from one incident in the Deduru Oya near Nikaweratiya, where three children were among the victims. Police confirmed that 20 people have died in water accidents in the past five days alone, urging extreme caution

.

The Ministry of Education has commenced the distribution of Grade 1 activity books for the 2026 school year. The Ministry clarified that this initiative, along with associated teacher training programs, is being conducted under the new education reforms. Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa confirmed that curriculum awareness has already been provided to provincial directors, teacher advisors, and teachers to facilitate the transition

.