Easter Attack Probe Explodes with Salley Accusations; Coal Crisis & US-Iran Tensions Rock Economy

The investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks has taken a dramatic turn, with the prosecution alleging former intelligence chief Suresh Salley orchestrated the attacks, maintained both Zahran and Gnanasara, and is now intimidating witnesses

. Commemorations continued with a march for justice at St. Sebastian's Church, Katuwapitiya

. The political fallout from the coal crisis has deepened, with the opposition demanding the entire Cabinet resign following the Energy Minister's departure

. Meanwhile, former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi's Piliyandala estate was subject to a new four-hour STF search operation based on fresh intelligence

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Internationally, the US-Iran conflict has escalated sharply. President Trump ordered the US Navy to "shoot and kill any boat" laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran denied requesting an indefinite ceasefire, calling it a US "retreat"

. The US military has intercepted at least three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters, including near Sri Lanka

. In another regional conflict, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a three-week ceasefire extension amid ongoing violations

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Global oil prices surged as Iran vowed not to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the U.S. naval blockade continues, with Brent crude rising to $105.63 a barrel

. Domestically, the investigation into the USD 2.5 million Treasury loss has intensified, with fintech experts suggesting a compromised payment process rather than a simple hack. The CID is preparing to seek INTERPOL's help, and the Australian High Commission confirmed a joint probe is underway

. On a positive note, Sri Lanka's economy showed robust growth in 2025, with per capita GDP surpassing USD 5,000 for the first time

. Migrant remittances also saw a significant 26.5% increase in the first quarter of 2026, totaling USD 2.295 billion

. Meanwhile, the CPC announced two more fuel shipments are expected by the end of April

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A massive nationwide anti-drug operation has resulted in the seizure of over 1,800 kg of illicit drugs valued at over Rs. 50 billion in the last three months. Major busts include the interception of trawlers 'Ave Maria' with 323 kg of heroin and 'Denuwan Putha' with 161 kg of heroin in the deep sea. Hundreds have been arrested in island-wide crackdowns under the "Rata Ma Ekata" program, targeting heroin, 'Ice', and other narcotics

. In other crime news, a 58-year-old father of four in Anamaduwa died after being severely beaten by his son

. Alleged organized criminal 'Keselwatte Dinuusha' has been remanded until May 5 following his extradition from India

. Concluding an 18-year trial, the Balapitiya High Court sentenced one individual to death for the 2008 murder of a police constable

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The international 'Walk for Peace' pilgrimage continued its journey, reaching Kandy where it was welcomed by the Muslim community, symbolizing interfaith harmony

. The walk, which features service dog Aloka, is proceeding towards the Sri Dalada Maligawa with state patronage

. Police officers have donated an additional LKR 9.6 million to the 'Rebuilding Sri Lanka' Fund, bringing their total contribution to over LKR 74 million

. The final auspicious time for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, for planting trees, has been announced for April 23rd at 9:01 AM

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The Department of Meteorology forecasts widespread showers or thundershowers across most of the island for April 24, with heavy falls exceeding 75 mm expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, and Southern provinces

. A 'Caution level' heat advisory remains in effect for April 24 in parts of the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces

. Following the rains, the NBRO has issued Level 1 landslide pre-warnings for several DSDs in the Kurunegala and Ratnapura districts, effective for 24 hours

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The Department of Examinations has issued a final reminder that the deadline for submitting applications for the 2026 G.C.E Advanced Level (A/L) Examination is tomorrow, April 24, at midnight. Applications were accepted exclusively online, and Commissioner General A. K. S. Indika Kumari Liyanage confirmed that no extensions will be granted

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With the Vesak and Poson festivals approaching, the Director General of Health Services has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure public health and food safety at dansals. A key directive mandates that all dansals must be registered at their local Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office. Organizers are required to adhere to strict hygienic practices, and PHIs will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the 2011 Food Hygiene Regulations

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Cricketer Nuwan Thushara has withdrawn the petition he filed against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in the Colombo District Court. The petition sought an order to compel SLC to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) for his participation in the 2026 IPL. The NOC was reportedly denied because Thushara failed the mandatory physical fitness test

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