Easter Probe Intensifies Amid Economic Strain and Regional Tensions; US Intercepts Iranian Tanker Near Sri Lanka

The Easter Attacks investigation remains a focal point, with Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith accusing successive governments of obstructing justice by failing to act on the PCoI report, while witnesses reportedly face intimidation

. In a related case, the court rejected a request from former IGP Pujith Jayasundara to add new information to his statement

. Meanwhile, international tensions have reached local waters as the US military intercepted at least three Iranian oil tankers in Asia, including near Sri Lanka, as part of a naval blockade

. High-level diplomacy continues with US-Iran peace talks expected in Islamabad

and the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire being extended by three weeks

. On the domestic front, the CID recorded a statement from Maithree Wickremesinghe, prompting condemnation from the UNP over health concerns for her and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe

. In other legal news, former Minister Johnston Fernando was granted bail and a travel ban was imposed in the Lanka Sathosa case

, and former MP Chandana Kathriarachchi was arrested following a weapons cache discovery

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Sri Lanka's economy is facing pressure as the rupee continues to depreciate, with the US Dollar's selling rate climbing to Rs. 321.87

. The investigation into the Treasury's alleged USD 2.5 million loss continues, with officials awaiting the probe's conclusion before taking action amid questions over system weaknesses

. Prime Minister Amarasuriya has also announced a probe into the incident

. Global energy markets remain volatile due to US-Iran tensions, with Brent crude rising to USD 106.35 per barrel

. Meanwhile, authorities are cracking down on consumer exploitation, with police set to take legal action against bus operators for overcharging passengers

. A warning has also been issued over a banking trojan scam targeting SriLankan Airlines passengers via fraudulent websites

. The money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa and his grandmother has been adjourned to June

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Authorities are tackling a range of criminal activities, from smuggling to financial fraud. At BIA, a Sri Lankan businessman was arrested for attempting to smuggle cigarettes and e-cigarettes valued at Rs. 6.375 million

. Conflicting reports have also emerged about another BIA arrest involving a large quantity of Kush, with disputes over the suspect's nationality and the seizure's details

. The public has been warned of a financial fraud scheme where scammers misuse official phone numbers and a fake mobile app under the guise of digital ID card registration

. In Weeraketiya, police seized a major cache of explosives, including 14kg of gunpowder and 240 gelatin sticks, from a cab near the Southern Expressway entrance

. Violent crime also continues, with a 64-year-old man killed in Matale, allegedly by his son during a dispute

. A former Haputale labour officer was sentenced to six years in prison for accepting a Rs. 15,000 bribe in 2009

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Sri Lanka is experiencing a mix of extreme weather conditions. The Department of Meteorology forecasts heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm for several provinces, urging the public to take precautions against strong winds and lightning

. A 'Caution Level' heat advisory has also been issued for April 25th in parts of the Northern, North-Central, and other provinces as the sun passes directly overhead

. In administrative news, the Central Environmental Authority has extended the application deadline for the Presidential Environment Awards 2026 to May 15 to encourage wider participation

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The international 'Walk for Peace' pilgrimage continues its journey across Sri Lanka, drawing large crowds and blessings from religious leaders. On its fourth day, the walk proceeded from Mawanella towards Tholangamuwa

. The 'Ehipassiko' peace walk, featuring service dog Aloka, completed its 25 km journey from Kandy to Mawanella on April 24, after receiving blessings at the Sri Dalada Maligawa. Devotees lined the roads to support the monks

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A significant disruption occurred on the coastal railway line after the Sagarika express train derailed near Wadduwa. However, the Railway Department has confirmed that the down line has been cleared, and the normal train schedule was expected to resume from 7:00 PM on April 24th. Additional buses were also deployed to assist stranded passengers

. Internationally, a head-on train collision in Denmark injured 17 people, with five reported to be in critical condition

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The Department of Examinations has announced that the limited competitive exam for recruitment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Principal Service, scheduled for April 26th, has been postponed indefinitely due to unavoidable circumstances

. Meanwhile, the application period for the 2026 G.C.E Advanced Level (A/L) Examination will close at midnight on April 24th, with officials confirming that no extensions will be granted

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Ahead of the upcoming Vesak festival, health authorities are enforcing strict food safety measures. Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have issued a stern warning that legal action will be taken against organizers who fail to register their Vesak dansals, emphasizing the need for compliance with health and safety guidelines

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