Treasury's $2.5M Loss Probed as 'Negligence' Amid Nationwide Crime Crackdown and Hijacking of Tanker with Sri Lankan Crew

Sri Lanka's anti-drug war continues at a fever pitch, with the 'Rata Ma Ekata' operation surpassing 156,456 arrests since its inception, including 874 in the last 24 hours alone

. High-profile actions include the extradition and detention of underworld figure 'Karandeniye Raju' under the PTA

. A major drug trafficking ring involving monks has been further exposed, with investigations revealing three monks as masterminds, prompting the Mahanayake Theros to demand government intervention

. In a deeply disturbing case, a mother, her partner, and a buyer were arrested for the alleged sale of a two-year-old girl for Rs. 40,000

. Other significant operations resulted in a Rs. 120 million heroin seizure in Homagama

, the confiscation of Rs. 6.5 million in smuggled cigarettes at BIA

, and the planned public destruction of over 300kg of narcotics in Puttalam

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The Opposition has demanded the resignation of the Treasury Secretary and a parliamentary probe into the alleged transfer of US$2.5 million to cybercriminals, accusing authorities of a cover-up

. In sports governance, Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva is expected to resign, with Eran Wickramaratne tipped to lead an interim committee

. A Jaffna MP is facing accusations of threatening individuals with a firearm in a land dispute, with a video of the incident circulating online

. Internationally, President Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Dinner after gunfire erupted, with the suspect reportedly targeting Trump officials

. Tensions in the Middle East continue as Israel launches new attacks on Hezbollah, citing ceasefire violations

. Meanwhile, the government has officially declared the 2026 Vesak Week from May 27 to June 2, with the main festival in Matara

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The Treasury's USD 2.5 million loss is facing intense scrutiny, with Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva attributing it to "fundamental negligence" rather than a sophisticated cyber attack, while Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa suggests a cover-up

. In a severe blow to maritime security, the oil tanker 'Honour 25', with a Sri Lankan crew member aboard, was hijacked by pirates off the Somali coast

. Amidst this, a crucial crude oil tanker carrying between 90,000 to 95,000 metric tons has arrived in Sri Lanka, providing some energy relief

. The CEB reported a staggering Rs. 38.7 billion loss in 2025 despite tariff hikes, due to high generation costs

. Police have expanded warnings about a banking trojan scam using malicious .apk files sent via WhatsApp and Telegram

. In development news, Mattala Airport is seeking global investors for its expansion

, and Norway has pledged advanced satellite technology to boost Sri Lanka's fisheries monitoring

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Sri Lanka's measles-free status, declared in 2019, has been compromised with the confirmation of two cases in children in the Colombo District, prompting authorities to urge parents to ensure full vaccination

. Ahead of upcoming religious festivals, health authorities have issued strict guidelines for Vesak and Poson dansals, with island-wide registration now officially open

. In a boost to regional healthcare, Kandy National Hospital has received Rs. 425 million worth of high-tech equipment, including an ESWL machine for treating kidney stones and a Digital Subtraction Angiography unit, both set to become operational this week

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Dynamic weather patterns persist across Sri Lanka, with the Department of Meteorology forecasting showers or thundershowers for most parts of the island after 1:00 PM

. A 'Caution level' Heat Index warning remains in effect for parts of the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces, as the sun is positioned directly overhead the country

. Heavy rainfall exceeding 75mm is considered highly probable in several provinces on April 27th.

The Sagarika Express train has derailed for a second time in two days, severely disrupting services on the coastal line. The train's four crew members have been suspended pending an investigation, and 11 of its 13 carriages went off the tracks in the initial incident

. In a separate incident in Kirimetiya, a speeding Bolero vehicle suffering from brake failure veered off the road and overturned onto a house, injuring three occupants and causing significant damage

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The international 'Ehi Passiko' peace walk, featuring 13 American monks, is now on its sixth day, drawing thousands of devotees as it travels from Yakkala to the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya

. In Moratuwa, a fire erupted in a woodworking workshop in the Koralawella area, completely destroying the workshop and an adjacent home; no injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation

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