Pulse of Sri Lanka: May Day Focuses on Accountability, Fuel Prices, and Anti-Drug Success

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leading the National People's Power (NPP) May Day rally in Nuwara Eliya, declared 2026 as the year of accountability for corruption and fraud, vowing to imprison those responsible for financial crimes and emphasizing a new era of unified governance focused on improving working-class incomes

. Meanwhile, the UNP declined the SJB's May Day invitation, with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe reiterating their decision to prioritize religious observances on Vesak Poya Day

. In other government news, the Cabinet approved permanent appointments for 9,800 temporary state employees who met specific service criteria by September 2019, marking this as a definitive round of such appointments

. On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the outgoing Nepalese Ambassador, Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali, and the Pakistan High Commissioner, Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer, reaffirming strong bilateral ties and expressing gratitude for Pakistan's support following the Ditwah Cyclone

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The investigation into the death of a suspended Finance Ministry official, linked to the $2.5 million incident, concluded that the death was due to severe blood loss from multiple self-inflicted cut wounds

. President Dissanayake indicated a small increase in fuel prices might be necessary due to the Middle East situation, while also taking steps to increase the petrol QR code quota to accommodate upcoming fuel tankers

. Separately, a fire at the Kalutara Inland Revenue Department office caused no damage to crucial tax data systems, with services temporarily suspended but accessible through other regional offices

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The 'Rata Ma Ekata' national anti-drug operation has achieved a significant milestone, with a cumulative total of 163,197 individuals arrested for drug-related incidents over the past six months, leading to the seizure of substantial quantities of heroin, crystal methamphetamine, and cocaine

. In a separate incident, two Under-19 national cricketers were arrested in connection with the alleged recording of an obscene video of women through a bathroom window at a Narahenpita hotel on April 27

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Sri Lanka continues to experience dynamic weather patterns, with the Department of Meteorology issuing an 'Amber' advisory for severe lightning across several provinces and districts, anticipating thundershowers and strong winds after 1:00 p.m. on April 1st

. Concurrently, a warm weather advisory for April 30th forecasts a 'Caution Level' heat index for 13 districts, warning of potential fatigue and heat cramps from prolonged exposure

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Critical PET scan services in state hospitals, including Colombo National Hospital and Apeksha Hospital, remain suspended due to a shortage of the essential radioactive tracer, the FBG chemical. The unavailability, ongoing since March 27, is attributed to delays by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) in registering the supplier, severely impacting cancer patients

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Police have issued warnings to motorists regarding potential traffic congestion on the Southern Expressway due to ongoing maintenance work. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations, as authorities note the possibility of accidents in these affected areas

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