Muizzu Arrives, Corruption Crackdown Vowed Amidst Fuel Hikes and Weather Warnings

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Sri Lanka today, May 3, 2026, for a state visit, accompanied by his wife and a delegation of around 20 senior officials, including the Foreign Affairs Minister

. Special traffic arrangements are in effect in Colombo and Katunayake from May 3rd afternoon until May 6th to facilitate his visit

. Meanwhile, the Russian Health Minister and his entourage were welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport by Director of International Health Anil Samaranayake and other officials

. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing a May Day rally, pledged that 2026 will be the year when those responsible for financial crimes and misconduct are held accountable

. In line with this, the CIABOC has flagged an incomplete asset declaration by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and questioned the source of funds for his wife's property

. Both Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Minister Priyankara Jayaratne have been summoned by CIABOC on May 12, 2026, for an ongoing investigation into the controversial Airbus aircraft procurement deal

. The date for Vesak Poya in 2026 has been officially rescheduled from May 1st to May 30th, a change that has drawn allegations of political motives

. The Railway Department has reclaimed a plot of land and a building in Nawalapitiya town that housed the Mahindananda Aluthgamage Foundation, with the property slated to be used as a playground

. Finally, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met Pakistan High Commissioner Major General Nayyar Naseer, focusing on strengthening cooperation in education, tourism, and sports

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New police operations on April 2nd resulted in the arrest of 948 suspects during 923 raids targeting drug trafficking, seizing 1 kg 836g of heroin, 2 kg 468g of 'ice', and 106 kg 155g of ganja

. In a related development, the 23 monks arrested in connection with a major airport drug bust have been remanded until May 12

. Authorities in Rajagiriya arrested approximately 120 foreign nationals from various countries for suspected cybercrime and illegal financial operations, seizing numerous computers and mobile phones

. Separately, thirty-seven Chinese nationals were arrested in Thalangama for suspected online scams and cybercrimes, with 35 desktop computers, 37 tablets, and 147 mobile phones seized

. Prison officials discovered five live MM.09 caliber rounds hidden within the women's detention section of Galle Prison, and in a separate incident, officers fired shots when two inmates attempted to escape

. Lastly, 22 youths were arrested by Kaduwela Police for a reckless motorcycle stunt show near a private university in Malabe

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The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for strong lightning expected after 1 PM today, May 3rd, 2026, covering several provinces and districts, with fairly heavy falls above 50 mm anticipated in Sabaragamuwa province and in Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, and Matara districts

. Concurrently, a new warm weather advisory for May 4th forecasts a 'Caution Level' heat index for the North, North-Central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, and Wayamba provinces, including specific districts like Colombo and Gampaha

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Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne announced an increase in the fertilizer subsidy for two hectares of rice cultivation from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000, and for additional crops from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 36,000 (per two hectares), citing rising production costs due to global geopolitical tensions

. Following Ceypetco's revision, Lanka IOC (LIOC) has also increased prices for its Auto Diesel to Rs. 392 per litre and Petrol 92 Octane to Rs. 410 per litre

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The final rites of Lance Corporal A.P. Mariyalujisan, attached to the 12 (V) Engineer Services Regiment, were conducted with full military honours in Kilinochchi after he succumbed to injuries from a train accident in Murikandy on April 19, 2026

. The 2026 Hajj pilgrimage season has officially commenced with the departure of the first group of 325 pilgrims from Katunayake International Airport to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the night of June 1st

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A young woman has died following a lightning strike that hit a house in Kokwatte, Habaraduwa, early on May 3, 2026, causing the roof and a wall of the residence to collapse and injuring another woman

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