Fuel Prices Surge, Maldivian President Arrives, and Major Crime Crackdowns Underway Amidst Political Probes and Severe Weather

The US-Iran conflict has intensified, with President Trump noting satisfactory talks despite reports of stalled negotiations, while the US plans to deploy troops to the Strait of Hormuz and Israel orders evacuations in southern Lebanon

. Locally, Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has commenced a four-day state visit to Sri Lanka, with a formal reception and bilateral discussions scheduled for May 4th

. Special traffic arrangements are in effect in Colombo and Katunayake from May 3rd to May 6th to accommodate the Maldivian President's visit

. The Russian Health Minister has also arrived for a three-day official visit, welcomed by Director of International Health Anil Samaranayake and other officials

. In domestic political news, the Vesak Poya date for 2026 has been officially rescheduled from May 1st to May 30th, a decision that has drawn allegations of political motives but was justified by the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs as aligning with traditional customs and receiving Cabinet approval

. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Minister Priyankara Jayaratne have been summoned by CIABOC on May 12th for an ongoing investigation into the controversial Airbus aircraft procurement deal for SriLankan Airlines

. Furthermore, CIABOC has informed Mahinda Rajapaksa that his submitted asset declaration is incomplete and is questioning the source of funds for a house owned by his wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, suspending its sale pending explanation

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Sri Lanka Police operations on April 2nd led to the arrest of 948 suspects in 923 raids targeting drug trafficking, seizing substantial amounts of heroin, 'ice', and ganja, with investigations into illegal assets initiated for three individuals

. In separate incidents, 37 Chinese nationals were arrested in Thalangama for suspected online scams and cybercrimes, with authorities seizing numerous electronic devices and foreign cigarettes

. Additionally, approximately 120 foreign nationals from various countries were arrested in Rajagiriya for violating immigration laws and engaging in cybercrime and illegal financial operations from a rented apartment building

. At Galle Prison, a shooting incident occurred when two inmates attempted to escape, resulting in one inmate sustaining injuries after prison officials opened fire to prevent their escape

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The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for strong lightning expected after 1 PM on May 3rd, covering several provinces and districts, with showers or thundershowers forecast for many parts of the island and fairly heavy falls anticipated in Sabaragamuwa province and specific districts

. Sri Lanka continues to endure a persistent heatwave, with a new warm weather advisory for May 4th forecasting a 'Caution Level' heat index for the North, North-Central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, and Wayamba provinces, including Colombo, Gampaha, Hambantota, and Monaragala districts

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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, with other fuel categories remaining unchanged

. The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) warns that imported vehicle prices are expected to surge significantly due to the continued depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar and a 2.5% increase in the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL), potentially adding hundreds of thousands to popular models

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A young woman has died after a lightning strike hit a house in Kokwatte, Habaraduwa, on May 3rd, causing the roof and a wall to collapse. Two women were injured, with the 25-year-old victim succumbing to critical injuries while the other is receiving treatment

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