Airbus Probe Deepens Amidst Ex-CEO's Death; Vietnam Strengthens Ties; Tariffs Rise

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena was found dead, suspected suicide, amidst a bribery probe related to a 2013 Airbus deal. The Colombo Crimes Division is investigating, and a five-member judicial medical board will conduct a post-mortem

. Vietnamese President Tô Lâm concluded his state visit to Sri Lanka, engaging in bilateral discussions with President Dissanayake and PM Amarasuriya. The visit included an address to Parliament and the exchange of MoUs

. The Sri Lanka–Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum was held, coinciding with President Tô Lâm's visit, and saw the official launch of direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City

. CIABOC has summoned former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to provide a statement on May 12th regarding the Airbus deal, though his spokesperson denies receipt of the summons

. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticized the 18% electricity tariff increase as a burden and questioned the transparency of fuel procurement, also highlighting the government's failure to pay Rs. 10 billion owed to renewable energy owners

. The Free Lawyers organization reported that nearly Rs. 500 million was overpaid to 49,759 Aswesuma beneficiaries due to double payments, with funds yet to be recovered

. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake ordered expedited action on public drinking water projects, emphasizing the need to address shortages and align plans with public needs

. Kurunegala Deputy Mayor Ashardeen Moinudeen was remanded until May 21st for allegedly soliciting a Rs. 3 million bribe for a cleaning tender, leading to his party suspension

. Sri Lanka and Vietnam signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to bolster cooperation in ICT, culture, religion, science, and police training

. The leader of the Rathugala indigenous community, Danigala Maha Bandalage Suda Wannila Aththo, passed away at 62 (or 66), with his funeral scheduled for May 8th

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The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for strong lightning and temporary strong winds expected in several provinces across Sri Lanka after 1 PM on May 7th

. An increase in rainfall is forecast from May 6th, attributed to a low-level atmospheric disturbance and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), with potential for heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm in several districts by May 11th

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The Mahanayake Theros of the Three Nikayas have given approval for the defrocking of the 22 individuals apprehended in connection with the BIA drug bust, following a meeting on April 28th

. Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, the Chief Prelate of Atamasthana, has been arrested in connection with allegations of sexually abusing an underage girl, with his arrest following a court order and the victim under protection

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The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved an 18% increase in electricity tariffs, effective May 11, 2026, specifically for domestic consumers using over 180 units per month. Consumers using 0-180 units will see no tariff increase, and losses from inferior coal will not be passed to consumers

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that teacher advisors should be involved in overseeing new education reforms, particularly for Grade 1. Discussions also focused on developing technological facilities in schools based on Digital Task Force recommendations and creating curriculum-aligned digital content for smart classrooms

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New reports from May 7th and May 9th continue to confirm the forecast for increased rainfall across Sri Lanka due to the ITCZ and a low-level atmospheric disturbance, expected to persist for the coming days. Showers and thundershowers are anticipated after 1 PM in most areas, with morning rain now forecast for the Western, Southern, and Northern provinces. A significant update concerns heavy rainfall: rainfall exceeding 100mm is now forecast for some areas in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North Central provinces, as well as the Galle, Matara, and Mannar districts

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Four schools in Deniyaya, including Deniyaya Central College, will remain closed on May 7 and May 8 due to a rapidly spreading fever. Health authorities are implementing measures such as cleaning water sources to control the outbreak, with the Deputy Minister of Health stating there is no risk of rapid spread

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