The Pulse: Tamil Nadu Welcomes New CM Vijay Amidst Sri Lanka's Economic Adjustments and Ongoing Probes

Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the 17th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, securing a majority after five days of negotiations and immediately announcing 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, a special task force against drug menace, and a new women's security unit

. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa extended congratulations, highlighting deep-rooted ties and anticipating enhanced Indo-Lanka cooperation

. In a significant local development, former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena was found dead, with investigators suspecting pre-planned suicide; his death will not hinder the Airbus bribery probe, and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa confirmed his appearance before CIABOC for the inquiry, having paid respects to Chandrasena

. The Yal Devi train service to Kankesanthurai is set to resume with air-conditioned first-class compartments

. MPs have been appointed as District Health Coordinators to boost healthcare coordination

. Kurunegala Deputy Mayor Mohamed Moinudeen was remanded over alleged bribery, with his party membership suspended

. Nishantha Kumara Aththan was appointed the new Rathugala Indigenous Leader after his father's passing

. Internationally, US-Iran tensions escalated over seven weeks with ceasefire violations and stalled peace talks, as Iran delivered its response to a US peace proposal via Pakistan, leaving key demands unaddressed

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The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved an electricity tariff hike ranging between 8% and 14.4% for high-consumption domestic users, effective May 11th, with other reports indicating an 18% increase for households consuming over 180 units

. This revision is due to rising electricity generation costs and an estimated revenue shortfall, though the government will provide a Rs. 15 billion subsidy

. Additionally, the government guaranteed a price of Rs. 220 per kilogram for local potatoes to support farmers, with purchases starting May 10th and a maximum limit of 1,000 kg per farmer

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Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) saw multiple major drug busts, including the arrest of a 24-year-old passenger from Grandpass with 4 kg 778 grams of hashish valued at approximately Rs. 47.8 million

. Separately, alleged organized crime figure and drug trafficker Manoj Suranga, known as "Batuwatte Chamara," was repatriated to Sri Lanka after being arrested in Azerbaijan

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Three deaths occurred on a cruise ship off Cape Verde, with suspected human-to-human hantavirus transmission, leading to the evacuation of approximately 150 passengers from 23 countries and strict isolation for a French national who developed symptoms during repatriation

. In Sri Lanka, a viral fever prompted the temporary closure of four Deniyaya schools, though the District Health Services Director stated it is not a pandemic situation

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A low-pressure area near Sri Lanka is expected to form within the next 36 hours, bringing continued showers and thundershowers across the island

. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is forecast for the Northern, North-central provinces, and Trincomalee district, in addition to previously identified areas

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Increased rainfall is expected across Sri Lanka from May 6th due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and a low-level atmospheric disturbance, which is developing into a low-pressure zone by May 11th

. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm is forecast for several provinces, including Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva, North-Western, and Northern, as well as the Anuradhapura district

. Authorities have issued warnings for heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya launched the AI Policy Framework for State Universities on May 8th, an initiative led by the University Grants Commission and the U.S. Embassy

. This framework aims to guide the responsible development of artificial intelligence within universities, focusing on policy, ethics, and inclusive governance

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