Pulse of Sri Lanka: Rupee Dips, Rains Lash, and Political Probes Deepen Amidst US-China Summit

The suspected suicide of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena has led to a deepening bribery probe, with investigators searching a house believed to be his

. This is linked to an alleged fake bail scheme, where two sureties and an intermediary have been further remanded

. President Dissanayake reviewed Cyclone Ditwah resettlement and compensation progress, directing officials to complete recovery efforts this year and ensure home ownership for victims

. Internationally, US President Donald Trump held a high-stakes summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they agreed on an open Strait of Hormuz and a nuclear-free Iran

. The Colombo High Court allowed the money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa to proceed, involving nearly Rs. 73.5 million

. The IUSF occupied a Malwana property allegedly linked to Basil Rajapaksa, demanding it be used for students and the public

. Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Wijitha Herath began an official visit to Belarus, signing pacts on air services, education, and health

. The UGC removed Professor Sunil Shantha as Sabaragamuwa University Vice Chancellor, though the reason remains undisclosed

. The UNP questioned President Dissanayake's congratulatory message to Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, citing diplomatic protocol

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The Sri Lankan Rupee continued to depreciate, with the US Dollar selling rate reaching Rs. 330 in some banks, the highest since late 2023

. The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) intensified its nationwide crackdown on overpricing and hoarding, imposing a Rs. 1,000,000 fine on two tourist hotels for overcharging for bottled water

. Sri Lanka Customs surpassed the LKR 1 trillion revenue milestone ahead of schedule, with total collections reaching LKR 1.18 trillion

. President Dissanayake announced a temporary halt on government vehicle purchases and highlighted the Rs. 100 subsidy per litre of diesel, costing the government USD 550 million for May's fuel imports

. Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe detailed the USD 2.5 million debt payment fraud, attributing it to system migration issues within the Ministry of Finance

. Sri Lanka also launched the 'SME Nexus' National SME Strategy Framework 2026 to empower small and medium enterprises

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A low-pressure system northeast of Sri Lanka is expected to move away and weaken, but will bring continued heavy rainfall of up to 150 mm in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-western provinces

. The Department of Meteorology issued a Red Notice for heavy rainfall across several parts of the island, warning of very heavy showers exceeding 150 mm

. The NBRO extended landslide warnings across 11 districts until May 15th, with Level 2 alerts for areas in Galle, Kalutara, Kurunegala, and Ratnapura

. Puttalam recorded the highest rainfall of 256.2mm in the past 24 hours

. A minor flood alert was issued for the Attanagalu Oya basin following heavy rainfall

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Over 120 foreign nationals were arrested in Rajagiriya for cybercrime and financial fraud, with 64 arrested in Galle and 49 Chinese and Malaysian nationals in Kollupitiya for visa violations

. Key suspect 'Gampaha Osman' was arrested in the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder probe, allegedly providing the pistol used in the crime, with a foreign-made repeater firearm seized from his residence

. Five suspects have now been arrested in the brutal Ambalantota murder of Lakmal Sandaruwan, alias 'Podi'

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Sri Lanka is bracing for continued heavy rainfall, with a low-pressure zone expected to persist for several more days, bringing very heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm in some areas and causing widespread flooding and landslide warnings

. Train services on the Puttalam line have been fully restored after flooding disruptions in the Thiladiya area

. The Welipenna Interchange on the Southern Expressway has reopened for all vehicular traffic after temporary closure due to flooding

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The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) extended landslide warnings across several districts, including Badulla, Colombo, Kandy, and Kegalle, until May 15th at 4 PM

. The Kotmale–Gampola B431 main road was temporarily closed due to renewed landslide fears after cracks reappeared in the Paragammana area following heavy rainfall

. An elderly woman died from electrocution in Urugasmanhandiya after touching a live electrical wire brought down by a fallen tree branch

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Sri Lanka is set to boost cardiac care with 16 new state-of-the-art Cath Labs to be installed in major hospitals across Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and several other teaching and district general hospitals

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Schools across the Hatton Education Zone will be closed on May 15th due to adverse weather conditions, with teachers and students advised not to be summoned for any activities

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