Sri Lanka Faces Economic Headwinds and Weather Woes Amidst Policy Shifts and Crime Crackdowns

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticized the government's 50% additional tax on imported vehicles, calling assurances of stable prices 'ridiculous' and urging a people-centric economic approach

. The IUSF continued its occupation of a Malwana property allegedly linked to Basil Rajapaksa for a second night, demanding public use after unsuccessful talks with Education Ministry officials

. Sri Lanka has sufficient fuel stocks until August, with discussions underway for a QR code system, quota increases, and the removal of the odd/even number plate system to manage the energy crisis

. Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake announced plans for future electricity bill reductions through increased renewable energy, confirming no tariff changes until September

. The National Police Commission's term concluded, but current members will continue duties until new appointments are made

. Minister Krishantha Abeysinghe assured that Provincial Council elections will be held this year, though without a specific timeframe

. An arrest warrant was issued for former MP Hirunika Premachandra for failing to appear in court regarding a 2022 protest

. Sri Lanka and Belarus strengthened ties with the signing of an Air Services Agreement and discussions on expanded cooperation

. The Indian Naval Ship IOS Sagar arrived in Colombo after conducting integrated port training for a 16-nation multinational crew

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The NBRO extended landslide warnings for 13 districts until May 17th, issuing new Level 2 (Amber) alerts for specific areas in Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Ratnapura

. A train derailment between Kelaniya and Wanawasala was attributed to the removal of metal plates from a railway switch point, prompting a police investigation

. A suspect, identified as a severe drug addict, was arrested for allegedly removing bolts from the railway track at the derailment site, with police searching for another individual

. Strong currents due to prevailing rain contributed to a drowning incident in Kosgama, leading to youth fatalities

. An elderly 74-year-old woman died from electrocution after a tree collapsing caused a power line to fall in Urugasmanhandiya

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The Sri Lankan Rupee continued its depreciation, with the US Dollar selling rate reaching Rs. 331.1572, the highest since December 2023, though it saw a slight appreciation by May 16th

. Sri Lanka expanded PayPal services to enable international payment receipts, with an official announcement made by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

. A 50% surcharge was imposed on the existing 30% customs import duty for imported vehicles for three months, with a public campaign urging consumers to postpone purchases until September

. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka launched a new online Complaint Management System (CMS) to streamline financial consumer grievances, aiming to enhance accountability and efficiency

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The Department of Meteorology issued an 'Amber' advisory for a persistent low-pressure area, forecasting continued showery and windy conditions, along with strong winds and rough seas around Sri Lanka

. The NBRO further extended landslide early warnings across 11 districts until May 17th, including Level 2 warnings for Kalawana (Ratnapura) and other previously identified areas

. The Central Environmental Authority urged the public to shun plastic and polythene for Vesak celebrations, reminding them of existing bans on single-use plastic items and polystyrene food containers

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Police operations on April 15th resulted in 602 arrests on suspicion from 26,880 individuals inspected, including 14 linked to criminal activities, 269 with detention orders, and 198 with open warrants

. In a separate incident, the body of a 43-year-old Sri Lanka Army soldier was found in a well in Homagama's Pitipana South area, with police continuing investigations into the suspicious death

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The low-pressure zone northeast of Sri Lanka is expected to move away, but heavy rainfall of up to 100mm is anticipated in several provinces and districts, with warnings for temporary strong winds and lightning

. Landslide pre-warnings remain in effect for 13 districts.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the government's commitment to higher education reforms aligned with school reforms, aiming to produce creative leaders with empathy and imagination

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