Rupee Plunges Amidst Economic Concerns, Monsoon Unleashes Landslides and Floods, While Crime Crackdowns Intensify

The Sri Lankan Rupee saw a slight easing today after hitting record lows, with commercial banks selling between LKR 349 and LKR 354

. The Central Bank's selling rate was LKR 353.17, following yesterday's low of LKR 354.03

. President Dissanayake assured no repeat of the 2022 economic crisis, attributing current challenges to the Middle East crisis

. Deputy Minister Anil Jayanth noted public agitation over the Rupee's depreciation, refuting comparisons to the 2022 crisis

. The IMF Executive Board is set to review Sri Lanka's fifth and sixth EFF reviews on May 27, praising significant progress in macroeconomic stability

and noting Sri Lanka's "exceptional resilience" against shocks

. Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha stated no new fuel price revision decisions and reassured the public about the Rupee's value, confirming no suspension of vehicle imports

. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa requested an urgent parliamentary debate on the worsening currency crisis, criticizing the government's lack of clear plans

. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) surpassed its tax revenue target, collecting over Rs. 1 trillion by May 18

. Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando refuted claims of 4,000 vehicle import LCs opened before the surcharge, clarifying 1,782 LCs were opened for USD 23.71 million

. The UNP raised concerns over the Rupee's "uncontrolled depreciation" from Rs. 292 to Rs. 354, blaming the government's lack of a clear economic plan

. The President’s Fund is considering a monthly scholarship allowance for school-going children of low-income lottery sellers

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya held bilateral meetings in the UK, with the Commonwealth pledging continuous support for Sri Lanka's sectors

. The investigation into former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena's death continues, with strong indications of suicide, but intelligence agencies are probing for conspiracy or foul play

. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa further detailed concerns regarding government economic policy, questioning the decision to completely remove the CESS tax by 2029

. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith reiterated his criticism of lying politicians and hypocrisy, calling for principled leadership in Sri Lanka

. The government and Catholic Church have resumed official discussions after a nine-year hiatus, focusing on education reforms and administrative issues within Catholic schools

. Matara Chief Magistrate issued an arrest warrant for former Minister Basil Rajapaksa for failing to appear in court, rejecting arguments concerning his health condition as mocking the court

. The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) urged vehicle owners to collect nearly 100,000 uncollected number plates by June 30, 2026, as printing operations are set to resume by June 10

. Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa addressed the 79th World Health Assembly, emphasizing the need for strong governance, public trust, ethical oversight, and legal frameworks for AI in healthcare

. Parliament convened for a four-day session, with May 22nd allocated for presenting condolence motions for deceased former MPs

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Twenty-one Sri Lankan nationals, including prominent underworld figures 'Mahawatte Chamara' and 'Kudu Duminda', were deported from Dubai and taken into custody for further investigation

. Hatton Police are investigating the brutal murder of an elderly couple, both aged 82, inside their shop, with sharp weapons used in the attack

. The Western Province North Crimes Division seized 39 kg of 'ice' (methamphetamine) and 5 kg of Kerala ganja valued at over 40 crore rupees in Dematagoda, arresting one suspect

. Five police officers, including an ASI, were arrested by the CID for allegedly kidnapping a businessman and stealing over 2 kilograms of gold valued at more than Rs. 100 million

. Ambalantota Police are investigating a gruesome murder where a 34-year-old father of three was killed, his head severed and placed on a statue; the victim was a suspect in a previous triple murder

. A disaster relief officer at the Monaragala Divisional Secretariat was suspended and arrested for soliciting a LKR 100,000 bribe from a LKR 2 million Ditwa cyclone compensation payment

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The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has extended Level 3 (Red) landslide warnings for Kegalle and Ratnapura districts until Saturday morning, with Level 2 (Amber) warnings for Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara

. Kirindiwela recorded the highest rainfall of 244 mm in the 24-hour period ending May 22nd, with Veyangoda and Avissawella also seeing significant rainfall

. The Irrigation Department extended minor flood warnings for the Attanagalu Oya basin until May 25th, and alerts remain for the Kelani Ganga and Kalu Ganga basins

. Amidst heavy rainfall, NBRO issued landslide early warnings across multiple districts, including Red notices for areas in Kegalle and Ratnapura, and the severe weather prompted the diversion of seven flights from Katunayake International Airport

. The Department of Irrigation issued a minor flood warning for the Kelani River Basin, anticipating potential flooding in low-lying areas of Colombo and surrounding divisions, and a similar situation is likely for the Kalu River

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The Southwest Monsoon has intensified, with the Kalu River, Kelani River, Attanagalu Oya, and Maha Oya reaching minor flood levels due to continuous rainfall, and the Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain of up to 100mm for Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces

. The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) announced that approximately 100,000 vehicle license plates printed in 2023 and 2024 are yet to be collected, urging owners to pick them up before June 30

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Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has approved the new Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee, chaired by Kapila Wijegunawardene

. Pramodya Wickramasinghe, former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee, sought official written communication from the Sports Minister regarding his removal, stating he was verbally informed of the decision to prematurely rescind his contract

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Health authorities revealed that one in every three Sri Lankans suffers from high blood pressure, contributing to approximately 34 percent of all reported deaths, with 63.9 percent of diagnosed individuals not seeking treatment

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Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding around Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, submerging access roads and prompting authorities to advise passengers to arrive at least four hours prior to their flights

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