Rupee Depreciation Fuels Inflation Fears Amidst Economic Crisis; Landslide and Flood Warnings Persist Islandwide

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya concluded her official visit to the UK on May 23, participating in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and delivering a lecture at Oxford University on "The Politics of Development Sri Lanka and Beyond"

. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired a Special District Coordination Committee meeting in Ampara on May 22nd to review progress on Cyclone Ditwah relief and infrastructure development, also announcing a Special Committee, headed by a DIG, to protect lands in the Eastern Province from land grabs

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. An investigation is underway into 42 missing antique paintings from the National Art Gallery, including priceless works and creations by the '43 Group', with statements recorded from 15 individuals including 7 cultural affairs officials

. Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been summoned by Talangama Police on May 22nd regarding an alleged incident at the Battaramulla War Heroes' monument, where he is accused of unlawful entry and obstructing police duty, stating he is prepared to face any legal action and anticipates arrest

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. Tulsi Gabbard resigned as U.S. Director of National Intelligence, effective June 30, to care for her husband diagnosed with bone cancer, with President Trump acknowledging her "incredible job"

. The 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva concluded, with Sri Lanka's Health Minister participating and gaining opportunities and recognition for the nation's health sector development

. Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, concluded a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka, bolstering defence ties and discussing bilateral importance with Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Defence

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the severe dollar crisis at an emergency cabinet meeting on May 23rd, emphasizing responsible foreign exchange management and assuring that the country is prepared to handle external shocks, preventing a repeat of the 2022 economic collapse

. The Sri Lankan Rupee saw a slight strengthening on May 22nd, with the US Dollar selling price decreasing by 86 cents to Rs 353.17, following a sharp depreciation on May 21st when it surged by Rs 11.33

. Economists warn that the continued depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee will lead to significant price increases for fuel, electricity, water tariffs, and essential goods, attributing pressure to Central Bank dollar purchases, excess rupee liquidity, and reduced foreign exchange inflows from tourism and exports

. Sri Lanka's tourism revenue for the first four months of 2026 (January-April) declined by 19.4% to USD 1,111 million, with cumulative tourist arrivals at 876,277, a decrease from the corresponding period in 2025

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The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued Level 3 (Red) landslide warnings for Kegalle and Ratnapura districts, advising evacuation, and Level 2 (Amber) warnings for areas in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura amidst heavy rainfall

. The Department of Irrigation has extended the minor flood warning for the Attanagalu Oya basin by another 48 hours, with the Kuda Ganga also rising in the Kalawellawa area

. The Kalu Ganga has risen to a minor flood level in the Millakanda area, with water levels close to danger levels in Ellagawa and Putupawula, and several houses in Ingiriya Nambapana inundated, leading to an extended minor flood warning for the Kalu River basin and flood risk for the Attanagalu Oya

. The forecast for May 21, 2026, indicates heavy showers of up to 100mm in some areas and moderate strong winds of 30-40 km/h in western slopes of the central highlands, Northern, North-Central, North-Western, and Southern provinces, and Trincomalee district

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Adverse weather has now affected 27,419 individuals from 6,907 families across six districts, bringing the total number of deaths to three, with 1,192 individuals housed in 17 safety locations and 807 houses sustaining partial damage

. Following heavy rains, several roads in the Gampaha district have been submerged due to the overflow of the Attanagalu Oya, with high water levels in the Kalu and Kelani rivers, and landslide warnings issued for six districts

. The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has set a June 30 deadline for owners to collect approximately 100,000 unclaimed vehicle license plates printed in 2023 and 2024

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The motive for the brutal murder of an elderly couple in Hatton has been confirmed as robbery, with the assailant stealing 18 sovereigns of gold jewelry; the suspect, identified as a resident of Badulla, was apprehended on May 23rd while hiding in a tea estate

. Twenty-one suspected criminals deported from Dubai have arrived in Sri Lanka and been taken into custody, with prominent figures 'Mahawatte Chamara' and 'Wanathe Kudu Duminda' identified as notorious drug traffickers, and five of the individuals identified as organised criminals

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The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) has reported that 2,388 dansals have been registered islandwide for the upcoming Vesak festival, with registrations continuing until May 29, the day before Vesak Poya

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Heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding in areas surrounding Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, submerging multiple access roads, with authorities advising passengers to arrive at least four hours prior to their flights and to use the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway

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