Rupee Volatility, IMF Boost, and Vesak Preparations Dominate News

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of widespread deception and economic mismanagement, citing rising prices for essential goods like milk powder and fuel, directly linking them to the country's significant economic risks

. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has condemned a drone attack on the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Plant, though without attributing blame

. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath concluded a constructive visit to New Zealand, discussing bilateral relations, trade, and regional developments

. In observance of the upcoming Vesak Festival, liquor outlets, meat shops, slaughterhouses, betting centers, casinos, and nightclubs will be closed for multiple days

. President Dissanayake opened the National Vesak Festival in Matara, attended by the Indian High Commissioner and other foreign ambassadors

, and declared his government the strongest and most trusted in Sri Lanka's history

. The Prime Minister's office issued a warning about AI-generated fake news impersonating PM Harini Amarasuriya

. The President also announced plans to expedite legal amendments to re-establish 'Dharmadhikaranaya' (Dhamma courts) to uphold discipline among Buddhist monks

, a move echoed by former President Kumaratunga who urged a Buddhist council to address Sasana challenges

. Hill Country Hindu Priests met with the Presidential Secretary to discuss long-standing issues, with follow-up meetings planned

. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) secured the Vanathavilluwa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman post with Vinsan Francis's election

. Finally, Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary held bilateral meetings with Vietnamese and Russian counterparts to strengthen defence cooperation and discuss regional security

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The Sri Lankan Rupee experienced significant volatility, initially recovering sharply with the US Dollar selling price dropping below LKR 331, but then reversing course with the selling rate rising to Rs. 335.50

. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake strongly rejected claims of economic collapse, asserting that key financial indicators point to stabilization and historic progress

. The Central Bank raised its one-day policy interest rate by 100 basis points to 8.75% to curb loan demand and maintain stability, leading to increased commercial bank interest rates

. Global crude oil prices saw a notable decrease, with Brent and WTI crude falling to USD 97.33 per barrel

. The IMF Executive Board approved an immediate disbursement of approximately US$695 million for Sri Lanka, bringing the total financial support to about US$2.4 billion

. Lastly, Sri Lanka is tapping Brazilian expertise to bolster its domestic sugar sector, as the nation currently imports approximately 90% of its sugar requirements

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The Southwest Monsoon has established across Sri Lanka, with the Meteorological Department forecasting intermittent rain or thundershowers and moderate to heavy showers in specific areas, bringing flood risks

. In preparation for Vesak Week, Sri Lanka Police launched a comprehensive security program, deploying over 1,000 police officers in Colombo and urging dansala organizers to prioritize food safety

. Additionally, a 12-hour water cut is scheduled for Mahara and Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha areas due to essential maintenance for the Central Expressway construction

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The suspect in the Dikoya double murder, Sellaiya Manoj, who escaped from Kandy National Hospital, has been re-arrested while hiding in the Fetteresso Estate area

. Airport customs officers at Katunayake Airport apprehended two foreign nationals attempting to smuggle 50,200 foreign-made cigarettes valued at approximately Rs. 7.53 million, following a previous bust involving Chinese nationals and 40,000 cigarettes

. Further details emerged in the alleged bribe scheme involving the Welikada Police OIC, Chief Police Inspector Saman Jayasinghe, who reportedly demanded close to Rs. 5.7 million to release 19 Chinese passports

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Sri Lanka has recorded 32,071 dengue cases and 17 deaths so far in 2026, prompting the National Dengue Control Unit to announce a three-day special mosquito control program in high-risk areas

. Health officials confirmed 203 suspected meningitis cases across several areas, with approximately 50 patients remaining hospitalized in four districts, though officials urged the public not to panic due to the low mortality rate

. In international health news, a Ugandan woman quarantined in Bengaluru, India, tested negative for suspected Ebola, averting the first potential case in South Asia since 2014

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The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has updated its landslide warnings, now affecting 17 Divisional Secretariat divisions across four districts until 4 p.m. on May 28th, with Stage Two alerts issued for specific divisions in Ratnapura and Kalutara districts

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Former Sports Ministers Harin Fernando and Dayasiri Jayasekara have raised concerns, alleging the recent appointment of the Sri Lanka Cricket selection committee is illegal and that the proper nomination process was not followed, suggesting the Cricket Transformation Committee's involvement

. In a separate development, Sri Lanka Cricket, directed by the Cricket Transformation Committee, launched a school cricket coaching program with its inaugural session attended by 74 coaches, including a session led by Gary Kirsten

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Two children, Chandani Nimasha (05) and Kasun Madhushanka (03), tragically died from suspected smoke inhalation in a Batticaloa hotel fire, where they were staying to visit their mother undergoing cancer treatment

.