Rajapaksa Faces Travel Ban in Easter Attacks Probe Amid US-Iran Tensions; Rupee Depreciates, Smuggling Rings Busted

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two military intelligence officers, Premānanda Udalaagama and Major Mohamed Ansar, have been issued an overseas travel ban by Fort Magistrate Pasang Amarasekara in connection with the Easter Sunday attack probe, citing a flight risk

. Separately, former SIS Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Salley, also linked to the Easter attacks, is reportedly suffering from severe mental health issues including depression and PTSD while in CID custody under the PTA

. Internationally, US-Iran tensions remain high, with the US disabling its sixth Iranian-bound vessel and Iran claiming retaliatory strikes on Kuwait International Airport, causing significant damage and suspending flights

. However, US President Donald Trump also announced a tentative deal where Iran agreed not to develop nuclear weapons, with a potential meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

. Domestically, the BASL has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to abandon plans to increase the retirement age for judges, warning it would undermine judicial independence

. The Cabinet has approved a USD 250 million climate-resilient water project to benefit 600,000 families

and also approved the declaration of elephant migratory corridors to reduce human-wildlife conflict

. Concerns persist over a $2.5 million treasury heist, with the Free Lawyers Organization accusing the Finance Ministry of hiding the report, and COPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva rejecting a report sent to his private residence

. Justice Minister Heshan Nanayakkara discussed child testimony reforms with UNICEF, highlighting new amendments allowing children to provide evidence via video technology

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Police have arrested the suspected gunman, Sampath Kumaratunga alias “Bonchiya,” in the fatal shooting of Kalutara businessman Mohamed Shafiq (Afi), following the earlier apprehension of alleged mastermind “Imran” and an accomplice

. In a major raid in Dematagoda, four suspects were arrested, and authorities seized 19 locally manufactured revolvers and over Rs. 10 million in drug tablets, linked to death row inmate Dematagoda Chaminda

. Sri Lankan drug kingpin Shiran Basnayake, linked to ISIS and Iranian mafia groups, has been arrested in Dubai, with both the US and Sri Lanka seeking his extradition

. At Katunayake Airport, three Chinese businessmen were arrested attempting to smuggle foreign-made cigarettes valued at Rs. 8.37 million, following a previous apprehension of 13 Chinese nationals with Rs. 28.44 million in contraband

. A daylight heist at a State Bank in Horana saw Rs. 35 million stolen, with the suspect fleeing on foot after snatching a money bag from the Deputy Manager

. In Tangalle, a suspect was arrested at Kudawella Fisheries Harbour for firing shots into the air

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The Sri Lankan Rupee continued its depreciation against the US Dollar, with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) reporting an increase in the selling rate from Rs. 336.60 to Rs. 337.97

. Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, confirmed that the USD 695 million tranche from the IMF has been credited to the Treasury, boosting foreign reserves

. Meanwhile, the US Trump administration has proposed additional import duties ranging from 10% to 12.5% on goods from approximately 60 countries over forced labor concerns, with Sri Lanka facing the higher 12.5% tariff

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A tragic fire at an elderly home in Batagoda has left 11 persons missing and 47 rescued, with five fire trucks deployed to control the blaze

. In South Delhi, a severe hotel fire claimed at least 21 lives, including 17 foreign nationals, with over 40 rescued

. Sri Lanka has seen multiple fatal road accidents, with two young men dying in a motorcycle collision in Athurugiriya, three young men killed in a tipper-three-wheeler crash in Ampara, and a 20-year-old man dying after being run over by a tractor in Kanagarayankulam

. Additionally, around 22 workers were hospitalized due to burn injuries and smoke inhalation after a fire broke out at a garment factory warehouse in Embilipitiya

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Sri Lanka is experiencing dynamic weather, with a transition from persistent heatwaves to widespread thundershowers and severe lightning advisories, while preparing for reduced rainfall due to El Niño during the upcoming Southwest Monsoon

. The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm for June 4th in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North Western provinces, and the Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts

. An advisory for rough seas and strong winds has been issued for coastal areas from Mullaitivu to Hambantota, with wind speeds potentially reaching 50-60 km/h

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The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm in parts of the island for tomorrow, June 4th, particularly in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North Western provinces, as well as the Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts

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Health officials report that the current meningitis outbreak in Sri Lanka is caused by a virus from the Enterovirus group, with approximately 250 suspected cases identified and fewer than 50 patients currently hospitalized

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