- During the 10th World Water Summit, Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe and Widodo reaffirm Sri Lanka-Indonesia ties: Discussions covered water management, economic cooperation, and regional security: Wickremesinghe praises Indonesia’s hydro diplomacy, while Widodo emphasises economic collaboration and vaccine market entry. discuss the Preferential Trade Agreement and Sri Lanka’s potential RCEP inclusion: express commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and global cooperation.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says corruption must be eradicated from society, with a system eliminating corruption being fostered by the government: adds the SJB is the only party which unmasked thieves without gaining power: stresses anti-corruption programmes should not be limited to ordinances but should be included in the Constitution, with an immutable mechanism being implemented.
- The National People’s Power (NPP) and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa express condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials in a helicopter crash: They praise Raisi’s contributions to international relations, including his recent visits to Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan for hydropower projects: highlight Raisi’s commitment to fostering cooperation and development, and extend their thoughts and prayers to the families and the nation of Iran during this difficult time.
- The State Intelligence Service is investigating four Sri Lankans arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad at Ahmedabad Airport, suspected of ISIS links: SL intelligence is coordinating with Indian authorities to verify the suspects’ backgrounds and connections to ISIS: The suspects had travelled from Colombo to Chennai and then to Ahmedabad, where they were allegedly waiting for instructions from their handler: Security at the airport was heightened following their arrest, and encrypted messages were found on their phones: SL officials are closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with Indian counterparts.
- Former Chairman of the Weligama Urban Council Rehan Jayawickrema files a contempt of court lawsuit against ex-State Minister Diana Gamage, accusing her of undermining the Supreme Court’s authority with statements made on 9 May: alleges Gamage’s remarks aimed to discredit the Court following its ruling on 8 May, which disqualified her from Parliament for not being a Sri Lankan citizen: Gamage is accused of portraying herself as a victim of injustice and depicting the Court’s decision as politically motivated, intending to undermine public perception of the judgment.
- Acting Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe announces two key bills, the “Economic Transformation Bill” and the “Public Financial Management Bill,” will be introduced in Parliament to bolster Sri Lanka’s economy: These bills aim to improve public financial management and prevent future economic crises, stemming from President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision rather than the IMF: The Economic Transformation Bill focuses on economic growth, international trade, and climate change, while the Public Financial Management Bill enhances accountability: also target reducing public debt and improving debt servicing to ensure economic stability and sustainable growth.
- In response to the rainy season, the government instructs officials to take immediate actions to mitigate dengue risk in Colombo: President’s Senior Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka recommends an awareness programme for schoolchildren and parents, to be implemented during ‘Dengue Prevention Week’ from May 26 to June 1 by the Ministry of Education: emphasises reducing dengue risks around public institutions and construction sites, and enforcing regulations against non-compliance.
- Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of human rights watchdog Amnesty International, concludes a five-day visit to Sri Lanka, addressing human rights issues: highlights ongoing challenges 15 years post-civil war, emphasising the need to tackle impunity, discrimination, and suppression of freedoms: expresses concerns about new laws threatening civil society, arbitrary arrests, and lack of accountability for past violations: urges political leaders to foster reconciliation and justice, particularly with the upcoming elections and proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Her visit included meetings with President Wickremesinghe, families of the disappeared, and various community representatives.
- Central Bank data shows Sri Lanka’s credit card industry is set to gain momentum as ceiling rates are revised downward alongside falling lending rates: Despite a decline in new card issuance, transaction volume and value have slightly increased: Credit card activity, which had been stagnant, is now increasing due to consumer spending on festivities, leisure, and travel: However, excessive spending may lead to higher outstanding balances and interest payments: The outstanding credit card balance rose modestly in March, indicating growing consumer optimism: The CB is expected to lower credit card interest rates, currently at 28%, to align with falling loan rates.
- Indika Gamage wins a bronze medal in the T-44 100 metres at the World Para Athletic Championship in Kobe, Japan, with a time of 11.83 seconds, qualifying for the Paris Paralympics: South African Mpumelelo Mhlongo won gold, and Malaysian Eddy Bernard took silver. Gamage, coached by Y. K. Kularatne, achieved his best time despite a poor start: He is set to compete in the T-44 long jump next: Additionally, Samitha Dulan will compete in the men’s Javelin Throw F-44 final, having already qualified for the Paris Paralympics.
