The charge by the Attorney General’s Department follows questioning of a new witness in France. The position of the former head of military intelligence has worsened. Starting in 2017, he allegedly financed Islamic and Tamil extremist groups to be used for suicide attacks and actions against Rajapaksa's adversaries, including the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge and the disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda.
Asian members from Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka are part of the global humanitarian expedition. The son of Faisal Edhi, a leading figure in Pakistan’s humanitarian community, is among the people detained. As his fate remains unknown, his father has appealed to Pakistani authorities to obtain his release. For Asian activists, theirs is not just a "symbolic" participation.
From 4 to 8 May, Sharks International 2026 took place, the world’s leading event in the sector for experts and enthusiasts. The event was attended by 800 people representing 82 countries, with over 800 papers presented. Sri Lanka is a crucial hotspot of high biodiversity in the Indian Ocean, yet heavily exploited for shark and ray fishing.
Transparency International expressed “serious concern” over Kapila Chandrasena’s death. The investigation into the aircraft procurement is ongoing “without obstruction or delay”. The airline’s former CEO died on 8 May in Kollupitiya, after a new arrest warrant was issued against him. The 61-year-old was accused of receiving millions of dollars in bribes. Police view his death as suspicious.
The island is becoming a new hotspot for foreign-operated online scam operations. Local authorities are concerned over their negative impact on the country’s image and economy, especially tourism. Police have arrested people from Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Madagascar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as seized laptops and mobile phones.
Labour Day celebrations across Asia were dominated by the impact of the Gulf crisis on local economies. Prabowo also announced new regulations strengthening protections for delivery riders. In Singapore, Prime Minister Wong urged the public to prepare for prolonged economic hardship. In Sri Lanka, celebrations were organised by the Christian Workers’ Fellowship.
