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Australia says 13 citizens linked to alleged IS members returning from Syria

A group of 13 Australians related to alleged Islamic State jihadists is returning home from Syria, Australian authorities said Wednesday (May 6), warning some will face arrest.

The four women and nine children, who had been living in Roj camp in Syria, are expected to land in Sydney and Melbourne airports on Thursday, according to local media.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said he received an alert on Wednesday morning when the group’s travel booking was made.

“The government is not assisting and will not assist these individuals,” he told a news conference.

“They made an appalling, disgraceful decision. If any of these individuals find their way back to Australia, if they have committed crimes, they can expect to face the full force of the law, without exception.”

Police said they collected evidence in Syria as they investigated whether Australians had committed crimes under Australian law, including travelling to a prohibited area and engaging in slave trade.

“Some individuals will be arrested and charged,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said.

She did not indicate when they would be arrested, and said others in the group will remain under investigation.

“Children who return in the cohort will be asked to undergo community integration programmes, therapeutic support, and countering violent extremism programmes,” she added.

“HORRIFIC CHOICE”

The Australian government has issued an exclusion order preventing another woman in the Syrian camp from entering Australia.

“These are people who have made what is a horrific choice to join a dangerous terrorist organisation and to place their children in an extraordinary situation,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters.

Australia’s Human Rights Commission president, Hugh de Kretser, in March urged the government to support the return of 34 Australian women and children living in the Roj camp, where they have been held for seven years, noting Australian citizens had previously returned from the camp in 2019, 2022 and last year.

Australia made it an offence to travel to the Islamic State’s stronghold of Raqqa province in Syria between 2014 and 2017, an attempt to stop its citizens joining the militant group.

A woman who returned from Syria in 2022 was later charged by Australian police with entering a terrorist controlled area.

Around 2,000 foreign national women and children remain living in Roj camp, displaced after the collapse of the Islamic State in March 2019, Syrian officials said in March.

Source: AFP

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Government Reaffirms May 30 Vesak Date Amid Growing Debate

Amid rising concerns from several groups, including members of the Buddhist clergy, the government has reiterated that this year’s Vesak Poya Day will be observed on May 30, following formal requests made by leading monastic authorities.

The Ministry of Buddhist Affairs stated that the decision was based on a written request submitted to the President on December 20, 2025, by the Mahanayake Theras of the three main Buddhist chapters. According to the Ministry, the Theras had emphasized that the auspicious “Visa Nekatha” must coincide with the day of Vesak, prompting the proposed date adjustment.

The matter was subsequently discussed at the All-Island Buddha Sasana Council on January 1, 2026, where it was reaffirmed that Vesak Poya should fall on May 30. The Council also recommended that Vesak Week be observed from May 27 to June 2.

Further formalisation came through a joint Cabinet paper presented on March 16, 2026, by the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs and the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. The proposal received Cabinet approval on March 30, 2026, confirming the revised date.

Despite the official stance, criticism has emerged. The Deputy Chief Prelate and Chief Secretary of the Kotte Sri Kalyāni Sāmagridharma Mahāsaṇghasabhā, Kotapitiye Rahula Anunāyaka Thera, recently alleged that the change was influenced by political motives.

Adding to the debate, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe argued that Vesak Poya should fall on May 1, citing alignment with international recognition.

May 1 has been declared as the International Day of Vesak by the United Nations, further fuelling discussion over the appropriate date for the sacred Buddhist festival.

 
 
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Man Posing as Doctor Arrested in Polonnaruwa After Multiple Offences Uncovered

An individual accused of impersonating a medical professional while being linked to multiple criminal offences has been arrested by the Polonnaruwa Divisional Crime Investigation Division, police confirmed.

The suspect, a 59-year-old resident of Pannala in Kurunegala, was taken into custody in Polonnaruwa following investigations into his activities.

Police revealed that the individual has a history of prior arrests by several police stations, including those in Borella, Kandy, Minuwangoda, and Divulapitiya, in connection with various offences. Initial findings also indicate that he had previously served a two-year prison sentence.

At the time of arrest, officers recovered several items believed to have been used in the impersonation, including a stethoscope, a medical uniform, and a forged identification card.

Further investigations uncovered that the suspect had allegedly posed as a doctor attached to the maternity ward of Hingurakgoda Hospital, raising serious concerns about patient safety and institutional security.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Polonnaruwa Magistrate’s Court today (06). Police stated that further investigations are ongoing.

 
 
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Rathnayake Backs Wickramaratne Appointment, Urges Focus on Reviving Sri Lanka Cricket

Minister Bimal Rathnayake has defended the appointment of Eran Wickramaratne as Chairman of the Cricket Restructuring Committee, dismissing criticism over political differences and stressing that merit—not ideology—guided the decision.

Responding to concerns about selecting a figure outside the government’s political alignment, Rathnayake said the move was based solely on capability. “Cricket doesn’t have to be left-wing,” he remarked, urging that the appointment should not be viewed through a political lens.

The Minister highlighted Wickramaratne’s background as a former cricketer and his extensive administrative experience as key factors behind the selection. He expressed confidence that the new Chairman has the expertise required to help restore Sri Lanka’s cricketing standards.

“We needed a suitable and talented administrator. He has knowledge of the game and the capacity to guide its development,” Rathnayake said during a televised interview.

Emphasising the distinction between sports administration and politics, Rathnayake noted that managing cricket cannot be equated to running a political party. He reiterated that the primary objective remains the rebuilding of the sport.

Pointing to ongoing performance concerns, the Minister observed that Sri Lanka has not reached a semi-final in any format over the past decade. He underscored the broader significance of the game, describing cricket as a national strength and a valuable asset in enhancing the country’s global standing.

“Cricket must be developed. It is a national need,” he added, reinforcing the urgency behind ongoing restructuring efforts.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Gold Prices Surge in Colombo’s Pettah market Amid Global Rally

Gold prices in Sri Lanka witnessed a sharp increase today, reflecting a strong upward movement in the international market, according to local traders.

Dealers in Colombo’s Pettah market reported that gold prices jumped by Rs. 7,000 within a single day, signaling heightened demand and global price pressure filtering into the local economy.

As a result, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign climbed to Rs. 363,400. Meanwhile, 24-carat gold also recorded a notable rise. After being priced at Rs. 388,000 yesterday, a 24-carat sovereign surged to Rs. 395,000 today.

Traders attribute this sudden spike to fluctuations in the global gold market, which continue to influence domestic pricing trends. The increase has drawn attention from both investors and consumers, particularly those planning to purchase gold for savings or ceremonial purposes.

With gold traditionally seen as a safe-haven asset, market watchers suggest that continued volatility in international markets could keep prices elevated in the days ahead.

 
 
 
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Premadasa Warns of Economic Strain as New VAT Measures Loom

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has voiced strong criticism over the government’s planned changes to Value Added Tax (VAT), cautioning that the sweeping measures could place added pressure on businesses and the broader economy.

In a post shared on X, Premadasa stated that from July 1, Sri Lanka will simultaneously widen the VAT net, increase tax rates, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms. He pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to be brought into the tax framework, while financial services would face higher levels of taxation. The digital economy, he added, would also be incorporated into the VAT system.

The Opposition Leader further highlighted that these changes would result in increased compliance obligations for businesses, raising concerns about the practical challenges of adapting to stricter requirements.

Describing the approach as one of “extraction” rather than genuine reform, Premadasa warned that such policies risk stifling economic activity. He argued that sustainable growth cannot be achieved solely through taxation, emphasizing that businesses require space to operate and remain viable.

“If businesses are unable to survive, there will eventually be little left to tax,” he cautioned, underscoring the potential long-term impact of the proposed measures.

 
 
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CEB VRS Compensation to Be Paid in Two Phases, Minister Announces

Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka has announced that compensation for employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) who opted for retirement under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) will be disbursed in two phases.

Responding to a question in Parliament, the Minister stated that 50 percent of the total compensation will be paid in the first phase using funds allocated from the General Treasury. He noted that the necessary Cabinet paper has already been submitted and is expected to receive approval within the coming week.

According to the proposed timeline, the initial 50 percent payment is expected to be made to eligible retirees by May 15. The remaining balance will be settled shortly thereafter, ensuring that affected employees receive their full compensation within a reasonable timeframe.

Addressing the House, Minister Karunathilaka expressed confidence in the process, stating that steps are already underway to secure approval and facilitate timely payments. He reiterated that the government is committed to providing the first installment promptly, followed by the remaining amount without significant delay.

 
 
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Vietnamese President To Lam to visit Sri Lanka on May 7

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam, together with a high-ranking delegation of the country, is going to pay a state visit to Sri Lanka from May 7 to 8.

The visit will be made at the invitation of President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

Source: VNA/VNP

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Namal Rajapaksa Congratulates Vijay on ‘Resounding Victory’ in Tamil Nadu Polls

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has extended his congratulations to Indian actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar following what he described as a “resounding victory” in the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rajapaksa noted that while the electoral triumph marks a significant milestone, “the real work begins now.” He wished Vijay and his team the strength and determination needed to navigate upcoming challenges and deliver meaningful benefits to the public.

Rajapaksa also expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties, voicing hope for a stronger and more positive relationship between Sri Lanka and India, particularly on issues affecting people in both nations.

He concluded his message by extending his best wishes to Vijay and his team as they embark on their next phase of leadership.

 
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Three dead in suspected virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship

Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organization (WHO) has told the BBC.

It reported one confirmed and five suspected cases. One UK national aged 69 is now in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. Local officials later told the BBC he had the virus.

Hantavirus is usually passed to humans from rodents via their urine or faeces. It can cause severe respiratory illness. Rarely, it can be transmitted between people.

The UK Foreign Office told the BBC it was monitoring reports, and ready to support British nationals.

The outbreak was reported aboard the MV Hondius ship travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.

The MV Hondius is run by tour company Oceanwide Expeditions.

According to an itinerary on its website, MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and was expected to complete its journey on 4 May in Cape Verde.

It is described as a 107.6m (353ft) polar cruise ship, with space for 170 passengers in 80 cabins, along with 57 crew members, 13 guides and one doctor.

Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for South Africa’s health ministry, told the BBC there were about 150 tourists from various countries aboard the vessel.

Before the WHO confirmation of three deaths, Mohale told the BBC that at least two people had died.

He said the man, aged 70, and the woman, aged 69, were a Dutch couple.

The health official said the man suddenly became ill, developing fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. He died on arrival on the island of St Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic.

The woman also became ill on board and was evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a Johannesburg hospital.

The AFP news agency cited a source saying that the third fatality was still on board the ship.

Speaking anonymously, the source said and discussions were under way to decide whether two other sick passengers should be placed in isolation in hospital in Cape Verde.

The ship would then reportedly continue to Spain’s Canary Islands.

The WHO said it was helping co-ordinate between member states and the ship’s operators for the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as a full public health risk assessment and support for those still on board.

Source: BBC

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Modi’s party set to gain big in Indian state elections

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party was on course to win two of four crucial state elections on Monday (May 4), expanding its influence and weakening its key rival half-way into his third term in office.

Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was set to return to power in the eastern state of Assam for the third straight term, and was sweeping West Bengal, counting trends on the Election Commission website showed. 

Both states border Bangladesh and infiltration into India was a key poll issue.

The BJP has never ruled West Bengal, a state where it had only three local lawmakers until 2021.

Modi, his closest aide and Home Minister Amit Shah and several senior BJP leaders have campaigned extensively in West Bengal for weeks, focusing on what they called illegal immigration from Bangladesh and the weak local economy under incumbent Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Banerjee is a fierce critic of Modi and a key member of India’s opposition alliance. She has been in power in the state since 2011.

The positive trend for the BJP in West Bengal also boosted market sentiment, with the 10-year bond yield down 2 basis points at 6.9954 per cent, bond traders said.

BLOW TO OPPOSITION ALLIANCE

In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, a major hub for electronics and automobiles, popular movie star Joseph Vijay, a first-time entrant into politics who launched his party only two years ago, looked on course to oust the ruling DMK party.

The actor, who goes by the single name Vijay, has a frenzied fan following in the state, which has a history of electing film stars to the top office.

In the other southern state of Kerala, an alliance led by the Congress party looked set to defeat the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist).

The DMK is also a vocal rival of Modi, and DMK and Banerjee’s ruling TMC party were the main pillars of the Congress-led opposition INDIA alliance.

The alliance jointly fought the 2024 general election and deprived Modi of an outright majority, forcing him to rely on the support of regional parties to form a coalition government.

Their losses are expected to significantly weaken opposition to Modi in 2029, when he will contest for a record fourth term in office.

Final results are expected to be clear by Monday evening but the outcome is not expected to have an immediate impact on politics or policy at the federal level.

Source: Reuters

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Amber Alert Issued for Severe Lightning Across Multiple Provinces

An ‘Amber’ advisory warning of severe lightning has been issued by the Department of Meteorology, placing several provinces and districts across the island on alert today (04).

The advisory, released at noon, will remain in effect until 11.30 p.m., signaling the likelihood of thundershowers accompanied by intense lightning activity in parts of the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Uva provinces. In addition, the districts of Kalutara, Polonnaruwa, Galle and Matara are also expected to experience similar conditions.

According to the Department, these thundershowers are likely to develop after 1.00 p.m., raising concerns over sudden weather changes during the afternoon and evening hours. Officials also cautioned that temporary localized strong winds may occur during these thundershowers, potentially adding to the impact of the adverse weather.

The public has been urged to remain vigilant and take adequate precautions to minimize possible damage caused by lightning activity. Authorities stress the importance of staying informed and exercising care during periods of severe weather.

With conditions expected to intensify later in the day, residents in the affected areas are advised to stay alert as the advisory remains in force through the night.

 
 
 
 
 
 


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