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The no-confidence motion against the energy minister cites negligence in procuring coal, and corruption from a stint at a state company. The motion is unlikely to pass but will publicly test the government’s commitment to anti-corruption. Government members disagree on how to handle the allegations.

If scheduled fuel shipments and expected rains don’t materialise, power cuts are likely over the coming months. Even if fuel and rains arrive on time, electricity prices are still set to rise.

As war rattles the Gulf, nearly a million Sri Lankans living and working there are uncertain about their safety and livelihoods. Yet most are choosing to stay as the money is ‘too good to let go’.

Fuel stocks currently on the island are enough for just over three weeks. Sri Lanka is the only country in the world to ration fuel at the pump, dusting off the fuel QR system. Trishaw and bus drivers say their quotas aren’t sufficient.

After the US torpedoed the Dena, Sri Lanka had to decide on letting the Bushehr dock. Amid a whirlpool of competing considerations, Sri Lanka took nearly two days to grant the ship entry. The commercial fallout was contained, but sans an investigation Sri Lanka’s maritime reputation may suffer.

The Iran war’s fallout is already here, including via higher oil prices and torpedoed ships. Sri Lanka is better placed than in the past to manage the adverse impact, which will depend greatly on the war’s duration. But there are silver linings too.

The CID arrested former spy chief Suresh Sallay in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks. The police have witness statements and plan to record the Channel 4 whistleblower’s statement. Sallay’s rise in the intelligence services was marred with controversy.

Parliament will vote on the new microfinance bill in March. But it could crush non-profit village lenders like women’s societies. It falls short in protecting victims from predatory lending. The bill’s ambiguity may also affect supplier and trade credit.

The Easter Sunday trial-at-bar is speeding up; the trial moved to daily hearings this Wednesday. Defence counsel are unable to cope with the pace. They’re dropping out, leaving the accused to defend themselves. As a result, activists worry they may not have a fair trial.

The justice minister says his ministry intends to revise the occupants protection bill, following outcry over inadequate consultations. Condominium developers are challenging the bill in court. Meanwhile, the government will move to repeal the old Rent Act.