Stories from Colombo · Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has initiated its second investigation in less than one week regarding missing international payments. The US Postal Service reported it failed to receive more than $600,000 from Sri Lanka. Hackers are suspected of stealing more than $600,000 in the latest incident. The investigation is ongoing to determine the scope of the theft. The investigation follows previous inquiries into the matter. The transcript notes this is the second such probe within a week. A Sri Lankan minister's spokesman reported the incident this morning. The loss was identified after the US Post complained about the missing funds. The source described the missing amount as a likely internal payment. This incident marks the second time such a disappearance has occurred in less than a week. An investigation is underway regarding a missing $2.5 million USD payment involving a manufacturer in Sri Lanka.

Naval forces have seized one United Kingdom flagged vessel and one Panamanian flagged vessel this morning. The seizure occurred off the coast of Sri Lanka while the ships were reportedly heading in the direction of Iran. The incident follows a blockade of ports and a standoff involving shipping lanes. This development occurs amid ongoing tensions regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Over 500 Tai Chi enthusiasts participated in a promotional event in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event was held to celebrate International Tai Chi Day. The gathering included participants from across the country.

Sri Lankan authorities detained 22 monks at Colombo International Airport on suspicion of smuggling 110 kilograms of cannabis. Each monk was found with roughly five kilograms of the substance in their luggage, according to reports from BBC. Authorities discovered over 200 pounds of high-grade cannabis hidden in the monks' luggage. The seized cannabis is valued at more than $3 million. A police spokesperson stated that one monk organized the trip but did not travel with the group. The spokesperson alleged that the organizer instructed the travelers regarding the parcel. The group was reportedly caught with 240 units of the substance. The incident involved the transport of the illegal material. The report indicates the individuals were taken into custody following the discovery of the substances. The value of the seized cannabis is estimated at 3,450,000 USD.