IMF & Economy: The IMF approved Sri Lanka’s US$695m tranche after completing reviews, but warned the Iran war and the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah are pushing risks “firmly to the downside,” with oil-price pressure and inflation still a concern. Essential Services: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a wide set of services “essential” under the Essential Public Services Act, covering power, fuel, water, transport, telecoms, healthcare, banking/insurance functions and local authority services. Elections Row: Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara hit back at election delays, saying the government lacks “votes, not funds,” and questioning who is authorising postponements. Police & Security: Police warned force may be used against those evading checkpoints after a vehicle was fired on in Minuwangoda; separately, authorities say they’re repatriating 89 Red Notice suspects hiding abroad. Digital Push: 400 “Digital Champions” are set to be recruited for PIC-NET to drive public-sector digital transformation. Finance Rules: Fitch says tighter CBSL limits on vehicle and gold-backed lending should improve finance-company risk profiles. Vesak & Public Life: Vesak lantern buying is busy in Colombo, while weather warnings flagged rough seas and possible strong winds. Sports (Sri Lanka-linked): West Indies named Hayley Matthews captain for the Women’s T20 World Cup, with Sri Lanka among group opponents.