Tue, Jul 21, 2026
22 headlines
Sri Lanka Daily News Digest — Tuesday, July 21, 2026
TOP STORY
Taiwan has suspended tourist visa applications from Sri Lankan nationals, in line with the Taiwan government's latest visa policy, its Foreign Ministry confirmed.
GOVERNANCE & POLITICS
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pressed for the swift disbursement of monthly allowances to children orphaned by Cyclone Ditwah, and chaired a review of proposals to fix problems in the prison system. He also appointed N. R. Anees as the new Chairperson of the Finance Commission. SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa criticised the government, alleging record tax revenue is not being channelled into public welfare.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
The Colombo Stock Exchange opened the week lower, with both indices sliding on broad-based selling; higher turnover was driven mainly by crossing deals rather than genuine buying. The Attorney General's Department will sue liquor manufacturers to recover over Rs. 6.2 billion in unpaid taxes. The Central Bank imposed Rs. 14.6 million in penalties on institutions that breached financial reporting rules.
TRADE & CONNECTIVITY
VietJet launched direct Colombo–Ho Chi Minh City flights on Saturday, boosting Sri Lanka–Vietnam air links. A Swedish trade delegation will attend Sri Lanka Expo 2027, following an EDB meeting with Sweden's ambassador. FACETS 2027, the flagship gem and jewellery exhibition, will run January 4–6 at Cinnamon Life.
HEALTH & CONSUMER SAFETY
The government is moving to tighten rules against toxic chemicals used to ripen fruit, amid rising consumer complaints. Health authorities warned that schools recorded the highest number of dengue mosquito breeding sites during recent inspections.
TRANSPORT
A Rambukkana-bound train derailed at Colombo Fort Station — the second derailment involving the same train this month.
EDUCATION
The Examinations Department released the 2025 General Information Technology (GIT) exam results.
SPORTS
Spain won the FIFA World Cup, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the lone goal in extra time to beat defending champions Argentina 1-0. In local cricket, Colombo Kaps beat Kandy Royals by six wickets on an unbroken 115-run stand from James Neesham and Janith Liyanage. India U-19s reached 253/3 on a rain-hit opening day, with Kushagra Ojha unbeaten on 103.
WORLD
Andy Burnham became UK prime minister after meeting King Charles — the fourth holder of the office in under four years. US President Donald Trump said fresh American strikes hit Iran "very hard," calling them a tribute to three US soldiers killed in Jordan and Iraq. Hamas named Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, killed by Israeli forces in October 2024.
OTHER
The International Network of Elite Women (INEW) launched its Sri Lanka Chapter with an inaugural gathering of women leaders.