Wed, Jul 22, 2026
22 headlines
SRI LANKA DAILY NEWS DIGEST — Wednesday, July 22, 2026
HEALTH: DENGUE SURGE
The dengue epidemic dominates health concerns, with Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa warning transmission risk will stay high for the next three weeks, peaking toward mid-August. Colombo's Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital reports a sharp rise in pediatric admissions and has urged parents to bring essential medical documents for all visits.
CORRUPTION & CRIME
CIABOC has opened an investigation into former UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam over alleged corruption in recruiting Presidential Secretariat staff for personal and political use. Separately, Colpetty Police arrested the son of former State Minister Shanta Bandara over the alleged robbery of Rs. 20 million belonging to a Chinese national. Parliament heard that a probe into a US$2.5 million cyber theft is underway.
HOMAGAMA FACTORY FIRE
Five workers were killed in a massive fire at a helmet-manufacturing factory in the Katuwana Industrial Zone, Homagama. Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe has ordered a comprehensive investigation and an urgent report.
GOVERNMENT & POLICY
The PTA is being fast-tracked for repeal, to be replaced by a new Counter-Terrorism Bill, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament. A Special Cabinet Subcommittee met for a second time to review preparedness for possible El Niño impacts. The government has purchased 1,910 metric tons of paddy since early July, and has moved to regulate toxic chemicals used in fruit ripening after consumer complaints. PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met a UK delegation on accelerating rabies eradication and stray dog management. Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna said he is spending his last days in Parliament. Debate continues over double school sessions and English-medium expansion.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
The Colombo Stock Exchange closed mixed on Tuesday, with the ASPI extending its decline as renewed selling erased an early 70-point gain; crossings dominated activity. Hatch and First Capital Holdings (Janashakthi Group) relaunched "Startup Nation" offering up to US$1 million in funding. Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe urged BIMSTEC states to build a seamless regional tourism network.
SPORT
Sri Lanka's Yupun Abeykoon, South Asia's fastest sprinter, announced his retirement from athletics. In the Lanka Premier League, Dambulla Sixes host the unbeaten Galle Gallants (led by Dasun Shanaka), while Colombo face Jaffna.
INTERNATIONAL
The US-Iran war entered its 10th day, with Pakistan mediating as Iran's Interior Minister visited Islamabad and Hormuz shipping stalled; evidence suggests a US airstrike hit a stationary shadow-fleet tanker in the Gulf of Oman, killing three Indian sailors. In India, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were briefly detained by Delhi Police during a protest near PM Modi's residence over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.