Sri Lankan AI News Summary

Sri Lanka Daily News Digest – Sunday, August 2, 2026 Unrest at Mahara Prison, curfew imposed in Ragama Fresh unrest broke out near Mahara Prison after sounds resembling gunfire were heard from inside, prompting relatives of inmates and nearby residents to try to break through police barricades. Authorities deployed additional security forces to the area, and an inmate has died as a result of the disturbance. Separately, police have imposed a curfew within the Ragama Police Division, effective until further notice. Gammanpila: stronger charges could follow Easter attacks verdict Following the sentencing of former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando to death for failing to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, PHU leader Udaya Gammanpila said Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne and CID Director Shani Abeysekara could face similar or even stronger charges. Man injured in Rathmalana shooting A man was injured in a shooting on Kandawala Road, Rathmalana, on Sunday afternoon. No further details on the circumstances or suspects have been released. Rs. 106 million worth of cannabis seized at air cargo terminal Sri Lanka Customs intercepted more than 10.6kg of suspected cannabis-based narcotics concealed in an air cargo shipment arriving from Bangkok, Thailand. Flood warning issued for Kelani River valley The Irrigation Department has warned of possible minor flooding over the next 48 hours in low-lying areas along the Kelani River valley. Tuition classes and seminars banned ahead of key exams The Examinations Department has banned tuition classes, seminars, and other exam-related activities ahead of the 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship and G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations. Indian cricket team to arrive August 4 for Test series The Indian cricket team is set to land in Sri Lanka on August 4 ahead of an upcoming Test series against the host nation. President congratulates Rumesh Tharanga on Commonwealth Games gold President Anura Kumara Dissanayake congratulated javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga on winning gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, calling it the fulfilment of the nation's "golden dream." Wijenayake questions NPP's internal decision-making Senior lawyer Lal Wijenayake questioned the National People's Power's internal decision-making process, saying he remains uncertain how the ruling coalition reaches decisions compared to the consultative tradition he's used to in leftist politics. CPID holds inaugural youth empowerment workshop The Centre for Policy Innovation and Development concluded its first workshop, "Empowering the Youth in a Changing World: Opportunities from China–Sri Lanka Cooperation," bringing together 45 young leaders from varied backgrounds.