Sri Lankan AI News Summary

SRI LANKA DAILY NEWS DIGEST — Thursday, August 6, 2026 FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE India and Sri Lanka agreed to push forward negotiations on updating the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's official visit on Wednesday. The two sides also welcomed the conclusion of talks on a bilateral Social Security Agreement, which is expected to be signed shortly. ECONOMY AND ACCOUNTABILITY A Deputy Minister told Parliament today that the US$2.5 million theft could have been prevented had the Central Bank exercised greater vigilance, placing the regulator's oversight under fresh scrutiny. In a separate accountability matter, two members of the Board of Directors of the Construction Industry Development Authority apologised to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges over their indecent conduct during Committee on Public Enterprises proceedings. ANIMAL PROTECTION BILL DIVIDES OPINION The United National Party claimed the proposed Animal Protection Bill undermines the Perahera tradition, while stating it does not oppose animal welfare and protection measures in principle. The Animal Welfare Coalition rejected that framing, calling claims false that the proposed Animal Welfare Act would bar elephants from cultural processions or impose a blanket ban on the chaining of elephants. COURTS The Court of Appeal today sought clarification from the Inland Revenue Department on whether recent amendments to the Inland Revenue Act affect the tax dispute involving Sri Lanka's national men's and women's cricket captains, before delivering judgment. Bar Association of Sri Lanka President Rajeev Amarasuriya said in a Facebook post that he has been the target of several personal attacks in recent weeks, describing them as false, malicious and part of a coordinated effort to undermine him. WEATHER The Meteorology Department warned that the rainy and windy conditions over the South-Western parts of the island will intensify from tomorrow, driven by the active South-West monsoon, and continue for the next few days. INTERNATIONAL Pakistani authorities imposed new restrictions on international media reporting, drawing sharp criticism from journalist organisations. Police in Germany said a drone carrying an explosive device was found at a German airport. Mexican influencer César Gastélum was shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok. SPORT Mohamed Salah appears to have confirmed his next club, photographed in Trabzonspor's home kit and mobbed by fans as the Liverpool icon flew in to complete the transfer.