Tue, Sep 1, 2026
22 headlines
SRI LANKA DAILY NEWS DIGEST - Tuesday, September 1, 2026
TOP STORY: FORMER FINANCE MINISTER ARRESTED, BAILED
MP and former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake was arrested Monday (31) by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over claims that three employees recruited for a National Lotteries Board special project were instead deployed on his political activities, causing a loss to the state. Colombo Additional Magistrate Liyan Warushavithana ordered him released on bail today.
RECORD ICE HAUL AT COLOMBO PORT
The Central Crime Investigation Bureau seized a container-load of crystal methamphetamine at the Colombo Port, reported at over 420 kg by police and at 463 kg in later accounts. Three more suspects, including two Pakistani nationals, have since been arrested in connection with the smuggling operation.
COURTS AND CONSTITUTION
Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena has nominated a five-member Supreme Court bench to hear the Special Determination petitions challenging the constitutionality of the proposed 22nd Amendment.
ECONOMY: EXPORTS PASS US$10 BILLION
Total exports crossed US$10 billion in the first seven months of 2026, signalling continued external-sector resilience despite difficult global conditions. The Colombo Stock Exchange opened the week higher Monday, with both indices closing marginally up after late buying offset intraday selling. National Savings Bank Group posted a Rs. 22.5 billion operating profit for the first half, lifted by stronger net interest income and fee-based earnings. The Board of Investment held a knowledge-sharing workshop with Australia's Austrade to sharpen FDI promotion strategy. Commentary this week strikes a cautious note: stability is real but recovery incomplete, with investment, exports and jobs framed as the next battle.
MINERALS AND TOURISM STRATEGY
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired talks at the Presidential Secretariat on developing the mineral industry under the export-oriented National Mineral Policy 2026, calling for greater transparency and investment. Separately, Sri Lanka launched two World Bank-supported consultancy assignments covering national tourism strategic planning and a global promotional campaign road map.
HORTON PLAINS PROTECTION MEASURES
Authorities plan daily visitor limits and an online advance booking system at Horton Plains National Park to ease pressure on the sensitive ecosystem, alongside a proposed electric shuttle service inside the park to cut emissions, carbon footprint and noise.
HEALTH
The Health and Mass Media Minister has directed Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe to appoint a six-member expert committee to study creating an intermediate cadre for medical officers, with recommendations due within a month.
SPORT
Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Secretary Prakash Schaffter said he is optimistic about persuading the ICC to return hosting rights, explaining at SLC headquarters why the ICC Women's Champions Trophy was moved out of the country. Sri Lanka and New Zealand will mark 100 years of cricket ties, agreed at a meeting between High Commissioner David Pine and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage. In the Super League, Sea Hawks FC became the first side to score against Colombo FC this season, holding the unbeaten leaders to a 1-1 draw. Internationally, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, saying the decision hurt but "the time has come".
WORLD
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that India must uphold the water-sharing treaty with Pakistan it had suspended, and limit work on a hydroelectric plant in Kashmir. NASA launched its next-generation space telescope from Florida on a mission to probe dark energy and black holes.
OBITUARY
Model and pageant trainer Chulpadmendra "Chula" Kumarapathirana has died at 46.