Sat, Sep 5, 2026
22 headlines
SRI LANKA DAILY NEWS DIGEST — Saturday, September 5, 2026
TOP STORY: NAMAL RAJAPAKSA REMANDED
SLPP National Organiser MP Namal Rajapaksa has been remanded until September 18 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama. He was arrested Friday by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over an alleged Rs. 100 million bribe linked to the purchase of Airbus aircraft for SriLankan Airlines. In court, President's Counsel Sampath Mendis, for Rajapaksa, challenged the basis of the arrest, arguing his client was detained and produced solely on the strength of a statement by businessman Nimal Perera. The United National Party condemned the arrest, saying public acceptance of a politician will not be deterred by arrests.
MORE CIABOC ACTION
Former Cooperative and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando and Design Point (Pvt) Ltd owner Hemantha Lalith de Silva were granted bail by the same magistrate, with a travel ban imposed. The case concerns alleged corruption in the purchase of chairs for the Polgolla Mahinda Rajapaksa Auditorium.
Separately, Mohamed Hisham Jamaldeen, son of former Western Province Governor and Colombo Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil, was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport on Wednesday (September 2) over an alleged fraud.
HUMAN RIGHTS
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Thursday called for a moratorium on the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act pending its repeal, along with the release of those held under it.
DIPLOMACY
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 8, for a two-day official visit and comprehensive bilateral discussions.
ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The first coal shipment of the second quarter for the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Power Plant has arrived at Puttalam, with unloading beginning after quality checks.
Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake said the new Metro Bus service aims to establish a new public transport culture, offering passengers a more comfortable, safe and respectful travel experience.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board suspended supply to parts of Colombo and Battaramulla until 11.30 p.m. on September 4 for maintenance on the Ambatale-Dehiwala transmission pipeline near Diyatha Uyana.
MARKETS
The Colombo Stock Exchange rose for a third straight session on Friday, with both benchmark indices gaining more than 1% on broad-based buying. The ASPI closed above 21,600.
SPORT
Long-distance runner Rasara Wijesuriya set a new meet record winning gold in the women's 10,000m at the National Athletics Championships.
The Japanese Embassy hosted a reception for Sri Lanka's squad heading to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with the Ambassador saying the athletes will bring honour to the country.
Sri Lanka's Under-18 baseball team left for Taiwan for the 14th BFA U18 Asian Baseball Championship, running September 7 to 13.
Blue Eagles SC beat Renown SC 2-0 at Sugathadasa Stadium, handing Renown their first Super League defeat and denting their title challenge.
Eight teams reached the quarter-finals of the STC-Elephant House Lemonade Invitation Schools Cricket Sixes, marking the 175th anniversary of S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia.
INTERNATIONAL
US diesel prices hit an all-time high as the US-Israel war with Iran continues to squeeze American motorists. In Britain, the Army has been ordered to halt non-essential training exercises as a cost-saving measure.