Tue, Sep 8, 2026
22 headlines
SRI LANKA DAILY NEWS DIGEST — Tuesday, September 8, 2026
POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
Namal Rajapaksa is set to attend Parliament today after the Secretary General's office arranged facilities for his participation. The SLPP National Organiser remains in remand, where prison authorities have granted him special security and permission to receive home-cooked meals.
Colombo and surrounding areas face special traffic restrictions from September 8 to 10 for the official visit of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake revealed that land for a Southern Expressway service area was leased for 99 years at an annual rent of just Rs. 10,000 under the previous Rajapaksa administration.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Cyclone Ditwah preparedness questioned senior police officers involved in the disaster response.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath met UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche, reaffirming Sri Lanka's commitment to UN engagement ahead of the General Assembly. The meeting comes as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk voiced dissatisfaction over the perceived lack of progress on accountability for grave crimes under international law and gross human rights violations.
The Board of Investment hosted the fifth working-level meeting of the Sri Lanka–Japan Business Environment Committee, giving Japanese investors a platform to raise operational concerns.
CRIME, CONSUMER SAFETY AND SCAMS
Police froze properties worth over Rs. 130 million allegedly acquired through drug trafficking proceeds, the Illegal Assets Investigation Division said.
Police also warned the public about a fraudulent website imitating the Digital Economy Ministry's GovPay platform.
The Avissawella Magistrate's Court ordered the destruction of more than 8,500 bottles of drinking water seized in Seethawaka for carrying a counterfeit SLS standard logo and an unauthorised brand name.
ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT
The Colombo Stock Exchange opened the week flat on Monday, with both benchmark indices closing marginally higher after a volatile session.
A national action plan has been launched to recognise and formalise unpaid home-care work as a structured sector of the economy.
The national programme to introduce fourth-generation MCI Hybrid Pellet Fertilizer and Biofilm Biofertilizer to paddy cultivation completed another phase at the Wilwatta Farmers' Association in Mirigama.
State universities have been urged to lead development of local digital solutions and responsible AI rather than remain consumers of imported technology.
Commentary this morning argues Sri Lanka risks arriving late to Africa's economic rise, where China and India have already built deep commercial roots.
EDUCATION
The Department of Examinations has opened online appeals on answer sheets from the 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.
SPORT
Sri Lanka's women reached the Asia Cup T20 semi-finals with a win over Bangladesh. Harshitha Samarawickrama anchored the innings with an unbeaten 48 off 37 balls to take Player of the Match honours, saying she was happy to contribute, while leg spinner Chamudi Praboda claimed career-best figures of 3 for 21.
Kamindu Mendis has been stripped of the men's vice-captaincy, with Charith Asalanka taking the role and also appointed T20 captain. Mendis said he is focused on duty rather than positions.
England have appointed Kevin Pietersen, 46, as white-ball mentor, starting with the upcoming T20 and one-day series against Sri Lanka.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Jaguar Land Rover will cut 4,000 jobs over the next two years amid Chinese competition, US tariffs and the shift to electric vehicles.