Sri Lankan AI News Summary

SRI LANKA DAILY NEWS DIGEST - Wednesday, September 16, 2026 WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS The Meteorological Department has warned that a low-level atmospheric disturbance near the island will bring showers, thundershowers and heavy rainfall to six provinces over the next 36 hours, with falls exceeding 100mm possible in several areas. Authorities have separately ordered disaster drills in landslide-prone districts as El Nino conditions are expected to push the country towards a wetter pattern in the coming months. Health officials added a related warning: the National Dengue Control Unit says entomological surveys continue to find breeding sites nationwide, and Acting Director Dr. Kapila Kannangara cautioned that case numbers could climb again once the rains set in. SRI LANKANS ABROAD The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah has issued an emergency advisory urging citizens in Saudi Arabia's Western region to remain alert amid the emerging regional situation. CORRUPTION AND INVESTIGATIONS The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption arrested Opatha Vithanage Prasanna Sanjeewa, former Chairman of the Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority, over a Rs. 4.1 million loss. Separately, former Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera gave a statement lasting nearly six hours to the Police Financial Crime Investigation Division. ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT Cabinet approved designating Prime Melwa (Private) Limited as a Primary Business of Strategic Importance, clearing tax exemptions and incentives for a USD 112.2 million (about Rs. 15.9 billion) mixed-use waterfront development at Colombo Port City. Cabinet spokesman and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said development projects worth roughly Rs. 2 trillion are planned for the 2027 financial year, with planning already under way. The apparel sector is pressing for a joint government-industry push to add the next USD 3 billion in annual exports through investment, automation, improved trade access and stronger local supply chains. In gems, the Sri Lanka Miners and Dealers Association argues earnings could rise substantially by targeting end consumers rather than intermediate markets. On the markets, the Colombo Stock Exchange fell for a second straight session on 15 September, both benchmark indices down as elevated global oil prices kept sentiment cautious. PUBLIC SERVICES Police say online issuance of Police Clearance Certificates has been temporarily suspended for system maintenance. SPORT Champion javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga returned to Bandaranaike International Airport after taking the men's javelin title at the World Athletics Championships, in what was described as a bittersweet homecoming. SLT-MOBITEL congratulated its brand ambassador on back-to-back victories that have reshaped Sri Lanka's standing in world athletics. Elsewhere, Kenya won the bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, becoming the first African host nation. WORLD The US Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump's plan to restrict mail-in voting ahead of November's midterms, drawing criticism from him and marking a setback for the White House. Russia's Defence Ministry said air defences downed 222 Ukrainian drones overnight, with residential buildings and an industrial facility damaged in the Samara Region. In the Netherlands, suspected sabotage of track infrastructure caused major rail disruption including around Amsterdam. ALSO National Union of Seafarers President said artificial intelligence should be made safe by design rather than left to chance, urging that workers be prepared and safeguards built in.