Sun, Sep 27, 2026
12 headlines
SRI LANKA DAILY NEWS DIGEST - Sunday, September 27, 2026
A gas cylinder explosion at Polonnaruwa National Nephrology Hospital's kitchen has killed a 36-year-old man, police said, in the day's most serious incident.
Drug trafficking into Sri Lanka remains a major concern on two fronts. The Canada Border Services Agency seized suitcases containing 44 kg of hashish and 13 kg of cocaine bound for Sri Lanka at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this month. Separately, the Sri Lanka Navy reports that the Northern Sea and Arabian Sea have emerged as key maritime routes used by trafficking networks to smuggle narcotics and other contraband into the country.
In Parliament, tensions ran high as Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake clashed with SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekera during a debate, later clarifying he meant only a "division in society." Separately, the SJB is considering a no-confidence motion against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, according to party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara.
The proposed NGO Bill is drawing scrutiny, with Democratic People's Front Vice President Barath Arullsamy warning it could weaken organisations that help citizens challenge government decisions and access essential assistance.
The Energy Ministry has denied reports that the government plans to curtail rooftop solar power while promoting other energy sources.
Police have issued a warning to leasing and finance companies, clarifying the legal procedures for repossessing vehicles and equipment and cautioning against forceful seizures and breaches of the peace.
On public health, a Health Promotion Bureau survey conducted with the University of Colombo and UNICEF found that 64% of Sri Lankan preschoolers get more than 30 minutes of daily screen time, raising concerns about child brain development, language, social skills and physical activity. Separately, counsellors have flagged a growing pattern of sexual withdrawal among married men, saying reduced intimacy is fuelling relationship tension. On a more positive note, the National Anti-Rabies Campaign vaccinated nearly 1.7 million dogs in 2025 as part of efforts to reduce human rabies deaths.
In education news, the Department of Examinations has released the rescrutiny results for the 2025 (2026) GCE Ordinary Level Examination.