Rajapaksa Family, SJB Organizer Face Corruption Charges Amidst Rupee Depreciation and Escalating Dengue Crisis

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa announced disciplinary action against an arrested Samagi Jana Balawegaya organizer, asserting no room for criminals in his party

. The SJB will also launch a disciplinary inquiry into its Horana organizer, Charith Abeysinghe, following his arrest by CIABOC

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Yoshitha Rajapaksa was arrested and granted bail in a naval appointment probe, and later recorded a statement at the CCIB regarding an alleged Rs. 19 million investment and asset acquisition between 2018 and 2021

. The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court ordered the remand of Rakitha Rajapaksa, son of former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa, SJB Horana organiser Charith Abeysinghe, and former Airport and Aviation Services Executive Director Aruna Sri Chaturanga until July 03, in connection with a Rs. 120 million bribery case to facilitate "Harak Kata"

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Grama Niladhari officers officially withdrew from all field duties starting June 24th, protesting the failure to address professional issues including an adequate fuel allowance, with plans to escalate to sick leave on June 30th if demands are unmet

. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has completed drafting the new law to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), with final discussions concluded

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya declared child protection a national priority at the South Asia Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence against Children, emphasizing the responsibility to create a safe environment for every child's education and development

. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pledged to curb underworld and organized crime, including intermediaries, in Parliament, detailing the government's comprehensive program and proposed legislation

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The Cabinet of Ministers approved the removal of indelible ink for voters during elections, a practice since 2004, citing operational inefficiencies and significant additional costs

. The Colombo High Court ordered that summons for two Indian witnesses in Namal Rajapaksa's 'Krrish' transaction case be issued via diplomatic channels, with the judge reportedly commenting on the prosecution's irresponsible actions

. Two Galle Municipal Council officials were arrested by CIABOC for soliciting and accepting a Rs. 5,000 bribe to expedite a document for a business tax payment

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The Sri Lankan Rupee continued to depreciate against the US Dollar, with the selling rate reaching Rs. 340 on June 24th and climbing further to Rs. 341 across commercial banks on June 25th

. The depreciation intensified, with the US Dollar selling price hitting LKR 342.03 according to the Central Bank, up from LKR 340.06 the previous day

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Global crude oil prices fell to pre-conflict levels, with WTI crude at $69.29 per barrel and Brent crude at $72.49 per barrel, following a US-Iran peace deal that reopened the Strait of Hormuz

. Despite falling global oil prices, Sri Lanka's fuel prices remained static, though Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake assured Parliament that the benefit of reductions would "definitely" be passed on to the people

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An IMF staff team arrived in Sri Lanka for an economic reform review, scheduled to meet with officials from the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance, with their visit continuing until June 30th

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Sri Lanka is grappling with an escalating dengue epidemic, with the Dengue Operations Room receiving 47 complaints and the epidemic most concentrated in the Western, Southern, and Central provinces

. The Ministry of Health has issued a new circular banning the sale of high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods in school canteens to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy eating habits

. A 23-year-old Ruhuna University student, Sadali Tharaka, tragically succumbed to dengue fever after being admitted to Deniyaya Base Hospital and later transferred to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital

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The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 164, with 971 people injured, and tremors also felt in Colombia

. The Meteorology Department forecasts continued intermittent rain or thundershowers for June 26th in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts, with moderate strong winds expected in several areas

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The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Kundasale Police Training School was arrested by Nuwara Eliya Police, accused of aiding and abetting the main suspect in the physiotherapist's murder by harbouring him and helping him evade the law

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The Southwest Monsoon is expected to bring a temporary increase in rainfall to southwestern parts of Sri Lanka from tonight, June 25, 2026, continuing for the next few days, with showers anticipated in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, and strong winds in several regions

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Venezuela is reeling from twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, which struck on Wednesday evening, resulting in at least 164 fatalities and 971 injuries with extensive damage and building collapses, particularly in Caracas and La Guaira state

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The official circular (No. 25/2026) for Grade 1 admissions in 2027, issued on June 25, 2026, is now available on the Ministry of Education's official website at www.moe.gov.lk

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