Salley's Detention Extended, Opposition Challenges Government, and Nation Braces for El Niño Impacts

Former Intelligence Chief Suresh Salley has been granted a new 90-day detention order under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, approved by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as Defence Minister. This contradicts earlier reports of a 180-day detention and allows for further investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks, with new details emerging about Salley's alleged direct contact with terrorist elements and plots to disrupt communal harmony

. His wife and mother have appealed to the President, citing his serious heart condition and 37 years of military service, with the Global Sri Lankan Forum also requesting no extension, noting he hasn't been named a suspect

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticized the government for failing to deliver promised change and for degrading the previous system, highlighting a broken promise of a Rs. 150/kg guaranteed price for paddy, instead offering Rs. 120/kg against a Rs. 137/kg production cost, leading to a Rs. 17 loss per kilogram for farmers. He also alleged ministers are threatening farmers

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The Colombo High Court has set September 9 for the next hearing in the Central Bank bond scam case, which involves 11 defendants, including former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran and former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake

. The verdict in the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks case is scheduled for September 22, with the Attorney General having filed charges against 24 accused (or 4 accused per a new source) facing over 23,270 charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act

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21 petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the government's proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, with petitioners arguing it could undermine judicial independence, the rule of law, and freedom of expression, requesting a referendum for approval

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The Cabinet has approved two major reconstruction projects post-Cyclone Ditwah: a USD 200 million ADB-funded initiative for broader recovery and Chinese aid amounting to 7,929 million Renminbi to repair 14 bridges

. Discussions were also held with the World Bank regarding the development of Colombo Fort as a tourism zone, funded by loans and grants

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Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated no final decision has been reached on raising the minimum age for three-wheeler drivers to 40

. The PUCSL has warned of potential power shortages due to El Niño, which could increase demand and reduce hydropower generation

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Former private secretary to ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sugeeshwara Bandara, was further remanded until September 09 after his bail plea was denied. He is accused of receiving dual salaries from two government positions simultaneously

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Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on September 9 and 10 for bilateral defence talks, focusing on maritime security

. Retired Air Vice Marshal Thushara Indunil Fernando has been appointed as the new Commissioner General of Motor Traffic on a contract basis

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The United States has removed Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, easing sanctions and aiming to facilitate private sector investment and warmer ties

. Eleven new ambassadors and high commissioners presented their credentials to President Dissanayake, representing countries including Brazil, Bangladesh, China, Austria, and the United States

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Sri Lanka is currently experiencing heavy rainfall in the western slopes of the central highlands, leading to police warnings for drivers on the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya and Hatton-Colombo main roads. Forecasts predict intermittent rain in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North Western provinces, with some areas potentially receiving heavy showers exceeding 75 mm

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Dry weather conditions linked to El Niño have affected over 81,865 people from 25,628 families across seven districts, with Monaragala being the most severely impacted. The Disaster Management Centre is distributing drinking water to 72,153 people

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The Department of Meteorology forecasts potential flooding during October and November due to El Niño, with above-average rainfall expected. The current weak El Niño is predicted to strengthen significantly after November

. A heat advisory has also been issued for August 25th for districts in the Eastern and North Central provinces, and Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Monaragala, urging the public to stay hydrated and rest in shaded areas

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The third Randoli Perahera commenced on August 25th at 6:53 p.m., with Tusker Sinha Raja carrying the sacred relic casket. A special traffic and security plan remains in effect for the Perahera period

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Water supply restoration is underway in parts of Colombo and Gampaha districts after an emergency situation affecting water quality at the Kelani River intake was resolved with the assistance of the Tri-Forces. Supply from the Ambatale and Kalani South Bank Water Treatment Plants is expected within hours

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The auspicious times sheet for the 2027 Sinhala and Tamil New Year has been released, with the New Year commencing on Wednesday, April 14, 2027, at 3:29 PM. The auspicious period, Punya Kalaya, will be from 9:05 AM to 9:53 PM on the same day

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Underworld figure Lalith Kannangara, alias ‘Bus Lalith’, extradited from Dubai, has been detained for 72 hours for further questioning by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB)

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Korallagamage Mandinu Pathmasiri Perera, known as 'Kehelbadhdara Padme', was remanded until September 3rd by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court. The organized criminal is being investigated by the CID under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), having been held in custody for nearly a year since his arrest in Indonesia

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Sri Lanka has launched its Licensing Round 2026 to invite global energy companies for offshore oil and gas exploration, aiming to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fuel imports. Four exploration blocks in the Mannar Basin, covering approximately 34,000 square kilometers, will be offered

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Australian low-cost airline Jetstar has launched direct Melbourne-Colombo flights, with its inaugural service arriving on June 25th. The new route, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, will run three times a week, enhancing tourism and trade between the two nations

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