Karunanayake Arrested, 22nd Amendment Debated Amidst Massive Drug Busts and Economic Shifts

Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake was arrested by the CIABOC on August 31st over alleged misuse of public funds during his tenure, subsequently granted bail with a travel ban

. The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of 67 petitions challenging the 22nd Constitutional Amendment, which the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticizes as undermining democracy and judicial independence

. Separately, former Civil Aviation Minister Piyankara Jayaratne was sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment for corruption

. On the international front, Sri Lanka pledged $1 million in aid to Nepal following devastating floods

, while Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya arrived in Bhutan for the Global Conscious Food Systems Summit

. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired a meeting on the National Mineral Policy for export growth

, and a committee was appointed to study an intermediate grade for doctors

. Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa alleged government intimidation leading to 'suicides' and death threats

. Internationally, the US and Iran exchanged strikes amid escalating regional tensions

, and Presidents Xi and Putin met at the SCO Summit to strengthen bilateral ties

. Retired Air Vice Marshal Thushara Indunil Fernando assumed duties as the new Commissioner General of Motor Traffic

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A massive 471 kg 'ICE' drug haul, valued at over Rs. 8 billion, was seized at the Colombo Port, leading to the arrest of three Pakistani nationals and two Sri Lankans

. In a related development, Sri Lankan underworld figure 'Welle Saranga' and 'Kalu Malli' were arrested in Dubai and are expected to be extradited, wanted for multiple alleged contract killings and other crimes

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Sri Lanka is bracing for flooding and landslide risks with rain and thundershowers forecasted for several regions in the coming days, while other parts of the island anticipate dry weather

. The El Niño-induced drought continues to severely impact the country, affecting over 88,000 people across 28 Divisional Secretariat Divisions, with drinking water being distributed to thousands

. Additionally, the island expects afternoon showers and gusty winds up to 50 kmph in specific areas

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Sri Lanka's gross public debt reached approximately Rs. 32.977 trillion by the end of June 2026, marking an increase in rupee terms but a decline in US dollar terms

. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Customs has successfully exceeded its revenue target for August, collecting Rs. 199.629 billion by August 27th, marking the eighth consecutive month of surpassing targets

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A tragic fire at the "Mawpiya Sewana Senehase Kedella" elders' home in Horana claimed the lives of 12 residents, with the director arrested amidst a safety probe revealing locked doors and the facility's unregistered status

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Veteran Sri Lankan singer and actor Priyankara Perera passed away at the age of 64 at the Colombo National Hospital after a period of illness

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