Sri Lanka Navigates Political Tensions, Economic Reviews, and El Niño Impacts

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticized the government's "authoritarian arrogance" during Supreme Court hearings on the 22nd Constitutional Amendment, vowing to defeat it with "people's power" and reiterating that the amendment threatens "judicial independence" and promotes "one-party rule"

. The Supreme Court concluded hearings on the 67 petitions challenging the 22nd Amendment, with its determination now to be sent to the Speaker; notably, several parties, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), opted not to file written submissions

. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, discussing Bhutan's development priorities, strengthening bilateral relations, and exploring potential investment zones, while also delivering a keynote address at the Global Conscious Food Systems Summit, emphasizing Sri Lanka's heritage of harmony with nature in food production

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. The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has expanded its coverage to include all crop types, offering protection against natural disasters and wild elephants with subsidized premiums for various cultivations like cinnamon, rubber, and new coconut plants

. Sri Lanka is transitioning to digital motor insurance cards from May 1st, 2026, with the IGP warning police officers against rejecting these valid digital documents, which are verifiable via a National Insurance Verification System

. Former Hambantota Mayor Eraj Fernando was found dead, with suicide suspected after he was discovered hanging from a rubber band in his residence; his funeral is scheduled for this Saturday

. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, at the 160th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police, pledged to transform the force, provide a new uniform and risk allowance, and introduce constitutional amendments to combat drug trafficking and crime, noting the highest number of drug raids in the past two years

. Former State Minister Arundika Fernando was questioned for two and a half hours by the CCIB regarding his alleged associations with drug trafficker Shiran Basick

. The eldest son of former Colombo Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil was arrested at BIA over a Rs. 36 million construction dispute but the case was settled today following a payment agreement

. The Colombo High Court set September 22, 2026, for further hearing in the bribery case against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, who is accused of unlawfully acquiring Rs. 75 million in assets

. President Dissanayake presided over the 160th Police Day celebrations, presenting promotions and announcing the use of modern technology for apprehending drug traffickers

. The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs warned of strict legal action against anyone physically or psychologically abusing children over Grade 5 Scholarship Examination results, urging media and social media users to avoid content causing embarrassment

. The government is developing a new relief mechanism for workers facing job losses due to El Niño, discussed at a special Cabinet subcommittee meeting chaired by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi

. Sajeewani Dilka Lakmali Karunanayake, formerly an Additional Solicitor General, was sworn in as a Judge of the Court of Appeal before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, filling a vacant position

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An IMF staff team is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from September 10 to 23, 2026, for discussions on the combined Seventh Review of the economic reform program and the 2026 Article IV Consultation, which will also consider the release of the eighth tranche of approximately USD 330 million

. Striking workers of the Sevanagala Sugar Factory are holding discussions with Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti today to address concerns regarding salaries and allowances, including a demand for 5 kg of sugar per month at Rs 80 for workers and farmers, amidst the factory's indefinite suspension of operations

. The Sri Lankan government has allocated Rs. 3 billion for immediate insurance compensation to approximately 7,000 farmers whose 8,000 acres of paddy and maize crops in districts like Monaragala and Polonnaruwa were damaged by the severe El Niño-induced dry weather

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Police opened fire on a defiant three-wheeler in Borella, arresting five individuals carrying swords, who are reportedly residents of Kolonnawa, following intelligence about seven armed individuals in the Kompagnnavidiya area

. A massive haul of 8 kilograms of 'Ice' and 4 kilograms of heroin, valued at over Rs 20 crore, was seized in Wellampitiya, with investigations revealing the drugs belong to a trafficker known as ‘Sedawatte Kasun’, who is operating from abroad

. Sri Lanka has experienced a series of fatal violent incidents, including a 28-year-old man fatally attacked with a sharp weapon in Monaragala, another 28-year-old man killed by gunshot wounds in Kalutara, and two domestic violence cases where a pregnant woman and her unborn child were killed by her husband in Kalpitiya, and a wife was fatally stabbed by her husband in Mannar, with all suspects arrested

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The El Niño-induced drought has now impacted 96,056 people from 30,011 families across 6 districts and 28 Divisional Secretariat Divisions, with Monaragala remaining the worst-affected area, and drinking water being distributed to 94,356 individuals

. The Meteorology Department has issued a new heat advisory, valid from August 3rd to August 4th, covering North Central and Eastern provinces and the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Monaragala, and Hambantota, where the 'heat index' is expected to reach an 'attention required' level, urging residents to drink sufficient water and rest in shaded areas

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The final rites for veteran Sri Lankan singer and actor Priyankara Perera, who passed away at 64, are scheduled for today, September 3rd, at the Borella Public Cemetery, following public viewing of his remains at a private funeral parlour

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The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 24-hour water cut for Colombo suburbs, scheduled from 8 PM on September 3rd to 8 PM on September 4th, due to essential maintenance, with additional affected areas now including Bank Handiya Road, W.A. Silva Mawatha, Havelock Road, Kalyani Road, Colombo 06 Hospital Roundabout Road, Jayanthi Mawatha, and Shanthi Mawatha

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A private bus carrying pilgrims overturned on the Kataragama-Buttala Road after an encounter with a wild elephant, resulting in approximately 25 passengers sustaining minor injuries; police are investigating the incident

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