President Dissanayake Rallies for Unity Amidst Economic Reforms; Namal Rajapaksa Named in Airbus Bribery Case; El Niño Threatens Dual Weather Extremes; IMF Reviews Progress

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged unwavering national unity, highlighting the government's efforts to address a collapsed economy and stalled development projects inherited from previous administrations, including plans to merge approximately 1,800 small schools for comprehensive education reform

. The Supreme Court's determination on the 22nd Amendment Bill is slated for presentation to Parliament on August 22nd, with debates scheduled for August 24th and 25th

. Meanwhile, the Attorney General's Department has directed the CID to name former MP Namal Rajapaksa as a suspect in the Airbus bribery case, involving an alleged USD 20 million bribe from 2013

. President Dissanayake also continued his nationwide rallies in the Anuradhapura district on September 13th, engaging the public on government achievements and future plans

. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of art, unity, and preserving Sri Lankan identity at a cultural exhibition on September 12th

, and separately championed inclusive education and increased support for children with disabilities, stressing education as a tool for mutual respect and equality

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Sri Lanka's Meteorological Department has issued warnings for strong winds (50-60 km/h) and rough seas with elevated waves (2.0-3.0m) from Hambantota to Pottuvil and off Chilaw to Matara, valid until September 13th

. The department also forecasts heavy rainfall potentially exceeding 100mm in several provinces, alongside thundershowers and advisories for strong winds and lightning

. A heat advisory remains in effect for multiple districts, with the 'heat index' expected to reach an 'attention required' level until September 13th

. Furthermore, the probability of the current El Niño developing into a very strong event has risen to 98%, potentially becoming the most severe in 75 years, forecasting heavy rainfall in October/November followed by severe drought in February-April

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A deadly grenade attack on a house in Dehiwala resulted in the deaths of two children, with CCTV footage showing an unidentified individual arriving in a three-wheeler, and police suspecting the attack targeted the injured father's brother's residence

. The father of notorious drug trafficker Shiran Basik, Abdul Razak Mohamed Basik, was arrested on September 11th and remanded until September 25th in connection with a Rs. 30 million luxury property purchase allegedly using drug trafficking funds

. Separately, police in the Gampaha district opened fire on a vehicle that failed to stop at a checkpoint in Minuwangoda, injuring and arresting the driver who allegedly attempted to endanger an officer

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An IMF delegation, led by Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou, has commenced discussions with Sri Lankan officials from September 10th to 23rd for the Seventh Review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program and the 2026 Article IV Consultation, engaging with various government bodies including the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank, and power sector regulators

. This visit is crucial for the disbursement of the USD 2.9 billion loan facility. In positive news for the tourism sector, Sri Lanka has surpassed 1.5 million tourist arrivals year-to-date, reaching 1,567,007 by late August, with India remaining the leading source country, indicating a robust recovery and sustained growth in the industry

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