President Dissanayake Pledges Reforms Amidst Fuel Crisis, Drought, and Political Debates; Tharanga Wins Gold

President Dissanayake reaffirmed his commitment to equal law enforcement for all, including family members, emphasizing no intention of revenge and reinforcing the end of corrupt politics. He also acknowledged the public's freedom to criticize and protest the government, while revealing a report of an alleged assassination plot against him.

The Supreme Court's determination on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill, following approximately 70 petitions, is set to be presented to Parliament on August 22nd, with a debate scheduled. Both ruling and opposition parties have requested members remain in Colombo.

Following the Supreme Court's annulment of the presidential pardon granted to Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, the monk is reportedly missing, with prison officials unable to locate him at his temple to return him to prison.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake continued his nationwide rally series on September 13th in the Anuradhapura district, with events at Kahatagasdigiliya and Nochiagama Sinharagama, attended by government ministers and parliament members.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya announced new government initiatives for inclusive education, including 55 university hostels and Rs. 100,000 scholarships for students with disabilities pursuing higher education.

President Dissanayake pledged a better quality of life for Sri Lankan farmers, outlining initiatives such as doubling the fertilizer subsidy, providing historically high compensation for crop damage, and resuming large-scale irrigation projects.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) announced a major public protest in Colombo for September 24th against the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which they believe threatens democracy and judicial independence.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed an NPP farmers’ rally in Polonnaruwa on September 12th, focusing on the agriculture sector as part of the NPP's two-year administration celebration.

27 railway trade unions plan a 48-hour strike on September 17th and 18th to protest delays, cancellations, and technical faults, demanding the prompt appointment of a new General Manager of Railways, with support from passenger associations.

The Department of Meteorology has issued ongoing advisories for strong winds, rough seas, elevated waves, and potential for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across several provinces and districts. Coastal areas from Hambantota to Pottuvil and Chilaw to Mannar are particularly affected, with warnings for sea waves reaching land. Inland, Eastern, Uva, North Central, Central, and Sabaragamuwa provinces are expected to experience strong lightning and thundershowers, with some areas receiving over 75mm to 100mm of rainfall.

The El Niño drought now affects 161,451 people from 49,334 families across 8 districts, with over 78,000 individuals losing their livelihoods in agriculture, fisheries, and plantations. Drinking water is being distributed to 141,312 people.

The Meteorological Department forecasts a high likelihood of thunderstorms with strong lightning in several provinces and districts for September 13th, valid until 10 PM. For September 14th, rain or thundershowers are predicted island-wide after 1 PM, with heavy rain exceeding 100mm possible in North-Central, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, and North-Western provinces.

Yala National Park's Blocks 1 & 2 will be temporarily closed from September 14th to October 15th due to extreme heat and dry conditions impacting wildlife and staff, exacerbated by the increasing number of tourist jeeps.

The Department of Meteorology has issued warm weather advisories for September 12th and 14th, covering the North-Central and Eastern provinces and several districts, where the heat index is expected to reach the ‘Caution Level’.

A heat advisory for August 14th warns that the 'heat index' will reach an 'attention required' level in parts of the North Central and Eastern provinces and several districts, advising residents to minimize health impacts. Scattered rain or thundershowers are also expected after 1 PM.

Private fuel companies (LIOC, Sinopec, RM Parks) have restricted diesel and petrol supply due to significant losses of LKR 150-170 per litre of diesel, urging the government to allow price revisions based on landing costs. This has led to widespread diesel shortages and increased pressure on the state-owned CPC.

A Sri Lanka Navy operation between September 1st and 11th apprehended 65 individuals for illegal fishing, seizing 26 dinghies, 2 tractors, and 1 cab. A joint operation with police also led to 2 arrests and confiscation of 44 banned fishing nets.

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) secured a Rs. 300,000 fine against The Fashion Store International (Pvt) Ltd for selling expired cosmetics and products lacking required information, following a raid on August 18, 2026.

Sri Lanka has activated its first 10 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Galle Grid Substation, part of a strategy to strengthen the national grid and achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030. The government plans larger BESS projects, including a 250 MW/1,000 MWh tender and a 1,200 MW system within two years, alongside concessions on battery imports.

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) expects to clear the backlog of vehicle number plate delays within six months, aiming to issue new plates within seven days thereafter. An additional manufacturing location has been directed to expedite production.

The driver of a van that evaded a police checkpoint in Asgiriya, Gampaha, and was shot by police, has been identified as a registered criminal. He is currently in the ICU under police guard, and authorities found 15 grams of heroin and 9 grams of ice drugs in the vehicle.

The Special Task Force (STF) conducted multiple drug busts, apprehending a 21-year-old man in Hirana with 428 grams of ice methamphetamine, a 32-year-old man in Malabe with over 2 kilograms of drugs, and a key associate of a major drug trafficker in Moratuwa with ice, heroin, and weapons valued at over Rs. 1.6 million.

Three Chinese nationals were arrested at BIA for attempting to smuggle mobile phones valued at approximately Rs. 5,140,000 and 140 batteries, hidden among sweets. Officials suspect the electronics were intended for cybercrime.

The Colombo Marathon 2026 concluded on Sunday, September 13th, at Galle Face, with over 5,000 local and international athletes participating. African athletes from Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, along with Sri Lankan runners, secured top positions, and over Rs. 12.83 million in prize money was awarded.

Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga clinched gold at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, with a winning throw of 91.09 metres in the fourth round, marking a significant achievement for Sri Lankan athletics.

Nearly 900 to 1,000 children and adolescents under 19 are diagnosed with cancer annually in Sri Lanka, with common types including leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors. Dr. Suraj Perera of the NCCP emphasized that early detection and timely treatment significantly improve cure rates.