Easter Attacks Verdict Delivered; Weather Worsens; Fuel Crisis Deepens; 22nd Amendment Clears SC Hurdle

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has intensified his critique of the 22nd Amendment, labeling it a "political funeral amendment" and a "barbaric blow to judicial independence," warning of a "dictatorial journey"

. The Supreme Court, however, has determined the 22nd Amendment Bill is constitutional and does not require a referendum, allowing it to pass with a two-thirds majority in Parliament, with debates scheduled for September 24 and 25

. In a separate development, former SIS Chief Suresh Sallay, connected to the Easter Sunday attacks probe, remains hospitalized with an enlarged heart condition, having been fitted with a Rs. 4 million cardiac device

. Diplomatic efforts are escalating for Anojan Sivarasa, a Sri Lankan national reportedly sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake set to make a personal appeal to the King of Saudi Arabia, and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also engaging with the family and officials

. The Colombo Magistrate's Court has ordered an investigation into former Minister Wimal Weerawansa's rally statement for potential contempt of court

. Cabinet has approved key contracts for SriLankan Airlines, including global network infrastructure and aircraft fuel transport services

. The 2027 Appropriation Bill has been gazetted, with its first reading in Parliament scheduled for October 7th, estimating LKR 4,992 billion in government expenditure

. Lastly, President Dissanayake has appointed Mayadunna Corea as the acting President of the Court of Appeal and recommended two High Court Judges for appointment to the Court of Appeal

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Sri Lanka is bracing for dual weather extremes, with a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal intensifying into a deep depression, forecasting heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm for tomorrow in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North-Western provinces, as well as Galle and Matara districts

. Consequently, Level 3 (Red) landslide warnings, requiring evacuation, have been extended from September 22 to September 23 for specific divisions in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Galle, and Kalutara, with Level 2 (Amber) warnings for Colombo and other Galle areas

. Naval and fishing activities are also advised to exercise caution due to expected rough seas around the island.

The Colombo Special Three-Judge High Court delivered its verdict today in the main trial concerning the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks

. In a landmark decision, fifteen of the 24 defendants were found guilty of conspiracy and aiding the attacks, receiving rigorous imprisonment sentences ranging from 200 to 260 years, while nine others were acquitted. The court also ordered the confiscation of all assets belonging to the convicted individuals

. The attacks on April 21, 2019, tragically claimed 269 lives and injured over 500.

Sri Lanka's fuel supply crisis has escalated into a diplomatic issue, with foreign companies like LIOC, Sinopec, and RM Parks awaiting a government response to their diesel price increase request, citing losses of around Rs. 170 per litre of diesel. This has led to severe limitations in diesel distribution in the Northern, Eastern, and North Central provinces, causing significant hardship for farmers and fishermen

. In a move to boost investment and streamline business, Sri Lanka has officially launched the 'ViYASA' National Business Facilitation Centre (NBFC), operating under the Presidential Secretariat to act as a single point of contact for entrepreneurs and investors

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The Department of Examinations has released the detailed schedule for the 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level practical examinations, which will commence island-wide on September 24, 2026, and conclude on October 21, 2026. Specific dates have been allocated for subjects including Dancing, Music, Drama & Theatre Arts, Engineering Technology, Home Economics, and Bio Systems Technology

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