Fri, Jul 31, 2026
12 headlines
Sri Lanka Daily News Digest - Friday, July 31, 2026
CRIME & LAW
The Colombo High Court has dropped Prevention of Terrorism Act charges against organized crime figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, known as "Harak Kata," and four co-accused, ruling the charges could not be maintained. Separately, two suspects arrested over the fatal shooting of a restaurant owner near the Bellanwila walking path have been placed under a 90-day detention order and handed to the Western Province South Crime Investigation Division. A suspended Police Sub-Inspector was arrested by CIABOC on Thursday over allegations of illegal bank deposits and money laundering. Former SJB Horana organiser Charith Abeysinghe was released from remand today after meeting bail conditions set by the Colombo Magistrate's Court.
GOVERNMENT & REGULATORY
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha called for a stronger national response to human trafficking and cyber-enabled online exploitation, marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The Consumer Affairs Authority has intensified an islandwide crackdown on motorcycle helmets lacking mandatory SLS certification, seizing hundreds of non-compliant helmets and halting sale of thousands more.
SPORTS
Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga qualified for the Commonwealth Games 2026 final with a top throw of 82.84 metres. In cricket, England appointed former New Zealand captain and IPL coach Stephen Fleming as head coach of its Test side. Football's Uefa has threatened to boycott World Cups if Fifa's newly proposed changes, announced Tuesday, are approved, following an emergency meeting.
WORLD NEWS
The US military carried out "heavy" strikes on Iran in retaliation for Tuesday's attempted ballistic missile attack on American troops. In Pakistan, an ambush on a police checkpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed at least 11 officers and injured dozens. Germany's RKI health institute reported nearly 10,000 heat-related deaths so far this year as temperatures above 40°C hit several regions.