Wed, Jul 15, 2026
12 headlines
Sri Lanka Daily News Digest — Wednesday, July 15, 2026
CORRUPTION & POLITICS
Bribery investigators told Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that probes continue into an alleged USD 2 million bribe linked to SriLankan Airlines' 2013 purchase of ten Airbus aircraft. Separately, the same magistrate temporarily relaxed the overseas travel ban on former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, who faces a corruption-related case. Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa dismissed reports that VIP security had been granted to 11 people, including several MPs and monks. Fisheries Minister Chandrasekar predicted that newly formed inter-party alliances will eventually collapse.
CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY
The Negombo Prison officer who opened fire while trying to quell a violent clash has been temporarily transferred to Pallekele Prison. Police also warned the public against fraudulent websites and scam text messages impersonating the official GovPay platform to steal money; users are urged to verify sources before making payments.
HEALTH
Sri Lanka's dengue outbreak has reached epidemic levels, with tens of thousands of cases nationwide, prompting renewed public-awareness efforts. On a brighter note, the country completed its first AI-assisted robotic surgeries, a milestone for local healthcare.
INTERNATIONAL
Several people died in a fire at a building under construction in central Brussels on Tuesday, with bodies found in a lift shaft. In Singapore, a court ordered Bloomberg and one of its reporters to pay S$460,000 (about USD 356,000) to two ministers over a defamation article referencing their property transactions.
SPORT
The FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches a marquee semi-final as France, led by Kylian Mbappé, face European champions Spain and Lamine Yamal, with a place in the final at stake.
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Skipped: opinion piece on freedom of speech (no news event) and the dengue quiz (interactive filler). Add either if you want them.