Today’s News Digest: Your go-to summary of the key events and headlines that shaped the day. From major developments to breaking news, we bring you everything that happened today, all in one quick and easy read.
Shah Rukh Khan cancels visit to Sri Lanka for City of Dreams launch
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has withdrawn from attending the grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, citing “unforeseen and unavoidable personal reasons” Despite his absence, organisers confirmed plans to proceed with the launch, featuring local and international entertainment.
Sri Lanka, US in talks over zero tariffs on key exports : Deputy Minister
Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Anil Jayantha Fernando said that ongoing negotiations with the United States are aimed at securing 0% tariffs on select Sri Lankan exports. The draft list includes certain exports out of 1,161 items—such as agricultural goods and various apparel—with up to 80% of them tentatively agreed upon, pending finalisation under a confidentiality pact. The tariff reduction follows US revisions from an initial 44% to 30% effective August 1.
Keheliya Rambukwella and family indicted over Rs. 97 million in illicit assets
Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella faces charges, alongside his wife, three daughters, and son-in-law, for allegedly accumulating over Rs. 97 million in illicit assets. The Colombo High Court has officially indicted the six individuals and imposed travel bans. The case will resume in the coming weeks.
Male or female? New twist in Thai tourist topless incident
A 26-year-old Thai tourist received a suspended five-year sentence from the Pottuvil Magistrate’s Court for indecent exposure after walking topless in Arugam Bay. The individual identified in court as female has a passport which lists sex as “M” with the title “Mr.,” prompting legal ambiguity. Sri Lankan law does not criminalise men going shirtless, raising questions about the court’s gender interpretation in this case.
President inaugurates wax museum in Kandy
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake formally opened a new wax museum at the restored Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy, now under the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic’s management. The Rs. 300 million project features 35 lifelike figures of historical figures, alongside exhibits on Kandyan customs, architecture and royal cuisine. The inauguration was attended by senior Buddhist clergy and government dignitaries.