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.
Bimal slams NCM amidst plans to bring Asad Maulana
Minister Bimal Rathnayake said that efforts are underway to bring Asad Maulana—featured in the Channel 4 documentary on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks—back to Sri Lanka. He criticized the opposition for submitting a no-confidence motion against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, calling it poorly timed. Rathnayake argued that past governments failed to investigate Jayasekara and said attention should now turn to probing leaders such as Sajith Premadasa and Ranil Wickremesinghe for that inaction.
OHCHR sees shift in Sri Lanka’s unity rhetoric, but no action yet
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has urged the Sri Lankan Government to use a “historic opportunity” to implement meaningful reforms, ensure accountability, and address the root causes of past conflict. In a report to the UN Human Rights Council, OHCHR acknowledged government pledges but stressed the need for concrete, time-bound actions, particularly regarding justice for civil war-era crimes. The report also called for transparency, an end to human rights abuses, protection for civil society, and fiscal policies that safeguard vulnerable populations amid the economic crisis.
“Chichi’s rocket” : Probe into officials who gave wrong facts to PM
Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said that an investigation is underway into officials who provided inaccurate information to Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya regarding the Supreme SAT project, also known as “Chichi’s rocket.” The Prime Minister had presented the figures in Parliament, which were later corrected by Minister Samarasinghe. He emphasized the responsibility of officials to ensure accuracy in parliamentary briefings and noted that the error has exposed other issues related to the project that may surface in the future.
North & East Hartal postponed to 18th August
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has postponed the hartal planned for August 15 in the Northern and Eastern provinces to August 18, following a request from the Bishop of Mannar due to a special event at Madhu Church. The new date aligns with the Nallur Temple festival. The protest, supported by the Tamil National Alliance, aims to express opposition to the alleged killing of Edirmanasingam Kabilraj by Sri Lankan Army soldiers in Oddusuddan. ITAK has called on the public to close shops and offices in support.
Public, media invited to comment on Online Safety Act amendments
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Public Security has invited public and media input on proposed amendments to the Online Safety Act No. 09 of 2024. Following Cabinet approval, a committee has been established to review the Act and its amendments published on July 31. Submissions can be made by post or email within one month. The ministry encouraged stakeholder participation to help align the Act with public concerns and international standards.
