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.
Six of Sri Lanka’s most wanted underworld figures arrested in Indonesia
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala says steps are underway to repatriate underworld suspects, including Kehelbaddara Padme, arrested in Indonesia following a joint operation by Sri Lanka’s CID and Jakarta Police. Legal action will follow their return, and a special court is to be set up to expedite cases against organized crime. Investigations are also ongoing into political links to underworld figures and associated assets.
President’s domestic travel : Presidential Secretariat rejects RTI request
The Presidential Secretariat has declined an RTI request seeking details of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s domestic travel, citing security concerns under Section 5 (1) (b) (i) of the RTI Act. The response, dated August 27, allows for an appeal within 14 days to the Senior Additional Secretary to the President.
Parliamentary committee calls for LNG power plant price revisions
A parliamentary oversight committee has directed the Ministry of Power and Energy to revise the pricing of the Kerawalapitiya Sahasdhanavi LNG power plant, citing outdated figures based on 2021 fuel and dollar values. The Committee also urged expedited efforts to supply LNG to the Sobadhanavi power plant, which currently runs only on diesel, and called for a roadmap to avoid similar delays in the Sahasdhanavi project, set to begin operations by end-2027. A report on the current status and plans is to be submitted within two weeks.
Except North, SLTB buses running at full capacity : Deputy Minister
Deputy Transport Minister Prasanna Gunasekara says SLTB bus operations have resumed at full capacity across all regions except the Northern Province, despite a strike by employees over a new unified timetable. He defended the timetable’s implementation and stated it can be reviewed. Plans are also underway to introduce a smart card fare system within a year to reduce revenue losses from unissued travel passes.
Public cautioned over fraudulent banking websites in Sri Lanka
Several Sri Lankan banks have issued warnings about fraudulent websites mimicking official banking portals to steal personal and financial data. Customers are urged to avoid clicking on suspicious links received via email or text, verify web addresses carefully, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Trending Video of the day
“We will protect you under our government,” former minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena warns state sector employees urging them to not take any risks under the present government. pic.twitter.com/mu2tzXh1q5
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) August 28, 2025
