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.
Govt reveals funds spent on ex-presidents, widows
The government has released a report detailing salaries, allowances, and other expenses provided to retired Presidents and widowed spouses from 2017 to 2025. The expenses cover Hema Premadasa, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Ranil Wickremesinghe, according to the Government Information Department.
Chinese Ambassador calls on Ranil Wickremesinghe
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe met Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong in Colombo on Thursday (11) at Wickremesinghe’s political office. Discussions centered on Sri Lanka’s political situation and international affairs. The ambassador also met former President Mahinda Rajapaksa the previous day.
Kabir Hashim appointed new COPA Chair
Opposition MP Kabir Hashim has been elected Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA), filling the vacancy left by MP Aravinda Senarath’s resignation in August. The appointment was made during a committee meeting in Parliament today (12). Hashim pledged to carry out his duties impartially and to further strengthen COPA’s functions.
Corruption : Indictments filed against Ramith Rambukwella
The Bribery Commission has filed indictments in the Colombo High Court against Ramith Rambukwella, son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, over assets worth more than Rs. 270 million. He is accused of failing to disclose how the assets were acquired. The case was filed under the Anti-Corruption Act, as he had served as personal secretary to the former minister.
Lankan woman arrested with exotic snakes at BIA
A 40-year-old Sri Lankan woman was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport for attempting to smuggle six foreign snake species, Sri Lanka Customs said. The snakes, including a Yellow Anaconda, Speckled Kingsnake, Honduran Milk Snakes, and a Ball Python, were found hidden in her luggage after arriving from Bangkok via Chennai.
