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.
Organised Crimes Bill: Govt informs Supreme Court of key provisions to be amended
Informing the Supreme Court of key amendments to the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, the Government today (09) said it intends to completely remove provisions relating to offences under the Excise Ordinance, amend copyright-related provisions under the Intellectual Property Act, and consider further changes to provisions relating to detention orders and the Bail Act. Solicitor General President’s Counsel Viraj Dayaratne, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, informed the court that amendments to the provisions relating to detention orders and the Bail Act would be considered following further discussions with policymakers. He stated that the Government intends to introduce the proposed amendments during the Committee Stage in Parliament. The Solicitor General said the proposed changes were decided upon following discussions with policymakers, while copies of the amendments were submitted to the Supreme Court and lawyers representing the petitioners.
SriLankan Airlines records Rs. 35.6bn pre-tax loss in Q1 of 2026/27
SriLankan Airlines has recorded a loss before tax of Rs. 35.6 billion during the first three months of the 2026/27 financial year, despite an increase in revenue, according to the Ministry of Finance. According to a report by News First, the Ministry’s Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report revealed that the national carrier generated revenue of Rs. 82.8 billion during the period, compared to Rs. 62.6 billion in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. However, the airline’s expenditure increased by 40.4%, rising from Rs. 67.8 billion to Rs. 95.2 billion. The report states that a 93% increase in aviation fuel costs, attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, was the primary reason for the sharp rise in expenditure.
Are you among the 4 million Sri Lankans yet to obtain a TIN?
Approximately 4 million Sri Lankans aged 18 and above are yet to register for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), according to Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Commissioner Nandana Kumara. Speaking during an Ada Derana televised interview, Kumara said around 13 million individuals have already registered for TIN numbers, out of an estimated adult population of 17 million in Sri Lanka. He pointed out that under the existing law, all individuals aged 18 and above are required to obtain a TIN number, although the requirement had previously been enforced only for certain essential purposes. The Commissioner also sought to address public concerns regarding TIN registration, clarifying that obtaining a TIN number does not automatically mean an individual is required to pay taxes.
CMC to take legal action against illegal constructions contributing to Colombo floods
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has warned that legal action will be initiated against unauthorised constructions obstructing drainage systems and contributing to flooding in Colombo, even during light rainfall. According to News First, CMC Water Supply and Drainage Division Director, Engineer Manoj Ranasinghe, said steps are being taken to identify and remove such structures to minimise flooding in the city. He revealed that unauthorised constructions identified along Sri Wickrama Road in Mattakkuliya and Bimelwatte Road have already been removed.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrives at CCIB to give statement over Sugeeshwara Bandara case
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived at the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) today (09) to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation involving his former Personal Secretary, Sugeeshwara Bandara. According to reports, the former President was summoned to record a statement as part of further investigations into allegations of financial irregularities involving Bandara, who is currently in remand custody. Bandara, the leader of the New People’s Front, served as Rajapaksa’s Personal Secretary during his tenure as President. He is accused of criminally misappropriating and misusing more than Rs. 220 million while serving as Director General of Special Projects.