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.
Hartal in North-East : Shanakiyan blames NPP for threatening shop owners
Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said the hartal organized by ITAK over the death of a Mullaitivu youth was a success and was limited to 12 p.m. after government assurances on investigations and army camp removals. He condemned alleged intimidation by NPP members against shop owners, calling it a violation of democratic rights. The hartal followed the death of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj, with three Army personnel arrested though the Army has denied involvement.
Aviation Minister explains reasons for BIA visitor restriction
Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake said restrictions on visitors at BIA during peak hours are due to congestion caused by limited infrastructure, including the delayed expansion of Terminal 2, a shortage of immigration officers, and the lack of e-gates. He assured short-term measures within months, with the new terminal serving as the long-term solution. The AASL has restricted entry to the Departure Lobby from Thursdays to Saturdays, 10 p.m. to midnight, to ease passenger flow.
CEB posts Rs. 5.3 Bn profit in June Quarter
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) posted a Rs. 5.31 billion profit for the June 2025 quarter, reversing a Rs. 18.47 billion loss in March. The turnaround followed a June tariff hike, though profits fell 85% compared to June 2024. Analysts link the earlier loss to a 20% tariff cut in January, while the IMF has urged Sri Lanka to maintain cost-reflective pricing.
Vehicle number plate shortage : Update from DMT
The Department of Motor Traffic says bids have been opened to address the backlog of vehicle number plates, with the successful supplier to be finalized soon. Commissioner General Kamal Amarasinghe said official tamper-proof plates will be issued within two to three months. Currently, over 95,000 vehicles are awaiting plates, with temporary numbers issued in the meantime and recognized as valid by police.
50,000 vacancies, 40,000 graduates, zero jobs – Sajith slams govt
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa accused the government of neglecting nearly 40,000 unemployed graduates despite 50,000 state sector vacancies. Speaking at the “Citizen’s Voice” programme, he said election promises to create jobs in teaching, STEM, revenue services, and tourism had been ignored, while political allies were rewarded with posts. He pledged that the SJB would continue its struggle until graduates are given employment opportunities.