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.
Train ticket black market hit : Minister hails progress in ticket scam crackdown
Sri Lanka has introduced mandatory ID verification for reserved train tickets to combat a black-market resale scam, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake said. The system, launched with help from IT experts, requires NIC or passport details for bookings and boarding, with prosecutions planned against offenders.
Death of man in Mullaitivu: Police reveal details of Soldiers’ arrest
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has approved the removal of Deshabandu Tennakoon as Inspector General of Police, following a Parliamentary resolution passed with 177 votes in favor. The decision comes after a committee found Tennakoon guilty of abuse of power and misconduct. A new IGP will be appointed with Constitutional Council approval.
Hotels cannot declare beaches private : CCD
Director General of Sri Lanka’s Coastal Conservation Department says all beaches are public property and cannot be claimed as private by hotels or individuals, even if they maintain the area. Only zones designated by the Defence Ministry or Wildlife Conservation Department can restrict public access.
50,000 at Risk: Trafficking gangs target Sri Lankans
Sri Lanka’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force warns that over 50,000 people are being targeted for trafficking to cyber scam centres in Southeast Asia. The syndicates, using fake job offers, have already trafficked several Sri Lankans, with victims reporting severe abuse including torture.
Mannar project : Energy Minister dismisses claims of threat to birds
Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody dismissed claims that wind power projects in Mannar threaten birds or wildlife, saying his visit found the area from Mannar to north of Pooneryn was barren with no birds present.