The Old Boys’ Association of Sir John Kothalawala College says that although the child admitted to lighting matches which caused a teacher’s car to catch fire, being only about eight years old, neither the school administration nor Sri Lanka Police has filed charges or treated him as an offender, and will not do so. 

Issuing a statement, the Association emphasized that no charges or pressure will be placed on the child, firmly rejecting social media claims that school authorities exerted undue influence. 

The incident occurred on July 3 at 2.55 pm when the teacher’s car caught fire inside the school premises. CCTV footage later revealed a small child loitering near the vehicle and discarding a matchbox. 

The teacher lodged a complaint with Kurunegala Headquarters Police for insurance purposes, submitting CCTV footage and photos, but did not mention the child’s name.

The teacher has not pressured the child or parents in any way. He did not mention the child’s name in complaints. However, the mother has included the child’s name in complaints against the teacher, which is regrettable, the statement said. 

On July 4, the child, along with his parents, was questioned before the Principal and Deputy Principal, where he admitted to lighting several matches and throwing one into the car’s bumper. 

The parents confirmed the act, and the father pledged compensation for the damage. Police officers from the Science of Crime Office (SOCO) conducted an inspection and permitted the car to be taken for repairs.

The Old Boys’ Association emphasized that the child continues to attend school regularly and that his safety and rights are being safeguarded. They condemned distorted social media posts that circulated CCTV footage and reports in ways that defamed the school.

The child’s younger brother in Grade 2 has not been scolded or punished by the teacher regarding earlier scratches on the car. Parents confirmed this. The teacher regrets that repairs cannot be done yet due to lack of insurance compensation or spare parts, the Association said. 

The affected teacher, described as highly dedicated to Grade 5 students, continues his duties without interruption, conducting voluntary extra classes and online lessons despite the incident. 

The Association also criticized the parents for leaving the child unsupervised for over three hours after school ended, stressing that responsibility for children’s safety lies with parents, not the school staff.

On July 03, after school ended at 1 pm, children left. But the child remained until 4 pm, over three hours. Allowing such a small child under 8 years to remain unnecessarily at school is a serious fault of the parents. Parents must take children home immediately after school, the Old Boys’ Association said, expressing strong disapproval. 

The Association reiterated that the case highlights broader concerns about child safety and serves as a warning to society about the unnecessary use of mobile phones by small children. (Newswire)

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Developing countries must be given equal opportunities when creating a global AI governance framework, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne told the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai, China.

He stressed that global AI governance must involve Southern Hemisphere nations at the decision‑making table, not merely inform them afterward.

Delivering a keynote under the theme “Partnerships for a Shared Future”, Weeraratne said AI is already reshaping public services and economies worldwide, making it vital that the benefits of this transformation are distributed fairly. 

“The real issue is not whether society will change, but whether the benefits are shared equitably,” he emphasized.

Weeraratne outlined Sri Lanka’s progress in building a strong digital foundation through the DIGIECON 2030 programme, highlighting the establishment of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) platform and plans for a national AI institute to advance research, ethics, and innovation.

He underscored that developing nations must retain the right to manage their own digital infrastructure while engaging with international AI systems. For global security rules to be meaningful, he said, developing countries must be empowered to implement them.

 “The success of AI should be measured not only by technological progress but by how it improves the lives of ordinary people,” he added.

Sri Lanka was represented at the summit by Deputy Minister Weeraratne, Digital Economy Ministry advisor Sumudu Ranayake, and regional state representatives, alongside digital ministers and industry leaders from across the world. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General today (20) informed the Supreme Court that steps have been taken to file cases before the District Court to recover taxes allegedly evaded by liquor manufacturing companies.

The announcement came during the hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed seeking an order to recover unpaid taxes from the companies.

Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, the Additional Solicitor General notified the Supreme Court that legal proceedings are being initiated to ensure recovery of the outstanding sums. (Newswire)

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Oil prices surged in early Asian trade on Monday (Jul 20) after the United States struck Iran for a ninth consecutive night and a vessel caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz.

The gains reflected growing fears that renewed fighting in the Middle East could disrupt oil shipments through the strait, a key corridor for global energy.

Brent crude for September delivery rose 2.72 per cent to US$90.50 a barrel by around 1am GMT (9am, Singapore time). It had briefly crossed US$91, its highest price since June.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate gained 2.39 per cent to US$84.46.

Britain’s maritime security agency UKMTO said a ship was on fire in the strait on Monday, in waters around 15km northwest of Oman.

It did not specify the cause of the blaze.

US President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday evening that the US was hitting Iran “very hard” in retaliation for the recent deaths of American troops in the Middle East.

Separately, Kuwait’s military said on Monday it was responding to an Iranian drone attack targeting its territory. (CNA/ AFP)

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Hundreds of supporters of India’s youth-led “cockroach” movement gathered in the capital New Delhi on Monday (Jul 20) to march on parliament, seeking the resignation of the education minister despite police denying permission for the protest.

The months-old movement and the planned protest are seen as the biggest public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term in office, garnering millions of supporters on social media and mobilising support on the ground as well.

The movement has been galvanised since police forcibly moved hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to hospital on Saturday, with thousands of supporters arriving through the night at the protest site of Jantar Mantar in the heart of New Delhi for the march on the opening day of parliament’s monsoon session.

Scores of police and paramilitary security personnel were also deployed at the heavily barricaded site, threatening a stand-off a few km from parliament if the protesters seek to go ahead with their march.

“Quit, quit,” the protesters chanted. “Dharmendra Pradhan quit”, “Narendra Modi quit”, they chanted in Hindi referring to the education minister as well as the prime minister. 

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement began after national medical school entrance test papers were leaked in May, affecting more than 2 million students as it forced them to write the test a second time. 

“All these leaders in power are illiterate and I am here to protest because we do not want question papers to leak,” said Adi Nathan, 21, a student from Meerut city, about 100km from the capital. “This should come to an end.”

Mohammed Tabrez, 22, a student preparing for competitive examinations that allow students admission into professional courses or jobs, said he had come from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh state, about 165 km (100 miles) away.

“We want this corruption to end,” he said. “We want all the frauds in paper leaks, in competitive examinations to end and this is the reason I have come here.”

ACTIVIST SETS TERMS TO END HIS FAST

The CJP initially drew support largely online, amassing 22 million followers on Instagram within days before broadening its appeal and drawing the support of some opposition parties.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and his supporters began a sit-in last month seeking the resignation of Pradhan. They were joined by Wangchuk on Jun 28 who launched an indefinite hunger strike at the site.

In a handwritten note from hospital posted on his X account on Monday, Wangchuk said he would end his fast if the government takes accountability for recent failures in the education system and for paper leaks, or if CJP protesters are allowed to reach parliament and lawmakers assure them that the issues would be taken up in the chambers.

He said he would also end the fast if lawmakers and leaders of various parties meet him in hospital and give him the same assurances since his health does not allow him to march on parliament.

The rise of the CJP reflects frustrations among young Indians over issues like high youth unemployment and frequent examination paper leaks, analysts say.

Unemployment in 2025 stood at 3.1 per cent among those aged 15 and above, government data shows, but in the bracket from 15 to 29 it was much higher, at 9.9 per cent, and higher in urban areas, at 13.6 per cent, than the 8.3 per cent figure in rural regions. (CNA/ Reuters)

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The Ministry of Labour has condemned false propaganda circulating on social media, which alleges that the Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Prananthu had moved to ban religious pilgrimages to Dambadiva and Thailand.

The Ministry clarified that the claim is entirely fabricated and stressed that no such statement was ever made by the Minister. 

Issuing a statement, the ministry said the false report appears to be spread by groups with narrow political motives, attempting to undermine Sri Lanka’s social, political, and religious coexistence.

“We express our regret and strong condemnation regarding such low‑level false propaganda,” the Ministry noted in its statement. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan Rupee has changed slightly against the US Dollar across commercial banks in Sri Lanka today (20), compared to last Friday, with the selling rate Rs. 340 in most banks.

According to Seylan Bank, the buying and selling rates of the US Dollar remain unchanged at Rs. 331.75 and Rs. 341.00, respectively. 

At NDB Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar has increased from Rs. 331.60 to Rs. 331.75, while the selling rate has also increased from Rs. 340.60 to Rs. 340.75.

At People’s Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar remains unchanged at Rs. 331.76, while the selling rate is also unchanged at Rs. 340.58.

Commercial Bank reports that the buying rate of the US Dollar has decreased from Rs. 330.30 to Rs. 330.05, while the selling rate remains unchanged at Rs. 340.00.

At Sampath Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar has increased from Rs. 331.50 to Rs. 331.75, while the selling rate has also increased from Rs. 340.50 to Rs. 340.75. (Newswire) 

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Sri Lanka’s dengue outbreak has escalated sharply, with the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) reporting 76,044 cases nationwide as of midnight on 19 July 2026.

Daily surveillance shows 2,652 new patients were recorded on July 19 alone, while 162 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions remain classified as high‑risk zones.

Monthly figures highlight the surge: May recorded 8,590 cases, June 21,537, and July has already reached 20,666 cases within just 19 days. 

Earlier months saw lower totals, with January at 7,866, February 5,721, March 6,013, and April 5,651.

The NDCU confirmed 53 dengue‑related deaths this year, with a case fatality rate of 0.07%.

At provincial level, the Western Province remains the epicenter, accounting for 52.61% of all infections (31,220 cases). The Southern Province follows with 11,645 cases (19.62%), while the Central Province has 5,241 cases (8.67%).

District‑wise, Gampaha (15,910 cases) and Colombo (15,310 cases) are the hardest hit, together representing over 40% of the national burden. Other high‑impact districts include Matara (5,319 cases), Kalutara (4,960), Ratnapura (4,260), and Galle (4,206).

Health authorities continue to urge the public to keep surroundings clean and to seek immediate medical treatment if fever symptoms appear, stressing that unchecked mosquito breeding remains the primary driver of the surge. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has launched a major programme to strengthen the livelihoods of Northern fishing communities, presenting recommendation letters to 120 beneficiaries for one‑acre sea cucumber farming projects.

The ceremony, organized by the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), was held at the Kayts Divisional Secretariat with Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar attending as Chief Guest.

Under the initiative, 20 producer groups, each comprising six members, received recommendation letters granting initial site approval. This step enables them to obtain the mandatory Aquaculture Management Licence, authorizing commercial operations.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Chandrasekar described sea cucumber farming as a sustainable, high‑value livelihood for coastal communities. He emphasized its potential to boost Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy, increase export earnings, and generate valuable foreign exchange.

The Minister further pledged to expand community‑based aquaculture programmes nationwide, aiming to strengthen rural economies, create new employment opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of fishing families. (Newswire)

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U.S. President Donald Trump became the centre of attention during the FIFA World Cup trophy ceremony after remaining on the podium as Spain celebrated winning the 2026 World Cup.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium to claim their second FIFA World Cup title. Following the final whistle, Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other dignitaries to present medals and the World Cup trophy to the players.

However, after handing over the trophy, Trump stayed on the podium as Spain captain Rodri prepared to lift it, creating an awkward moment during the team’s celebrations. Television footage showed Infantino stepping in and appearing to guide Trump away moments before the trophy was raised.

The incident quickly went viral on social media, with many users describing it as a “photobomb” of Spain’s historic trophy lift. Several international media outlets also highlighted the unusual moment during their coverage of the ceremony.

Trump had attended the World Cup final as a guest and took part in the post-match presentation alongside FIFA officials and other world leaders. (Newswire)

It happened again! Trump lingers on the stage as Infantino tries to direct him off of it so Spain can lift the World Cup trophy. pic.twitter.com/ZvZSb67wbL

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) July 19, 2026

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Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended in chaotic scenes after players clashed with Spain following their 1-0 defeat in the final at MetLife Stadium.

Spain secured their second World Cup title after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, but celebrations were overshadowed by confrontations immediately after the final whistle.

Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to swing an arm at a Spanish player as Spain’s substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes was also involved in several altercations and was shown a red card after the match. Images showed Paredes confronting Eric Garcia before wrestling Gavi to the ground during the melee.

Former England players and television pundits strongly criticised Argentina’s behaviour.

Alan Shearer said there was “no place” for the scenes, while Gary Neville described Paredes’ conduct as a “disgrace.” Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart said Lionel Messi was the only Argentina player who showed class, noting that the captain shook hands with Spain’s players after the match.

Argentina were also criticised after some players appeared to turn their backs while Spain received their winners’ medals and prepared to lift the trophy.

However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni defended his side’s response, saying they accepted the defeat and knew how to lose.

The final had already been a physical contest, with Enzo Fernandez sent off during extra time.

Messi was visibly emotional after the match as Argentina supporters chanted his name. The 39-year-old has not confirmed whether he will continue playing international football, but the final is widely expected to have been his last World Cup appearance.

Spain were crowned world champions after dominating much of the match and completing an unbeaten run through the knockout stages. (Newswire)

Full scenes after final whistle.@MickyJnr__ pic.twitter.com/ZXCvAFkHwy

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2026

Argentina should hang their heads in shame.

Insufferable in victory against England and pathetic in defeat against Spain.

Billions are watching and you chose to start a fight and disgrace your nation. Do better. #ArgentinaVsEspaña #ESPARG pic.twitter.com/VDAPixw5cv

— Lewis Mackenzie (@Lewismac101) July 19, 2026

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The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in Eastern province and the Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Polonnaruwa, and Monaragala districts today (20). 

Per the advisory, the Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places during the daytime. 

The Met department has issued ‘Caution level’ alerts to eight districts. 

Residents have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight where possible and limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. (Newswire)

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Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in Koratota, Nawagamuwa, on July 16.

The arrests were made last evening (19) by officers of the Homagama Division Crimes Investigation Unit, following intelligence received during the probe. 

Police said the motorcycle rider involved in the killing and another suspect who assisted in the crime were taken into custody at Delgoda in the Biyagama Police Division and Wandurammulla in the Nawagamuwa Police Division. 

The motorcycle used in the murder was also seized. The suspects, aged 21 and 29, are residents of Ranala and Pallama.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Homagama Division Crimes Investigation Unit. (Newswire)

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The Western Southern Crimes Division has commenced a special investigation into the death of former Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne, who died of gunshot injuries at his residence, it was reported.

According to state newspaper Dinamina, the Police said the inquiry was ordered by Police Legal Officer Priyantha Weerasooriya, directing Deputy Inspector General Samantha Wijesekara, in charge of the Western Province Southern Range, to oversee the probe.

Although it is confirmed that the death was caused by a gunshot, investigators have yet to determine whether it was self‑inflicted or the result of an accidental discharge. A senior officer noted that clarity will come from the forthcoming forensic and post‑mortem reports.

According to the Police, Wickramaratne sustained a chest wound, with the bullet exiting through his back. The weapon involved belonged to the sergeant assigned to his security detail. The sergeant told investigators that the former IGP had requested to check the firearm before leaving for cycling exercise. Moments later, after the sergeant stepped inside to fetch water bottles, a gunshot was heard.

At the time, Wickramaratne’s wife and young son were inside the house. They rushed out to find him collapsed, with the firearm lying nearby.

The Police have announced that the funeral of the late former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne will be held today (20) with full honours and ceremonial respect. (Newswire)

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Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Ampara and Monaragala districts after 2.00 pm today (20).

According to the Department of Meteorology, mainly dry weather will prevail over the other areas of the island.

Strong winds of about 40-50 kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of Central hills, the Northern, North-central, Central and North-western provinces and in the Rathnapura, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

The public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. 

Meanwhile, a few showers may occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Negombo to Matara via Colombo and Galle.

Winds will be south-westerly. Wind speed will be 30-40 kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 50-60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil.

Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaitivu.

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kalpitiya to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times.

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaitivu may be fairly rough at times. (Newswire)

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Egg prices will increase from Monday (20), with the retail price of a white egg rising to Rs. 41 and a red egg to Rs. 42, the All Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association announced.

Association Chairman Sarath Ratnayake made the announcement at a media briefing held in Kuliyapitiya on Sunday, blaming the government and relevant authorities for the price increase.

He said the complete suspension of corn imports has created a severe shortage of poultry feed, while local corn production is insufficient to meet the needs of the egg industry.

According to Ratnayake, producers have been forced to use substitute feed ingredients, including rice, which has adversely affected the health and digestion of poultry. He claimed this has resulted in a 20 to 30 percent drop in egg production.

He also alleged that some unscrupulous traders have mixed chemicals and medicines into animal feed, causing the deaths of large numbers of poultry and resulting in heavy losses for farmers.(Newswire)

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A bus caught fire on the Southern Expressway between the Welipenna and Kurundugahahetekma interchanges while travelling towards Galle, causing severe traffic congestion.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution and expect delays in the area. Authorities are responding to the incident.

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The Lanka Premier League’s newly introduced Impact Player rule has come under scrutiny after teams used it to field five overseas players during the opening matches of the 2026 season, despite the tournament’s long-standing limit of four foreign players.

The rule was introduced this season to add a tactical element to matches while also creating greater opportunities for local players. Under the new regulation, teams are permitted to make one tactical substitution during a match, with the replacement player able to bat and bowl.

However, the first three matches of the tournament have seen the rule produce an unintended outcome.

Dambulla became the first team to use five overseas players in a match after introducing a foreign player as their Impact Player in the tournament opener. Colombo adopted the same strategy in its opening fixture, resulting in five different overseas players participating during the course of the match.

The development has raised questions over whether the rule is achieving its intended objective of increasing opportunities for Sri Lankan cricketers.

The situation has also drawn comparisons with the Indian Premier League (IPL), where the Impact Player rule was first introduced in 2023.

In the IPL, teams are also allowed to make one tactical substitution during a match. However, the tournament regulations clearly state that only four overseas players can participate in a match. If an overseas player is used as the Impact Player, teams must ensure that the total number of overseas players who participate in the match does not exceed four. This is only possible if the team started with fewer than four overseas players in the Playing XI.

In contrast, the LPL playing conditions state that only four overseas players may be on the field at any given time, but do not explicitly prohibit an overseas player from being introduced as an Impact Player after another foreign player has already taken part in the match.

One LPL team coach, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the wording of the regulations appears to have created a loophole.

“The rule book says only four foreign players can take the field at one time, but it doesn’t specifically state that an overseas player cannot come in as the Impact Player after another overseas player has already participated. As a result, five foreign players can now play in a match,” the coach said.

The coach added that teams are simply operating within the current regulations, but suggested the playing conditions may need to be clarified if the original intention was to provide more match opportunities for Sri Lankan players.

With multiple teams already taking advantage of the provision in the opening round of matches, the implementation of the new Impact Player rule is expected to remain a talking point unless the tournament organisers issue a clarification. (Newswire)

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The Defender was completely destroyed in the impact, while the injured have been admitted to hospital for treatment. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

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Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário has backed Spain to defeat defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, saying he expects the European side to win comfortably.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Ronaldo said Spain’s ability to dominate possession throughout the tournament makes them favourites to lift the trophy.

“I think Spain will win the game – and easily,” Ronaldo said.

He added that Spain and France had been his pre-tournament favourites, noting that Spain have consistently controlled matches on their way to the final.

Ronaldo also questioned Argentina’s ability to recover if they fall behind.

“I don’t think Argentina have the strength to turn the game around if Spain go one or two goals ahead, because Spain will have possession all the time,” he said.

Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title, while Spain are seeking their second World Cup crown.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled to be played on Sunday in New York (12.30 amSri Lanka time). (Newswire)

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