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.
2026 Appropriation Bill to be taken up in Parliament next week
The Cabinet has approved the timeline for presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill to Parliament. The bill will be published in the government gazette and submitted for its first reading on Sept. 26. The second reading is scheduled for Nov. 7, followed by the budget debate from Nov. 8 to 14. The committee stage will run from Nov. 15 to Dec. 5, with the final vote on Dec. 5
Committee appointed to study voting rights for overseas Sri Lankans
The Cabinet has approved the formation of a committee to explore legal reforms that would allow Sri Lankans living overseas to vote in elections. Currently, voting rights are limited to citizens residing in Sri Lanka. The committee will study amendments and new legislation, drawing on models from countries like India and the Philippines, and will include officials from key ministries and the Elections Commission.
09-hour water cut in Colombo & suburbs on Thursday
A nine-hour water cut will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, in multiple areas of Colombo due to a power outage at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant. Affected areas include Colombo 01–15, Battaramulla, Pelawatta, Hokandara, Thalawathugoda, Kotte, Rajagiriya, Nugegoda, Dehiwala, Moratuwa, and several surrounding suburbs.
Long-used Railways font officially named as ‘Ruhunu Kumari’
Sri Lanka Railways has officially adopted a standardized font, named Ruhunu Kumari, for its nameboards. The font was unveiled during the launch of renovation work at the historic Maradana Railway Station on Sept. 15, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake in attendance. The renovation is part of the “Dream Destination” initiative to enhance passenger facilities. Maradana is the second-largest railway station in the Colombo District.
BYD court case in Sri Lanka : New update
The Attorney General has informed the Court of Appeals that an expert committee report on the motor capacity of BYD vehicles seized by Sri Lanka Customs will be submitted in the coming weeks. The case, involving a writ petition by John Keells CGC, was heard on Sept. 15. A request by other vehicle importers to intervene was opposed by John Keells’ legal counsel. The expert panel is evaluating whether the vehicles’ motor capacity is 100 kW or 150 kW. The next hearing is set for Sept. 22.
