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A member of the Rajapaksa family has rejected reports that Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, left Sri Lanka despite being previously summoned by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to provide a statement.

According to the family member, Shiranthi Rajapaksa had not been informed beforehand of any requirement to appear before the FCID.

The family member said she had been receiving treatment at a private hospital before travelling directly to the airport ahead of her scheduled flight, which was due to depart at 12:50 a.m. today (16).

It was claimed that an FCID letter was handed to her by an airport official near the departure gate shortly before the flight was scheduled to leave.

The family member further alleged that the notification was issued and delivered only after Shiranthi Rajapaksa had already arrived at the airport and was preparing for departure.

Based on this account, the family member disputed reports suggesting that she knowingly travelled out of the country while subject to an earlier FCID summons.

The family member maintained that Shiranthi Rajapaksa had received no prior notification from the FCID before reaching the airport.

The Irrigation Department has issued a cautionary notice for communities living near several rivers, warning that minor flooding could occur in low-lying areas if heavy rainfall continues across the country today (15).

Irrigation Director Engineer L. S. Sooriyabandara said the Attanagalu Oya has reached its highest recorded water level at present, while elevated levels have also been observed at Millakanda and Ellagawa along the Kalu Ganga.

The Kelani Ganga is also showing a steady rise in its water level. However, Sooriyabandara said the increase has not been rapid enough to create a flood threat at this stage.

Water levels have meanwhile increased to varying degrees in low-lying areas associated with the Nilwala, Gin, Kelani, Kalu, Attanagalu Oya and Bentara river systems.

The Irrigation Department cautioned that the situation could change depending on rainfall and prevailing weather conditions. Residents in vulnerable low-lying areas have therefore been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions as river levels could rise further.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has issued a detailed clarification rejecting claims of a political deal with the government, as the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill prepares to come before Parliament on 24 September.

The clarification addresses opposition involvement in the campaign against the bill and various political allegations circulating on social media.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the SJB headquarters, the party's Gampaha District chief organiser, Waruna Deepthi Rajapaksa, said claims suggesting the Opposition Leader's efforts against the 22nd Amendment were inadequate, or that some political agreement existed between the SJB and the government, had no basis in fact.

The politics behind the social media campaign

Responding to questions from journalists on the allegations, Rajapaksa said the narrative was being pushed by certain parties who had lost their representation in the current Parliament and had already been rejected by the public.

He said a section of people were running an organised social media campaign claiming the SJB's opposition to the 22nd Amendment was insufficient, and argued that the public was well aware of who these individuals were and what public mandate, if any, they held. He added that groups the public had thoroughly rejected were the ones spreading such baseless claims.

Action taken inside and outside Parliament

At the briefing, the party also released a 78-page report with dated timelines detailing the steps taken by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and the SJB since the debate on the 22nd Amendment first began.

Rajapaksa said these steps included calling for a parliamentary debate on the amendment, issuing a joint statement bringing together all opposition political parties, and taking steps to formally inform the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

He added that it was the SJB that proposed the appointment of a parliamentary select committee to design a proper mechanism to reduce delays in the judicial system.

Public petitions, court action and international outreach

Rajapaksa recalled that a Parliament adjournment debate had already highlighted what practical steps ought to be taken if the government's stated need to expedite court cases was genuine.

He said the SJB had also led public petition campaigns held across the country to raise awareness, fundamental rights petitions filed before the courts, and protest campaigns held in several areas including Pettah.

He further revealed that the party had taken steps to formally notify a number of international observer organisations about the potential impact of these developments on the country's democratic structure.

The September 24 protest at the parliament roundabout

Rajapaksa stressed that his party had no intention of using the 22nd Amendment for political advantage, and said the opposition had made full preparations for a large scale public protest near the parliament entrance roundabout on 24 September, the day the amendment is due to be debated.

He said the decisions to be taken on the bill in the coming days would mark a decisive turning point in the country's constitutional history.

The atmospheric disturbance affecting the area around Sri Lanka remains active, prompting forecasts of increased rainfall and thundershowers across several parts of the country.

The Department of Meteorology said cloudy conditions accompanied by showers or thundershowers are expected at times tomorrow in the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces, along with the Batticaloa and Ampara districts.

Some areas could receive heavy rainfall of more than 100 mm, according to the Department.

Meanwhile, several locations in other parts of the island are also likely to experience showers or thundershowers, particularly after 1.00 p.m.

Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious during periods of thunderstorms, as temporary localised strong winds and lightning could occur.

The public has been advised to take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of damage and other hazards associated with severe weather conditions.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has challenged President Anura Dissanayake to explain how he gained access to an alleged confidential Supreme Court determination regarding the 22nd Constitutional Amendment.

Addressing local government councillors and electorate organisers from the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts at the Samagi Jana Balawegaya headquarters on Tuesday (15), Premadasa raised serious concern over executive awareness of sealed judicial rulings.

He stressed that the proposed 22nd Amendment and the Judicial Amendments Bill must be scrutinised as a single legislative package, drawing attention to provisions designed to extend the retirement age of judges.

The Opposition leader warned that the contemplated reforms represent a direct threat to judicial independence, the separation of powers, and the constitutional system of checks and balances. Citing Articles 3, 4, 83, and 107 of the Constitution, the Opposition Leader said that any proposed legislation infringing upon popular sovereignty would strictly require approval via a national referendum alongside a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Accusing the government of systematically dismantling democratic institutions to usher in single-party rule, he highlighted the postponement of provincial council elections as evidence of authoritarian intent.

He also urged the public to mobilise against these measures by joining a nationwide peaceful protest organized by his party on 24 September to protect democratic governance.

Sri Lanka’s growing stray dog population is creating consequences beyond animal welfare, with dogs reportedly linked to around 30% of road accidents and nearly Rs. 1 billion being spent each year on rabies vaccinations for people bitten by dogs.

The figures were highlighted by Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, founder of the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population, during a media briefing in Colombo.

Dr. Nanayakkara said the issue was placing an increasing burden on the country’s economy and argued that human behaviour was a major factor behind the growth of the stray animal population.

He pointed to irresponsible ownership practices and limited awareness of social responsibility as key contributors. Poor waste management was also identified as a factor, as discarded food provides stray animals with an easily accessible source of nourishment and can contribute to population growth.

A proposed legal framework for animal population management could offer a longer-term response to the problem, Dr. Nanayakkara said.

Under the proposed legislation, owners would have to register their dogs with the appropriate local authority. At the same time, responsibility for dogs living on the streets without an owner or caregiver would be assigned to the relevant local authorities.

This would mean that the government would take responsibility for programmes to vaccinate and sterilise such animals, with the aim of ensuring that street dogs are not left without care.

Dr. Nanayakkara described the proposed approach as a positive step towards managing the country's stray dog population.

He also questioned the circumstances that leave dogs living on the streets, arguing that the animals themselves should not be held responsible for a situation largely created by human actions.

The financial implications of the problem, he said, are significant. Public funds are spent on rabies vaccinations following dog bites, while accidents involving dogs create another economic burden.

Dr. Nanayakkara therefore stressed the need to address the issue through a system that combines responsible dog ownership, local authority involvement, vaccination and sterilisation, alongside improved waste management.

The proposed legislation, he said, could provide a structured approach to ensuring that both owned and stray dogs come under an identifiable system of responsibility and care.

Police say they have made significant progress in identifying and locating the two individuals believed to be the main suspects behind the grenade attack in Dehiwala that claimed the lives of two children.

Investigators are now carrying out operations to apprehend the suspects, police said.

The attack occurred in the early hours of September 11 at a residence on Sirisangabo Mawatha in Dehiwala. Two children were killed, while their father suffered severe injuries to both legs and later underwent an amputation. The children's final rites were held yesterday (14).

The investigation is being conducted under the direct supervision of Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Sajeewa Medawatte, following instructions from Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya.

During the investigation, the Mount Lavinia Division Crimes Investigation Bureau arrested a person accused of taking the three-wheeler allegedly used in the attack to a garage to have its colour changed. The owner of the garage was also taken into custody.

Interrogations reportedly revealed that the individuals involved had acted on the instructions of two persons identified as “Kos Malli” and “Bodhiyawatte Avishka,” who are alleged to have planned the attack.

Police teams are also working to locate the uncle of “Kos Malli,” who is suspected of carrying out the grenade attack. Investigators have obtained important information that could assist in determining his whereabouts.

Further information has also emerged about the person believed to have driven the three-wheeler used in the attack. Police have received information indicating that the individual is a resident of Saranankara Road in Kalubowila.

In a separate development linked to the investigation, the Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested a man allegedly involved in distributing drugs locally on behalf of “Bodhiyawatte Avishka.”

The suspect was arrested in Kalubowila with 2 kilograms and 10 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice,” and 504 grams of heroin. Police also recovered a weighing scale, two rubber seals and two mobile phones from his possession.

The Attorney General’s Department has initiated steps to name Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa as a suspect in a money laundering investigation concerning alleged financial irregularities in the procurement of Airbus aircraft by SriLankan Airlines.

The development comes as authorities continue probing allegations surrounding the national carrier’s Airbus aircraft procurement process and possible financial misconduct linked to the deal.

The investigation is also being monitored by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. Previously, the court directed the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to provide an update on its probe into the alleged bribery scandal involving the aircraft deal.

The case was taken up before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, during which CIABOC submitted a report on the progress made in its investigation and requested additional time to continue the inquiry.

The court subsequently scheduled the matter for October 13, 2026, directing CIABOC to submit a comprehensive progress report on the investigation.

The case has several other suspects. The first accused, former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, recently died under circumstances described as mysterious.

The court had earlier issued arrest warrants for the second suspect, Chandrasena’s wife Priyanka Niyomali Wijenayake, and the third suspect, Shamindra Rajapaksa, a former SriLankan Airlines board member and the son of former Minister Chamal Rajapaksa.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine the alleged financial irregularities and other circumstances connected to the Airbus procurement process.

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a hand grenade attack on a residence in Dehiwala that claimed the lives of two children.

The incident took place at around 3.00 a.m. on September 11 along Sirisangabo Mawatha, where an unidentified person reportedly arrived at the house in a three-wheeler.

According to police, the suspect approached the residence and knocked on the front door. When the occupants opened the door, the suspect allegedly threw a hand grenade into the house before fleeing the scene.

The explosion seriously injured two children, aged 11 and 17, who were inside the residence at the time. Despite being admitted to hospital for treatment, both children later died from their injuries.

The children's 55-year-old father was also injured in the blast, suffering an injury to his leg. Police have confirmed that he has no previous criminal record.

CCTV footage obtained during the investigation is reported to have captured the suspect arriving at the location in a three-wheeler.

Police have now taken two individuals into custody over the attack, while investigations are continuing to determine their alleged involvement and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has placed several areas in three districts under landslide early warning due to the heavy rainfall currently affecting the country.

The warning was issued at 10:00 a.m. today (15) and will remain valid for 24 hours, until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (16).

A Level 1 “Remain Vigilant” (Yellow) warning has been issued for the Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat Division in the Colombo District.

In the Kegalle District, the warning covers the Warakapola and Ruwanwella Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

The Kalutara District has the highest number of areas under warning, with alerts issued for Dodangoda, Bulathsinhala, Beruwala, Ingiriya, Mathugama, Palindanuwara and Walallawita Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant during the warning period, particularly as continued heavy rainfall could increase the risk of landslides.