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Tear Gas Used as Roof-Top Protest Erupts at Negombo Correctional Centre 

Authorities were forced to use tear gas to bring a tense situation under control at the Pallansena Open-Air Correctional Centre in Dalupotha, Negombo, after a group of inmates launched a protest from the prison roof.

According to reports from the scene, the protesting inmates allegedly threw stones at prison officers during the incident, escalating tensions within the facility.

Security operations at the correctional centre have since been strengthened, with multiple units deployed to manage the situation. Police, the Police Special Task Force (STF), the Police Riot Control Unit, and Sri Lanka Air Force personnel have been mobilised as part of efforts to restore order.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation at the facility while further details regarding the cause of the protest are awaited.

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Opposition Leader alleges fraud in Israel job recruitment process

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has alleged serious irregularities in the recruitment process for Sri Lankan youth seeking employment in Israel, claiming that job seekers are being overcharged through private agencies while official channels remain underused.

He raised the issue yesterday (06) during a meeting with a group of youth staging a peaceful protest at Polduwa Junction over delays and costs linked to overseas job placements.

Addressing the media at the protest, Premadasa said thousands of young Sri Lankans aspired to secure employment abroad in order to earn a stable income and support their families, noting that migrant workers made a significant contribution to the country's foreign exchange earnings an economy.

He referred to the bilateral labour agreement signed between Sri Lanka and Israel in 2023, which had been designed to facilitate 14,000 employment opportunities, and alleged that the recruitment mechanism originally agreed upon had since been altered.

According to Opposition Leader, the original arrangement had envisaged 70 percent of workers being recruited through government channels and 30 percent through private agencies, but claimed that this ratio had been reversed in 2025 and 2026.

Describing the development as a serious fraud, he alleged that applicants recruited through government channels paid around Rs. 400,000, whereas those who went through private foreign employment agencies were charged approximately Rs. 4.5 million, with private agencies said to be earning around US 5,000 dollars for every worker they recruited.

Premadasa said approximately 3,500 qualified applicants were currently awaiting deployment to Israel and pledged to raise the matter in Parliament.

He called on the government to restore the original recruitment ratio of 70 percent through official channels and 30 percent through private agencies, arguing that doing so would ensure greater fairness and ease the financial burden on workers.

He also urged the government to negotiate with Israeli authorities to expand official recruitment channels, enabling more Sri Lankans to access employment opportunities at significantly lower cost, adding that applicants ought to be able to secure such placements by paying Rs. 400,000 rather than Rs. 4.5 million.

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Police Respond to Unrest Reports at Pallansena Prison in Negombo

Authorities have increased security at Pallansena Prison in Negombo after reports of a tense situation developing inside the facility, police said.

Several police teams have been sent to the area in response to the reported unrest, with officers taking steps to monitor the situation and maintain order.

Police have not yet released further information regarding the nature of the incident or details of those involved.

Further updates are expected as authorities continue to assess the situation at the prison.

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MP claims parliamentary salaries have increased by Rs. 60,000

A claim that the monthly salary of Members of Parliament has been increased by Rs. 60,000 sparked a heated exchange in Parliament.

Ramanathan Archchuna told the House that an MP's monthly salary now stands at Rs. 484,000. Holding up what he said was his payslip, he criticised the salary increase, questioning why lawmakers' pay could be raised while lower-income public sector employees had not received similar increases.

The remarks prompted an intervention from government MP Upul Kithsiri, who called on Archchuna to confine his speech to the matter under discussion.

In response, Archchuna alleged that he was being treated differently from other members, claiming that others were allowed to speak more freely while he was repeatedly interrupted.

Presiding over the sitting, MP Kithsiri subsequently announced that any statements made by Archchuna in violation of the Standing Orders would be removed from the official parliamentary record.

Archchuna responded by stating that he believed government members would one day be held legally accountable.

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Inmate dies following New Magazine Prison unrest

An inmate injured during the unrest at New Magazine Prison has died while receiving treatment at a hospital, authorities confirmed.

The incident follows a tense situation that developed inside the prison on Thursday night (6), involving a group of inmates.

Following the disturbance, 11 inmates who suffered injuries were taken to hospital for medical attention. One of those receiving treatment later passed away due to the injuries sustained during the incident.

Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the inmate’s death, while investigations into the unrest are continuing.

 
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India urges Sri Lanka to hold overdue Provincial Council elections

India has urged Sri Lanka to hold its long overdue Provincial Council elections without further delay, the Ministry of External Affairs of India said.

The request was made by Indian Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Vikram Misri during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (5), as part of a one day official visit to Colombo.

Alongside his meeting with the President, Misri held discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and representatives of Tamil political parties.

Bilateral cooperation featured prominently in the talks. India's support for Sri Lanka's recovery following Cyclone Ditwah was discussed alongside a broader range of ongoing initiatives, including energy cooperation, the modernisation of the Kankesanthurai Port, development of Trincomalee as a regional energy hub, and progress on the digital identity project.

The two sides also touched on updating the existing bilateral trade agreement, reflecting efforts to deepen economic ties between the two countries.

Misri concluded his official visit and departed for New Delhi yesterday evening.

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Two Dead as Kuruwita Prison Violence Escalates, Authorities Move to Restore Control 

Two inmates have died and several others have been injured following a violent incident at Kuruwita Prison, where authorities were forced to use tear gas to regain control of the situation.

According to a prison spokesperson, the disturbance first emerged on Thursday night and was temporarily contained by prison officials. However, tensions flared again on Friday morning, leading to further unrest inside the facility.

During the renewed clashes, a group of inmates reportedly caused damage to the prison hospital. Several injured individuals were later taken to hospital for medical attention.

Security personnel responded by deploying tear gas as part of efforts to disperse the inmates and bring the prison environment back under control.

Authorities are continuing to manage the situation while further details regarding the incident and the circumstances surrounding the deaths are awaited.

 
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SJB calls for Parliamentary Select Committee to probe retirement date of Chief Justice

SJB MP Rohini Kavirathna has called on the government to immediately establish a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the emerging controversy surrounding the retirement date of Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.

Addressing Parliament, Kaviratne alleged that the government is attempting to retain the Chief Justice in office for an additional two years in order to keep a puppet at the helm of the judiciary who can be manipulated at will.

She pointed out that according to an official document issued during the tenure of former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya—which is currently circulating on social media—Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena was scheduled to retire on 12 January 2026.

She noted that while all other judges mentioned in that document have retired on their due dates, this issue has arisen solely with respect to the Chief Justice.

"Eight vacancies in the higher courts have remained unfilled for seven months. However, by failing to appoint qualified judges, the government is operating on the premise that the law is merely the ruler's will. If this document is false, an immediate investigation must be conducted to reveal the truth to the country," she said.

Meanwhile, NPP MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi raised a strong objection to Rohini Kavirathna’s statement.

She pointed out that under Parliamentary Standing Orders, the conduct, personal affairs, or tenure of judges cannot be debated in Parliament without a formal motion.

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Security Restored at Magazine Prison After Inmate Unrest in Borella 

Authorities have regained full control of the situation at the Magazine Prison in Borella following a disturbance involving a group of inmates, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said.

The Minister confirmed that steps have been taken to relocate around ten prisoners believed to have played a leading role in triggering the unrest. The suspected inmates will be transferred to other correctional facilities as part of measures to maintain security and prevent further incidents.

The disturbance reportedly began after prison officials seized a small parcel that had been thrown into the prison premises. Following the incident, more than 40 inmates allegedly forced open the locks of a cell block and moved out of their assigned areas.

Prison authorities, supported by the Police and the Police Special Task Force (STF), launched an operation to restore order. The inmates were subsequently brought back under control and returned to their cells.

Security measures around the prison have since been strengthened, with members of the tri-forces deployed to assist prison officials in maintaining stability within the facility and nearby areas.

In addition, Sri Lanka Air Force drones were used to monitor activity and support security operations during the tense period.

Authorities said the situation at the Magazine Prison has now returned to normal, while further measures are being taken to address those identified as being involved in the incident.

 
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Litro to maintain LP gas prices unchanged for August 

Litro Gas Lanka Limited has confirmed that the prices of its domestic LP gas cylinders will remain unchanged throughout August 2026.

The company said it had opted against increasing prices despite pressures from higher international gas prices and ongoing exchange rate challenges, with the decision aimed at easing the burden on consumers.

As a result, customers will continue to pay the current rates during the month.

The price of a 12.5 kg domestic cylinder will remain at Rs. 4,465, while the 5 kg cylinder will continue to be sold at Rs. 1,792. The price of the 2.3 kg cylinder will also stay unchanged at Rs. 835.

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Pathum Nissanka Named Sri Lanka Cricketer of the Year as National Stars Honoured at 2025 Awards

Sri Lanka’s leading cricket talents were celebrated at the annual Sri Lanka Cricket Awards ceremony in Colombo, with opening batter Pathum Nissanka and women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu securing the top individual honours for their performances during 2025.

Nissanka was named Sri Lanka’s Men’s Cricketer of the Year, capping a successful year in which he also dominated the batting categories. The right-hander received the Best Test Batter award and was also recognised as the country’s top T20 batter.

Athapaththu, meanwhile, continued her outstanding run in international cricket by being named Women’s Cricketer of the Year. The national women’s team captain collected several awards during the ceremony, including recognition as the Best Women’s ODI Bowler, Best Women’s ODI All-Rounder, Best Women’s T20 Batter, and Best Women’s T20 All-Rounder.

The men’s Test awards saw left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya named the Best Test Bowler, while Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva was honoured for his all-round contributions.

Sri Lanka’s ODI performers were also recognised, with Charith Asalanka winning the Best ODI Batter award and fast bowler Asitha Fernando receiving the Best ODI Bowler title. Wanindu Hasaranga was named the Best ODI All-Rounder for his contributions with both bat and ball.

In the T20 category, Dushmantha Chameera claimed the Best T20 Bowler award, while Dasun Shanaka was recognised as the leading T20 all-rounder alongside Nissanka’s batting achievement.

The women’s awards also highlighted the performances of several rising stars. Harshitha Samarawickrama was named the Best Women’s ODI Batter, while Kavisha Dilhari secured the Best Women’s T20 Bowler award.

The ceremony also celebrated emerging players who impressed during the year. Kamil Mishara was recognised as the Emerging Men’s Cricketer, while Imesha Dulani received the Emerging Women’s Cricketer award.

The awards ceremony highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing depth of talent across all formats, while honouring players who made significant contributions to the national teams throughout 2025.

 
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Over 280 doctors seek overseas no-pay leave in 2026, Parliament told

Nearly 280 medical officers have requested no-pay leave to travel overseas during 2026, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni informed Parliament.

Responding to a question raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, the Deputy Minister said 280 applications for foreign no-pay leave had been received so far this year.

He also revealed that, as of June 19, 2026, a total of 1,429 medical officers and 140 specialist medical officers were abroad on no-pay leave, based on records covering the period from 2020.

Dr. Wijemuni further stated that 3,791 medical officers had migrated between 2020 and 2025.

According to the Deputy Minister, most of those who left the country had done so to pursue postgraduate studies overseas.

 
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