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Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa questioned the government in parliament regarding the current status of compensation due for the destruction of the X Press Pearl ship in Sri Lankan waters in 2021.

The opposition leader raised these concerns under Parliamentary Standing Order 27(2), noting that the public lacks official and transparent information despite a Supreme Court ruling establishing the legal framework to recover the funds.

He inquired whether the government had received the initial installment of the USD 1 billion compensation ordered by the Supreme Court.

He noted reports indicating that only Rs. 300 million has been received so far, calling it a fraction of the expected installment.

He demanded that parliament be provided with accurate data on the total funds received, the paying entities, the credited accounts, and the remaining amounts due.

Clarification was also sought on whether received funds were directed toward fisherfolk welfare or ecosystem restoration.

The opposition leader asked what steps had been taken to assess the total long term economic and environmental damage to secure additional compensation.

He also requested an update on the recovery of damages from the MT New Diamond disaster off the eastern coast.

The opposition leader asked whether the court ordered criminal investigations and prosecutions had been completed, calling on the Attorney General's Department to provide a timeline of actions against non compliant parties.

Referring to the proceedings before the Singapore International Commercial Court, he requested full disclosure on expenditure incurred for foreign legal counsel and the strategy moving forward.

He also questioned the progress of the X Press Pearl Compensation Commission and how the government plans to address the administrative, legal, and constitutional issues raised by its chairman.

*Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB2WCJTQ6yE&t=3s*

The government must immediately clarify serious allegations circulating on social media regarding the Chief Justice, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Rohini Kaviratne said.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday (20), she said that a YouTube channel has made several disclosures regarding personal information and confidential documentation belonging to the head of the judiciary.

She noted that the channel raised critical questions over data discrepancies in records linked to General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, as well as the Chief Justice's marriage certificate, date of birth, and his children's birth certificates.

Kaviratne said that public suspicion has arisen over whether the President is using an issue surrounding the Chief Justice's birth certificate to exert pressure on him.

She expressed concern that the top judge might be intimidated with the threat of a 20 year prison sentence for document forgery to influence judicial rulings in favour of the government.

Kaviratne stressed that if these allegations are unfounded, the government must issue an immediate correction to protect judicial independence.

She warned that failure to address the matter would inevitably shatter public confidence in the judicial system.

SLPP National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning (21).

Rajapaksa appeared before the FCID in response to a summons requiring him to provide a statement as part of an ongoing investigation.

The reason for his statement was not disclosed in the available information.

He arrived at the FCID premises earlier today, where he is expected to meet investigators handling the inquiry.

An intense parliamentary debate erupted in parliament yesterday (20) over allegations of government intimidation after the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) cancelled a scheduled meeting with lawmakers regarding proposed constitutional changes.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raised the issue in Parliament following remarks made by Chief Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

The Opposition leader said that intimidating language from government members forced the BASL to withdraw from the planned discussions on the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and the ongoing vacancies in the Supreme Court.

He said that the right to free expression is guaranteed by the Constitution and insisted that equal treatment must be afforded to all citizens, including representatives of legal bodies.

The Opposition Leader clarified that his involvement in arranging the meeting was purely in the capacity of a facilitator rather than a personal initiative, noting that official records in the Hansard confirm the formal invitations extended to legal representatives.

He urged the Speaker of Parliament to intervene actively and facilitate a rescheduled dialogue with the legal fraternity, while calling for an end to misleading reports regarding the cancellation.

Two police officers attached to the Sainthamaruthu Police Station have been remanded until August 28 after being arrested in connection with an alleged Rs. 20,000 bribery transaction.

The suspects, an Inspector of Police and a Police Constable, were taken into custody by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

According to the allegations, the officers sought and accepted the money in return for providing lenient treatment to a suspect arrested in connection with the possession of “ice”, or crystal methamphetamine.

The two officers are accused of offering to limit the legal action against the suspect by failing to report the full quantity of the drug allegedly recovered. They are also alleged to have agreed to report only 70 milligrams of heroin to court in an attempt to obtain a lighter penalty.

The allegations further state that the officers promised to allow the suspect to continue operating without facing interference in the future.

The Police Inspector was arrested on August 17 inside the Periyanilavanai Police Station. The Police Constable was arrested separately in front of Zahira College in Kudi 9, Kalmunai.

Following their arrests, both suspects were produced before the Kalmunai Magistrate’s Court, which ordered that they be remanded until August 28.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL) has raised serious concerns regarding a recent Cabinet decision to raise the statutory retirement age for judges, stating that any such move must strictly protect judicial independence and the separation of powers.

Issuing a statement, the CBCSL referred to the Cabinet decision published on July 27, 2026, which cited the need to retain experienced judges amid an increase in the number of courts and the planned regional operation of Courts of Appeal.

While acknowledging that experienced judges can help reduce severe case backlogs and address staff shortages, the Bishops’ Conference maintained that constitutional changes must serve the public interest rather than political expediency.

The CBCSL emphasised that an impartial judiciary remains fundamental to safeguarding basic human rights, preserving citizen dignity, and upholding the rule of law across the nation.

To ensure transparency, the CBCSL urged the government to conduct broad public and stakeholder consultations before pushing the proposed constitutional amendment through Parliament.

Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten has urged his team to turn the progress they have made through more Test cricket into actual results after India handed them a 165-run loss in the first Test in Galle.

The reverse means Sri Lanka are still waiting for their first Test win since Kirsten took charge. They have lost two of their three Tests under the former South Africa batter, including a defeat against the West Indies in Antigua in June.

Kirsten said a lack of regular Test cricket had made it difficult for his players to adapt to the demands of the format.

"It's sometimes tough when you don't play much Test cricket to understand how you need to play," Kirsten said after the defeat.

Sri Lanka were dismissed for 206 while chasing 372 in the final innings, with India's young spinner Manav Suthar taking six wickets for 55 runs and finishing with 10 wickets in the match.

Kirsten said Sri Lanka needed a bowling attack capable of regularly taking 20 wickets if they wanted to compete consistently in Tests.

"You need to be able to get 20 wickets consistently, bowl teams out with your seam, and be able to bowl teams out with spin as well.

It's really important that we develop that Test match squad," he said.

Despite the crushing defeat, Kirsten was encouraged by the team's progress and welcomed a busier Test schedule. Sri Lanka are set to play six more Tests over the next six months.

"I think the challenge for the modern players, especially in Sri Lanka, is you don't play much Test cricket," Kirsten said.

"At least now we've got another six to go within the next six months or so, so it's great to get into the Test match game a little bit and then to understand how to score runs and bat for long periods of time and have an influence on a game over a long period of time," he added.

(Agencies)

Authorities have recovered a parcel containing several prohibited items after it was allegedly thrown over the boundary wall of the Magazine Prison.

The recovered package reportedly contained 30 mobile phone batteries, 250 grams of slaked lime, 50 grams of tobacco and a quantity of ‘Mawa’.

Police from the Sahaspura Police Division have launched further investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Sri Lanka has declared three days of national mourning following the death of veteran singer Visharad Dr. Nanda Malini, who passed away at the age of 82.

According to the Government Information Department, August 21, 22 and 23 have been designated as days of national mourning in honour of the celebrated artiste.

The remains of Nanda Malini will be placed at the Nanda Malani Sangeetha Ashramaya (Music Academy) at No. 30, Vijayaba Mawatha, Nawala Road, Nugegoda, from 10.00 a.m. today (21) until 3.30 p.m. tomorrow (22), allowing members of the public to pay their final respects.

Her final rites are scheduled to take place at 5.00 p.m. tomorrow at the General Cemetery in Borella.

Nanda Malini died at her residence in Nawala on Wednesday (20), marking the loss of one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated voices.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed his condolences following her death, describing her as “a true musical legend of our time” in a message posted on X.

The President said her music had inspired generations of Sri Lankans across age groups, while her enduring musical legacy would continue to live on in the hearts of millions.

The declaration of national mourning reflects the significance of Nanda Malini’s contribution to Sri Lankan music and the lasting impact of her work on the country’s cultural landscape.

Sri Lanka has emerged as the only country in a new Pew Research Center survey to receive more favourable than unfavourable views from respondents in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The survey, conducted between February 8 and May 7, 2026, questioned 3,566 people in India, 1,039 in Pakistan, 1,044 in Bangladesh and 2,513 in Sri Lanka.

Pakistanis gave Sri Lanka the strongest rating, with 57% viewing the country favourably, followed by Bangladesh at 54%. India's favourable view also increased by six percentage points from 2024.

The findings show sharp differences in attitudes towards India. While 79% of Sri Lankans viewed India positively and 70% expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, only 42% of Bangladeshis and 7% of Pakistanis held favourable views of India.

Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh also appear to be improving. Favourable views of Pakistan among Bangladeshis rose from 40% in 2024 to 54%, while 66% of Pakistanis viewed Bangladesh positively.

Sri Lankans' views of both countries have also improved, with favourable opinions of Pakistan rising to 57% and Bangladesh to 56%.

Age and religion influenced some responses. Younger adults generally expressed warmer views of neighbouring countries, while Indian Muslims were more likely than Hindus to view Pakistan and Bangladesh favourably.

Sri Lanka's broadly positive image across the region stands out amid South Asia's political rivalries, giving the country a rare level of goodwill among neighbouring populations.

Indumini Thilakarathna has made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Surveyor General of Sri Lanka.

Taking office as the 59th head of the Survey Department, her elevation marks a major milestone in the institution's long-standing history.

Thilakarathna began her career with the department as a government surveyor in 1989 and brings 37 years of technical and administrative experience to the top role.

Her early education was completed in Ratnapura at Nivithigala Sumana Maha Vidyalaya, Ferguson High School, and Seevali Central College.

She subsequently earned a BSc Honours degree in Surveying Sciences from the Institute of Surveying and Mapping in Diyatalawa, followed by an MSc in Photogrammetry and Geodesy from the University of Stuttgart in Germany.

Throughout her career, she held key executive positions, serving as Surveyor Superintendent, Senior Surveyor Superintendent, Provincial Surveyor General of Uva, Director of the Institute of Surveying and Mapping, and Additional Surveyor General.

In her administrative and academic capacities, she played a vital role in training future professionals and driving curriculum development within the country's surveying sector.

The Government has taken a new step towards reshaping early childhood education with the introduction of a national set of resources designed to help preschool teachers move away from traditional teaching methods and adopt more child-focused approaches.

The new resource package, titled the Early Childhood Support Resource Guide, was launched at the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Developed in accordance with the Early Childhood Education Curriculum Framework, the initiative places greater emphasis on learning through play, activities and inquiry. It is intended to help young children develop their abilities by engaging directly with learning experiences rather than relying mainly on the delivery of information.

The package has been developed under the theme “Starting Right” and contains four resources: a Teacher Guide, Suggested Activity Guide, Teaching and Learning Material Manual and Master Material Training Manual.

These materials are expected to support preschool educators and trainers in planning age-appropriate activities and using practical learning tools to encourage children's participation and curiosity.

The Government plans to introduce the programme across preschools throughout the country. Training will also be provided to trainers and preschool teachers to support the implementation of the new approach.

The initiative is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, with the involvement of the National Institute of Education and UNICEF.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the Government intended to begin implementing its wider education reforms by focusing first on early childhood education.

She said the new guidelines marked an important shift in how children learn, with greater attention being given to child-centred, inquiry-based and activity-based education.

According to the Prime Minister, the objective is to develop an education system that focuses not only on what children know, but also on how effectively they can apply that knowledge.

She also highlighted the need to increase parents' awareness of early childhood development and build a wider social environment that prioritises children's wellbeing and safety.

Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savitri Paulraj said the new guidelines would provide an important foundation for the development of future generations.

She also announced the Government's expectation of creating a nationwide preschool system operating under one national policy by 2027. The aim is to give parents greater confidence in the quality and standards of preschool education available to their children.

Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Dr. Namal Sudarshana, Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, National Institute of Education Director General Senior Professor O. G. Dayaratne Banda, senior ministry officials, provincial education authorities and UNICEF representatives attended the launch.