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Punchage Kalumenika, recognized as Sri Lanka's oldest woman, has passed away at the age of 114.

A resident of Sangili Kanadarawa in Rambewa, Kalumenika was born over a century ago on 4 July 1912.

Her remarkable lifespan spanned major eras of the nation's contemporary history, making her one of the country's oldest known citizens at the time of her passing.

Throughout her long life, Kalumenika oversaw an extraordinarily large and expanding family.

She was the mother of 12 children and lived to see her family tree grow across multiple generations, eventually counting 325 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Asset declarations have taken centre stage in Sri Lanka as the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) initiates statutory action against public officials who missed the mandatory June 30 submission deadline.

Non-compliant officials are now facing financial penalties, disciplinary proceedings, and potential court action under the new rules.

This aggressive enforcement forms the core of the Centralised Electronic Assets and Liabilities Declaration System, which requires public officials, senior officers, and designated professionals to submit their financial records electronically.

The transition away from traditional paper-based systems is part of a sweeping technological overhaul driven by International Monetary Fund structural benchmarks attached to the nation’s economic recovery programme.

The anti-corruption body is currently undergoing its most significant institutional transformation since the enactment of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2023.

The reform package also mandates the publication of verified assets belonging to senior public officials, a fully digitised case-file tracking system, and the enforcement of beneficial ownership disclosures in cooperation with the Registrar of Companies to meet global financial standards.

To accelerate high-profile financial crime prosecutions that have historically languished for years, three dedicated Anti-Corruption High Courts have been tasked with conducting time-bound investigations involving politically exposed persons.

However, the anti-corruption campaign faces mounting domestic criticism over its perceived politicisation.

Opposition parties and accountability campaigners argue that while administrative and digital compliance is being aggressively pursued, investigations into influential ministers and government-aligned officials appear to be moving at a much slower pace.

Governance experts have pointed out that while digitalisation improves audit trails and transparency, technology cannot replace independent decision-making or ensure the equal application of the law.

For its part, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has maintained that it does not dictate specific criminal prosecutions, choosing instead to evaluate whether the state is successfully building the institutional capacity to enforce its own laws as it approaches the next round of governance benchmarks.

Sri Lanka's ongoing vehicle import restrictions could trigger severe market complications if left unaddressed, CEO of Advocata Institute Dhananath Fernando said.

He said that the domestic demand for vehicles has already been met to a certain degree, meaning that state tax revenue generated from vehicle imports this year is highly anticipated to decline compared to the previous year.

He pointed out that the trajectory of the market will heavily depend on whether the government decides to extend the current vehicle import policy beyond the upcoming 15 August deadline.

Ferando further explained that a gradual decline in vehicle registrations is already visible because importers have actively brought in vehicles to satisfy current requirements, which will inevitably drag down import tax revenue levels compared to last year.

He noted that while additional surcharges cannot be legally introduced under the active agreements signed with the International Monetary Fund, the outright removal of existing surcharges could paradoxically deliver another shock to the local automotive market.

Highlighting the existing tax framework, Fernando said that it would be fundamentally unfair for the government to impose further financial levies on consumers when vehicles are already hit with customs duties as high as 150 per cent and 200 per cent.

Instead of continuously increasing the tax burden on the exact same segment of society, he urged the state to focus its efforts on effectively managing public expenditure.

He added that tax revenue could instead be expanded by accelerating essential economic reforms, a move that would simultaneously signal to the market that the national economy is transitioning towards recovery and sustainable growth.

Sri Lanka has been ranked as the third most traffic-congested country in the world and the most congested in Asia, according to the mid-2026 Traffic Index published by Numbeo.

The global database, which evaluates cost of living and quality of life metrics worldwide, placed Sri Lanka just behind Nigeria and Costa Rica, which took the first and second spots respectively for the worst traffic conditions globally.

Conversely, Estonia was named the country with the least traffic congestion, followed closely by Austria and Finland.

The index assesses countries by calculating a composite measure of overall traffic conditions.

According to the report, the rankings are determined by evaluating critical factors such as average travel times, fuel consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions.

The database also takes into account commuting times, traffic-related dissatisfaction among the public, and the general inefficiency of each nation's transport network to provide a comprehensive overview of global road congestion.

Sri Lanka's official foreign currency reserves contracted by 6.2 per cent over the course of June 2026, dropping to USD 6,450 million from the USD 6,873 million recorded at the end of the previous month.

This decline occurred even as the monetary authority purchased a net total of USD 70.5 million from the market during June.

This follows a highly turbulent period in May when the rupee faced severe downward pressure due to an unusually high import bill for fuel triggered by Middle Eastern escalation, alongside a persistent demand for dollars to purchase new vehicles.

The central bank had previously responded to this heavy currency depreciation by raising its Overnight Policy Rate in May.

The dip in reserves signals renewed pressure on the island nation's external financial position as it navigates its post 2022 economic recovery.

Despite the recent drop, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has net bought 556.4 million US dollars in the first half of 2026, following a substantial net purchase of USD 2 billion last year.

Aggressive reserve building remains a critical priority for policymakers to meet macroeconomic stability targets agreed upon under the International Monetary Fund's USD 3 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), and to ensure adequate funds are available to repay multilateral and bilateral loans before sovereign debt repayments resume in April 2028.

Financial analysts warn that a sustained erosion of foreign reserves could complicate compliance with international performance criteria and potentially delay subsequent tranches of funding, which are essential for maintaining creditor confidence.

While the country has achieved significant progress by restructuring its commercial and bilateral debts to exit sovereign default, the current drawdown highlights the fragile nature of the recovery.

Experts note that policymakers must now focus sharply on expanding export earnings, drawing in foreign direct investment, and maintaining prudent fiscal management to reverse the June decline and preserve economic stability.

Samabima Party Leader Deepthi Kumara Gunarathne says that leftists in Sri Lanka maintain a strictly moralistic perspective when viewing the prison system.

Speaking during a dicsussion on the 'Ideas Front' YouTube channel moderated by Narada Bakmeewewa, Gunarathne notes that mainstream political factions look at the issue through a narrow lens of crime and punishment.

He points out that these groups consistently ignore the fact that a prison is fundamentally a state institution rather than just a place for retribution.

Meanwhile, political analyst Vipula Karunathillake observes that Sri Lanka continues to be governed by a nineteenth century mindset regarding incarceration.

He highlighted a prevailing social prejudice across the country which falsely suggests that individuals who end up in prison simply bring it upon themselves as an unavoidable inheritance.

The Government has banned the import of goods that are wholly or partially produced, mined or manufactured using forced labour, with effect from 10 July.

The order was issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Under the new regulations, importers are required to submit documents to the Director General of Customs confirming that imported goods were not produced or manufactured using forced labour.

Taking into account decisions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Minister is expected to announce, from time to time, the specific goods or countries that will fall under the ban.

The measure was introduced following international criticism that Sri Lanka had not taken sufficient action to prevent the import of goods produced through forced labour.

The move also comes amid concerns over a proposal by US President Donald Trump to impose additional import tariffs on around 60 countries, including Sri Lanka, over inadequate measures to block forced labour products. Under that proposal, Sri Lankan exports to the United States could face an additional 12.5 per cent tariff.

The Government said the new regulations were aimed at avoiding such adverse trade impacts, while ensuring Sri Lanka complies with international trade and labour standards.

The Bishop of Kandy, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis, has officially launched his latest book titled Out of the Depths – A Collection of Articles at the Grand Maitland Hotel in Colombo.

Held under the patronage of the Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the publication marks the twentieth anniversary of His Lordship’s episcopal ordination.

The book is a compilation of articles written on various occasions, offering profound reflections on the meaning of human life, faith, hope, and the spiritual journey towards finding light when confronting major challenges.

The work analyses numerous issues of paramount importance to contemporary society, ranging from human religiosity and devotion to mental health and well-being.

It also addresses inter-religious dialogue, the mission of the Church, sustainable development, social justice, and ecological integrity.

Reflecting the extensive experience of the Bishop in religious and social service alongside a humanity-centred vision, the publication stands out as a valuable contribution to strengthening religious, social, and humanitarian dialogue across Sri Lanka.

A distinguished gathering attended the launch event, including the Anunayake of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, Professor Ven. Kotapitiye Rahula Thera, and Ven. Dr. Wadinagala Pannaloka Thera.

They were joined by Professor Srinath Chandrasekera, Consultant Physicians Ruwan Ekanayake, Krishantha Mendis, and Ajith Karunanayake, Western Province Chief Secretary Pradeep Pushpakumara, Kandy Zonal Director of Education Sujani Fernando, and Central Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Lalith Pathinayake, alongside reverend fathers and religious sisters.

Weather and climate change have a direct impact on economic stability, food and water security, and authorities must treat these issues as essential components, giving them high priority attention as a duty to the people, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.

He made these remarks while addressing the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change, where he serves as co chairman alongside Professor Abeywickrama.

He noted that since the problem also affected national security, a common agreement needed to be reached with various parties to move towards proactive management.

The Opposition Leader said the task was not an individual effort, noting that various parties, including climate scientists, academics and independent advisory groups, were involved in the forum, which operates free from party politics.

He added that challenges faced by farmers, fishermen and businessmen due to weather and climate change needed to be discussed further.

He said the forum focused primarily on moving towards an expert and scientific data driven responsive programme on environmental affairs and climate change, without party differences, and on creating a country that prepares before a disaster occurs.

Premadasa said various opinions had been expressed regarding the El Niño and La Niña situations, and although these had not significantly impacted the Yala season this time, discussions had taken place on how they could affect upcoming seasons. He noted that the forum also covered unfamiliar weather and climate conditions.

The forum was attended by Professor Sampath Seneviratne, Professor Buddhi Marambe, Professor Inoka Kudavidanege, Dr. Andrew Kittle, Rukshan Jayewardene, Anjali Watson, Dushyantha Silva, Dilum Alagiyawanna, Senaka Chandima Aberathna, Danumi Darshana De Soyza, Dr. Aparajitha Ariyadasa, Professor Roshanka Ranasinghe, Dr. Rohan Pallewatta, Dilanthi Nadika, G. D. Hemanthi Gunasekara, Ravidu Iresh and Chadini Ramanayake, along with many local and foreign academics and experts in the field.

A staggering 13,293 dengue cases have been recorded across Sri Lanka in just the first 12 days of July, underscoring a severe spike in the mosquito-borne disease.

This recent surge has pushed the total number of infections reported so far this year to 68,672, with the National Dengue Control Unit confirming 47 related deaths during this period.

Health data indicates that the Western Province remains the worst-affected region in the country, bearing the highest burden of the ongoing outbreak.

Within the province, Gampaha has emerged as the worst-hit district with 14,112 reported cases, closely followed by Colombo which has documented 13,791 infections.

The government has informed the chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Sustainable Development, Member of Parliament Hector Appuhamy, that the opposition leader is barred from expressing views despite being permitted to join committee meetings as an observer.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa made this disclosure yesterday as the committee scheduled a meeting to discuss paddy purchasing and national rice requirements.

In a special statement, Premadasa said that he had previously joined the committee to secure solutions for public problems, having highlighted the challenges faced by the farming community for a long time.

He described the attempt by ruling party lawmakers to use parliamentary rules to silence the opposition on these issues as a low act and a serious situation.

He recalled meeting a farmers' delegation on 8 June to discuss numerous grievances at a time when the stable paddy price remained ungazetted.

Following his presentation of these issues in parliament, the Paddy Marketing Board issued a circular and subsequent gazettes setting prices at Rs. 120 for Nadu, Rs. 130 for Samba, and Rs. 140 for Keeri Samba, subject to a maximum moisture condition of 14 per cent.

He criticised the government for delaying the gazette until forced by the opposition, only to attempt to silence them now.

He further noted that despite the Agriculture Minister announcing that the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute estimates production costs at Rs. 137 per kilogramme, the government is purchasing paddy at a low price while banning questions.

Premadasa asserted that ruling party members are betraying the farmers who elected them by failing to deliver the promised 150 rupee stable price.

He vowed that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya will continue fighting for farmer rights both inside and outside parliament.