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.
“We will not allow cricket to collapse” – Sports Minister
Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage has assured that the government will not allow Sri Lanka Cricket to collapse, stating that legislative measures have already been initiated to develop the sport. Speaking in Parliament today (21), the Minister said a new Bill aimed at reforming and developing cricket has already been presented to Parliament and is awaiting debate and approval. “We will not allow the sport of Cricket to come to an end. Our government has already initiated the necessary process to develop the sport and achieve the results expected of it,” the Minister said. He explained that the legislative process would take some time, but expressed confidence that the proposed reforms would help improve the standard of cricket in Sri Lanka. The Minister also noted that previous governments had attempted similar reforms but faced challenges, while the current government was moving forward with the process with the support of the Opposition.
Myanmar national arrested with Rs. 46 Mn worth of Kush at BIA
A 22-year-old Myanmar national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for allegedly attempting to smuggle a consignment of Kush drugs worth over Rs. 46 million into Sri Lanka. The suspect was arrested by officers of the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau in the early hours of today (21), while attempting to leave the airport. According to reports, the suspect had arrived at the BIA at around 1.45 a.m. aboard Thai Airways flight TG-307 from Bangkok, Thailand. During an inspection of his luggage, officers discovered 4.646 kilograms of Kush drugs, valued at Rs. 46.46 million, concealed in three parcels among clothes, sweets and food items. The suspect, along with the seized drugs, is scheduled to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today.
Police investigate 14 over installation of Thileepan statue in Jaffna
Sri Lanka Police have recorded statements from 14 individuals, including politicians, in connection with the installation of a statue of former LTTE member Rasaiah Parthipan, also known as Thileepan, in Nallur, Jaffna. Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala, speaking in Parliament today (21), said the statements were recorded from individuals allegedly involved in funding, constructing, promoting and organising the ceremony related to the statue. The Minister said Police had launched an investigation into the incident and established that Thileepan was a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He further stated that Police had taken the statue into custody and produced it before court as a case item. According to Minister Wijepala, further legal action is being taken based on the advice of the Attorney General.
Opposition signs motion seeking investigation into Tusker Kawanthissa’s death
The Opposition has decided to seek the appointment of a Special Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the death of Tusker Kawanthissa, an elephant considered part of Sri Lanka’s national natural heritage. Accordingly, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several Opposition Members of Parliament signed a motion today (21), requesting the appointment of a Special Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the incident. The proposed committee aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death and determine whether all parties involved had properly fulfilled their responsibilities. The Opposition stated that the move is also intended to ensure accountability and justice over the death of Kawanthissa. The motion is expected to be submitted to the Speaker of Parliament.
SLPP to launch ‘Gamin Gamata’ campaign next week: Namal
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is set to launch its ‘Gamin Gamata’ (Village to Village) programme next week, focusing on electoral division-level meetings across the country, party National Organiser MP Namal Rajapaksa said. According to a statement from the SLPP, MP Rajapaksa made the announcement while addressing the media following a discussion held at the Parliament complex today (21), attended by party National Convener D.V. Chanaka and MP Chanaka Madugoda. MP Rajapaksa claimed that public dissatisfaction with the current government was growing, accusing it of attempting to govern through suppression. He said SLPP constituency organisers had repeatedly requested the party leadership to visit villages and directly engage with the public to raise awareness about what he described as the government’s failures.The MP also raised concerns over the country’s inflation rate, which he claimed had reached 8%, alleging that the government lacked a clear strategy to address the situation.
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