SRI LANKA NEWS
July 2026
Compiled by Victor Melder
Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti has said that the private sector currently has more than 400,000 job vacancies, forcing local industries to recruit foreign workers due to a shortage of both skilled and unskilled labour. Speaking at a discussion held at the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development today (30), the Minister noted that workers have been recruited from countries including India and China to fill vacancies in several sectors. He pointed out that labour shortages exist in a wide range of industries, including construction, tiles and accessories, footwear, leather products and the automobile sector. Minister Handunnetti instructed officials to implement a systematic training program under the direct supervision of the Ministry to channel rehabilitated youth into these industries and help address the country’s labour shortage. (Daily Mirror, 30.6.2026)
There has been a growing trend of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among adolescents in Sri Lanka, the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated. The Health Minister noted that compared to previous years, the risk of STIs has increased among both school and university students. He said the government has taken serious note of the situation and is working with relevant authorities to address the issue. “There has been an increase in HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents compared to previous years. Following discussions within the Ministry of Health, a number of school and university students were identified with these infections,” he said. The Minister added that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Women and Child Affairs have also been involved in the discussions, with coordinated efforts now underway to curb the emerging trend. Minister Jayatissa further said that some of the affected individuals had stated they had become victims unknowingly. Meanwhile, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Chaminda Weerasiriwardane warned that excessive addiction to social media and digital screens could increase the likelihood of children turning to illicit drug use later in life. He explained that prolonged digital screen addiction may cause chemical changes in the brain, making children more vulnerable to substance abuse in the future. (Ada Derana, 2.7.2026)
Seventy percent of patients treated for accident-related injuries in hospital outpatient departments are people who have been bitten by animals, the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases of the Ministry of Health said. They said the figure highlights how everyday interactions between humans, animals, and the environment have become one of the leading causes of emergency medical care in Sri Lanka. Hospital records reflect this reality on a daily basis. Farmers arrive after snake bites sustained in the fields. Children are rushed in after dog bites near their homes. Street vendors seek urgent treatment following attacks by unknown animals while returning home at night. Though the circumstances differ, the outcome is often the same, an injury requiring immediate medical attention that could frequently have been prevented. Health officials warn that the reported data only covers outpatient cases, meaning the true burden is likely higher. Many severe cases require hospital admission, while others go unreported or are treated late, increasing the risk of complications. Animal bites, often perceived as minor injuries, can quickly become serious if treatment is delayed. The situation forms part of a broader public health challenge. Injuries remain the leading cause of hospital admissions in Sri Lanka and a major contributor to disability and death. Each year, millions are affected, with more than one million requiring hospital care. Officials said that many of these injuries are preventable. Measures such as responsible animal care, vaccination of pets, proper waste management, improved public awareness, and timely first aid can significantly reduce risks. However, health experts caution that lack of awareness continues to turn preventable incidents into medical emergencies. Delays in treatment, unsafe practices around stray animals, and neglect of basic safety measures remain key contributing factors. Authorities say injury prevention must go beyond campaigns, emphasizing everyday behaviour and community responsibility. Behind each statistic, they note, is a preventable incident that often begins with a simple encounter and ends in hospital care. (Daily Mirror, 3.7.2026)
Around 70 per cent of the prison population comprises individuals addicted to narcotic substances, highlighting a major challenge facing the country’s correctional system, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. Attention was therefore drawn to the urgent need for measures focused on rehabilitation as well as steps to ease prison over-crowding. The PMD said the issue was discussed in the context of ongoing national efforts to address the growing impact of drug abuse, with emphasis placed on strengthening rehabilitation programs for affected individuals. Authorities said that improving treatment and recovery pathways for drug-dependent inmates is essential to reducing pressure on prisons while supporting their reintegration into society. The findings have reinforced calls for a more coordinated national approach that combines enforcement with rehabilitation-focused strategies to address the root causes of incarceration linked to narcotic addiction. (Daily Mirror, 3.7.2026)
Sri Lanka Customs outperformed its revenue targets in the first half of 2026, collecting Rs. 1.37 trillion, up 29.5% from the same period last year, driven by stronger enforcement, improved valuation practices and a recovery in import volumes. Official data showed Customs collected Rs. 225.2 billion in June against a target of Rs. 184.9 billion, exceeding the monthly target by 22%. The strong performance lifted cumulative revenue for the January-June period to Rs. 1,373.8 billion, equivalent to 62.2% of the Department’s full-year revenue target of Rs. 2,207 billion.
Although the 2026 revenue target is 13.5% lower than last year’s record collection of Rs. 2,551 billion, reflecting expectations of a sharp decline in vehicle imports, Customs has continued to outperform expectations. In 2025, the Department exceeded its revised revenue target of Rs. 2,241 billion and recorded a 64.2% increase over the previous year’s revenue, underscoring the sustained improvement in revenue collection. (Financial Times, 4.7.2026)
A total of five persons have succumbed to injuries in the renewed unrest at Negombo Prison while three of them are reportedly prison officers and the other two are prison inmates. Three persons have reportedly died in the renewed unrest at Negombo Prison, which occurred a short while ago.
Accordingly, over 35 persons, mostly security forces personnel were injured and admitted to the Negombo Hospital. Steps are being taken to transfer the seriously injured persons to the General Hospital in Colombo, according to police. (Ada Derana, 6.7.2026)
The government has cleared three major elephant corridors and established a special expert committee to formulate long-term solutions to Sri Lanka’s worsening human-elephant conflict, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody announced today (6). Speaking at the Ministry of Environment, Jayakody said the government was pursuing both immediate and long-term measures to address what he described as a severe social and economic crisis affecting communities across the country. He said three elephant corridors Koholankala, Hadapanagala and Wetahirakanda—have already been declared and opened through gazette notifications, primarily in the Hambantota and Monaragala districts. “Three elephant corridors have been cleared so far, and the remaining corridors will also be cleared as quickly as possible,” the Deputy Minister said. The initiative aims to allow wild elephants to move freely along their traditional routes without disrupting their natural behavioural patterns, while reducing elephant intrusions into human settlements. Meanwhile, the government has appointed a special committee comprising experts, District Secretaries, District Development Committee representatives and ministers to prepare a comprehensive action plan containing scientific and practical long-term solutions to the human-elephant conflict. According to Jayakody, the committee has already commenced its work and is expected to submit its final report to the President within three months. The report will incorporate existing recommendations as well as modern approaches to wildlife management and conflict mitigation. The Deputy Minister highlighted that the government’s primary objective is to protect wildlife resources while creating a safe environment for communities affected by the human-elephant conflict, enabling them to carry out their daily lives and livelihoods without fear. (Daily Mirror, 7.7.2026)
The death toll from the violent unrest at the Negombo Prison has risen to 27 after another inmate who was injured in the clashes died while undergoing treatment at the Negombo Hospital, Police said today The latest victim was among several inmates admitted to the hospital following the violence that erupted at the prison. According to the police, the death toll now comprises seven prison officers and 20 inmates. Investigations into the incident are continuing.(Daily Mirror, 7.7.2026)
The National Sales Average (NSA) of tea declined in June, but increased marginally during the first half of 2026, according to Forbes & Walker Research. The NSA for the month was Rs. 1,153.49 ($ 3.45), down Rs. 31.07 and $ 0.20 from May’s average of Rs. 1,184.56 ($ 3.65).
June… Compared with June 2025, however, the NSA increased by Rs. 50.22 from Rs. 1,103.27, although the US dollar equivalent declined by $ 0.23 year-on-year (YoY) from $ 3.68. The cumulative NSA for the first six months of 2026 stood at Rs. 1,162.09 ($ 3.66), representing a marginal increase of Rs. 3.55 over the Rs. 1,158.54 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. However, the dollar-denominated average declined by $ 0.23 from $ 3.89. Among the elevation categories, Forbes & Walker Research said the High Grown average recorded the sharpest month-on-month decline, falling Rs. 64.64 and $ 0.29. Compared with June 2025, High Grown teas posted a gain of Rs. 52.40, although the dollar average declined by $ 0.19The Medium Grown category recorded a month-on-month decline of Rs. 53.74 and $ 0.25, while compared with the corresponding month last year, the average fell by Rs. 29.82 and $ 0.43. The Low Grown average declined by Rs. 12.61 and $ 0.15 compared with May 2026. However, against June 2025, Low Grown teas registered a positive variance of Rs. 72.02, despite the US Dollar average declining by $ 0.19.On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, only the High Grown elevation recorded a positive variance in Sri Lankan rupee terms, while the Medium and Low Grown categories posted negative variances in both rupee and US dollar terms. (Financial Times, 7.7.2026)
Sri Lanka’s export sector generated more than US$ 7.3 billion in revenue during the first five months of 2026, with the apparel, coconut-based products, and rubber industries making the largest contribution, according to Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe. Speaking at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department yesterday (6), Wijesinghe said the apparel industry accounts for 30–32 percent of Sri Lanka’s total export earnings, generating US$ 2.063 billion during the first five months of 2026. He noted that the sector remains one of the country’s largest employers, while exports continue to expand to key markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and India. Wijesinghe also said the EDB has launched a new export development plan aimed at strengthening existing export industries while promoting new sectors. The strategy targets export earnings of more than US$ 8 billion over the next five years. He added that coconut-based value-added products such as coconut oil and coconut milk continue to see strong international demand.(Daily News, 7.7.202.
Health authorities have warned of a sharp rise in skin disease cases across Sri Lanka, with tinea (ringworm) emerging as one of the most commonly reported fungal skin infections. Health experts have raised concerns over the recent increase in tinea cases, noting that around 20% of patients attending dermatology clinics are being treated for the fungal infection. Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Nayani Madarasinghe warned that a major concern was the widespread use of steroid-containing creams without proper medical advice or an accurate diagnosis. Madarasinghe said such medications can mask the symptoms of fungal infections, making the condition more difficult to diagnose and treat, while also allowing the infection to spread further. According to global health reports, more than four billion people worldwide are affected by skin diseases, making skin conditions among the most common health problems globally. The public has been urged to avoid self-medication, seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals, and maintain good personal hygiene to help prevent the spread of fungal skin infections. (Daily Mirror, 8.7.2026)
Special police protection is being provided to 454 persons, including former MPs, former IGPs, retired judges, chief incumbent monks of several temples, a Bishop and a former First Lady, Parliament was informed yesterday. A document tabled in Parliament by Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala in response to an oral question raised by MP Kavinda Jayawardene revealed that chief incumbent monks of temples in areas such as Anuradhapura, Colombo and Kandy, as well as the Catholic Bishop of Kandy, are among those provided with special police protection. The document also revealed that former First Lady Hema Premadasa, wife of late President Ranasinghe Premadasa; former IGPs Pujith Jayasundara, Deshabandu Tennekoon and N. K. Illangakoon; and former MPs Vinyagamurthi Muralitharan, Douglas Devananda, Sarath Fonseka and M. A. Sumanthiran have been provided with special police protection. It also states that one member of the Board of Directors of Central Finance has been provided with police security. Ruling party backbench MPs Ruwan Wijeweera, W. H. M. Dharamasena, Ajith Shantha Priyadarshana, Eranga Subasinghe and Sarath Kumara, along with Opposition MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, are also provided with special police protection. Special police protection is being provided to these individuals in addition to the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Maha Nayaka Theras, diplomats, Supreme Court, High Court and District Court judges, magistrates, and some retired judicial officers. The Minister said police protection had been provided following threat assessments.(Daily Mirror, 8.7.2026)
Sri Lanka’s dengue death toll has increased to 45 this year, while the total number of reported cases has climbed to 65,034, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said. Acting Director of the NDCU, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, said a sharp increase in infections has been recorded during the first eight days of July, with 9,654 cases reported nationwide. He said around 1,300 dengue cases were reported on Tuesday (July 8) alone. According to Dr. Kannangara, the highest number of dengue cases this year has been reported from the Gampaha District, with 13,332 infections, followed by Colombo with 13,150 cases. Matara has reported 4,600 cases, while Kalutara has recorded 4,354 infections. Dr. Kannangara also warned that several major hospitals are operating at maximum capacity due to the surge in dengue patients, resulting in severe congestion and mounting pressure on healthcare services. (Daily Mirror, 9.7.2026)
The National Sales Average (NSA) of tea declined in June, but increased marginally during the first half of 2026, according to Forbes & Walker Research. The NSA for the month was Rs. 1,153.49 ($ 3.45), down Rs. 31.07 and $ 0.20 from May’s average of Rs. 1,184.56 ($ 3.65). Compared with June 2025, however, the NSA increased by Rs. 50.22 from Rs. 1,103.27, although the US dollar equivalent declined by $ 0.23 year-on-year (YoY) from $ 3.68. The cumulative NSA for the first six months of 2026 stood at Rs. 1,162.09 ($ 3.66), representing a marginal increase of Rs. 3.55 over the Rs. 1,158.54 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. However, the dollar-denominated average declined by $ 0.23 from $ 3.89. Among the elevation categories, Forbes & Walker Research said the High Grown average recorded the sharpest month-on-month decline, falling Rs. 64.64 and $ 0.29. Compared with June 2025, High Grown teas posted a gain of Rs. 52.40, although the dollar average declined by $ 0.19. The Medium Grown category recorded a month-on-month decline of Rs. 53.74 and $ 0.25, while compared with the corresponding month last year, the average fell by Rs. 29.82 and $ 0.43. The Low Grown average declined by Rs. 12.61 and $ 0.15 compared with May 2026. However, against June 2025, Low Grown teas registered a positive variance of Rs. 72.02, despite the US Dollar average declining by $ 0.19.. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, only the High Grown elevation recorded a positive variance in Sri Lankan rupee terms, while the Medium and Low Grown categories posted negative variances in both rupee and US dollar terms. (Financial Times, 9.7.2026)
Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara has warned that Beira Lake has become severely polluted after years of rapid urban development, stressing that restoring the iconic water body will require both public support and government action. In a Facebook post, he said a special development program has been launched to clean the lake and eliminate the foul odor affecting residents and visitors to Colombo. He said sewage, solid waste and garbage had been dumped into the lake for years, causing severe pollution and the growth of algae and cyanobacteria. Gunasekara said the pollution has damaged the lake’s appearance and created environmental and public health concerns. He said that while the Sri Lanka Ports Authority owns and maintains the lake, the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC) is responsible for managing its water. According to the Deputy Minister, water quality tests carried out by the SLLDC found high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and ammonia, confirming that the lake is heavily polluted. He said the SLLDC has already started removing floating waste, clearing aquatic weeds, cleaning the lake banks, monitoring water quality and identifying the main sources of pollution. Desilting work is also underway near Gangaramaya Temple to improve water flow, support boat movement and help maintain the lake in the long term. Gunasekara urged residents and businesses to dispose of waste responsibly and avoid polluting waterways, saying the government cannot restore the Beira Lake on its own. “If everyone acts responsibly, we can all contribute to building a clean Beira Lake and a greener Sri Lanka,” he said.(Daily Mirror, 11.7.2026)
Seventy-five wild elephants have been killed due to direct human activities during the first seven months of this year, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Department said 30 elephants were shot dead, while 23 others died after coming into contact with illegal electric fences or live wires. Another 19 elephants were killed after consuming explosive bait known as “hakka patas” (jaw bombs), while three deaths were caused by poisoning. Meanwhile, two elephants were killed in train accidents and four died in road accidents during the same period. Six elephants also died after falling into agricultural wells, while three deaths were attributed to other accidents. The Department reported a total of 180 wild elephant deaths during the seven-month period, including those caused by human activities, accidents, and natural causes. (Daily Mirror, 15.7.2026)
Sri Lanka has been ranked among the World’s Top 50 Food Destinations for 2026 by Travel And Tour World (TTW). The country secured 50th place in the editorial ranking, which recognises destinations for their culinary heritage, regional diversity, street food, fine dining, sustainability and authentic food experiences. TTW highlighted Sri Lanka’s rich cuisine, featuring dishes such as rice and curry, hoppers, kottu and fresh seafood, and listed Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Negombo, Ella, Jaffna, Mirissa, Nuwara Eliya, Hikkaduwa and Trincomalee among the island’s must-visit food destinations. Mexico topped the 2026 rankings, followed by Italy and Spain. (The Morning, 15.7.2026)
Sri Lanka’s prison population has increased from around 28,000 inmates to more than 42,000 since the government took office in 2024, largely due to intensified anti-drug operations ‘ Ratama Ekata’, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. Addressing the recent violent clashes at Negombo Prison, Jayatissa said the sharp rise in the inmate population has placed significant pressure on the country’s prison system, prompting the government to accelerate efforts to expand capacity and improve prison conditions. He also condemned the violence, describing the attacks on both prison officers and inmates as inhumane. According to Jayatissa, a review of those receiving treatment in hospital showed injuries consistent with targeted physical assaults, particularly involving severe head trauma. The Minister said a comprehensive investigation is underway to identify those who planned and carried out the attacks, adding that legal action will be taken against all those found responsible. To address overcrowding, the government has initiated the recruitment of additional prison officers and launched several infrastructure projects. Construction has already been completed at the Pallekele Prison, while new buildings at the Pallansena Prison have also been commissioned. The Mahara Prison storage complex was completed in 2025, and temporary accommodation is nearing completion at the Welikada, Magazine, and Colombo prisons to ease congestion. Jayatissa further said that a high-security prison has been established at the Welisara Navy Camp to enhance security and accommodate inmates requiring higher levels of supervision. Looking ahead, he said additional prison development projects are planned between 2026 and 2029 at Pallekele, Wataraka, Kalutara, Kuruvita, and Matara as part of the government’s long-term strategy to modernize prison infrastructure, reduce overcrowding, and improve conditions for both inmates and prison staff. (Daily Mirror, 15.7.2026)
Sri Lanka has completed excavation of South Asia’s longest irrigation tunnel, a 27.7-kilometre structure under the North Central Province Canal Project. The tunnel, built with Asian Development Bank funding under the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program, will help supply water to 1,505 reservoirs, benefit 25,000 families, and support irrigation across 74,000 hectares. Once fully completed, the project is expected to release 70 million cubic metres of water annually and improve drinking water access for around 1.5 million people in the Rajarata region. (The Morning, 16.7.2026)
Sri Lanka’s tea production rebounded in June with a 4% year-on-year (YoY) increase, although output for the first half of 2026 remained under pressure from extreme weather, the lingering impact of Cyclone Ditwah, and soaring fertiliser prices, according to preliminary data released yesterday by the Sri Lanka Tea Board. National tea production for June totalled 22.5 million kilograms (MnKg), compared with 21.7 MnKg recorded in the corresponding month of 2025. Analysing the latest figures, Asia Siyaka Research said the improvement was driven entirely by stronger production from the High and Medium Grown elevations, while Low Grown production continued to weaken. High Grown tea production rose by a robust 18% to 5 MnKg, up from 4.2 MnKg a year earlier, while Medium Growns increased 7% to 4.2 MnKg, compared with 3.9 MnKg in June 2025. However, Low Grown production fell to 13.3 MnKg, marking the lowest June output in the past four years. Despite the stronger June performance, cumulative tea production for the first six months of the year stood at 131.8 MnKg, reflecting the challenges faced by the industry.
Asia Siyaka said prolonged adverse weather conditions and disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah last November had significantly affected crop yields during the first half of the year The research firm also highlighted the sharp rise in fertiliser prices following the Gulf conflict, which discouraged many smallholders from applying adequate fertiliser during the first and second quarters, further weighing on production. During the first half of 2026, the High Grown sector, largely cultivated by Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs), produced 30.8 MnKg, a marginal improvement over 30.4 MnKg recorded in the corresponding period last year . Medium Growns declined 5% to 24.3 MnKg from 25.4 MnKg, while Low Growns fell 4% to 76.6 MnKg, compared with 79.8 MnKg during the first half of 2025, effectively reversing last year’s production gains. The industry warned that the outlook for the tea sector remains uncertain as fertiliser prices continue to rise following renewed hostilities in the Gulf region. They stressed that timely policy intervention would be critical if Sri Lanka is to meet growing global demand for Ceylon Tea. “In particular, providing a targeted fertiliser subsidy to the smallholder sector would help sustain production and improve yields,” they added. They also urged authorities to implement such support without delay, noting that anticipated El Niño conditions in the fourth quarter of 2026 could place further pressure on tea production and threaten output during the remainder of the year. (Financial Times, 16.7.2026)
Public funds of Rs. 26,278,052 has been spent for the late founder of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Rohana Wijeweera’s family since his demise, it has been revealed. The answer given by the government to a question raised by Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera has revealed that the Sri Lankan government has originally spent the said amount to support Chithrangani Wijeweera and six children. However the government currently supports Ms. Wijeweera and her eldest daughter with special needs. (Daily Mirror, 21.7.2026.
Headline inflation accelerated to 6.5 percent in June from 5.4 percent in May, driven by rising transport and food prices, as consumer prices continued to edge higher despite the economy’s broader recovery. The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) said the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), rose to 222.3 points in June from 218.8 points in May, marking a 1.6 percent increase over the previous month. The monthly increase translated into an additional Rs. 1,772.48 in the representative market basket. Food inflation accelerated to 3.3 percent year-on-year in June from 1.5 percent in May, while non-food inflation climbed to 9.3 percent from 8.6 percent, indicating that price pressures remained more pronounced outside the food basket. On a month-on-month basis, food prices contributed 1.11 percentage points to the overall increase, led by higher prices of fresh fish, vegetables, dried fish, green chillies, milk powder, eggs and limes. Lower prices of coconuts, rice, coconut oil and fresh fruits partly offset the increase. Non-food items contributed a further 0.49 percentage points, with transport accounting for the largest share following higher petrol prices. Increases were also recorded in restaurants and hotels, clothing and footwear, housing and household maintenance, while prices of alcoholic beverages and recreation items declined slightly. On a year-on-year basis, transport remained the single biggest contributor to inflation, adding 2.38 percentage points, followed by housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels at 1.18 percentage points and restaurants and hotels at 0.48 percentage points. Food contributed 1.50 percentage points to annual inflation. (Daily Mirror, 22.7.2026)
Five employees were killed after a massive fire broke out at a factory manufacturing helmets in the Katuwana Industrial Zone in Homagama yesterday morning. According to Homagama Police, more than 80 employees were on duty when the fire erupted.The blaze rapidly spread to the third floor of the building, trapping several workers inside. Police initially recovered two bodies from the site. A joint search operation carried out by the Police Air Force and Army later led to the recovery of three more bodies and all bodies had been burnt beyond recognition. Authorities said the intensity of the fire prevented firefighters from reaching the area where the victims were trapped. More than ten fire engines were deployed to douse the blaze and bring fire under control. More than ten fire engines belonging several Municipal Councils including Kotte, Colombo, Horana had been deployed to douse the fire. Meanwhile, the Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe yesterday directed Labour Commissioner General’s Department officials to submit a comprehensive report on the incident. The report is expected to examine the cause of the fire and determine whether the factory had complied with fire safety regulations and employee protection standards. The Deputy Minister has also sought details on the safety measures implemented by the company to protect its employees and whether all mandatory workplace safety requirements had been met. Police suspect electrical short circuit may have led to the fire. Homagama acting Magistrate Roshan Kuruppuarachchi also visited the scene yesterday evening and conducted the magisterial inquiry into the deaths of the five employees.Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe also visited the factory and discussed the situation with the officials concerned. (Daily News, 22.7.2026)
Five people were injured when an elephant attacked a van travelling from Padukka to Anuradhapura yesterday. It was reported that the van had knocked the animal a few metres before it reached the spot where the tragedy struck. The injured were admitted to hospital. The condition of three people was said to be serious. Some six people were travelling in the van, according to police. The village of Padeniya in Anuradhapura District is said to have suffered because of wild elephants during the past few years. Around 20 people have died as a result of human-elephant conflict in the area. (Daily Mirror, 25.7.2026)
A total of 258 fire incidents have been reported in Colombo and its surrounding areas during this year, the Fire Service Department has revealed. According to the Department, 17 rescue operations were carried out in connection with these fire incidents during the same period. Officials noted that 382 fire incidents were recorded in the Colombo District throughout last year, along with 46 rescue operations. The Department stressed that the fact that 258 fire incidents have already been reported in the Colombo District from January to date this year is a matter that warrants serious attention. In addition to fire-related incidents, the Fire Service Department has also responded to 13 emergency calls so far this year. These included rescue operations related to road obstructions, fallen trees, and road traffic accidents. The Department said investigations have identified several key factors contributing to the rise in fire incidents, including the lack of adequate fire safety measures at workplaces, failure to respond promptly to emergencies, unsafe electrical installations and practices in homes and commercial premises, and the prevailing dry weather conditions. (Daily Mirror, 27.7.2026)
India’s assistance to Sri Lanka has exceeded $ 7.5 billion, including more than $ 850 million in grants, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha said yesterday, reaffirming New Delhi’s position as the island’s largest trade, investment and development partner. Addressing the symposium on “Strengthening Pali Language Studies in Sri Lanka”, Jha said India’s assistance has supported projects across all 25 districts covering infrastructure, housing, health, livelihoods, rehabilitation, education, agriculture, renewable energy, railways and industrial development.. He said Sri Lanka remains an integral part of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, adding that New Delhi has consistently acted as the country’s first responder during major crises. Jha cited India’s support during the recent Cyclone Ditwah recovery efforts, the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, describing the assistance as timely, swift and unconditional.
He said India’s role reflected its commitment as a responsible and dependable partner to Sri Lanka.
Describing India as Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour, Jha said the two countries’ relationship had expanded beyond historical and cultural ties to encompass trade, investment and development cooperation. “From Dhamma to Development, India remains committed to sharing with Sri Lanka its best practices for fostering partnerships for our shared future,” he said. (Financial Times, 27.7.2026)
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to lease five Presidential Residences on a long-term basis to private investors for tourism development. The move is intended to reduce the financial burden of maintaining the underutilised State properties, whilst generating value from promoting tourism investment and economic activity. The residences, located in Bentota, Kataragama, Mahiyanganaya, Embilipitiya, and Anuradhapura, feature high-end architectural designs, fully equipped facilities, and landscaped surroundings. Having traditionally been maintained for the official duties and personal recreation of the President, these Presidential Residences are not currently utilised by the incumbent President Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said despite their limited use, the Government continues to incur significant costs for their maintenance, security, and upkeep under the Presidential Secretariat. “Following recommendations by a committee appointed to identify economically productive uses for presidential bungalows, residences, and palaces, the Cabinet approved inviting proposals from suitable investors to develop the properties through tourism-related projects,” he added. Dr. Jayatissa said the properties will be offered on a long-term lease basis, with investment proposals to be called from interested parties. The proposal to this effect was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister. (Financial Time, 29.7.2026)
Sri Lanka has recorded 84,091 dengue cases so far this year, with the dengue-related death toll reaching 61, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU). The NDCU said the highest number of dengue cases has been recorded from the Gampaha, Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Kalutara, and Galle districts. In July alone, 28,717 dengue cases have been reported to date, highlighting a significant rise in infections.Meanwhile, the NDCU said 175 high-risk dengue zones remain across the country. Authorities have urged the public to keep their homes and surroundings clean to prevent mosquito breeding. The NDCU also advised those experiencing fever to avoid taking medication other than paracetamol and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. (Daily Mirror, 30.7.2026)
A programme to blacken palm-leaf manuscripts (Puskola Poth) was held at the historic Dutugemunu Rajamaha Viharaya in Baddegama on July 29. Historically, the preservation of palm-leaf manuscripts, which were written under royal patronage, was considered a sacred ritual. Historical records refer to this as the “Puskola Poth Nethra Mangalyaya” (eye-opening ceremony of palm-leaf bBooks), a ceremonial process involving the “blackening and whitening” of the leaves performed with the intervention of kings. Until the introduction of the printing industry during the Portuguese colonial period, palm-leaf manuscripts were the most prevalent medium for writing in Sri Lanka. The majority of these manuscripts contain Dhamma (religious) texts. The programme was organised with the objective of conserving palm-leaf manuscripts, which serve as one of the best primary sources for studying the ancient history of Sri Lanka, and with the objective of educating future generations about traditional heritage. The Chief Incumbent of the Dutugemunu Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven. Shastravedi Welivitiye Sumana Nayaka Thera, and Ven. Thalpavila Nanda Nayaka Thera explained the significance and process of blackening palm-leaf manuscripts. This event was conducted in conjunction with the opening day programs of the “Baddegama Esala Zone,” organised by the Baddegama Pradeshiya Sabha. The event was attended by the Maha Sangha, Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage, MP Thilanka U. Gamage, Baddegama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lalith Senanayake, Vice Chairman Saman C. Liyanage, other council members, Baddegama Government officials, Dhamma school students, parents, and local residents. (Daily New, 31.7.2026)T
