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.
Harshana Suriyapperuma appointed Finance Ministry Secretary
Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, a former NPP MP and Deputy Finance Minister, has been appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Finance. He resigned from Parliament last week to take up the role, replacing Mahinda Siriwardana, who retired today. Who is Harshana Suriyapperuma?
Court issues arrest warrant for Sajin Vass Gunawardena in tax case
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena over a Rs. 36.9 million income tax case. Gunawardena failed to appear in court despite multiple summons in a case filed by the Inland Revenue Department for unpaid taxes from 2010 to 2012.
CID launches probe into luxury assets of 28 politicians and ex-Army Chief
Sri Lanka Police confirmed a CID investigation into luxury property ownership by 28 politicians, including current MPs, former ministers, and a former Army Commander. The probe, led by the CID’s Illegal Assets Unit, follows multiple complaints about suspected illegally acquired assets. Notable figures under scrutiny include Namal Rajapaksa, Mahinda Amaraweera, and Shavendra Silva.
Sri Lanka approves FAO research vessel visit
Sri Lanka has granted clearance for the FAO research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen to operate in local waters from August 15 to 20, 2025. The move follows the cancellation of an earlier planned visit due to procedural delays. The vessel’s mission, aimed at collecting vital marine data, had been jeopardized by the absence of a formal response from the Foreign Ministry amid efforts to finalize new SOPs for foreign research vessels.
New low-interest loan schemes announced for SMEs and industrialists
The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development has introduced two concessional loan schemes—SMILE III and E-Friend II—targeting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and industrialists. Offered at interest rates ranging from 2% to 8%, the loans aim to boost manufacturing, sustainability, productivity, and value chains across Sri Lanka’s industrial sectors.
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