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.
Tourism Earnings: Minister’s USD 3.7 Bn claim contradicts Central Bank data
A discrepancy has surfaced between government claims and official data on Sri Lanka’s 2025 tourism earnings. Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath stated earnings reached USD 3.7 billion in the first half of the year, but Central Bank figures show only USD 1.71 billion. The nearly USD 2 billion gap raises questions about the accuracy of the minister’s figures.
Chemmani : “Convicted Soldier willing to Testify in Int’l Inquiry”
Lance Corporal Somaratne Rajapaksa, convicted in the 1996 Krishanthy Kumaraswamy murder case, is reportedly willing to testify if an international inquiry is launched into the Chemmani mass grave. According to a letter sent by his wife to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Rajapaksa claims he only buried the victims under orders and did not participate in the killings. She alleges that senior officers were shielded while lower-ranked soldiers were punished and has called for an independent investigation, also planning to approach the UN Human Rights Council.
Listed SL firms can now invest up to USD 750,000 abroad
The Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance has approved updated guidelines on outward investments, raising limits for overseas investments by Sri Lankan companies. Listed companies can now invest up to USD 750,000 (up from USD 500,000), and unlisted firms up to USD 200,000 (up from USD 150,000). Companies may also borrow up to USD 2 million from foreign sources under Central Bank oversight, with larger amounts requiring special approval.
New Documentary on 1990 Massacre of Hajj Travellers in Kurukkalmadam
The documentary Killing the Travellers – The Untold Story of the Kurukkalmadam Massacre, 1990, directed by Baazir Kaleelur Rahman, was recently launched to highlight a largely overlooked atrocity during Sri Lanka’s civil war. It recounts the LTTE’s killing of Muslim travellers, including Hajj pilgrims, near Kurukkalmadam in 1990. The screening, organized by the Academy for Social Justice and Activists Without Borders, featured a panel discussion on the massacre’s legacy and the ongoing quest for justice. The film is now available on YouTube.
Joe Root breaks Mahela Jayawardena’s home 100s record
England’s Joe Root has set a new record for the most Test centuries at home, scoring his 24th in 147 innings. He surpassed Mahela Jayawardene, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting, who each had 23. Jayawardene reached his tally in 129 home innings.
Trending Video of the day
The post Today’s News Digest – August 4 appeared first on Newswire.
