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.
Deshabandu Tennakoon removed from post of IGP in Parliament vote
Deshabandu Tennakoon has been removed from the post of Inspector General of Police, becoming the first sitting IGP in Sri Lanka to be dismissed through a parliamentary vote. The resolution, passed with 177 votes in favour, cited serious misconduct, abuse of power, and criminal complicity. Tennakoon, who was appointed IGP in February 2024, had been suspended by the Supreme Court and is currently out on bail over a 2023 shooting incident.
Minister addresses BYD vehicles held at Customs
Minister Anil Jayantha has addressed concerns over approximately 1,000 BYD electric vehicles detained by Sri Lanka Customs due to discrepancies in declared motor capacity. The vehicles, declared at 100 kW, may actually contain 150 kW motors—affecting tax calculations. Jayantha said investigations are underway to verify whether the discrepancy is due to forged documents or software alterations. He also noted the possibility of recovering funds through bank guarantees if the importers are found at fault.
SriLankan Airlines, Bondholders fail to reach Restructuring Deal
SriLankan Airlines and the Government of Sri Lanka have ended initial talks with major bondholders without reaching a deal on restructuring US$175 million in bonds due in June 2024. The airline had proposed partial cash repayment and a bond exchange with a haircut, while bondholders demanded full principal recovery and interest. The government said the bondholder terms were not viable under Sri Lanka’s IMF-backed debt plan and confirmed the bonds remain within the broader restructuring framework.
AFC fines SL footballer over Palestine support message
The Asian Football Confederation has fined Sri Lankan footballer Mohamed Thilham USD 2,000 for displaying a pro-Palestine message during a post-match celebration in Colombo on June 10. The incident occurred after Sri Lanka’s 3–1 win over Chinese Taipei in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Thilham, an unused substitute, revealed a shirt reading “PRAY FOR FREE PALESTINE.” The AFC deemed the act a breach of regulations but reduced the penalty after considering mitigating factors, according to Sri Lanka Football President Jaswar Umar. Thilham has one month to pay the fine.
Cabinet approves reduction in MPs’ insurance cover to Rs. 250,000
The Cabinet has approved a proposal to reduce annual group insurance coverage for Members of Parliament from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 250,000, effective October 9, 2025. The move aligns with a budget recommendation by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to cut MP privileges. The group insurance scheme was introduced in May 2023, and the revised limit will apply to the next insurance year.
Video of the day
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