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.
Sri Lanka eyes US crude imports to reduce 30% tariff
Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is considering importing U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude as part of a strategy to strengthen its trade position with the U.S. and lobby for tariff relief. Incorporating US crude into procurement tenders could help address the 30% reciprocal tariff imposed earlier this year
E-NIC: Printing 15 Mn polycarbonate cards is a waste
SJB MP Harsha de Silva criticized the government’s decision to procure 15 million polycarbonate electronic NIC cards. He argued that they are redundant given the broader planned digital ID system (modeled after India’s Aadhaar) that includes biometric authentication and secure verification. De Silva called for suspending the E-NIC scheme—potentially saving USD 30 million—and said the Department of Registration officials also questioned its necessity. However, he dismissed concerns over biometric data leaks as unfounded.
PM reveals reason to increase school time by 30 minutes
Prime Minister and Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya said that school hours have been extended by 30 minutes under new education reforms to support a revised 45-minute lesson structure. The change is intended to allow sufficient time for both teaching and student participation in practical activities like group research and presentations. While an initial proposal suggested extending school hours to 8 a.m.–4 p.m., the government opted for a shorter extension after considering logistical factors such as student transport, she said.
Capital punishment: Colombo Archdiocese rejects Fr Jude’s views
Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, representing the Colombo Archdiocese, clarified that the Church opposes capital punishment, distancing itself from comments by Fr. Jude Krishantha proposing the death sentence for former SIS chief Nilantha Jayawardena. The Archdiocese affirmed its rejection of capital punishment, noted its support for implementing a presidential commission’s recommendations regarding Jayawardena, and welcomed his dismissal over alleged dereliction of duty related to the Easter attacks.
IUSF accuses govt of creating fake “IUSF”
The Inter‑University Students’ Federation (IUSF) accused the government of orchestrating a parallel student group using its name, logos, and letterhead, and appointing a new convenor via a media briefing and social media. The IUSF urged students and the public not to fall for the alleged deception and emphasized its ongoing opposition to education privatization.
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