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.
Supreme Court orders $1 billion payout in landmark X-Press Pearl verdict
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has ruled on the 2021 MV X-Press Pearl disaster, ordering $1 billion in compensation and declaring it the worst marine chemical spill in Indian Ocean history. The Court found both vessel operators and state officials—including MEPA and a former state minister—negligent, violating citizens’ rights and failing to protect the environment. A special commission will oversee compensation distribution, and the Court called for urgent legal and institutional reforms.
Education Reforms : President warns of school dropouts, citing damning numbers
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing Parliament during the education reform debate, called for urgent changes to Sri Lanka’s education system to address rising dropout rates and under-enrolled schools. He stressed that every child must complete 13 years of schooling and cited data showing over 47,000 students had dropped out between Grade 1 and O/L exams. Highlighting that over 1,500 schools have fewer than 50 students, the President said the system must be reviewed, possibly merging or closing schools and reallocating resources to underserved areas. He also urged teachers to act quickly when students miss school.
Teachers’ Union rejects Government’s education reform plans
The Ceylon Teachers’ Union has strongly opposed the government’s proposed education reforms, calling them rushed, inconsistent, and lacking stakeholder consultation. CTU Secretary Joseph Stalin criticized contradictions in class size policies and said the reforms, drafted by the National Institute of Education, may increase student dropouts. He also rejected proposed extensions to school hours without proper dialogue.
Illegal vehicle : Jagath’s son OUT, Rohitha’s son-in-law IN
The Matugama Magistrate’s Court has remanded the son-in-law of former minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena until August 8 over a case involving a fraudulently registered luxury vehicle. SJB MP Jagath Vithana’s son, also linked to the case, was granted bail. The vehicle, initially registered under Abeygunawardena’s daughter’s name, was later sold to Vithana’s son, with investigators alleging under-declaration of its value and possible tax evasion.
Sri Lanka drops two spots in global safety rankings
Sri Lanka has fallen two spots in the 2025 mid-year global safety rankings by Numbeo, now ranking 61st with a Safety Index score of 57.7. The index, based on crime levels and public perceptions, saw the UAE ranked safest globally, while Haiti ranked lowest. The report highlights a strong presence of Gulf nations among the safest countries.
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