Today’s News Digest – October 22
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.
Prison population falls from nearly 42,000 to 37,000 in three months
The government has taken measures to expedite the issuance of Government Analyst’s reports to address delays that have contributed to prison overcrowding, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara said. Addressing Parliament today (22), the Minister revealed that 1,506 Government Analysts’ reports had been issued during August and September alone, following measures to strengthen the department’s workforce and fill existing vacancies. He explained that delays in obtaining Government Analyst’s reports had been identified as one of the main factors contributing to overcrowding in prisons.The Minister further stated that under proposed legislative amendments, the Government Analyst will be required to issue the relevant report within two months of receiving an item for examination. Meanwhile, Minister Nanayakkara revealed that the number of prison inmates had decreased significantly following measures introduced to address overcrowding.
Easter Attacks: CID probes claims by three convicts that those responsible remain at large
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into statements made by three individuals convicted by a three-judge High Court bench in connection with the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, claiming that those actually responsible for the attacks are still at large. Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed the Fort Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (21) that the three individuals had made the claims before the High Court bench despite being convicted in connection with the attacks. He said the individuals had claimed that although they were being sent to prison, those who were actually involved in the attacks remained free. Describing the statements as serious, the Additional Solicitor General requested permission for eight CID officers to visit the prison and record statements from the three convicts, identified as Milhan, Rizkan and Zainul Abdeen.
No more power cuts: Sri Lanka announces continuous electricity supply
Sri Lanka’s National System Operator (NSO) announces that electricity demand management measures will no longer be required from October 22, following the restoration of Unit 2 of the Lakvijaya Power Station to its full 270 MW capacity. The NSO thanked consumers for their cooperation during power restrictions from October 19 to 21.
Sri Lanka CERT issues critical security alert for website owners
Sri Lanka CERT has issued a critical cybersecurity alert urging public and private sector organizations and website developers to address security vulnerabilities affecting systems built using PHP. In a statement dated Oct. 21, CERT warned that the vulnerabilities could expose affected systems to unauthorized access, data theft and disruption of operations. PHP is widely used to develop websites and web applications. CERT urged organizations to identify all systems using PHP, check their software versions and promptly apply security updates following instructions on the official PHP website. Organizations were also advised to review system logs for unusual activity and restrict internet access to critical, high-risk systems that cannot be updated
Heavy rain may persist until Oct. 27, Meteorology Department warns
Rainy conditions affecting Sri Lanka could continue until around Oct. 27, the Department of Meteorology said, urging residents and fishing communities to closely monitor upcoming weather advisories. The atmospheric disturbance near the island has developed into a low-pressure area, now located northwest of Sri Lanka. It is expected to move gradually westward. Rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters is possible in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northwestern and Northern provinces, as well as the Galle and Matara districts. Intermittent rain is expected across these areas, with wet weather continuing into Oct. 23. The department said the Intertropical Convergence Zone, where winds from the Northern and Southern hemispheres meet, is positioned near Sri Lanka, creating favorable conditions for cloud formation and further weather disturbances.
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