Ada Derana- 11 Septemeber – The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) says it has observed a notable rise in illegal activities carried out using mobile phone SIM cards obtained through informal or unverified channels. TRCSL Director General Bandula Herath said the regulatory framework governing SIM card issuance is now being revised to address the problem. He made the remarks at a press conference held at the Department of Government Information yesterday (10). Herath said the decision follows requests from law enforcement agencies, including the police, who reported a sharp increase in criminal incidents linked to SIM cards over the past two to three years. “We have updated the regulations governing the issuance of SIM cards following a request from law enforcement agencies, including the police, which reported a significant increase in illegal activities involving SIM cards over the past two to three years and called for action to address the issue,” he said. The revised rules are expected to strengthen identity verification, reduce misuse of unregistered SIMs, and support ongoing criminal investigations.

Daily News – Shanakiyan Rasamanickam’s remarks come at a moment when public trust in Sri Lanka’s political system remains fragile. His assertion that Namal Rajapaksa’s arrest is not a political witch hunt reflects a broader sentiment that accountability must apply equally — regardless of political affiliation or family influence. The context he highlights is important. The Aragalaya was a turning point in Sri Lanka’s political consciousness, especially among youth. It was a moment when people openly rejected the entire political establishment, demanding transparency, justice, and structural reform. As Shanakiyan notes, trust in Parliament collapsed, and rebuilding that trust requires visible, credible action. From my perspective, the arrest of a high‑profile figure like Namal Rajapaksa — especially in connection with a major financial fraud allegation — is exactly the kind of action that can demonstrate institutional independence. CIABOC’s involvement signals that investigators believe there is substantial evidence worth testing in court. This is not a symbolic gesture; it is a legal process that must be allowed to unfold without interference

BBC Reports – The latest surge in global oil prices underscores how fragile energy markets have become in the face of escalating geopolitical conflict. Brent crude briefly crossing the $100 mark is not just an economic headline — it’s a direct reflection of rising instability across the Middle East. The back‑and‑forth strikes between the US and Iran have created a ripple effect across major shipping routes. When the US targets Iranian tankers and Iran retaliates by striking American assets, traders immediately price in the risk of prolonged disruption. Add to that the Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities and tankers in the Red Sea, and you have a perfect storm of supply‑chain anxiety. What stands out is how quickly markets react to even small escalations. Brent crude dipped back to $99.90, but the underlying tension remains. Any fresh flare‑up — a new strike, a retaliatory attack, or a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz — could push prices higher again. For countries like Sri Lanka, where fuel costs directly influence transport, food prices, and inflation, this kind of volatility is especially worrying. A sustained rise in oil prices could strain household budgets, increase import costs, and complicate economic recovery efforts.