Energy & Oil Licensing: Sri Lanka’s Ministerial Consultative Committee on Energy Affairs has approved the Order to call for investment proposals for petroleum exploration and development in identified blocks, setting out how bidders must submit proposals and fees under the Petroleum Resources Act. Rail Disruption: Railway trade unions have launched a 48-hour token strike starting midnight, demanding the removal of Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya, with the Transport Minister saying the demand cannot be met. Anti-Corruption Push: CIABOC arrested SLPP figure and former NTC chairman Renuka Perera over alleged irregular issuance of 56 Southern Expressway passenger service permits, and a Colombo High Court ordered a pre-trial conference in the Karannagoda–Yoshitha Rajapaksa corruption case. Courts & Equality: The Supreme Court ruled judges must pay income tax like other citizens, ending claims of exemption. Public Health Law: A new rabies and dog registration bill bars police from killing animals merely on suspicion, shifting to capture, observation and veterinary checks. Disaster Readiness: Emergency disaster response units will be set up at divisional secretariat level within two weeks as heavy rains loom. Digital Justice: China has pledged support to integrate AI into Sri Lanka’s justice system. Sports (Sri Lanka in focus): England thrashed Sri Lanka by 119 runs in the 1st T20 at Southampton, with Harry Brook smashing 114*; Sri Lanka’s Asian Games women’s cricket squad updates also continue amid injuries.