Daily Mirror Brief: Daily News Recap, Top Headlines & Must-Read Stories - 7th August

Daily Mirror Brief is your daily news digest—bringing you the top headlines, key updates, and essential stories you may have missed across politics, tech, culture, and global affairs. Quick, clear, and curated—your trusted news recap, whenever you’re ready.

7th August, Thursday: 6pm

PM given wrong figures on Chichi's rocket: Wasantha Samarasinghe

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament that the Board of Investments (BOI) provided Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya with incorrect figures regarding revenue from Chichi’s rocket. The actual income generated by SupremeSAT Ltd. was Rs. 342 million, and not from the satellite itself. 

Read more, click here

Customs agrees to release 991 detained BYD vehicles

Sri Lanka Customs informed the Court of Appeal that 991 BYD electric vehicles detained at customs will be released — contingent upon submission of a bank guarantee — in response to a writ petition filed by John Keells Holdings PLC.

Read more, click here

Rs. 15 Bn lawsuit filed by casino mogul Ravi Wijeratne over alleged contractual breach

Casino operator Ravi Wijeratne and Rank Entertainment Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. have filed a Rs. 15 billion lawsuit in the Colombo Commercial High Court alleging breach of contract and failure to disclose material information. Defendants include Waterfront Properties (Pvt) Ltd., John Keells Holdings PLC, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd., and Blue Heaven Services (Pvt) Ltd. Responses are due by 12 November 2025. 

Read more, click here

Trump’s sweeping new tariffs take effect against dozens of countries

President Donald Trump has enacted new sweeping tariffs affecting over 90 countries. Notably, a 50% tariff on Indian imports (effective 27 August unless purchases of Russian oil cease) and threats of 100% tariffs on foreign-made computer chips have debuted. The move has spurred reactions across major economies and triggered shifts in global markets. 

Read more, click here

Local investment up 18%, 200 major tax evaders identified: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed a list of 200 major tax evaders owing between Rs. 100–150 billion. He highlighted an 18% rise in local investment, an estimated Rs. 4.5 trillion revenue projection for the upcoming budget, and expected foreign reserves exceeding US $7 billion by December 2025. 

Read more, click here

US tariff sparks export diversification push in SL

In response to a 20% US tariff on several Sri Lankan exports, the Export Development Board held a high-level forum to co‑ordinate industry-wide strategy. EDB and government officials outlined policy support, innovation drives, and efforts to pivot toward new markets in Europe and Asia to reduce reliance on the US. 

Read more, click here