Asian Tribune

CID Officer Expresses Regret Over Arrest of Natasha Edirisuriya

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Sri Lanka to introduce new guidelines under ICCPR Act A former officer of Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has expressed regret before the Supreme Court over the arrest of comedian Natasha Edirisuriya. The apology was conveyed through a letter submitted by the State Counsel during court proceedings. ⚖️ Background Natasha Edirisuriya was arrested in...

Prince Andrew Arrested Amid New Developments Linked to Epstein Files

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

UK police launch investigation into alleged abuse of position Prince Andrew, Duke of York, a member of the British royal family, has been arrested by Thames Valley Police as part of an ongoing investigation. The arrest reportedly took place on his 66th birthday. ⚖️ Police statement Police confirmed that a man in his 60s was...

Why Did the US Pacific Fleet Commander Visit Sri Lanka Amid Iran Tensions?

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Strategic discussions on maritime security and regional stability The Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, Admiral Steve Koehler, has arrived in Sri Lanka on a three-day official visit. The visit, which began on February 19, is scheduled to continue until February 21, according to the US Embassy in Colombo. 🌍 Focus on regional security...

Pathum Nissanka Breaks Record as Sri Lanka’s Leading T20 Run Scorer

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Surpasses Kusal Mendis while shining in T20 World Cup Sri Lankan batsman Pathum Nissanka has set a new national record, becoming the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in T20 internationals. He achieved the milestone during Sri Lanka’s match against Zimbabwe in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, scoring 62 runs. 📊 Record milestone Nissanka surpassed...

Only One MP Declines Salary as Sri Lanka Reveals Parliamentary Allowances

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Debate intensifies over MPs’ benefits after new disclosures in Parliament Details of salaries and allowances paid to Members of Parliament in Sri Lanka have come under renewed scrutiny following disclosures made in Parliament on February 19. Responding to a question raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Chaminda Wijesiri, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya outlined the...

Law, Power, and Public Trust: Where Is Sri Lanka Heading?

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Sri Lanka’s past week has been marked by two significant developments that have reignited public debate — the expression of regret in a Supreme Court case related to an arrest under the ICCPR Act, and renewed scrutiny over the salaries and allowances of Members of Parliament. Taken together, these developments raise a fundamental question: Is...

Former Deputy Secretary General Challenges Suspension in Court

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

A former Deputy Secretary General of Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne, has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal challenging his suspension from duty. In his petition, he argues that the decision to suspend him was taken without a fair inquiry, rendering it unlawful. The respondents named in the petition include the Speaker...

Documents Suggest Sacred Kaaba Cloth Pieces Were Sent to Epstein, Triggering Outrage

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

Documents released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) have sparked global outrage among Muslims, suggesting that pieces of the Kiswah — the cloth covering the Kaaba in Mecca — may have been sent to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, published on January 30, 2026, include email exchanges indicating that three Kiswah fragments were...

Can Tarique Rahman Deliver Change After Bangladesh Election Victory?

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

Following a decisive election victory, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman now faces a crucial question — can he deliver meaningful change? The BNP’s return to power marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, ending over 15 years of dominance by Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. 🔄 Power shift or real change?...

Resignation of Lanka Sugar Chair Raises Questions Over Political Pressure

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

Former chair cites unlawful requests; minister denies interference The resignation of Lanka Sugar Company’s Chairperson, Attorney-at-Law Sandamali Chandrasekara, has raised questions about possible political pressure within Sri Lanka’s state-owned enterprises. She stepped down from her position on February 17, informing Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti in writing. She is the second chairperson...