Colombo (News 1st): President Maithripala Sirisena granted a six-month extension to Army Chief-of-Staff Major General Shavendra Silva. The service extension will be in effect until December 31st, 2019.

Major General Silva joined the Army in 1984 and rose on to the ranks of Second Lieutenant and Major General before becoming the Chief-of-staff, the second highest position in the Army.

• 35 year old arrested for posessing local firearm in Nittambuwa
• Accident in Katunayake claims one life and injures 13
• President to open section of Southern expressway today
• Sri Lanka wins first ODI in three-match series with Windies
• Foreign Secretary briefs on decision to withdraw SL from co-sponsorship of UNHRC resolution