Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) Friday evening after providing a statement for several hours in connection with the ongoing investigation into the controversial procurement of MiG fighter aircraft.

Rajapaksa arrived at the FCID headquarters Friday morning after being summoned by investigators to assist with the inquiry into the procurement and related financial transactions involving the aircraft acquired for the Sri Lanka Air Force.

He was questioned for several hours before leaving the premises later in the day.

Meanwhile, former Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke also appeared before the FCID on Thursday to provide a statement in connection with the same investigation.

Goonetileke left the FCID after being questioned for more than five hours.

The Development Lotteries Board (DLB) has launched its second digital lottery, Wasi, offering a Rs. one million jackpot and electric motorcycles among its prizes.

The new seven-day lottery was released to the market on September 10, with the inaugural draw, titled Raja Wasi, scheduled for October 1.

The DLB said the introduction of Wasi marked a major technological step in its 43-year history and was aimed particularly at attracting younger consumers increasingly engaged with digital platforms.

The lottery can be purchased through the DLB Sweep App or as a printed ticket, priced at Rs. 40.

The draw will be conducted using a fully computerised ball-selection system, with two winning numbers, a Super Number and an English letter selected in each draw.

Participants matching the two winning numbers, Super Number and English letter will be eligible for the Rs. one million Super Jackpot. Those matching the two numbers and the English letter can win either Rs. 500,000 or a brand-new electric motorcycle, according to their preference.

Other prizes include Rs. 50,000 for matching the Super Number and two winning numbers, while smaller cash prizes ranging from Rs. 40 to Rs. 25,000 will be awarded under other winning combinations.

The first Raja Wasi draw will also offer an additional electric motorcycle and cash prizes of up to Rs. 25,000 through special winning numbers, in addition to the regular prize scheme.

The DLB said the entire draw would be conducted using computer technology and broadcast through its DLB Lottery Show YouTube channel. A summary programme will be telecast in Sinhala on the National Rupavahini Channel at 9 pm, while the official results will be broadcast in Tamil on the Nethra channel at 9.30 pm.

The Board said the new digital initiative was intended to offer consumers a simple, transparent and technology-driven lottery experience while expanding its customer base.

The DLB, a State-owned enterprise, also said its operations continued to support national causes, including healthcare through the President’s Fund and higher education through the Mahapola Higher Education Fund.

The United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, will host the 2026 EducationUSA University Fair in Colombo, Kurunegala, and Kandy between September 14-18. The free fairs will connect Sri Lankan students directly with representatives from eleven accredited U.S. colleges and universities to discuss admissions requirements, scholarships, and academic programs. Students will have opportunities to learn about programs in high-demand fields including artificial intelligence and machine learning, computer science and cybersecurity, biotechnology, and other areas of study. EducationUSA, the US government’s official source of information on US higher education, will also provide students and families with trusted guidance and resources on studying in the United States.

 Students interested in undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs are encouraged to attend, along with parents, educators, and school administrators. US-SLFC representatives will share information about Fulbright scholarships and fellowships available to Sri Lankan citizens. Participation is free, but advance registration is required. For details and registration, visit fulbrightsrilanka.org/universityfair.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer highlighted the strength of U.S. universities and their role in advancing new technologies: “The United States is the global leader in higher education and innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biotechnology. We look forward to showcasing that leadership through the U.S. universities participating in this fair and the American expertise they represent across these emerging fields.”

Dr. Patrick McNamara, US-SLFC Executive Director said: “These fairs connect Sri Lankan students directly with U.S. universities, opening new opportunities for study while strengthening educational ties between our two countries.”

The eleven participating institutions represent universities and colleges from across the United States. They are the University of Texas at El Paso in El Paso, Texas; North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota; University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas; University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont; Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio; University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee; Fisher College in Boston, Massachusetts; Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan; New York University in New York City, New York; Baylor University in Waco, Texas; and Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.

The fair will be held in Colombo on September 14 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Grand Sapphire Ballroom of Courtyard by Marriott Colombo. It will then move to Kurunegala on September 16, where it will be held at Royal International School from 2.15 pm to 3.15 pm. The final event will take place in Kandy on September 17 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Banquet Hall of Kandy City Centre.

EducationUSA provides free counselling services to prospective students in Sri Lanka who wish to pursue higher education in the United States. It is housed at the US-SLFC. EducationUSA Sri Lanka offers guidance through the EducationUSA Adviser, who helps individuals navigate the application process for over 4,000 accredited American institutions and plan their educational journey. It is the sole official source of information on U.S. higher education in Sri Lanka. For more information about EducationUSA in Sri Lanka, visit: fulbrightsrilanka.org/educationusa-advising

The US-SLFC is an autonomous, bi-national organization established in 1952 and funded by the U.S. Department of State. Over the past seven decades, Fulbright Sri Lanka has facilitated educational exchanges for more than 2,000 Sri Lankans and Americans, fostering mutual understanding between the two countries. For more information about US-SLFC, visit: fulbrightsrilanka.org