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The Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court on November 11 postponed the sentencing of former Minister Johnston Fernando until November 25, after he pleaded guilty to charges involving an illegally assembled luxury vehicle. Acting Magistrate Kingsley Hettiarachchi issued the order following submissions by state counsel representing the Attorney General and the Criminal Investigation Department, who requested the court to confiscate the German-made BMW. Fernando pleaded guilty on October 28 to three charges under the Motor Traffic Act, including possessing an assembled vehicle and tax evasion. The CID had seized the vehicle after finding it parked at a Colombo hotel, which Lankadeepa identified as the Hilton.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Trincomalee court issues arrest warrant for Balangoda Kassapa Thera over beach statue

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

The Trincomalee Magistrate's Court on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera after he failed to appear for a hearing. Magistrate M.S.M. Samsudeen ordered police to arrest him and produce him before the court. The case involves alleged unauthorized constructions and the installation of a controversial Buddha statue on the Trincomalee beachfront without legal permission. Police named 14 individuals as suspects, with Kassapa Thera listed as the second suspect. The court ordered nine suspects to report to the Trincomalee Harbour Police Station on Thursday to record statements. Tamil Mirror reported that suspect Sudeepa Liyanage appeared in court on Wednesday. Magistrate Samsudeen postponed the case to January 6, 2027. Virakesari reported that Kassapa Thera is currently staging a fast-unto-death protest in the Ruwanwelisaya area against the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Project.

Government begins trial runs to expand Metro bus service to Jaffna by mid-2027

The government conducted route inspections and trial runs in Jaffna on 10 November 2026 to prepare for expanding the Metro Luxury Bus Service to the district by mid-2027. The inspection assessed road suitability, technical feasibility, bus stops, and parking. Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Deputy Transport Minister Dr Prasanna Gunasena led the activities following discussions at the Road Development Authority's Jaffna office. Dr Gunasena said the service expanded from 10 to 122 buses in the Western Province. Jaffna and Kandy are selected for the next phase under full state funding under a national plan through 2029.

Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa questions Health Ministry over child's death and missing kidneys

November 11·2 sources

Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, head of the Medical Professionals' Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, has accused the Ministry of Health of failing to act over a child's death nearly three years ago. The child died following kidney surgery at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Borella. Subsequent post-mortem findings revealed both kidneys were missing, which hospital authorities have yet to produce before court. Former hospital director Dr. G. Wijesuriya stated the kidneys were fused together. However, the parents disputed this, stating earlier scans showed separate kidneys. The Judicial Medical Officer who conducted the initial post-mortem was suspended at the time. Dr. Sanjeewa called on the Health Ministry Secretary to hold an internal investigation and submit reports to court. Protesters, including relatives, demonstrated outside the ministry on 11 November.

HealthEnglishසිංහල

Sri Lanka conducts first passenger drone test flight at Colombo Port City

November 11·12 sources

Sri Lanka conducted its first official demonstration flight of an electric, pilotless passenger drone at Colombo Port City on 11 November. Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka traveled in the aircraft during the trial. The test used a recently imported E216 two-seater drone manufactured by China's EHang. The electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft features 16 propellers, 12 battery packs, and automated safety systems operated remotely from a central station. Testing will continue at Port City for six months. Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated commercial operations could begin within six months, serving destinations like Sigiriya and Pidurangala, passenger transport, and emergency services. The initiative requires coordination among several agencies, including the Civil Aviation Authority, Defence Ministry, Sri Lanka Air Force, and the Port City Economic Commission.

Irrigation Department warns public of flash flood risk from intense rainfall

Environment & Weatherසිංහලதமிழ்

The Department of Irrigation warned on Wednesday (11) that high-intensity rainfall within short periods could cause flash floods, advising residents in low-lying areas and near riverbanks, as well as road users, to remain vigilant. Eng. L. S. Sooriyabandara, Director of the department’s Hydrology and Disaster Management Division, said Ampara recorded the country's highest rainfall of nearly 130 mm over the previous 24 hours. Rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm was recorded in Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Kegalle, and Matale districts. Aruna and Ada Derana reported high rainfall in Kandy, whereas Virakesari cited Nuwara Eliya. Minor flooding persists along parts of the Nilwala, Gin, and Kalu rivers, though water levels are generally receding. Eng. Sooriyabandara urged the public to monitor official announcements as further heavy showers are forecast.

President Dissanayake to present 2027 budget to Parliament on November 12

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, serving as Minister of Finance, will present the 2027 Budget to Parliament on November 12 at 1.30 p.m. Total government expenditure for 2027 is estimated at Rs. 4,992.77 billion. Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the budget will provide relief on certain taxes, increase some allowances, and raise public servants' basic salaries. A 26-day debate will run from November 13 to December 14. The Second Reading vote is scheduled for November 20 at 6.00 p.m., although Thinakaran reported November 10. A 19-day Committee Stage debate will follow from November 21, concluding with the final vote on the Appropriation Bill on December 14 at 6.00 p.m.

Several dead and dozens injured after buses collide on A9 in Rambewa

A head-on collision involving two Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses and a private bus occurred on the A9 road in Rambewa, Anuradhapura, on the morning of 10 November. Police said a speeding SLTB bus attempting to overtake the private bus collided head-on with an oncoming SLTB bus. Road conditions were narrow, and police suspect reckless driving and racing. Daily News, Dinamina, Divaina, and News 1st reported four dead, including one SLTB driver, while The Island reported five. Injured passengers were admitted to Anuradhapura, Medawachchiya, and Rambewa hospitals. Dinamina and News 1st reported 76 injured, Daily News stated 60, Divaina reported over 61, and The Island said over 50. Anuradhapura Additional Magistrate D.L. Samarasinghe directed Mihintale Police to obtain reports from the Government Motor Vehicle Examiner for court.

OtherEnglishසිංහල

Authorities open Kotmale Reservoir spill gates and warn downstream residents

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

The spill gates of the Kotmale Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir were opened at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday (11), releasing water into the Kotmala Oya at a rate of 150 cubic metres per second. The engineer in charge reported that the reservoir water level stood at 701.3 metres above sea level at 10:15 a.m., which was 1.7 metres below the spill level. Authorities decided to release water to lower the reservoir level and mitigate flood risks in downstream areas, following prevailing rains and weather forecasts predicting continued rainfall in the catchment areas. Officials advised residents living along the Kotmala Oya below the Kotmale Dam and along the Mahaweli River, as well as people travelling through these areas, to remain vigilant and exercise caution.

President Dissanayake reviews final 2027 budget draft with Rs. 2,000 billion capital allocation

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewed the final draft of the 2027 budget proposals at the Presidential Secretariat on 11 November 2026. Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma also took part. The 2027 budget includes capital allocations of Rs. 2,000 billion. It aims to move beyond economic stabilization toward economic expansion and transformative development. The President's Media Division stated that the government achieved progress in key economic sectors despite challenges, including the Ditwa disaster and the Middle East crisis. President Dissanayake, serving as Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, is scheduled to present the budget to Parliament on the afternoon of 12 November.

Sri Lanka launches five-day business name registration pilot project in Anuradhapura

On 10 November 2026, Sri Lanka launched the Simplified and Unified Business Name Registration pilot project in Anuradhapura, enabling sole proprietorships and partnerships to register within five days. The reform modernises a system dating back to 1918 by separating business name registration from other regulatory licences. Applicants will no longer need land ownership documents or approvals from multiple agencies, requiring only basic identity and residency information. The initial three-month pilot covers 20 Divisional Secretariat divisions across the Central, Northern, North Central, and North Western provinces. Following an evaluation, the government plans to expand the system islandwide and introduce a digital registration platform. The project is implemented jointly by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, non-profit organisation Chrysalis, and Provincial Councils. Most outlets reported the launch was held under Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, though Virakesari named him Chaturanga Abeywickrama.

ADB approves $98 million loan for Sri Lanka's digital transformation

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

The Asian Development Bank on 10 November 2026 approved a $98 million loan to support Sri Lanka’s Advancing Digital Transformation Project. ADB is also providing a $1 million technical assistance grant from its Technical Assistance Special Fund. The project aims to expand high-speed broadband in rural and underserved areas, upgrade telecommunications infrastructure from 2G to 4G and 5G, and improve government data systems through an enhanced Lanka Government Cloud 3.0. It will also bolster cybersecurity monitoring and incident response for critical national information infrastructure, while training public sector employees and supporting women’s participation in the digital economy. ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Shannon Cowlin said the project will help bridge connectivity gaps and strengthen institutions, aligning with the government's National Digital Economy Blueprint.

Meteorology Department warns Bay of Bengal disturbance may cause heavy rain from 15 November

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

The Department of Meteorology warned that an atmospheric disturbance over the south-east Bay of Bengal could develop into a depression, potentially bringing heavy rains to Sri Lanka from 15 to 17 November. Director General Ajith Wijemannage said the system is likely to form a low-pressure area around 13 November and move northwards along the eastern coast, particularly affecting the Northern, North Central, and Eastern provinces. Wijemannage noted that data remains insufficient for precise forecasts, but second inter-monsoon and El Niño conditions are already causing evening showers across the country. An Amber advisory was issued for deep-sea vessels and naval communities due to rough seas and winds up to 60 kmph. The department advised vulnerable residents to heed evacuation warnings from irrigation and building research authorities.

Minister says only 20km of Colombo’s 469km drainage network upgraded since 2014

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said on Tuesday that only 20 kilometres of Colombo’s 469-kilometre drainage network have been upgraded since 2014 to handle 102 millimetres of rain per hour. Speaking at a Cabinet briefing, Dr. Jayatissa attributed recent flooding to extreme downpours, an ageing drainage system designed for 30 millimetres per hour, unauthorised constructions, and garbage blockages. Dr. Jayatissa stated that 129 to 150 millimetres of rain fell within two hours. However, Colombo Municipal Council Drainage Deputy Director Deepika Wijethilake told the Daily Mirror that nearly 100 millimetres fell. Dr. Jayatissa noted that eight households along the Norris Canal near the flooded National Hospital remain unrelocated despite Rs. 11 million in offered compensation. The Presidential Secretariat is leading a multi-agency rapid response, while the council plans to seek Tri-Forces assistance and hire more workers to clean drains.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

US House Republicans block effort to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහල

Republicans in the US House of Representatives voted 211 to 204 on Tuesday to refer eight articles of impeachment against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, effectively halting the effort. The impeachment push was sponsored by outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie, but no other Republicans joined him. Eleven Democrats did not vote, preventing the procedural measure from being defeated. The articles accused Hegseth of illegally ordering military action in Iran, Yemen, the Caribbean Sea, and Venezuela. Lankadeepa also reported accusations that Hegseth gave incorrect information to President Donald Trump, drawing the country into war with Iran. Reports noted the vote displayed Republican unity following recent midterm election defeats. Hegseth defended his record before the vote, while President Trump welcomed the decision.

Mahawa court orders CID probe into tusker Kavantissa shooting, remands suspects

November 11·2 sources

The Mahawa Magistrate's Court on 11 November ordered the investigation into the shooting of the tusker Kavantissa to be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department. Magistrate Anuruddhika Seneviratne ruled that elephants fall under the Public Property Act, meaning the court lacks authority to grant bail. She remanded two suspects, including a skills development officer, until 25 November. News 1st reported that the magistrate instructed the Department of Wildlife Conservation to submit facts under the Act, while Lankadeepa stated the suspects were directed to present facts. Meanwhile, an interim post-mortem report presented by Professor P.P.M.A. Wijesundara of the University of Peradeniya revealed that three bullets were found in the animal's abdomen.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Prime Minister Amarasuriya announces entrepreneurship and financial literacy for Grade 6 from 2027

EducationEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced on 10 November that entrepreneurship and financial literacy will be introduced into the Grade 6 curriculum from 2027. Speaking at Isurupaya, Amarasuriya said commercial education would expand beyond Ordinary and Advanced Level commerce streams into a broader life skill to protect students from financial fraud and promote economic participation. The ministry also launched a programme to set up 100 regional activity-based learning centres between 2026 and 2028, beginning with 25 centres across all 25 districts in 2026.

Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and two monks start fast-unto-death near Ruwanwelisaya

November 11·7 sources

Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera and two other Buddhist monks commenced a fast-unto-death on 11 November near Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura. The monks are demanding that the government withdraw the gazette notification for the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Project. The hunger strike escalated from a Satyagraha launched on 7 November. Protesters expressed concern that the proposed expansion from 28 to 38 square kilometres threatens the sanctity and antiquity of Buddhist sacred sites. The fast continued despite an Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court order to vacate the sacred area. The court has summoned Kassapa Thera and four other monks to appear on 20 November. Ada Derana and Divaina reported that Kassapa Thera was instructed to give a statement to the Colombo District Crime Division on 11 November, whereas Virakesari stated that Anuradhapura investigators recorded his statement at the protest site.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

ASPI crosses 22,000 mark as Colombo Stock Exchange rises on 10 November

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

The Colombo Stock Exchange's All Share Price Index rose by 592.02 points to close at 22,123.39 on 10 November 2026, surpassing the 22,000-point mark. Daily market turnover reached Rs. 7.95 billion. Divaina and The Morning reported this was the first time the index crossed 22,000 points since 6 July 2026. However, Lankadeepa reported it had not exceeded that level since 3 October 2025. For the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index, Divaina reported a 224.97-point gain to 6,368.12 points, while Lankadeepa reported a 229-unit increase to 6,372 units. Lankadeepa attributed recent market gains to expectations that the Middle East crisis will de-escalate following Israeli and US elections, lowering global crude oil prices.

ADB approves 300 million dollars for Sri Lanka water and sanitation projects

November 11·2 sources

The Asian Development Bank has approved two projects totalling 300 million US dollars to expand and strengthen water supply and sanitation services across Sri Lanka. The 200-million-dollar Climate-Resilient Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Project will provide safe water to over 1.3 million people in the Western and Southern provinces. It will also improve sewerage services for nearly 250,000 people in Jaffna. This project will build water treatment plants and reservoirs in Colombo and Lunugamwehera, develop sewerage networks in Jaffna, and strengthen the capacity of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. A separate 100-million-dollar loan will support sector reforms, including updates to the National Water Resources Policy, tariff adjustments, and measures to mobilise private sector financing.

Economy & BusinessEnglishதமிழ்

Journalists and publications receive honours at 27th Journalism Awards for Excellence

The Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Press Institute held the 27th Journalism Awards for Excellence on 10 November at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo. The ceremony recognised achievements across 37 categories for 2025. Five veteran journalists—Asoka Goonetilleke, Anura Bandara Rajaguru, Chandra Fernando, Rohan Sarath Abeywardena and Ariyaratne Ganegoda—received Lifetime Achievement Awards at the ceremony, held under the patronage of senior journalist and lawyer Kishali Pinto-Jayawardena. Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited publications won several honours, including Best Designed Newspaper for Silumina and two awards for Sunday Observer journalist Shabeer Mohamed. Daily News won Best Designed News Website in English. Liberty Publishers secured multiple honours, including Best News Website awards for Aruna.lk in Sinhala and Thamilan.lk in Tamil, alongside reporting awards across Sinhala, Tamil and English categories.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Court of Appeal begins hearing contempt case against Dilith Jayaweera and others

The Court of Appeal on 11 November began hearing a contempt of court complaint filed by the Fort Magistrate against Sarvajana Balaya leader MP Dilith Jayaweera, Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila, and three others. The complaint concerns statements regarding the arrest and detention of former State Intelligence Service Director retired Major General Suresh Salley over the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. Hiru News identified the other respondents as Sugeeshwara Bandara, Asanka Nawaratna, and Mahinda Pathirana, and described Weerawansa and Gammanpila as MPs, whereas Thamilan and Ada Derana identified them as former MPs. Appearing for Gammanpila before a three-judge bench led by Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya, President's Counsel Manohara de Silva argued that a cited YouTube video contained no date or time proving his client made the statement on 7 June.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Sri Lanka faces Bangladesh today seeking a SAFF Championship semi-final place

Sri Lanka plays host Bangladesh today, 11 November, in Dhaka in their final Group A match of the SAFF Championship, seeking qualification for the semi-finals. While other outlets reported a 7:30 p.m. kick-off, Daily FT reported 8:00 p.m. Having drawn 2-2 against Bhutan, Sri Lanka needs a win or a draw to guarantee progression. Even a single-goal defeat could secure qualification depending on disciplinary records and goal difference, while Bangladesh has already qualified. Sri Lanka’s squad was bolstered by the arrival of Germany-based players Jason Thayaparan and Claudio Kamenech on Tuesday. Head Coach Abdullah Al Mutairi said his team would play for victory, while urging fans to keep the countries' cricket rivalry out of football.

SportsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Donald Trump says war with Iran is effectively over after meeting Qatari premier

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the war against Iran is effectively over, following a White House meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Trump said further military strikes were unlikely because Iran’s military was practically finished, though he warned the United States remained fully prepared if needed. He added that the US would maintain its extensive naval blockade. Trump noted that Middle Eastern allies had pressed to end military operations and preserve the status quo, while expressing hope for discussions to resolve the nuclear crisis. However, Iranian National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei dismissed Trump's statements, accusing Washington of manufacturing fake news about imaginary negotiations.

Global crude oil prices rise as Brent reaches US$ 92.41 and WTI US$ 86.63

Economy & Businessසිංහලதமிழ்

Crude oil prices in the global market have increased, according to foreign media reports on 11 November 2026. The price of a barrel of WTI crude oil rose by 0.69 percent to US$ 86.63. Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil increased by 1.01 percent to reach US$ 92.41.

Meteorology Department forecasts heavy rain exceeding 100mm across five provinces on 11 November

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

The Department of Meteorology forecast heavy rain exceeding 100 mm in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, and Uva provinces on 11 November. Occasional showers were expected in the Northern and Eastern provinces, and across other areas after 1:00 p.m. The department advised the public to take precautions against lightning and temporary strong winds. Divaina reported landslide warnings for nine districts after rain up to 162.5 mm on 10 November flooded low-lying areas near four rivers. Meteorology Director General Ajith Wijemann said a potential depression could bring further rain from 15 November.

US mediates Ukraine and Russia peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Russian and Ukrainian representatives began US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi on 10 November to end the war. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are mediating the discussions. Russian presidential advisor Vladimir Medinsky leads the Russian delegation, while chief negotiator Rustem Umerov leads the Ukrainian side. The talks focus on post-war security concerns, long-term security architecture, and control over Ukraine’s eastern regions. Dinamina reported that the war has lasted nearly five years, whereas Thinakaran stated it has lasted more than four and a half years. European officials expressed concern over being excluded after Russia rejected European participation in the trilateral meeting. However, Ukrainian officials held separate talks with representatives from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, NATO, and the European Union.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa's former private secretary Sugishwara Bandara further remanded until November 18

November 11·7 sources

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2026 ordered the further remand of Sugishwara Bandara, former private secretary to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, until November 18. Acting Magistrate Kingsley Hettiarachchi issued the directive. Bandara faces allegations of illegally drawing two salaries simultaneously under the Presidential expenditure head. Thamilan reported the case as an alleged misuse of funds from the Presidential Secretariat. Hiru News and Virakesari stated that the Criminal Investigation Department arrested Bandara, whereas News 1st reported that he was produced in court by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau. The magistrate scheduled the consideration of Bandara’s bail application for November 18, with Virakesari reporting that bail was rejected. Hiru News also identified Bandara as the leader of the New People’s Front.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Central Bank restricts Ernst & Young partners following Rs. 13.6 billion NDB fraud