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Top stories — November 11, 2026

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Funds misuse case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe postponed to December 9

November 11·10 sources

The Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court on 11 November 2026 postponed until 9 December a public funds misuse case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake. Both suspects appeared in court before Acting Magistrate Kingsley Hettiarachchi, who adjourned proceedings to await advice from the Attorney General. Both men had also attended the previous hearing on 30 October. The Criminal Investigation Department filed the case under the Public Property Act over state funds allegedly misused when Wickremesinghe travelled to the United Kingdom in 2023 for his wife Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe's graduation ceremony. Most reports stated the alleged loss exceeded Rs. 16.6 million, though one report by Hiru News placed the figure at over Rs. 15 million. The department previously informed the court that its investigations were complete.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Court postpones misuse of funds case against Ranil Wickremesinghe to December 9

November 11·6 sources

The Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (11) postponed until December 9 a case filed by the Criminal Investigation Department against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over the alleged misuse of public funds. According to Tamil Mirror, Magistrate Kinsley Hettiarachchi postponed the matter to obtain instructions from the Attorney General. The outlet added that former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake is also accused in the case.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

November 11·9 sources

The Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2026 issued an arrest warrant for Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera after he failed to appear in court. Lankadeepa, however, reported that the court issued notices to him. The case concerns the alleged unauthorised construction and placement of a Buddha statue on the Trincomalee beachfront without a permit. Hiru News and Tamil Mirror reported 14 suspects, with Kassapa Thera listed second, while Lankadeepa reported 15 defendants. Magistrate M.S.M. Samsudeen ordered several suspects to report to the Trincomalee Harbour Police on 12 November to provide statements. Virakesari noted that Kassapa Thera was staging a fast-unto-death protest in Anuradhapura. The court adjourned the case to 6 January 2027.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Sri Lanka conducts first pilotless 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 on 11 November 2026 at Colombo Port City. Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka flew aboard the aircraft during the inaugural flight. The trial used a Chinese EHang E216 two-seater electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft. Remotely operated from a central station, the drone features 16 propellers, 12 battery packs, and automated safety systems for emergency failures. Testing will continue at Port City across a six-month trial phase. Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku announced that commercial passenger operations are expected within six months, with additional plans to expand into cargo transport. Authorities expect the service to support aerial tourism to destinations like Sigiriya and Pidurangala, as well as emergency services, coordinated by aviation, defence, port city, and tourism agencies.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Irrigation Department warns public of flash flood risk from intense rainfall

November 11·4 sources

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.

Environment & Weatherසිංහලதமிழ்

President Dissanayake to present 2027 budget to Parliament on November 12

November 11·9 sources

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.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Authorities open Kotmale Reservoir spill gates and warn downstream residents

November 11·5 sources

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.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Dhananjaya de Silva scores 14th Test century against Pakistan in Rawalpindi

November 11·3 sources

Sri Lankan batsman Dhananjaya de Silva scored his 14th Test century on 11 November during the third day of the first Test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. His century came off 148 balls and included 14 boundaries. Reports differed on the match score when he reached the milestone. Aruna and Ada Derana reported Sri Lanka was 249 for 4 wickets in 69.2 overs, trailing Pakistan's first-innings total of 434 for 9 by 185 runs, with Captain Kusal Mendis on 31. Hiru News reported that Sri Lanka was on 257 for 4 wickets, leaving the team 177 runs behind Pakistan's total.

Sportsසිංහල

Colombo High Court postpones Shiran Bassik cocaine case to January 25

November 11·3 sources

The Colombo High Court ordered the case against three defendants, including alleged drug trafficker Shiran Bassik, to be called for a further pre-trial conference on January 25. The order was issued on 11 November by High Court Judge Nayomi Wickremasekara after considering submissions made to the court. The Attorney General filed the case against the three defendants, who are in custody, for possessing and trafficking over 1,200 grams of cocaine.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and two monks begin fast-unto-death in Anuradhapura

November 11·7 sources

Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and two other Buddhist monks began a fast-unto-death near the Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura on 11 November. They escalated a satyagraha launched at the alms-giving grounds on 7 November. The protest demands the government withdraw the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan. Lankadeepa reported that the monks also demanded that the Mahanayake Theras fulfill a pledge to secure the release of Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera. The fast began despite an Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court order instructing the protesters to vacate the sacred area. The court summoned five monks, including Kassapa Thera, to appear on 20 November. Additionally, Ven. Kassapa Thera had been instructed to report to the Colombo District Crime Division on 11 November to provide a statement.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Journalists receive honours across 37 categories at 27th Journalism Awards for Excellence

November 11·4 sources

The 27th Journalism Awards for Excellence ceremony was held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo on 10 November, recognising outstanding achievements in Sri Lankan journalism during 2025. Organised by the Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Press Institute, the event presented awards across 37 categories under the patronage of senior journalist and lawyer Kishali Pinto-Jayawardena. Five veteran journalists—Asoka Goonetilleke, Anura Bandara Rajaguru, Chandra Fernando, Rohan Sarath Abeywardena, and Ariyaratne Ganegoda—received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions to Sri Lankan journalism. Publications and journalists from media houses including the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House) and Liberty Publishers secured multiple honours across English, Sinhala, and Tamil reporting and website categories.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

November 11·3 sources

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.

Economy & Businessසිංහලதமிழ்

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

November 11·9 sources

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.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa elected chair of first BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting

November 11·9 sources

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa was elected Chairman of the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting, which commenced at the Hilton Colombo on Wednesday (11). The summit brings together delegates from all seven member states: Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Thailand. India's Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, arrived in Colombo to attend. Discussions focus on regional public health security, communicable disease control, health emergency preparedness, and technical knowledge exchange. Sri Lanka serves as the lead country for public health cooperation within the regional bloc. Dr. Jayatissa was previously appointed Chair of the World Health Organization's South-East Asia Regional Committee in October 2025 and Vice Chair of the Fifth Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference in October 2026.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Authorities reopen one lane of Colombo-Kandy road at Kadugannawa after landslide assessment

November 11·11 sources

Authorities reopened one lane of the Colombo-Kandy main road between Kadugannawa and Ganethenna at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday (11), following a temporary closure caused by rockfalls and landslide risks. The stretch between Dawson Tower and Ganethenna junction was closed on Tuesday (10) after heavy rain triggered earth slips, damaging a parked motorcycle. While Ada Derana reported the closure began Tuesday afternoon, Virakesari stated it began at 7:15 p.m. Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta said the decision to allow restricted traffic followed recommendations by an inspection team comprising the National Building Research Organisation, Road Development Authority, police, Disaster Management Centre, and Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat. Udawatta urged motorists to use alternative routes to avoid congestion and warned that authorities will close the road at night if heavy rain continues.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Israel swears in new parliament as Eisenkot seeks to form government

November 11·3 sources

Israel's new parliament was sworn in on 10 November following the general election held on 27 October. Opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot was tasked by the President with forming a new government within 28 days. In the 120-seat parliament, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's alliance won 53 seats, while Eisenkot's alliance secured 48. Hiru News reported that opposition parties secured a majority overall, while two Arab parties won 19 seats. Netanyahu proposed a national unity government and opposed Arab party involvement, drawing criticism from Eisenkot. Key obstacles to forming a government include Arab party support, Ultra-Orthodox military conscription, and policies on Hamas. Eisenkot has also presented a draft bill to establish a special commission to investigate the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Magistrate orders police investigation into fatal three-bus collision in Rambewa

November 11·5 sources

Anuradhapura Additional Magistrate D.L. Samarasinghe ordered Mihintale Police to formally investigate a three-bus collision that occurred on 10 November on the A9 road in Rambewa. Police stated that the crash occurred near the Rambewa-Weli Oya junction when a Sri Lanka Transport Board bus overtook a private bus and hit an oncoming bus head-on due to negligent driving. Aruna, Ada Derana, Hiru News and Virakesari reported four deaths, while Thamilan reported five. Hiru News reported 76 people were injured, while Aruna, Ada Derana and Thamilan reported 71. After inspecting the site and vehicles, Magistrate Samarasinghe directed a motor vehicle inspector to examine each bus and ordered hospital medical officers to conduct post-mortems before releasing the bodies to relatives.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Violent protests erupt across Bangladesh as supporters demand Sheikh Hasina’s return

November 11·4 sources

Supporters of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have launched nationwide protests demanding her return from exile in India. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators across several areas. Clashes erupted in Gopalganj, where members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, affiliated with Hasina’s Awami League, set a police vehicle on fire. In Faridpur, a 60-year-old bus driver died after his vehicle was torched. The demonstrations began after Hasina reportedly requested a passport to return. The Bangladeshi government refused the request and asked India to deport her. Hasina, ousted in August 2024, was sentenced to death in absentia, charges she denies.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහල

Two injured in collision between three-wheeler and lorry in Kitulgala

November 11·4 sources

A man and a woman were injured on the morning of 11 November 2026 when a three-wheeler collided with a lorry in the Kitulgala area. Police and local residents admitted the two injured individuals to hospital following the crash. Kithulgala Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

Otherසිංහලதமிழ்

Three-judge bench appointed to hear Hirunika Premachandra’s appeal against prison sentence

November 11·2 sources

Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya has appointed a three-member bench to hear the appeal filed by former Member of Parliament Hirunika Premachandra against her prison sentence. The matter was referred to Justice Abeysooriya after judges disagreed when delivering a decision on the appeal. The bench comprises Justice Abeysooriya, P. Kumaran Ratnam, and Pradeep Hettiarachchi. The court decided on 11 November that the appeal will be heard before the bench on January 21. Premachandra filed the appeal seeking acquittal after the Colombo High Court on December 21, 2015, sentenced her to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine for abducting a youth in a Defender vehicle, unlawfully detaining him, and assaulting him.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Several Colombo regional hospitals lack gauze for two years, committee hears

November 11·1 source

Several regional hospitals in the Colombo District have faced a shortage of gauze for about two years, officials revealed at the Colombo District Coordinating Committee meeting on 10 November. Member of Parliament Asitha Niroshan said the shortage is severe at Athurugiriya, Thalangama, and Navagamuwa regional hospitals. Hospital staff have been forced to ask patients seeking wound treatment to bring gauze from outside. Colombo District health authorities said the Medical Supplies Division is expected to supply gauze to hospitals in the coming days. They explained that regional hospitals cannot make purchases without approval from the Medical Supplies Division. A purchasing limit of Rs. 150,000 also restricts hospitals to small quantities, such as 100 rolls of gauze.

Healthසිංහල

Heavy rains disrupt traffic in Hatton as council moves to renovate drains

November 11·1 source

Heavy rains returned to Hatton town from 2:00 PM on 11 November, severely inconveniencing schoolchildren and consumers. Rainwater flowing along the main road caused significant disruptions to vehicular traffic in the M.R. Nagar area and Hatton Malliappu. The Hatton-Dickoya Urban Council has taken steps to renovate drainage systems and canals to facilitate the runoff of rainwater in the town.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

Supreme Court conveys opinion on State Security Bill to Speaker

November 10·2 sources

The Supreme Court has communicated its determination on the proposed State Security Bill to the Speaker, the Speaker’s Office announced on 10 November. The government recently presented the bill to Parliament, drawing objections from several parties. Meanwhile, United Nations experts stated that the proposed law must be amended to align with international human rights law. While acknowledging positive trends in the draft, they noted that several critical issues remain. The experts emphasized that detention orders should undergo prompt and effective judicial oversight, that the review committee hearing detention appeals must be genuinely independent, and that the definition of terrorism should exclude property damage and cover only acts causing intentional death or serious bodily harm.

Politicsසිංහල

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals exceed 1.9 million up to 8 November

November 10·4 sources

Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka reached 1,912,233 between 1 January and 8 November 2026, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. A total of 49,929 tourists arrived during 1 to 8 November, averaging 6,241 visitors daily. India remained the largest source market this year with 512,026 visitors, followed by the United Kingdom with 176,670. Germany contributed 108,754 arrivals, while Lankadeepa reported 95,224 from Russia. For Chinese arrivals, Aruna, Lankadeepa, and Ada Derana reported 126,326, while FT.lk reported 125,326. FT.lk and Lankadeepa recorded 12,401 Indian arrivals from 1 to 8 November, though Aruna and Ada Derana placed this figure in early October. Between 1 and 8 November, Russia sent 5,483 visitors and the UK 3,541. FT.lk noted that cumulative arrivals remained 1.7% below the previous year's pace.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

Signal failure between Colombo Fort and Maradana delays train services

November 10·7 sources

Train services operating between or originating from the Colombo Fort and Maradana railway stations were delayed on 10 November 2026 due to a signalling system failure between the two stations. The Railway Department stated that all trains commencing their journeys from these stations would be delayed. The fault affected all railway routes, including the main line, inconveniencing passengers. Aruna and Ada Derana reported that the signal breakdown occurred in the afternoon, while The Morning reported that it took place in the evening.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Colombo-Kandy main road closed at Kadugannawa after rock and earth slides

November 10·10 sources

Traffic along the Kadugannawa–Ganetenna stretch of the Colombo–Kandy main road was suspended on 10 November 2026 following earth and rock slides. Falling debris damaged a motorcycle parked beside the road. Hiru News initially reported that traffic was restricted to one lane, but later stated the road would remain closed until 6.00 a.m. on 11 November. Rainfall continued to affect the area following the collapse. The Kandy District Secretary urged motorists to avoid the section and use alternative routes.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Police close Colombo-Kandy road section at Kadugannawa following rockfalls on 10 November

November 10·4 sources

Police closed a section of the Colombo-Kandy road between Ganetenna and Kadugannawa on the afternoon of 10 November 2026 following earth slips and rockfalls caused by adverse weather. A parked motorcycle was damaged by falling rocks. Kandy District Secretary Indika Uduwatta announced that vehicular traffic was completely suspended and urged motorists to use alternative routes. Police warned of a risk of further rockfalls accompanied by water along several locations. Aruna and Ada Derana reported the road would remain closed until 6:00 AM on 11 November, whereas Lankadeepa reported the closure would last until 6:30 AM. A separate Aruna report referred to the closed section as being between Kaduwela and Gannetanna.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

Three buses collide on A9 road in Rambewa, leaving multiple dead and injured

November 10·22 sources

Three passenger buses collided near the Rambewa–Weli Oya junction on the A9 road in Anuradhapura on the morning of 10 November. Police said two Sri Lanka Transport Board buses collided head-on before a private bus travelling behind crashed into them. Lankadeepa reported that over 100 passengers were travelling in the three buses. Thamilan, Ada Derana, Dinamina and the Daily Mirror reported that five people died. Hiru News and Lankadeepa placed the death toll at four, with Hiru News identifying the deceased as an SLTB driver and three passengers. Most reports stated that about 50 people were injured, while Hiru News reported 76 hospitalised across Anuradhapura, Medawachchiya and Mihintale hospitals. Mihintale Police are investigating the crash.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Sri Lanka reaches 114 for 3 after Pakistan declares on 434 in Rawalpindi

November 10·8 sources

Sri Lanka reached 114 for three at stumps on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, trailing by 320 runs. Pakistan declared their first innings at 434 for nine after being sent in to bat. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 93 runs, while Tayyab Arif made 57 and Arafat Minhas scored 52. Mohammad Taha scored 51 runs according to most reports, though Virakesari recorded 57. Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando took three wickets for 107 runs, and Dilshan Madushanka claimed three for 108. In reply, Sri Lanka lost two early wickets before Lahiru Udara made 42. Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on 40 alongside Dhananjaya de Silva on 22, while debutant Saqib Khan took two wickets for 54 runs.

Sportsසිංහලதமிழ்