FindAllNews — Sri Lanka News

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

Prime Minister announces heavy government investment in people-centred development

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the government is prepared to invest heavily in people-centred development and urged professionals, including engineers, to help transform Sri Lanka into a major global trade hub. Speaking at the CECB-CESL Symposium 2026 in Battaramulla on Wednesday (11), she said engineering contributions are vital to build rural schools and hospitals, improve roads, and revive maritime services. Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe also attended. Amarasuriya warned that recent migration has created a shortage of technical personnel to complete funded infrastructure projects, stressing that the country must find new ways to retain young professionals. She also called for disaster-resilient designs to handle frequent flooding, engineering education adapted to artificial intelligence, and engineers who develop administrative capabilities.

Politicsසිංහලதமிழ்

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.

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.

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

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

November 11·9 sources

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewed the final draft of the 2027 budget proposals at the Presidential Secretariat on 11 November. Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma also attended the review. The budget includes Rs. 2,000 billion in capital allocations. It aims to move beyond economic stabilization toward economic expansion and transformative development. A President’s Media Division statement noted that the government achieved progress in key economic sectors through high financial discipline, despite challenges including the Ditwa disaster and the Middle East crisis. President Dissanayake is scheduled to present the budget to Parliament on Thursday (12) afternoon in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

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.

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

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

November 11·4 sources

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

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.

US mediates Ukraine and Russia peace talks in Abu Dhabi

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.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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.

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.

Court of Appeal President appoints three-judge bench to hear Hirunika Premachandra's appeal

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya has appointed a three-judge bench to hear the appeal filed by former Member of Parliament Hirunika Premachandra against her conviction and three-year prison sentence. The decision followed a split verdict by a two-judge bench comprising Justices P. Kumararatnam and Pradeep Hettiarachchi. The newly appointed bench, including Abeysooriya and both judges, will hear the appeal on 21 January 2027. Premachandra was convicted by the Colombo High Court on 18 charges, including the abduction, unlawful detention, and assault of Amila Priyankara in Dematagoda on 21 December 2015. She is currently on bail pending the determination of the appeal.

US Congressman Thomas Massie introduces resolution to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

United States Republican Representative Thomas Massie has submitted eight articles of impeachment against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of abusing his authority and violating the US Constitution and the War Powers Act. The charges include conducting unauthorized military operations in Iran, including an airstrike on a school in Minab that killed over 200 civilians, arresting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and attacking suspected drug boats, killing 243 people. Massie urged Hegseth to resign or be replaced before Democrats assume control of Congress in January following recent midterm elections. A House vote on the impeachment motion is expected this week. Hegseth dismissed Massie as a disgruntled lawmaker and rejected the effort, stating that he welcomed the opportunity to defend his actions before Congress.

Pakistan dominate Sri Lanka on second day of first Test in Rawalpindi

November 11·4 sources

Pakistan declared their first innings at 434 for 9 before reducing Sri Lanka to 114 for 3 by stumps on day two of the first Test in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Resuming at 281 for 5, Pakistan were lifted by Saud Shakeel's 93 and debutant Arafat Minhas's 52. Asitha Fernando claimed his 100th Test wicket, taking 3 for 107 alongside Dilshan Madushanka's 3 for 108. In reply, Sri Lanka lost Pasindu Sooriyabandara without scoring, Dinesh Chandimal for one, and Lahiru Udara for 42. Pakistan debutant Saqib Khan took two wickets and Mohammad Abbas took one. Kamindu Mendis on 40 and Dhananjaya de Silva on 22 remained unbeaten, leaving Sri Lanka trailing by 320 runs. The Morning called de Silva captain, while FT.lk referred to him as former captain.

SportsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Court further remands MP Chamara Sampath and former secretary over bribery allegations

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama on Tuesday ordered Badulla District Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dasanayake and his former private secretary remanded until November 20 over bribery allegations. The Bribery Commission accused them of soliciting and accepting an Rs. 8.4 million bribe to improperly issue import permits to three companies while Dasanayake was State Minister of Primary Industries. Dinamina reported the imports were phosphate, while Virakesari reported passports. The magistrate rejected the former secretary's bail application and directed the commission to file objections to Dasanayake's bail request by November 17. Prison officials did not produce the suspects due to an infectious disease. The magistrate deferred ruling on a request by President's Counsel Kalinga Indatissa to allow Dasanayake to attend Parliament for the budget presentation on November 12.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Landslide and rockfall block Kadugannawa main road, damaging motorcycle

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

A landslide and rockfall occurred in Kadugannawa around 5:30 PM on 10 November, with a falling rock striking a motorcycle. Police confirmed that the rider escaped unharmed after stepping into a nearby shop. Dinamina reported that the incident occurred on the Colombo-Kandy Road, severely damaging the motorcycle. Divaina identified the route as the Colombo-Nuwara Eliya Road and stated that the motorcycle was completely destroyed. Divaina reported that traffic was completely paralysed. However, Kandy District Secretary Indika Uduwatta stated that traffic was initially restricted to one lane before the road was closed until 6:00 AM on 12 November, advising motorists to take alternative routes.

Lahiru Achintha wins Youth Olympic silver medal in 1500 metres

Seventeen-year-old Lahiru Achintha won the silver medal in the men’s 1500 metres at the 4th Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday. Achintha finished in 3:59.08, trailing gold medallist Wabi Seblega of Ethiopia by 0.35 seconds. Alex Sangil of Spain won bronze in 3:59.70. The result is Sri Lanka’s best performance in Youth Olympic history, placing the country 60th in the medal standings among 205 nations. Achintha, from Kumara Vidyalaya, Ratnapura, was the only track-and-field athlete among five competitors representing Sri Lanka at the Games.

SportsEnglishසිංහල

Air Force takes over management of Neville Fernando Hospital in Malabe

The Sri Lanka Air Force has taken over the administration and day-to-day operations of the 1,002-bed Dr. Neville Fernando Hospital in Malabe. The facility remains completely owned by the Treasury. Cabinet approved the transfer following a joint proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. This replaces an interim management arrangement established after the state acquired the hospital in 2017. Under Chief Executive Officer Air Commodore Dr. Niluka Abeysekara, the hospital will allocate around 180 beds to the Air Force while continuing free and paid healthcare services for the public. Dr. Jayatissa said the Health Ministry previously provided approximately Rs. 50 million monthly to support the hospital, as its income was insufficient to cover employee salaries.

HealthEnglishසිංහල

Government to allocate Rs. 2,000 billion capital expenditure for 2027 development

November 11·1 source

The government has decided to allocate Rs. 2,000 billion as capital expenditure for development in 2027, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced on 10 November. Speaking at a Cabinet press briefing, Jayatissa said the allocation will be part of the budget presented on 12 November, aiming to drive economic growth over the next three years. Jayatissa announced that government employees will receive basic salary increments and increased sector allowances in January. He added that selected tax relief will be granted, though cautious tax policies will remain. He noted that Rs. 98 billion was spent on fuel subsidies this year, while Rs. 500 billion was allocated for housing, compensation, and infrastructure damaged by the Ditwa disaster.

Economy & Businessසිංහල

Sunshine Holdings posts 44.3% profit rise to Rs. 3.7 billion in first half

Sunshine Holdings PLC recorded a consolidated revenue of Rs. 40.2 billion for the six months ended September 30, 2026, an increase of 24.4% compared to the same period last year. The group's profit after tax grew by 44.3% to Rs. 3.7 billion, driven by performance across its healthcare, consumer, and agribusiness sectors. Healthcare contributed 49% of total revenue, while the consumer and agribusiness sectors accounted for 37% and 14%, respectively. Gross profit increased by 11.7% to Rs. 11.5 billion, though the gross profit margin declined to 28.7% from 31.9% because of drug pricing impacts and rupee depreciation. Operating profit reached Rs. 6.1 billion, up 10.5%. Second-quarter revenue rose 32% to Rs. 21.6 billion, with profit after tax increasing 82.4% to Rs. 2.3 billion. Group CEO Shyam Sathasivam stated the results demonstrated the resilience of the diversified business model amid price regulations and currency fluctuations.

Economy & Businessසිංහල

Pearson hosts South Asia conference to align education with industry needs

Global education provider Pearson recently held the BTEC Connect South Asia conference to align education with industry needs. Dinamina reported that nearly 150 education and industry leaders from Sri Lanka and India attended, while Thinakaran reported over 150. Discussions focused on equipping students with practical, transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability to prepare them for shifting employment demands. Citing World Bank and International Labour Organization data, reports noted that 18.6% of Sri Lanka's youth labour force aged 15 to 24 was unemployed in 2025. While approximately one million youth are expected to enter the workforce over the next decade, only about 300,000 formal jobs are projected. Dinamina reported the initiative supports Sri Lanka's Technical and Vocational Education and Training Strategic Framework for 2026 to 2035.

Educationසිංහලதமிழ்

AG to decide on PTA action against Gampaha Osmond after investigations end

The Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal on 10 November that a decision on proceeding under the Prevention of Terrorism Act against Osmond Gunasekera, alias 'Gampaha Osmond', will be made once investigations conclude. Deputy Solicitor General Disna Warnakula made the submission before Justices Mahen Gopallawa and Annalingam Premshankar during a writ petition hearing. Gunasekera is in custody on suspicion of aiding and abetting the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa. Gunasekera’s son, Shehan Gunasekera, filed the petition seeking to prevent his own arrest by the Colombo Crimes Division. He claimed officers questioned him in a threatening manner regarding connections to Kehelbaddara Padme in Thailand. The petitioner also stated that two firearms found during a search of his father's house on 13 May were legally licensed, contrary to media reports alleging illegal possession.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Retired Air Force officer files FR petition over assault during Anuradhapura Satyagraha

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Retired Air Force officer Shanta Jayathilaka filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court on 10 November, seeking an order directing police to investigate an assault during a protest near Ruwanweliseya. The assault occurred on 7 November during a Satyagraha organised by Buddhist monks protesting against the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Project. The Anuradhapura Headquarters Police Inspector, also identified as the station's Officer-in-Charge, and several others were named as respondents. Dinamina reported that Jayathilaka alleged the monks' fundamental rights were violated by the assault. According to The Morning, he claimed his own rights were violated because police had failed to conduct a proper investigation to date.

Former water board chairman Nishantha Ranatunga granted bail over alleged corruption