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Top stories — November 11, 2026

Latest stories

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

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

November 11·5 sources

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.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

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

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

November 11·5 sources

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.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

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

November 11·3 sources

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.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

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

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

November 11·4 sources

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has asked Ernst & Young not to assign licensed bank audits to two partners who audited National Development Bank PLC. This follows the disclosure of a Rs. 13.6 billion internal fraud. The fraud reportedly ran undetected for three years and was discovered after NDB’s 2025 financial accounts were certified. The regulator has also required NDB to reconstitute its Board Audit Committee. Bank Supervision Director R.R.S. de Silva Jayathilaka disclosed the actions to the Committee on Public Finance on 5 November. Committee Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva stated that such regulatory steps do not need to be kept completely confidential. The Central Bank clarified that the restriction applies only to the engagement and quality assurance partners, confirming that Ernst & Young remains eligible to audit licensed banks under the Banking Act.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

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

November 11·5 sources

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.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

UN experts urge Sri Lanka to amend proposed anti-terrorism bill

November 11·3 sources

United Nations human rights experts on Monday urged the Sri Lankan government to revise the proposed counter-terrorism law to align with international human rights law. While welcoming the repeal of the 1979 Prevention of Terrorism Act, the experts stated that detention orders must undergo prompt judicial oversight and review committees must operate independently. The experts also recommended restricting the definition of terrorism to intentional killing or severe injury, excluding property damage, and removing arrest and search powers granted to the armed forces. Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya parliamentarian Ajith P. Perera stated that the government's proposed amendments were insufficient, adding that his party would submit amendments to the draft.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Landslide and rockfall block Kadugannawa main road, damaging motorcycle

November 11·2 sources

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.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

GMOA protests in Colombo over salaries and proposed bills ahead of 2027 budget

November 11·2 sources

The Government Medical Officers’ Association staged a protest in Colombo on Tuesday (10), opposing reductions to doctors' salaries and allowances, doctor shortages, and economic injustice. Protesters gathered outside the Colombo National Hospital, demanding the withdrawal of the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the Organized Crime Prevention Bill. They also called for an end to trade union suppression. Assistant Secretary Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said the association expects the 2027 budget, scheduled to be presented to Parliament on Thursday (12), to provide solutions to these salary and allowance issues. The association warned that Tuesday's demonstration was only an initial step, threatening further intensive actions if the government fails to address their demands.

Healthසිංහලதமிழ்

Anti-corruption group lodges bribery complaint against Kaduwela Mayor over gift remarks

November 11·2 sources

On 10 November, an anti-corruption organisation lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against Kaduwela Municipal Council Mayor Ranjan Jayalal. The organisation, named by Divaina as Citizens' Power Against Bribery, Corruption, and Waste and by The Morning as People's Power, acted after Jayalal publicly asked for gifts and hampers ahead of December. Its head, Kamantha Thushara, said soliciting gifts breaches Section 93 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023. Divaina noted that offenders face up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a one-million-rupee fine. Thushara said the case serves as a litmus test of whether the commission will independently investigate figures aligned with the governing National People's Power.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Police report 2,381 people died in road accidents up to November 9

November 11·1 source

A total of 2,381 people died in 2,257 fatal road accidents across the country between January 1 and November 9, 2026, the Police Media Division reported. Motorcyclists accounted for the highest number of deaths, with 850 fatalities. An average of eight people died daily in road accidents. Police also recorded 5,778 serious accidents, 9,572 minor accidents, and 4,385 damage-only accidents during the period. In 2025, 2,692 people died in 2,545 fatal road accidents.

Otherසිංහල

Petitioner offers to withdraw coal petition if losses are not passed to consumers

November 11·1 source

The Court of Appeal was informed on 10 November that a petition challenging losses from importing substandard coal would be withdrawn if respondents pledge not to pass those costs on to electricity consumers. Attorney-at-Law Nuwan Bopage made the submission on behalf of petitioner Pubudu Jayagoda, Education Secretary and Central Committee member of the Frontline Socialist Party. The petition named Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake, the Ministry Secretary, and the Public Utilities Commission among the respondents. It sought an order preventing electricity tariff hikes to recover the coal-generation losses. Appearing before Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando, Bopage cited a letter sent by the Public Utilities Commission to the National System Operator.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

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

November 11·2 sources

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

Cabinet approves MoU with India for grant to buy 100 Suwa Seriya ambulances

November 11·2 sources

The Cabinet of Ministers approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding with India to secure a Rs. 1,725.7 million grant to purchase 100 new ambulances for the 1990 Suwa Seriya emergency service. Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said on Tuesday (10) that the agreement will be signed with India's Health Minister, who arrives in Sri Lanka on Wednesday (11). India agreed to the outright grant following a special request from Sri Lanka. Suppliers for the fully equipped ambulances will be chosen through competitive bidding, and the Health Ministry will recruit staff and handle operations. Jayatissa said the new vehicles will address wear and tear in the existing fleet of 322 ambulances, which covers about 9 million kilometres annually and faces increasing mechanical faults. The free 24-hour service was launched in 2016 with Indian assistance and handles between 1,000 and 1,200 patient transport requests daily nationwide.

HealthEnglishසිංහල

Liquor manufacturers prepare to raise prices if 2027 budget increases excise duty

November 11·1 source

Liquor manufacturing companies are prepared to raise prices if the 2027 budget increases excise duties, company internal sources said. The sources stated that production and transportation costs have risen due to higher fuel prices. Although companies avoided price hikes because liquor is already unaffordable for consumers, they said further tax increases would leave them no alternative to sustain the industry. The companies also reported that legal liquor sales have declined as people, including youth, turn to illicit alcohol and narcotics. Four major companies generate about 80 percent of government excise revenue. Among them, one company has slightly increased liquor prices, while another has raised refund payments for empty bottles.

Economy & Businessසිංහල

Heavy rains trigger floods and landslides across Hatton and Talawakelle

November 11·1 source

Heavy rainfall on 9 November caused flooding and a landslide across the Hatton and Talawakelle areas, damaging houses and disrupting transport. In Kudagama, a landslide blocked the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya main road at around 5:00 PM, damaging a fruit stall and a three-wheeler. Local officials, police, and army troops cleared the debris by 8:00 PM, limiting traffic to one lane. Elsewhere, the overflowing Hatton Oya swept away a lorry, which became lodged in a tree, while floods damaged 50 houses in the Rotas area. In Talawakelle, the overflowing Katukelle Estate canal inundated 12 estate houses, affecting around 55 residents and destroying household goods and schoolbooks. Trade union representatives asked authorities to widen the canal.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

Four arrested in Kilinochchi for gang-raping woman at gunpoint

November 11·1 source

Kilinochchi Police arrested four youths on 9 November in connection with the gang-rape of a young woman at gunpoint in Shanthapuram, Kilinochchi. The victim was returning from a relative's house when she was abducted and assaulted. She was admitted to Kilinochchi Hospital for medical examinations. According to police, the suspects confessed that two others were involved. Police have launched an operation to arrest the two additional suspects and will produce the four arrested youths before the Kilinochchi Magistrate's Court.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Five receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 27th Journalism Awards for Excellence

November 11·1 source

Five individuals received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 27th Journalism Awards for Excellence ceremony held on 10 November at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo. The awards were presented to Divaina’s inaugural Sports Editor Asoka Gunathilake, Anura Bandara Rajaguru, Chandra Fernando, Rohan Sarath Abeywardena, and Ariyaratne Ganegoda. Veteran journalists Mahinda Ileperuma and Ranga Saamy Sivaraj presented the awards at the event, which was jointly organised by the Sri Lanka Editors’ Guild and the Sri Lanka Press Institute.

Entertainment & Cultureසිංහල

Motorcyclist fined and bailed after threatening Hatharaliyadda police officers who arrested him

November 11·1 source

Hatharaliyadda Police arrested a resident of Nikathenna for driving a motorcycle while heavily intoxicated and granted him police bail. The following day, he verbally abused and threatened the arresting officers as they returned home from duty. Police re-arrested the man, and Galagedara Magistrate Nuwan Gunasekara remanded him for seven days. When produced in court again on November 5, he was fined Rs. 30,000 for drunken driving, and his driving licence was suspended for four months. The magistrate also ordered him to appear in court on December 15 over criminal intimidation charges, releasing him on personal bail of Rs. 100,000. Sergeants Jayathilaka, Gayashan, and Dassanayake filed the complaint under Hatharaliyadda Police Officer-in-Charge Inspector H. P. S. Nanayakkara.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Gotabaya Rajapaksa questioned over former personal secretary's alleged salary misuse

November 10·4 sources

The Central Crimes Investigation Bureau questioned former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 9 November over allegations against his former personal secretary, Sugeeshwara Bandara. Rajapaksa arrived at the bureau in Narahenpita around 9:00 AM. Daily News reported the questioning lasted nearly two hours, while Dinamina and Divaina stated it lasted three hours. Divaina identified the interrogating body as the Criminal Investigation Department. Bandara, leader of the New People's Front, is remanded under the Public Property Act for allegedly misusing over Rs. 220 million by simultaneously drawing two state salaries. Dinamina reported that investigators questioned Rajapaksa to resolve inconsistencies between two previous statements he had given. Conversely, Divaina cited police sources stating the questioning aimed to verify contradictory statements made by Bandara.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Anuradhapura court summons Balangoda Kassapa Thera and four monks for 20 November

November 10·8 sources

Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasindu Wickramarathne on 9 November summoned Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero and four other monks to appear before the court on 20 November. The monks launched a Satyagraha on 7 November near Ruwanweli Maha Seya demanding the withdrawal of the Anuradhapura Sacred City development plan. The protest continued into its fourth day on 10 November, defying an earlier court order to vacate. Police stated the protest distressed the public and violated the initial order. Defence lawyers argued police misled the court, asserting the demonstration took place on alms-giving grounds without causing public disruption. Divaina's headline mentioned Kassapa Thero and five other monks, but its report and other outlets named five monks in total: Kassapa, Kahatagasdigiliye Wijitha, Balangoda Anuruddha, Pilimathalawe Rewatha, and Deniyaye Soratha.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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