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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 sentencing of former Minister Johnston Fernando until November 25

November 11·3 sources

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 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

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 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

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

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

November 11·5 sources

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.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

US House Republicans block effort to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

November 11·3 sources

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.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහල

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

Sri Lanka to introduce entrepreneurship and financial literacy to Grade 6 in 2027

November 11·4 sources

Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced on 10 November that entrepreneurship and financial literacy will be added to the Grade 6 curriculum from 2027. While Hiru News initially reported the rollout would begin next year, other outlets and the remainder of Hiru News's report specified 2027. Speaking at Isurupaya, Amarasuriya said the initiative aims to protect young people from financial fraud and promote participation in productive economic activities. Commercial education, previously limited to Ordinary and Advanced Level students, will become a broader life skill. The announcement coincided with awards for the first All-Island Commerce Knowledge and Entrepreneurial Skills Competition. Supplementary teaching modules were also introduced. The ministry launched a plan to establish 100 regional activity-based learning centres in three phases between 2026 and 2028, beginning with 25 centres across all districts this year.

EducationEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

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

November 11·3 sources

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

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

Cabinet approves $200 million ADB financing for micro, small and medium enterprises

November 11·2 sources

The Cabinet has approved entering into agreements with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a $200 million facility to improve credit access for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the facility includes a $100 million policy loan repayable over 12 years with a three-year grace period, and a $100 million financial intermediation loan repayable over 15 years with a five-year grace period. The financing forms the first stage of a broader $620 million ADB package approved for negotiations in March 2026 to support Sri Lanka’s economic reforms alongside the International Monetary Fund programme. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake submitted the proposal in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Development.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

Police recover hidden firearms in Hanwella following interrogation of 'Bus Lalith'

November 11·3 sources

On 10 November 2026, the Central Crime Investigation Bureau recovered two firearms and two live rounds in Hanwella, following information revealed by extradited underworld figure Lalith Kannangara, alias ‘Bus Lalith’. Officers seized a locally manufactured firearm capable of firing 9mm ammunition along with a magazine, and a locally manufactured 12-bore ‘Galkatas’ firearm with two rounds of live ammunition. Lankadeepa and Hiru News reported the weapons were found hidden inside a mahogany tree hollow in Dasawella, while the Daily Mirror described the location as a hideout in Pahathgama. Kannangara, a 36-year-old Embilipitiya resident extradited from Dubai, remains detained for further questioning. Police suspect the weapons were hidden to commit a crime and will produce them before court.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Deep depression forecast off east coast as heavy rains trigger reservoir spilling

November 11·1 source

A low-pressure area expected east of Sri Lanka is likely to intensify into a deep depression and move northwards parallel to the East Coast, the Department of Meteorology announced. Continuous heavy rainfall in the Central Hills caused six spill gates of the Victoria Reservoir to open automatically. The Mahaweli Authority also released 150 cubic metres of water per second from the Kotmale Reservoir, urging downstream residents along the Kotmale Oya and Mahaweli River to stay vigilant. Meanwhile, the Colombo-Kandy road between Dawson Tower in Kadugannawa and Ganetenna has reopened with restricted traffic, Kandy District Secretary Indika Uduwatta said. National Building Research Organisation Senior Geologist Dr. Wasantha Senadheera advised the public to remain alert without waiting for official warnings.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

Spanish workers launch 24-hour nationwide general strike over housing crisis

November 11·1 source

Spanish workers commenced a 24-hour nationwide general strike on 11 November 2026 to protest against the country's escalating housing crisis. This is the first such strike in Spain in 14 years. Spain's two largest trade unions, UGT and CCOO, alongside other labour organisations and tenants' associations, supported the action. They demanded wages that allow access to decent housing amid rising rents and increasing evictions. Despite adverse weather conditions, workers staged protests in various locations. Clashes also broke out between trade union members and police near the entrance of the Mercamadrid wholesale market in Madrid, resulting in one arrest.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Supreme Court directs AG to examine compensation for KDU Badulla crash victims

November 11·2 sources

The Supreme Court on 11 November 2026 directed the Attorney General to examine whether Kotelawala Defence University can pay compensation to victims of a fatal bus accident in Badulla. A bench comprising Justices Mahinda Samayawardena, Arjuna Obeyesekere, and Menaka Wijesundara considered a fundamental rights petition filed by Mitra Wahalawatta, the father of a deceased student. The petition sought a full inquiry into the accident and compensation for affected students. The accident occurred on 1 November 2024 during a university field trip, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to several others. Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera submitted that the petition might be time-barred, while Attorney Sanjaya Marambe requested the bus owner's release from the case as a private party. The court ordered the case to be called on 16 March.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Engineer warns of landslide risks on Hatton-Nuwara Eliya road amid heavy rains

November 11·2 sources

Executive Engineer M. Sadhik of the Norwood Highways Office has warned of further landslide risks along the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya main road due to prevailing heavy rains. The risk is particularly high in the Kudagama area, where an earth slip recently occurred. Although the fallen earth has been cleared, vehicular traffic remains restricted to a single lane. Sadhik urged motorists using the road to exercise caution and follow safety instructions.

Environment & Weatherසිංහලதமிழ்

Minister Lalakantha rejects allegations over monk protests, says government ready to leave power

November 11·2 sources

Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K. D. Lalakantha on 10 November rejected allegations that he was behind the deployment of police against protests by Buddhist monks. Speaking to journalists, Lalakantha also completely denied accusations that groups affiliated with him sent individuals to disrupt a satyagraha held by Buddhist monks. The Minister said the current government does not aim to remain in power permanently and is ready to leave whenever the people decide at an election. He added that recent events in Colombo and at the Atamasthana were minor incidents occurring to fill the void of a strong political opposition.

Politicsසිංහල

Six Victoria Reservoir spill gates open automatically following heavy rain

November 11·1 source

Six spill gates at the Victoria Reservoir opened automatically since Tuesday night (10) following continuous heavy rainfall in the central hills. Eng. Wasanna Ehelapitiya, the engineer in charge of the reservoir at the Mahaweli Authority, said the water level reached 438.12 metres above sea level. The opened gates are discharging 504 cubic metres of water per second into the Mahaweli River. Gates G1 to G6 opened between 0.677 and 0.770 metres, while gates G7 and G8 remain closed. Authorities urged people using the river and residents in low-lying areas along its banks to remain vigilant as downstream water levels could rise.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල