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Top stories — November 11, 2026

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Port City Colombo holds first Indian investor forum in Chennai

November 11·3 sources

Port City Colombo held its inaugural investor forum in India at the Hyatt Regency in Chennai on 4 November, seeking to attract Indian investment. The event was organised by the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai alongside Port City Colombo. Over 200 business leaders, investors, and policymakers attended to explore opportunities across real estate, financial services, logistics, and technology. Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran stressed the potential to expand bilateral commerce, while Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairperson Harsha Amarasekera outlined regulatory safeguards positioning the project as a regional business hub. CHEC Port City Colombo Deputy Managing Director Thulci Aluwihare noted that as Sri Lanka’s only foreign currency-designated Special Economic Zone, the project offers single-window approvals, 100 percent foreign ownership, and transactions in 16 foreign currencies, including the Indian rupee.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Prison authorities isolate inmates following measles outbreak in three Colombo prisons

November 11·2 sources

Prison authorities have isolated infected inmates and begun vaccinating eligible prisoners across the Welikada, Magazine, and Colombo Remand prisons following a measles outbreak. Authorities informed courts that inmates from the three facilities would not be produced on Monday (9). However, Acting Prisons Commissioner General Prasad Hemantha Kumara said court activities were unaffected, noting only a couple of cases had been reported. Kumara maintained that the outbreak was under control, rejecting claims of medicine shortages and inadequate prison medical facilities. Meanwhile, the Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners wrote to Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, with spokesperson Senaka Perera warning that severe prison congestion could worsen the spread and expose all inmates.

HealthEnglish

Government gazettes Public-Private Partnerships Bill to establish National Agency

November 11·1 source

The Government has gazetted the proposed Public-Private Partnerships Bill, which provides for establishing a National Agency to promote and facilitate public-private partnership projects in Sri Lanka. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, acting as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, submitted the Bill following Cabinet approval on 19 October. The proposed law aims to create a legal framework for cooperation between the State and private-sector investors, while addressing issues concerning transparency, procurement and institutional coordination. It is also designed to align public-private partnership projects with the public investment management framework under the Public Financial Management Act.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

CEJ warns Attorney General of contempt action over X-Press Pearl directives

November 11·1 source

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has served a 14-day Letter of Demand on Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe Junior, warning of legal proceedings, including contempt of court action. Sent on 7 November on behalf of the CEJ and Executive Director Hemantha Withanage, the letter alleged non-compliance with Supreme Court directives issued over 15 months earlier over the MV X-Press Pearl disaster. In a July 2025 judgment, the court held that the Attorney General violated fundamental rights by failing to indict the vessel's owners and operators under the Marine Pollution Prevention Act. The CEJ stated the Attorney General ignored orders to direct police investigations, submit progress reports every three months, and conduct maritime law studies, while also failing to reimburse its legal costs submitted in January.

Crime & CourtsEnglish

Trade Ministry awaits court case outcome to decide further action against LAUGFS

November 11·1 source

The Trade Ministry will decide on further action against LAUGFS Gas PLC based on the outcome of a court case filed against the company, Deputy Trade Minister R. M. Jayawardena said. The ministry had directed LAUGFS to supply adequate gas or buy back cylinders for Rs 1,000, but consumers could not return them. Jayawardena said promised gas shipments also failed to arrive on three specified dates. He earlier accused the company of delaying orders to push its domestic market share beyond the permitted 20 percent limit. In response, LAUGFS Chairperson W.K.H. Wegapitiya said international procurement, shipping, and Middle East supply chain disruptions caused the shortages, denying that the company failed or hesitated to place orders.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

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

Government to acquire eight houses blocking drainage after National Hospital floods

November 11·1 source

Officials on 10 November linked recent flooding at the National Hospital in Colombo to an unfinished drainage project along Arnold Ratnayake Mawatha, which stalled 100 to 150 metres short because eight houses blocked the path. Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya instructed officials to proceed under the Land Acquisition Act to clear the structures after residents rejected alternative housing offers valued at Rs 5 million and Rs 11 million. A 150-millimetre downpour on 6 November flooded Colombo and inundated the hospital's ground floors. Authorities also identified 60 major drainage blockages caused by plastic waste, illegal construction, and utility pipes trapping debris.

HealthEnglish

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

November 11·2 sources

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.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Tamil politicians allege targeting of Hinduism in Sri Lanka at New Delhi conference

November 11·1 source

All Ceylon Tamil Congress Leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam alleged that Hinduism is being deliberately targeted in Sri Lanka's North and East, while addressing a conference in New Delhi on 28 October. Speaking at the event, Ponnambalam cited government plans to construct 1,000 Buddhist viharas and alleged encroachments on ancient Shiva temples under the guise of archaeology. He stated that convincing India's government to seek accountability is the movement's main challenge. Bharatiya Janata Party National Secretary M. Venkatesan and Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi MP Elayathamby Srinath echoed these views, comparing Sri Lankan Hindus to Kashmiri Pandits. Participants also met Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

PoliticsEnglish

Kayts court adjourns Mandaitivu mass grave case to January 2027 awaiting military report

November 11·1 source

The Kayts Magistrate's Court on 10 November fixed the inquiry into the suspected 1990s Mandaitivu mass grave case for 5 January 2027. The Jaffna District Crime Investigation Police submitted available evidence but requested more time, stating they had not yet received a military report identifying officers and a camp stationed at the site. Police said the details are required to record statements. Lawyers for affected parties urged authorities to expedite investigations and gather forensic evidence, expressing concern over prolonged delays. The case was first taken up before Magistrate Anifa Rajeev on 17 September 2025.

Crime & CourtsEnglish

NBRI audits 75 Colombo buildings and recommends demolishing several deteriorating structures

November 11·1 source

The National Building Research Institute (NBRI) has processed about 75 buildings within Colombo Municipal Council limits for critical structural integrity audits following reports of structural distress. Dammika Kahahengoda of the NBRI told The Daily Morning on 10 November that inspectors recommended the complete demolition of several structures due to irreversible age-related deterioration and structural defects. The institute also flagged 21 buildings exhibiting unsafe structural alterations or unauthorised vertical extensions. Kahahengoda noted that poor maintenance across the Colombo Metropolitan Area has caused severe building deterioration and reinforcement corrosion, adding that some structures in the city are 150 years old or older.

OtherEnglish

FUTA rejects COPE claim of Rs 30 billion loss from defaulting academics

November 11·1 source

The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations has rejected claims that the country suffered a Rs 30 billion financial loss from academics who breached postgraduate service agreements. On 4 November, the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises flagged Rs 30 billion in outstanding dues while examining Eastern University audit and performance reports for 2023 and 2024. FUTA President Prof. Ruchika Fernando said the calculation was flawed because the government includes privately secured foreign scholarships and 50 percent of work stipends earned abroad in bond values. Fernando added that many academics are gradually repaying dues with interest, while sureties remain liable if defaults occur, meaning the state incurs no outright loss.

EducationEnglish

Former water board chairman Nishantha Ranatunga granted bail over alleged corruption

November 11·2 sources

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama on 10 November ordered the release on bail of former National Water Supply and Drainage Board Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption arrested Ranatunga over allegations of causing a loss of nearly Rs. 14.8 million to the government during his tenure. CIABOC told the court that Ranatunga illegally assigned four board workers to his personal service between 2020 and 2024. These included two contract workers used as personal drivers and two security officers stationed at his private residence. Objecting to bail, CIABOC alleged Ranatunga had threatened staff with dismissal and could influence witnesses. Defence lawyers argued that security personnel were deployed because of threats to Ranatunga's life and water installations during strikes and the economic crisis.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

NCPA introduces national child protection guidelines amid rising online abuse

November 11·1 source

The National Child Protection Authority introduced a national code of guidelines to minimise abuse and ensure child safety in Sri Lanka, officials announced at a media briefing on 9 November. NCPA Director Shanika Malalgoda said the authority receives nearly 10,000 complaints annually, driven by challenges including sexual abuse, cruelty, online threats, teenage pregnancies, and drug use. Computer Emergency Readiness Team Senior Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola reported that sensitive online incidents involving children rose from 53 in 2025 to 180 by November. Damunupola attributed the surge to social media exposure and platform monetisation, noting that some parents share content featuring their children to generate income without realising the potential harm.

Crime & CourtsEnglish

Sri Lanka lacks domestic laws to implement ratified labour conventions, Anton Marcus says

November 11·1 source

Sri Lanka has not enacted domestic laws to implement many of the international labour conventions it has ratified, National Labour Advisory Council member and trade unionist Anton Marcus claimed. Marcus said that although Sri Lanka has ratified around 44 conventions, ratification has little practical effect without local legislation and regulations to enforce their provisions. He cited International Labour Organisation Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment in the workplace, which Sri Lanka ratified on 16 April, as an unenacted convention. Sri Lanka is expected to introduce the required provisions by amending existing labour laws. Labour Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa was unavailable for comment.

OtherEnglish

Petroleum distributors stage silent protest in Colombo over commission cuts and fuel supply

November 11·1 source

The Petroleum Distributors’ Association staged a silent protest in front of the World Trade Centre in Colombo on 10 November over several demands. Members of the association representing three private companies called for an uninterrupted fuel supply to filling stations owned by private firms. Protesters also opposed the reduction of their commission from 3.6 per cent to 1.5 per cent, and demanded the appointment of a competent authority to regulate the fuel pricing formula.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Government invests Rs 1 billion under 2026 Budget to boost dairy production

November 11·1 source

Sri Lanka is investing Rs 1 billion under the 2026 National Budget to strengthen domestic dairy production, the Department of Government Information announced on 10 November. Under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) has begun developing 300 acres at its Nikaweratiya Farm and upgrading five satellite farms. The board plans to import 400 Sahiwal cattle, beginning with 200 animals, to crossbreed with Friesian and Jersey breeds. The resulting cattle will be distributed to local farmers through the satellite farms. To boost animal-feed production, the NLDB is introducing irrigation across 500 acres for three-season maize cultivation. The initiative targets 100,000 cattle improvement procedures by 2030.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Former ADB director urges Sri Lanka to link environmental preservation to tourism revenue

November 11·1 source

Sri Lanka should follow Costa Rica’s model of linking environmental preservation to economic returns to boost growth, former Asian Development Bank sector director Sanath Ranawana said on 10 November. Ranawana noted that the country’s natural environment, including beaches and mountains, drives tourism but must remain intact. He suggested tourism authorities direct part of their revenue to local communities for forest management. Both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank forecast slower economic growth for Sri Lanka. The IMF has stressed that resilient tourism and services are vital for foreign exchange ahead of a 2.3% primary balance target in 2027.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

NWSDB targets cutting non-revenue water to 15 percent by curbing leaks, illegal connections

November 11·1 source

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board plans to reduce the country’s non-revenue water rate from its current 20 to 25 percent to a standard target of 15 percent. NWSDB Chairperson Chandana Bandara said the losses are driven by unregistered, unmetered connections and underground leakages, particularly from pipelines over 50 years old in Colombo. To achieve the target, the board plans to identify illegal consumers, take legal action against them, and replace ageing pipelines. Bandara noted that the board collects 98 percent of dues for supplied water and has seen increasing profits in recent years. However, the Finance Ministry’s mid-year fiscal report stated that non-revenue water accounted for 24.4 percent of total supply, causing significant revenue losses.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Health Ministry calls for flood-resilient hospital construction following severe rainfall

November 11·1 source

The Health Ministry has acknowledged that future hospital construction must account for flooding risks following disruptions caused by heavy rainfall, Deputy Health Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni said on 10 November. Dr Wijemuni noted that 130 millimetres of rain fell within 45 minutes during a recent incident, overflowing the nearby Norris Canal and flooding a hospital. Inundated ground floors disrupted services and disabled lifts, with similar incidents occurring in Colombo and Kandy. He stated that local authorities must upgrade external drainage systems, while the Ministry ensures hospital sites are better prepared. He also blamed unplanned urban construction for obstructing natural water flow and causing drainage backflow. Meanwhile, Colombo Deputy Mayor Hemantha Kumara said the Municipal Council has deployed workers and machinery to clear blockages along the Norris Canal to expand its capacity.

HealthEnglish

MP Mujibur Rahman says fate of 116 Rohingya refugees remains uncertain

November 11·1 source

Opposition Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman said the fate of 116 Rohingya refugees who arrived in Sri Lanka in December 2024 remains uncertain. Rahman noted that neither the Government nor international human rights organisations have clarified their future, adding that there is no clear contact point for information. He alleged that the group remains stranded in Trincomalee, though their current whereabouts and legal status could not be independently established. The group, including 57 children, arrived from Myanmar on 19 December 2024 and was taken into State custody at the Mullaitivu Air Force Camp. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka visited the camp in January 2025 and raised concerns regarding detention conditions, healthcare, and food. The Sri Lanka Red Cross subsequently referred to 103 refugees in a humanitarian assistance report.

Foreign AffairsEnglish

Pooja Hegde arrives in Sri Lanka to open Sriyani Dress Point Wellawatte branch

November 11·1 source

Indian actress Pooja Hegde arrived in Sri Lanka to attend the opening of Sriyani Dress Point’s newest branch in Wellawatte. Senior management of the fashion brand and a large crowd welcomed her at the airport. Hegde will attend the opening ceremony as a special guest, where registered fans will have the opportunity to meet her and take photographs. The opening of Sriyani Dress Point’s first major showroom in Colombo is also expected to attract Sri Lankan cricketers and prominent personalities. The showroom will offer clothing, accessories, home décor, and everyday essentials.

Entertainment & CultureEnglish