FindAllNews — Sri Lanka News

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

The Trincomalee Magistrate's Court on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera after he failed to appear for a hearing. Magistrate M.S.M. Samsudeen ordered police to arrest him and produce him before the court. The case involves alleged unauthorized constructions and the installation of a controversial Buddha statue on the Trincomalee beachfront without legal permission. Police named 14 individuals as suspects, with Kassapa Thera listed as the second suspect. The court ordered nine suspects to report to the Trincomalee Harbour Police Station on Thursday to record statements. Tamil Mirror reported that suspect Sudeepa Liyanage appeared in court on Wednesday. Magistrate Samsudeen postponed the case to January 6, 2027. Virakesari reported that Kassapa Thera is currently staging a fast-unto-death protest in the Ruwanwelisaya area against the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Project.

Sri Lanka launches five-day business name registration pilot in Anuradhapura

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

Sri Lanka launched a five-day business name registration pilot project in Anuradhapura on 10 November 2026. The initiative simplifies the process for sole proprietorships and partnerships, replacing a framework in place since 1918. The project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, non-profit organisation Chrysalis, and Provincial Councils. Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the reform aims to reduce administrative barriers for entrepreneurs entering the formal economy. Under the reform, business name registration is separated from other licensing requirements. Applicants will only need to provide basic identity and residency details, eliminating requirements for land ownership documents and multiple institutional approvals. The initial three-month pilot will operate in 20 Divisional Secretariat divisions across the Central, Northern, North Central, and North Western provinces. Following an evaluation, the government plans to expand the unified system islandwide and introduce a digital registration platform.

Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and two monks start fast-unto-death near Ruwanwelisaya

Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera and two other Buddhist monks commenced a fast-unto-death on 11 November near Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura. The monks are demanding that the government withdraw the gazette notification for the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Project. The hunger strike escalated from a Satyagraha launched on 7 November. Protesters expressed concern that the proposed expansion from 28 to 38 square kilometres threatens the sanctity and antiquity of Buddhist sacred sites. The fast continued despite an Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court order to vacate the sacred area. The court has summoned Kassapa Thera and four other monks to appear on 20 November. Ada Derana and Divaina reported that Kassapa Thera was instructed to give a statement to the Colombo District Crime Division on 11 November, whereas Virakesari stated that Anuradhapura investigators recorded his statement at the protest site.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

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

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

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe appears in court over alleged state funds misuse

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake appeared before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2026. The Criminal Investigation Department filed the case under the Public Property Act over allegations of misusing state funds when Wickremesinghe travelled to the United Kingdom in 2023 to attend the graduation ceremony of his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe. While most reports stated the alleged misuse exceeded Rs. 16.6 million, one Hiru News report placed the loss at over Rs. 15 million. The court recalled the case to inquire about instructions from the Attorney General and future legal action, following the conclusion of investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

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.

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

Economy & Businessසිංහලதமிழ்

Crude oil prices in the global market have increased, according to foreign media reports on 11 November 2026. The price of a barrel of WTI crude oil rose by 0.69 percent to US$ 86.63. Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil increased by 1.01 percent to reach US$ 92.41.

Sri Lanka conducts first passenger drone test flight at Colombo Port City

November 11·8 sources

Sri Lanka conducted its first official demonstration flight of an electric, pilotless passenger drone at Colombo Port City on 11 November. Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka traveled in the aircraft during the trial. The test used a recently imported E216 two-seater drone manufactured by China's EHang. The electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft features 16 propellers, 12 battery packs, and automated safety systems operated remotely from a central station. Testing will continue at Port City for six months. Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated commercial operations could begin within six months, serving destinations like Sigiriya and Pidurangala, passenger transport, and emergency services. The initiative requires coordination among several agencies, including the Civil Aviation Authority, Defence Ministry, Sri Lanka Air Force, and the Port City Economic Commission.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

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

Economy & Businessසිංහලதமிழ்

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewed the final draft of the 2027 budget proposals at the Presidential Secretariat on 11 November 2026. Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma also took part. The 2027 budget includes capital allocations of Rs. 2,000 billion. It aims to move beyond economic stabilization toward economic expansion and transformative development. The President's Media Division stated that the government achieved progress in key economic sectors despite challenges, including the Ditwa disaster and the Middle East crisis. President Dissanayake, serving as Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, is scheduled to present the budget to Parliament on the afternoon of 12 November.

President Dissanayake to present 2027 budget to Parliament on November 12

November 11·8 sources

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, serving as Minister of Finance, will present the 2027 Budget speech to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, at 1.30 p.m. Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the budget will offer tax relief in certain sectors, increase some allowances, and raise public sector basic salaries, supporting economic transformation over the next three years. The budget debate will span 26 days, beginning November 13. The second reading vote is scheduled for November 20 at 6.00 p.m., though Thinakaran reported the date as November 10. The committee stage debate will follow from November 21 to December 14, with the final third reading vote set for 6.00 p.m. on December 14.

Economy & Businessසිංහලதமிழ்

Government begins preliminary work to expand Metro bus service to Jaffna by mid-2027

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

The Government has commenced preliminary work to expand the Metro luxury bus service to Jaffna, targeting operations to begin by mid-2027. Officials conducted a route inspection and trial run in Jaffna on 10 November 2026. The trial assessed road suitability, technical feasibility, infrastructure, and bus stop locations. Earlier, officials held discussions at the Road Development Authority’s Northern Provincial Project Director's Office on Beach Road in Jaffna. Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Deputy Transport Minister Dr Prasanna Gunasena (named Gunasekara in Virakesari) led the events. Gunasena noted the service expanded from 10 to 122 buses across Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara. Jaffna and Kandy were chosen for the next phase under a national plan to 2029 with full government funding. The Morning reported that the Sri Lanka Metro Transit Company will implement the project.

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.

Minister says only 20km of Colombo's 469km drainage network upgraded since 2014

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Only about 20 kilometres of the Colombo Municipal Council’s 469-kilometre drainage and canal network have been upgraded since 2014, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said on Tuesday. The upgraded sections can handle rainfall of 102 millimetres per hour, but recent downpours brought 129 to 150 millimetres within two hours, overwhelming the ageing system. Dr. Jayatissa said unauthorized settlements and improper waste disposal also caused severe blockages. He urged the public to stop dumping non-biodegradable waste into canals and drains. Flooding also affected the National Hospital premises, where eight households along Norris Canal have not relocated despite Rs. 11 million offered in compensation. A multi-agency rapid action programme is now underway.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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.

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

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

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.

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 begins hearing contempt case against Dilith Jayaweera and others

The Court of Appeal on 11 November began hearing a contempt of court case filed by the Fort Magistrate against six individuals, including Sarvajana Balaya leader Dilith Jayaweera, Wimal Weerawansa, and Udaya Gammanpila. A three-judge bench comprising Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya, Justice Chamath Morayas, and Justice Aditya Patabendige is hearing the matter. Hiru News described Weerawansa and Gammanpila as parliamentarians, whereas Ada Derana identified them as former parliamentarians. The complaint also names Sugeeshwara Bandara, Asanka Nawaratna, and Mahinda Pathirana over statements protesting the arrest and detention of retired Major General Suresh Sale, the former State Intelligence Service Director held over the Easter Sunday attacks. President's Counsel Manohara de Silva, representing Gammanpila, questioned how the magistrate determined a YouTube statement occurred on 7 June, arguing the video specified no date or time.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

NBRO warns of continued rockfall risk in Kadugannawa as unstable rocks remain

Environment & Weatherසිංහලதமிழ்

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) warned on 11 November that the risk of rockfalls persists in Kadugannawa following an incident on 10 November. NBRO Senior Geologist Dr. Wasantha Senadeera said unstable rocks remain above the site and could fall at any time. He also highlighted danger along the railway line in the Kadigamuwa area. Dr. Senadeera explained that predicting landslides and rockfalls is difficult because localised rainfall often evades Department of Meteorology forecasts, with rain gauges spaced six to 10 kilometres apart. He noted that a rain gauge at Kurukuttala (reported as Guruguththala by Thamilan) School, one kilometre away, recorded no significant rain despite localised rainfall triggering the rockfall. He urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant.

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

Met Department warns Bay of Bengal disturbance could affect Sri Lanka from 15 November

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

The Department of Meteorology warned on Wednesday that an atmospheric disturbance developing over the south-east Bay of Bengal could intensify into a depression and severely affect Sri Lanka between 15 and 17 November. Director General Ajith Wijemannage said a low-pressure area is expected to form around 13 November. If it moves northwards along the eastern coast, rainfall will increase heavily, especially in the Northern, North Central and Eastern provinces. Wijemannage noted that data is currently insufficient for precise forecasts, but monitoring is ongoing. Meanwhile, the department issued an Amber advisory for strong winds and rough seas, urging multi-day fishing and naval communities to take precautions.

Israel swears in new parliament as Eisenkot seeks to form government

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

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.

US House Republicans block attempt to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහල

Republicans in the US House of Representatives voted 211 to 204 on Tuesday to block an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The chamber referred eight articles of impeachment to the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, effectively halting the process. Outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie sponsored the resolution, but no other Republicans joined him. The articles accused Hegseth of illegally ordering military action in Iran and Yemen, attacking boats in the Caribbean Sea, and capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. Eleven Democrats missed the vote, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. President Donald Trump praised the outcome, while reports noted the vote demonstrated Republican unity following the party's defeat in the previous week's midterm elections.

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.

CID investigates MP Nalin Bandara over seized drones and microphones

The Criminal Investigation Department has appointed a team led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police to investigate Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha over the importation of drones and microphones. Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya ordered the probe after Customs officials seized 39 drones and 16 microphones brought from Singapore on Sunday (8). News 1st reported that the items arrived on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 307. Speaking on Monday (9), Jayamaha stated the equipment was imported for a family rental and sales business run by his wife and son. He admitted lacking Defence Ministry approval, but claimed to have clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. However, News 1st reported that the items lacked approval from both the Defence Ministry and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. Police Media Spokesperson ASP F. U. Wootler confirmed the investigation.

PoliticsEnglish

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

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

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