FindAllNews — Sri Lanka News

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

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 Congressman Thomas Massie introduces resolution to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහල

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

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

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.

Japan grants 1 billion yen to boost Sri Lanka Navy maritime capabilities

Foreign AffairsEnglishதமிழ்

The Government of Japan has agreed to provide a grant of one billion yen, or about Rs. 2.1 billion, under its Official Security Assistance Program 2026 to enhance the Sri Lanka Navy's maritime security and surveillance capabilities. Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata and Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma signed the agreement in Colombo. FT.lk and News 1st reported the signing occurred on 10 November 2026, while Virakesari stated it was on 10 October. The grant will fund Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats for maritime law enforcement and disaster response. FT.lk reported 25 vessels will be procured and deployed across the Northern, Eastern, North Western, Western, and Southern Naval Commands. This is Japan's second project under the program, following ¥500 million granted in 2025 to procure surveillance drones for the Navy.

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

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

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.

Ravi Karunanayake appeals to HSBC leadership to reverse closure of Sri Lanka centre

Opposition Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake has written to HSBC Holdings leadership, appealing to them to reverse the planned closure of HSBC Electronic Data Processing Lanka. Karunanayake offered to help organise government support to retain the operation, urging discussions before the decision becomes irreversible. Citing an HSBC notice from 7 October 2026, he noted the proposed migration stems from a global operating-model review rather than local performance. Karunanayake stated the centre employed 1,659 workers as of 30 September 2026, down from a peak of about 4,500, warning that closure would disrupt thousands of livelihoods.

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

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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.

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

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

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Typical Sri Lankan household real income fell 4.3% from 2016 to 2025

The typical Sri Lankan household had less purchasing power in early 2025 than in 2016, according to preliminary results from the Department of Census and Statistics Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2025. Nominal average monthly household income rose 93% from Rs. 62,237 in 2016 to Rs. 120,266 in 2025. However, after adjusting for inflation, real mean household income increased by only 6% over the nine-year period. Real median monthly income fell 4.3% from Rs. 43,511 in 2016 to Rs. 41,623 in early 2025. This dropped median income 11.1% below 2019 levels, erasing earlier gains. Income trajectories also diverged across income groups. Real monthly income for the poorest 20% of households dropped 16.4% from Rs. 14,843 to Rs. 12,403, while average real income among the richest 20% increased.

Landslide and rockfall block Kadugannawa main road, damaging motorcycle

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

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

Port City Colombo holds first Indian investor forum in Chennai

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.

PUCSL decides not to revise electricity tariffs for final quarter of 2026

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided not to revise electricity tariffs for the final quarter of 2026. The tariff structure used in the third quarter will remain unchanged until the end of the year. The decision follows National System Operator (NSO) data showing a 2.88 percent increase in electricity supply costs. The NSO submitted updated cost data on 9 November 2026. According to the Daily Mirror, the NSO submitted initial estimates on 6 October, missing a deadline set for before 17 August 2026. The PUCSL stated that it decided against a revision after reviewing the updated cost data and stakeholder views submitted during legally required public consultations.

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

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

President Dissanayake to present 2027 Budget to Parliament on Thursday

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will present the 2027 Budget to Parliament on Thursday (12), serving in his role as Minister of Finance. The presentation follows an increase in tax revenue from Rs. 1.75 trillion in 2022 to Rs. 5.05 trillion in 2025, with collections growing by another 25.9% in the first half of 2026. However, indirect taxes accounted for 77.4% of tax revenue in 2025 and rose to 79% in the first half of 2026, while direct income taxes made up the remaining 21%. Former Central Bank Deputy Governor Dr W. A. Wijewardena described the tax burden as an “overdose”. Meanwhile, official data placed the June 2026 poverty line at Rs. 70,368 monthly for a family of four.

Lahiru Achintha wins Youth Olympic silver medal in 1500 metres

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

SportsEnglishසිංහල

Commentary questions whether national budget spending delivers meaningful benefits to public

A commentary published on Wednesday (11) questioned whether the national budget effectively returns public tax revenue to society through meaningful improvements in public services. The commentary noted that citizens contribute to state revenue through income taxes, value-added taxes, customs duties, and other levies. In return, the public expects better schools, reliable hospitals, safer roads, and efficient transport. However, it observed that despite budget allocations, many taxpayers still face inadequate healthcare, spend extra on private tuition, and endure administrative delays at government offices. It noted that public spending should be allocated fairly to reach communities in need.

President to present 2027 budget on 12 November after Rs. 35 billion surplus

The President, as Finance Minister, will present the 2027 Budget to Parliament on 12 November, according to a Daily FT commentary. In the first eight months of 2026, revenue and grants rose 21% year-on-year to Rs. 4,002 billion, generating an overall surplus of Rs. 35 billion and a primary surplus of Rs. 1,645 billion. However, total expenditure reached only 56.2% of the annual budget by August, with capital expenditure and net lending reaching Rs. 436 billion, or 31.8% of the allocation. The commentary cautioned that relying on unspent capital allocations damages future growth by leaving infrastructure underfunded, even as central government debt fell to 91.6% of GDP in 2025.

Prison authorities isolate inmates following measles outbreak in three Colombo prisons

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

Air Force takes over management of Neville Fernando Hospital in Malabe

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

HealthEnglishසිංහල

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

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

Economy & Businessසිංහල

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

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

Economy & Businessසිංහල

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

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

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.

Afghanistan-Pakistan trade falls 74 percent amid border closures and rising tensions