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Trincomalee court issues arrest warrant for Balangoda Kassapa Thera over beach Buddha statue

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

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

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

GMOA stages protest outside Colombo National Hospital on 10 November over salary cuts

November 10·4 sources

The Government Medical Officers' Association staged a protest outside the Colombo National Hospital on 10 November 2026, demanding solutions in the upcoming budget for cuts to doctors' salaries, allowances, official quarters, and security concerns. GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said routine hospital operations would continue without disruption. He warned the demonstration was the first step toward further trade union action if their two-and-a-half-year-old concerns remain unresolved. Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said the GMOA created last-minute drama before the budget instead of submitting proposals in May and June, though he stated the government understands doctors' concerns and prioritises patients. Separately, the Joint Health Workers' Union, led by Venerable Tampitiye Sugathananda Thero, held islandwide protests demanding solutions to their issues in the upcoming budget.

HealthEnglishසිංහල

Bangladesh rejects Sheikh Hasina's request for new passport and identity card

November 9·1 source

The Bangladeshi government has rejected a request by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a new passport and national identity card to return from India. London legal firm Matrix Chambers requested the documents on her behalf from Preeti Rahman, Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi, after her previous documents were cancelled. Hasina plans to return to Bangladesh in December, more than two years after fleeing in 2024 following deadly protests. Her Awami League party is now banned. Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir called Hasina a fugitive criminal, stating that the country does not issue passports to terrorists. The Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal previously sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for ordering a deadly crackdown on student-led protests, charges she denies. India's Ministry of External Affairs refrained from commenting on Kabir's remarks.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Department of Meteorology warns of further floods after flash floods hit Colombo

November 9·1 source

The Department of Meteorology warned state institutions that strengthened El Niño conditions and the Southwest Monsoon will increase rainfall and flood risks in November and December. Flash floods hit Colombo, Avissawella, and Nawalapitiya over the past three days. Meteorology Director General Ajith Wijemann said blocked drains and over 120 mm of rain caused Colombo’s 6 November flash floods. Mayor Vrai Kelly Balthazar explained that the city's drainage was built for only 30 mm, while rainfall reached 129 mm. Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP S.M. Marikkar rejected the Mayor's claim, noting Colombo previously withstood 440 mm of rain without such flooding, and announced plans to protest. On 8 November, heavy rain submerged Avissawella’s private bus stand and the Colombo-Ratnapura road at Puwakpitiya. A fallen tree behind Navagamuwa Pattini Devalaya injured three people and damaged vehicles.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

Development officers across Sri Lanka to stage sick leave protest on 9 November

November 8·5 sources

Development officers across Sri Lanka will stage a nationwide sick leave trade union action on 9 November 2026 over unresolved demands. Dhammika Munasinghe, general secretary of the Combined Development Officers' Union, told a press conference in Colombo that authorities had repeatedly failed to resolve their issues despite being informed multiple times. The Alliance of State and Provincial Public Service Trade Unions stated the protest aims to pressure the government to formulate a proper service constitution, enabling promotions and defined salary scales. Unions warned of further and continuous trade union actions if their demands are ignored. Daily public services at Divisional Secretariats, schools, and other state institutions may be disrupted.

Otherසිංහලதமிழ்

GMOA to protest in Colombo on 10 November over salaries and staff shortages

November 8·5 sources

The Government Medical Officers’ Association announced it will protest outside the Colombo National Hospital on 10 November over unresolved salary issues and doctor shortages. Mawbima reported the demonstration for tomorrow (10). The association stated that fewer than 25,000 doctors actively serve under the Ministry of Health, noting approved staff cadres have not undergone scientific revision since 2015 despite expanding health services. The GMOA highlighted cancelled tax-concession vehicle permits since the 2022 economic crisis, high taxes, and the suspension of one-third of duty and holiday allowances under the 2025 salary revision. The union submitted proposals for the 2027 budget in August without receiving a response. Meanwhile, Development Officers will stage a nationwide sick-leave campaign on 9 November.

HealthEnglishසිංහල

Sajith Premadasa criticises government over Colombo flooding and unfulfilled promises

November 7·4 sources

On 7 November 2026, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the government over severe flooding in Colombo following recent rainfall, speaking at a youth event in Agalawatta, Kalutara. Premadasa questioned how the administration could develop the country when it failed to maintain drainage systems in the capital, despite holding the presidency, a parliamentary two-thirds majority, and the Colombo mayoralty. He claimed that unfulfilled election promises have driven citizens to protest, alleging that the government intends to introduce oppressive legislation disguised as anti-terrorism laws to shield itself from public anger. According to Virakesari, Premadasa also warned that Sri Lanka lacks financial independence, noting that after the current IMF agreement concludes in March 2027, annual loan repayments of $3 billion will begin in 2028.

Politicsසිංහලதமிழ்

Police arrest two as monks protest Anuradhapura development plan at Ruwanwelisaya

November 7·14 sources

On 7 November 2026, unrest erupted near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura when police intervened in a Satyagraha protest led by Balangoda Kassapa Thero opposing the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan. Police Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Woodler stated that two civilians were arrested after tensions escalated into a clash as officers attempted to remove protesters and halt the construction of temporary shelters. The Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court issued a 14-day prohibitory order directing Kassapa Thero, Uditha Nishantha, and others to dismantle shelters and vacate the sacred area. Kassapa Thero denied committing violence and demanded the withdrawal of the development gazette.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Anuradhapura court orders Kassapa Thero and group to vacate sacred ground

November 7·3 sources

The Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court ordered Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, Uditha Nishantha, and their fellow demonstrators to vacate the sacred area, including Ruwanweli Seya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Issued under Section 106 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code to prevent public nuisance, the temporary injunction directed the group to remove temporary tents and leave by 2:00 p.m. on 7 Nov 2026. The Anuradhapura Headquarters Chief Inspector of Police reported to the court that the protesters had refused to leave peacefully and were obstructing devotees arriving to worship. The court also prohibited any damage to archaeological monuments. Aruna and Ada Derana reported that the injunction will remain in effect for 14 days unless ordered otherwise.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Environmentalists say nearly 600 elephants die annually in Sri Lanka from human activity

November 6·1 source

Environmentalists state that nearly 600 elephants die annually in Sri Lanka due to inhumane acts, as a human-elephant conflict persists across 19 districts and 1,343 Divisional Secretariat divisions after nearly six decades. About 44 percent of the country's land area is shared by humans and elephants. Illegal firearms, particularly locally made trap guns known as bindina thuvakku, are the primary cause of untimely elephant deaths. Electric fences and food-concealed explosives, known as hakkapatas, are also major killers. Despite official raids and repeated government pledges following public protests, authorities have failed to curb the deaths. Captive elephants kept in temples and by private owners also continue to face distress and mistreatment.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

People's Struggle Movement protested against proposed security laws near Parliament on 4 November

November 5·3 sources

The People's Struggle Movement held a protest on 4 November 2026 from Polduwa Junction toward Parliament, causing heavy traffic amid heightened police security. Demonstrators reportedly refused to accept a court order restricting the demonstration. Supported by the Frontline Socialist Party, protesters urged the government to withdraw proposed security legislation, alleging it would curtail civil liberties. Some demonstrators also demanded the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act. Thamilan and Aruna identified the bills as the Prevention of Terrorism (Special Provisions) Act and the Organized Crime Bill, whereas The Morning named them the Prevention of State Terrorism Act and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act. People's Struggle Movement National Executive Council member Wasantha Mudalige helped lead the demonstration, urging trade unions and democracy advocates to join the campaign.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Nurses and doctors protest at Nuwara Eliya Hospital backing nationwide medical strike

November 5·1 source

Doctors and representatives of the Government Nursing Officers' Association at the Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital staged a joint protest at noon on 5 November 2026. The demonstration was held to support an island-wide strike by government doctors and draw authorities' attention to their professional issues.

Healthසිංහල

Opposition protests in Parliament on 3 November over blocked no-confidence motion against Speaker

November 4·12 sources

Opposition MPs staged a protest in Parliament on 3 November 2026 after Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih refused immediate permission to raise privilege issues over a blocked no-confidence motion against Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa argued that rejecting the motion—signed by 44 MPs containing 50 charges—violated parliamentary privileges and democratic rights. MP Dayasiri Jayasekara noted that the motion had been set aside on sub judice grounds. Salih said five privilege questions arrived after 9:00 a.m. and required examination. However, The Morning reported that Jayasekara and MP Mujibur Rahman disputed this, stating they had submitted theirs before 9:00 a.m. Opposition MPs displayed placards and chanted slogans in the chamber, while Dinamina reported that parliamentary staff prevented several opposition members from attempting to take the Mace.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

India is closely monitoring garment worker protests in Bangladesh

November 4·1 source

India is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, including protests by garment workers, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated at a press conference in New Delhi. Jaiswal noted that certain developments are taking place regarding issues in the current situation. He reiterated that New Delhi remains committed to maintaining a positive relationship with the Dhaka administration.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Vance attributes Republican midterm election defeat to Iran war and Israel ties

November 4·1 source

US Vice President J.D. Vance stated on X that the Iran war and relations with Israel were major reasons for the Republican Party's midterm election defeat. He noted that many 2024 Trump voters backed other parties in protest. Following the results, the Democratic Party secured majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, granting them power to scrutinize administration policies, the economy, and the conflict with Iran. However, President Donald Trump told Fox News he did not view the results as a personal blow. Trump attributed the loss to uninspiring candidates and his absence from the ballot.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Colombo Magistrate's Court postpones case against Wimal Weerawansa to 7 December

November 2·5 sources

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court on 2 November 2026 postponed until 7 December 2026 the case against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa and several others over a 2016 protest. Weerawansa and the other defendants, who are currently out on bail, appeared before the court before the magistrate ordered the postponement. The Cinnamon Gardens Police filed the case over allegations that the defendants obstructed roads around the United Nations office in Thummulla, Colombo, causing public inconvenience during a visit by then-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein. The other defendants named in the case are former Members of Parliament Mohamed Muzammil, Weerakumara Dissanayake, Jayantha Samaraweera, Piyasiri Wijenayake, and Roger Seneviratne.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Central Bank governor says essential economic policies must be implemented despite public opposition

November 2·6 sources

Speaking at the University of Kelaniya on 1 November, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said essential economic policies must be implemented regardless of whether the public supports them. Weerasinghe warned that avoiding necessary policies based on public opinion could cause serious harm to the country. He noted that the Central Bank had already enforced strict measures and would not hesitate to introduce further necessary decisions. Acknowledging that required tax increases could trigger protests and social instability, he stated that the government has a responsibility to clearly explain the economic impacts of tax adjustments to the public. Weerasinghe added that timely implementation of unpopular but vital decisions had maintained relative economic stability amidst Sri Lanka's recent political and economic crises.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Bangladeshi garment workers protest for wage increases, disrupting transport and factories

November 1·1 source

Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers protested on 1 November demanding their monthly minimum wage be increased from 12,500 to 30,000 Taka, or approximately 245 US dollars. The demonstrations disrupted transportation and manufacturing in key industrial zones, forcing 25 to 30 factories in Gazipur to close, according to Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent Mohammad Amjad Hossain. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse workers blocking an intersection in Dhaka, where some protesters threw bricks. Bangladesh Border Guard personnel were also deployed to help control the unrest. The protests continued despite the government appointing a six-member wage board to review salaries, defying appeals from Labor and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury for workers to return to work.

Economy & Businessසිංහල

Tens of thousands protest across Italy during nationwide trade union strike

October 31·1 source

Tens of thousands of people, mainly students and workers, took part in anti-government protests across 40 cities in Italy during a massive strike organized by trade unions. Foreign media reported that the demonstrations were held against high wages, a strong public service, and the rising cost of living. Protests had also occurred several times in various parts of the country in recent days, resulting in clashes between protesters and police.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Udaya Gammanpila petitions Court of Appeal against order halting Viharamahadevi Park satyagraha

October 29·6 sources

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila filed a writ petition in the Court of Appeal on 28 October, seeking to quash a Colombo Magistrate's Court order that halted a satyagraha at Viharamahadevi Park. The protest, staged by Buddhist monks, demanded the release of incarcerated Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero. Respondents named in the application include the Cinnamon Gardens Police Officer-in-Charge, the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General, and the Colombo Magistrate. Gammanpila argued that the peaceful protest was lawful and the eviction order illegal. While Divaina reported police obtained the order under Section 106 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Virakesari quoted Gammanpila citing Section 126 of the Penal Code.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Sri Lanka records lowest wages in SAARC region and 43 percent unemployment

October 28·1 source

An International Labour Organization wage survey of 130 countries with per capita income above US$200 ranked Sri Lanka 120th globally and lowest in the SAARC region. The country also recorded the highest unemployment rate among individuals with secondary education at 43 percent, alongside high electricity tariffs. These economic strains were highlighted as youth protests over living costs, education, housing, and corruption spread across France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Albania, and Greece.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Monks temporarily suspend Colombo protest demanding Gnanasara Thero’s release on 25 October

October 27·12 sources

Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero announced that a satyagraha at Colombo's Viharamahadevi Park demanding the release of Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero was temporarily suspended on 25 October 2026. The decision followed written notification that the Mahanayake Theros of the Three Nikayas would intervene and hold discussions with the government to resolve the issue through legal means. The senior prelates urged the Sangha to uphold monastic discipline, cautioning that demonstrations seeking a presidential pardon were being exploited to tarnish the clergy's reputation. Gnanasara Thero was jailed after the Supreme Court invalidated his 2019 presidential pardon for contempt of court. Regarding the campaign's start, FT.lk reported monks gathered at the Presidential Secretariat on 15 October, while Thamilan stated it began on 16 October.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

French police clash with protesters following mass nationwide demonstrations on 24 October

October 26·5 sources

Hundreds of thousands protested across France on Saturday, 24 October over rising living costs and poor school conditions. The Interior Ministry estimated nationwide turnout at 410,000, while trade unions placed it at about 800,000. Late clashes followed largely peaceful marches, prompting 70,000 deployed police to fire tear gas and water cannon in Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Twenty-four Paris metro stations and major cultural venues closed. Daily Mirror reported nearly 1,000 arrests on Saturday, while Daily News and Aruna reported over 1,000. Aruna added that total protest-related arrests have exceeded 6,000. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 500 rioters joined the marches. President Emmanuel Macron had decreed that only union-organised protests were permitted, and fast-track courts have recently jailed hundreds.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Mahanayake Theros advise monks demanding pardon for Gnanasara Thero to uphold discipline

October 26·4 sources

On 25 October 2026, the Mahanayake Theros of Sri Lanka’s Three Chapters urged monks protesting for a presidential pardon for Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero to uphold monastic discipline, unity, and Dhamma and Vinaya. The prelates cautioned that certain groups were exploiting the protests to harm the reputation of the Buddhist clergy locally and internationally. They stated that they had already engaged with the government to resolve the issue through legal channels and dialogue. The advisory followed the temporary suspension of a satyagraha campaign at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo. The joint statement was signed by the chief prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Amarapura, and Ramanna chapters.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Thousands protest in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu ahead of Israeli general election

October 26·2 sources

Thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv on 24 October against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, days before the general election scheduled for 27 October. The demonstration was organized by opposition groups and families of those affected by the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, identified by Dinamina as the October Council movement. Protesters accused the government of failing to prevent the 2023 attack or free hostages, demanding an independent state commission of inquiry into military failures. Four main opposition leaders joined the demonstration, including former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Pre-election polls project Eisenkot's team to win 52 of Parliament's 120 seats, while Netanyahu's team is projected to win 50.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Colombo court refuses to lift eviction order on monks demanding Gnanasara Thero's release

October 25·46 sources

Buddhist monks began a satyagraha at Colombo’s Viharamahadevi Park on 16 October 2026, demanding the release of Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, who is imprisoned for contempt of court. The protest involved pirith chanting, torch demonstrations, and scuffles with police, during which Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero was injured. Police also detained an individual carrying a weapon near the site on 23 October. The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court issued an order barring protesters, including Kassapa Thero and Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero, from continuously occupying the park or obstructing adjacent roads. On 23 October, Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama rejected a motion to withdraw the eviction order, while also refusing the Attorney General’s request to issue arrest warrants for remaining demonstrators.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Police bar monks marching for Gnanasara Thero from the Presidential Secretariat

October 25·1 source

Buddhist monks from all three Nikayas marched from Kandy to Colombo to protest the removal of Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero’s robes in prison. The procession stopped in front of the Presidential Secretariat on Friday of the previous week. Police cited a court order to inform 54 people, including marchers and Kotte Chapter Anunayaka Professor Kotapitiye Rahula Thero, that the area was prohibited. The monks subsequently gathered near the Buddha statue in Viharamahadevi Park during heavy rain, where police reportedly seized and threw away their umbrellas.

Otherසිංහල

UNP alleges court was misled over order against monks demanding Gnanasara Thero's release

October 24·3 sources

The United National Party issued a statement condemning the inclusion and subsequent removal of monks' names from a court order. The order targeted monks marching from Kandy to the Presidential Secretariat to demand Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero's release. The party alleged that names of uninvolved monks were deliberately included and then withdrawn, misleading the court. Daily News reported that the UNP specifically accused the police of misleading the judiciary. The UNP argued the removals proved the monks posed no security threat. It also accused the government of hypocrisy for having supported earlier protests outside the Secretariat, and of taking actions against Buddhism and the Maha Sangha.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்