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

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

Buddhist groups protest imprisoned monk's robe removal amid debate on misuse

November 11·1 source

Buddhist lay and monastic groups have raised objections, staged protests, and submitted petitions after an imprisoned monk's robe was removed and replaced with lay clothes. The robe change took place as part of standard legal procedures within the prison system following the monk's imprisonment for an offense, according to a Dinamina commentary. The commentary noted that while the Buddhist robe is traditionally reserved for virtuous clergy, it has increasingly become a commercially manufactured and traded product. It also highlighted reports of individuals wearing robes while committing crimes such as rape, child abuse, and drug offenses, without intervention from responsible monastic authorities.

Politicsසිංහල

Anuradhapura court summons Balangoda Kassapa Thera and four monks for 20 November

November 10·8 sources

Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasindu Wickramarathne on 9 November summoned Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero and four other monks to appear before the court on 20 November. The monks launched a Satyagraha on 7 November near Ruwanweli Maha Seya demanding the withdrawal of the Anuradhapura Sacred City development plan. The protest continued into its fourth day on 10 November, defying an earlier court order to vacate. Police stated the protest distressed the public and violated the initial order. Defence lawyers argued police misled the court, asserting the demonstration took place on alms-giving grounds without causing public disruption. Divaina's headline mentioned Kassapa Thero and five other monks, but its report and other outlets named five monks in total: Kassapa, Kahatagasdigiliye Wijitha, Balangoda Anuruddha, Pilimathalawe Rewatha, and Deniyaye Soratha.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Prof. G.L. Peiris warns Sri Lanka's economic growth has slowed down sharply

November 10·2 sources

Prof. G.L. Peiris, convener of the People’s United Opposition, stated on 9 November that Sri Lanka’s economic growth declined from 5.8% in the second quarter of 2025 to 4.2% in the second quarter of 2026. Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Peiris said inflation reached 8% in August, while the rupee depreciated from Rs. 293 in October 2024 to Rs. 337 per US dollar, raising import costs for fuel and essential food. Former Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne warned that economic mismanagement and the suppression of protests risk returning the country to its 2022 economic crisis and losing GSP+ concessions.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

Conch shell blower remanded after assaulting police at Anuradhapura sacred area protest

November 10·3 sources

A 42-year-old conch shell blower, Baladura Rangirilalage Prasad Susantha of Ratnapura, was remanded until November 16 after allegedly assaulting two police officers during an Anuradhapura satyagraha. A medical test confirmed he had consumed heroin and cannabis. Sub-Inspector P.W.N. Withana, 48, and Police Constable Seneviratne, 23, were hospitalised with injuries. Daily News and Dinamina reported the suspect attacked officers attempting to arrest another supporter, while Divaina stated the suspect had argued with an outsider himself. Police are searching for another suspect. Organised by Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera to oppose the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred Area Plan, the protest continued on November 9 for a third day despite a court order to clear the site.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Court summons five Buddhist monks as Anuradhapura sacred area protest continues

November 9·8 sources

Buddhist monks led by Balangoda Kassapa Thero continued a Satyagraha near Ruwanweli Seya in Anuradhapura on 9 November, opposing the proposed Sacred City Development Plan despite a court order to vacate the site. The protest began on 7 November, sparking clashes following an altercation with an outsider. Divaina identified the individual as an ice cream vendor, while Thamilan reported someone criticized the protest. One person was arrested, and two police officers were hospitalised. The Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate's Court summoned Kassapa Thero and four other monks to appear on 20 November. Kassapa Thero insisted the protest would continue until the government withdraws the development gazette.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Paraguayan Senate impeaches President Santiago Peña following massive bank crisis

November 9·1 source

The Paraguayan Senate has removed President Santiago Peña through impeachment following the collapse of Ueno Digital Bank, which left over three million customers unable to access their salaries and pensions. Peña offered to resign amid public protests, but lawmakers rejected his resignation and voted to impeach him, with members of his own Colorado Party voting against him. Police placed Peña under house arrest and remanded bank owner Carlos Carvallo over allegations of misusing power and depositing hundreds of millions of dollars in government funds. The Senate appointed Vice President Pedro Alliana as acting president to complete Peña's term through August 2028.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Bangladesh garment workers clash with police during protests demanding minimum wage increase

November 5·4 sources

Bangladesh garment workers staged days of protests demanding an increase in their minimum monthly wage to 30,000 Taka, shutting down hundreds of factories across Dhaka and nearby industrial hubs. Thinakaran reported the current monthly wage is 12,500 Taka, while Daily News stated workers take home around 13,000 Taka. Demonstrators blocked roads, set vehicles on fire, and threw stones, while police fired tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons. Daily News reported at least 29 arrests, whereas Dinamina reported over 100. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held an emergency meeting, and the government established a board to review wages in the sector, which employs four million people.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Colombo court orders arrest of suspects using unlicensed loudspeakers at Viharamahadevi Park

November 5·4 sources

On Wednesday (04), Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva ordered the Cinnamon Gardens Police to immediately arrest suspects who used loudspeakers without a legal permit during a protest at Viharamahadevi Park. The demonstration was held to demand the release of imprisoned Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, with Virakesari noting that protesters called for a presidential pardon. Police reported that monks and civil activists continued demonstrating in defiance of court orders and used unlicensed loudspeakers. The court acted on a complaint filed by station OIC Chief Police Inspector Sagara Dayaratne. Divaina reported that the magistrate issued an additional order to arrest individuals who obstructed Colombo Municipal Council officials and park staff attempting to remove protest banners and posters. The magistrate further instructed the police to promptly report the progress of their investigations to the court.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Mujibur Rahman accuses government of planning security laws to suppress protests

November 5·1 source

Samagi Jana Balawegaya Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahman stated that public protests will increase due to government mismanagement, alleging that authorities are attempting to introduce State Security Acts to suppress them. He warned that enacting the Act to Liberate the State from Terrorism would spark a G.S.P. Plus issue and face opposition from the international community. Rahman stated that the government has cut Aswesuma relief for 700,000 poor people. He also claimed a major Chinese port logistics investment was lost due to mismanagement after the government granted America CCTV installation rights. Additionally, he alleged public funds were misused for an ABC conference.

Politicsසිංහල

Jana Aragalaya Movement protests against terrorism and organized crime draft bills at Polduwa Junction

November 5·1 source

The Jana Aragalaya Movement staged a protest at Polduwa Junction opposing two proposed laws. The demonstration targeted a draft bill to protect the state from terrorism and a draft bill to prevent organized crime.

Politicsසිංහල

Parliament approves 33-member select committee to investigate 1983 Black July tragedy

November 5·1 source

Parliament has approved the appointment of a 33-member select committee to conduct a comprehensive study on the 1983 Black July tragedy. Kandy District Member of Parliament Tanura Dissanayake presented the motion, which was seconded by Member of Parliament Bhagya Sri Herath. The committee aims to study the 1983 incident and its impact, strengthen national reconciliation, and submit recommendations to provide relief to affected parties. Approval was granted amid opposition protests over a no-confidence motion in the assembly and ongoing public fuel and gas shortages.

Politicsසිංහල

Fort Magistrate postpones Galle Face assault case against Deshabandu Tennakoon to February 3

November 5·1 source

Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara ordered on 4 November that the case against former Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon and 37 others be called on 3 February for Attorney General's instructions. The case involves the 2022 assault on peaceful protesters at Galle Face Green. Charges have also been filed under the Public Property Act for damaging government property. The Criminal Investigation Department informed the court that instructions from the Attorney General, requested in September last year, are still pending, though the department has requested expedited indictments. Thirty-five suspects appeared in court, including Parliamentarian Milan Jayathilake and Tennakoon. Suspect Mahinda Kahandagama remains remanded in another case, while a travel ban was imposed on unarrested suspect Sajith Saranga, who is abroad.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

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

Hambantota court refers Namal Rajapaksa and 40 others to High Court for indictment

November 4·4 sources

Hambantota Chief Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara referred a public property damage case against Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa and 40 others to the Hambantota High Court on 2 November 2026. The charges stem from an opposition protest in 2017 against the sale of the Hambantota International Port to the Chinese government. Indictments are scheduled to be served before the High Court on 16 November. Prison officials reported that Rajapaksa is currently imprisoned, and the magistrate ordered him produced before the High Court on that date. Defendants including MP D.V. Chanaka, former MPs Upali Kodikara and Prasanna Ranaweera, and former provincial council member Ajith Prasanna appeared in court. The magistrate issued arrest warrants for five defendants who failed to appear.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Deputy Minister Abeysinghe says groups organize protests against government for political gain

November 4·1 source

Deputy Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that organized groups are staging protests against new social welfare laws solely for political gain. Speaking at an awards ceremony at Karaliya Auditorium in Kandy, Abeysinghe called it ironic that corrupt politicians who plundered public funds are now accusing the current administration. He added that the government fulfilled public demands for law and justice, transforming an economically bankrupt country into one with established social welfare. During the event, Geli-Oya Sri Sumedha Buddhist College teachers D. Wickramarathne and Saduni Basnayake accepted a special merit award.

Politicsසිංහල

Indika Ruwan Hewage calls for Colombo’s Viharamahadevi Park to be spared from protests

November 4·1 source

Indika Ruwan Hewage has called for Colombo’s Viharamahadevi Park to be reserved for children and the public rather than protests. A protest site near the Presidential Secretariat, allocated under former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has now been designated for another development project. Consequently, groups have increasingly used Viharamahadevi Park, formerly known as Victoria Park, for pickets and meetings, including a recent occupation by Buddhist monks.

Otherසිංහල

German youth-led cost-of-living protests turned violent across several cities on Saturday

November 3·6 sources

Tens of thousands of youth demonstrated across German cities on Saturday (31) against high living costs, school underfunding, spending cuts, and compulsory military service. The rallies were organised by the campaign group Gen Z regelt. Largely peaceful daytime rallies turned violent at night in Frankfurt, Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg. Rioters looted shops, burned barricades, and threw stones, fireworks, and petrol bombs at emergency services, prompting police to use water cannons. In Frankfurt, police closed a central shopping street and made arrests after shop windows were smashed and weapons stolen from a gun shop. Hesse Interior Minister Roman Poseck stated that approximately 100 left-wing extremists had infiltrated the demonstration. Authorities in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin reported about 18,000 protesters, whereas organisers expected over 170,000—or 182,000 according to Thinakaran. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt demanded harsh punishments for rioters and looters.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Jordan's King Abdullah II warns Israeli expansionist ambitions threaten the region's future

November 3·1 source

Jordan's King Abdullah II told parliament on 2 November that Israel's expansionist ambitions pose the most serious threat to the region's future. He emphasized that regional security and stability cannot be achieved until Palestinians secure their rightful homeland claims. He also highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe caused by continuous Israeli attacks despite international protests. The King rejected the belief that coercion or authoritarianism grants legitimacy, reaffirming Jordan's enduring commitment to Arab causes. The report noted that Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 have killed over 74,000 Palestinians and injured more than 175,000, alongside intensifying violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Serbia arrests criminal police head Marko Krichak and organized crime unit chief

November 3·1 source

Marko Krichak, head of Serbia's criminal police, and Bosko Sekulovic, chief of the organized crime suppression unit, have been arrested. They are accused of aiding killers and suppressing investigations into a gang member's murder in Belgrade last May. Former Belgrade police chief Veselin Milic was previously remanded on the same charge. The Serbian Attorney General's Department stated that Krichak and Sekulovic's dereliction of duty caused significant prejudice to the former chief. Krichak, an associate of former President Aleksandar Vucic, also faces charges of suppressing anti-government student protesters, abducting university students, and assaulting and threatening to rape a female student in a government building.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

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

Protesters urge Israeli opposition to form alliance with Arab parties against Netanyahu

November 2·1 source

Thousands protested in Tel Aviv on 31 October 2026, demanding that Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot form an alliance with Arab parties to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In the election, Netanyahu's bloc secured 53 seats while former Chief of Staff Eisenkot's side won 48 seats. Both fall short of the 61-seat majority required in the 120-seat parliament. The united Arab parties, Ra'am and Joint List, secured 19 seats with nearly 840,000 votes, marking a 64% increase from the 2022 election. An alliance with the Arab parties would give Eisenkot 67 seats to establish a government. Both sides have begun talks with minority parties within the 42-day post-election deadline.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

China’s Defense Ministry protests Japanese TV drama Vivant over alleged historical distortion

November 2·2 sources

On 1 November 2026, China’s Ministry of National Defense released a video titled "Who distorts history?" condemning the Japanese television drama "Vivant" for misrepresenting historical facts. China stated the series, broadcast on Japan's TBS channel, falsely depicts Chinese intelligence agents using brutal torture methods historically inflicted by the invading Japanese military on Chinese soldiers. China also alleged that Japan is attempting to conceal its past aggression and promote a "Chinese threat" narrative to justify military expansion and constitutional amendments. Additionally, China claimed the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invested over 56 billion Japanese yen since 2015 under foreign strategic information dissemination to distort history.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Socialist Youth Union announces legal action against incitement of religious, racial hatred

November 2·1 source

The Socialist Youth Union announced on 30 October that legal action will be taken against statements intended to incite religious and racial hatred. Speaking at the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna head office in Pelawatta, Education Secretary Mahesh Ambepitiya accused opposition figures of stoking communal tensions to disrupt the government's economic and development programs. Ambepitiya criticized politicians including Wimal Weerawansa, Dayasiri Jayasekara, and Udaya Gammanpila, alleging they are reacting to losing their previous political privileges. International Secretary Anjana Sampath Amarasinghe added that certain groups are attempting to incite the Buddhist community against the government using protests surrounding Gnanasara Thero.

Politicsසිංහල

Protesters block Matara-Kataragama road demanding search for four missing fishermen

November 2·1 source

A protest blocked the Matara-Kataragama main road at Kudawella Junction on 1 November, demanding that authorities locate the multi-day fishing vessel Eagle and its four missing crew members. The vessel disappeared after departing Kudawella Fisheries Harbor at dawn on 21 October. Protesters stated that no information has emerged after 10 days and accused authorities of showing no interest in finding the boat. The missing fishermen are Hasith Nethmina, 18, and Sadith Satsara, 18, from Kudawella, as well as E.B. Nimlasiri, 62, and W.B. Rasika, 61, from Nilwella. Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ratna Gamage stated that several boats recently met with accidents, with each being investigated, and that further inquiries are being carried out into this matter.

Otherසිංහල

Buttala shop owners close shops to protest rent hike outside Pradeshiya Sabha

October 30·1 source

Shop owners in Buttala town closed all shops and staged a nearly two-hour protest outside the Buttala Pradeshiya Sabha on 29 October 2026 against an alleged unfair rent increase. The traders claimed officials raised assessments arbitrarily without conducting field inspections, despite shop owners having deposited between Rs. 1 million and Rs. 2.5 million for council shop rooms. Protesters warned they would close shops for up to a week and stage a massive protest if assessments are not conducted fairly. The Buttala Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman stated that authorities have decided to hold another discussion with the shop owners and relevant officials.

Economy & Businessසිංහල

Diagama East residents protest on 26 October demanding repairs to cyclone-damaged road

October 27·4 sources

On 26 October, Diagama East residents, estate workers, teachers, and drivers staged a road blockade protest amidst heavy rain, demanding the immediate reconstruction of the main road. The route was severely damaged by landslides and floods caused by Cyclone Ditwa. Although residents and vehicle owners raised funds for temporary repairs, recent heavy rainfall completely washed the section away. Protesters noted that only three-wheelers can now navigate the road, leading to frequent accidents and injuries. They urged authorities to reconstruct the road safely against future landslides, warning that transport delays endanger schoolchildren, pregnant women, and emergency patients.

Otherසිංහලதமிழ்

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

Flávio Bolsonaro rejects Brazil presidential election defeat and seeks annulment

October 26·2 sources

Right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro refused to accept defeat in Brazil's presidential election on 25 October, after left-wing leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a historic fourth term. Bolsonaro announced plans to petition for an annulment, questioning a Supreme Court judge's decision to extend voting hours by two hours over alleged voter transportation irregularities. Analysts stated the challenge is unlikely to succeed, as Bolsonaro trailed Lula by over four million votes and his own campaign had also sought extended voting hours following heavy rain. Observers warned the rejection could spark protests. Bolsonaro's father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, was previously sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup following the 2022 election.

Politicsසිංහලதமிழ்

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