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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

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

November 11·2 sources

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

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

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

Police seek court order to remove monks' Satyagraha near Ruwanweliseya

November 9·1 source

Anuradhapura police expect to obtain another court order to remove a Satyagraha launched by several Buddhist monks near the Ruwanweliseya, which has continued in defiance of court orders. Tensions flared when police moved to remove the monks. Police said the unrest began when a lay supporter of the protest argued with an ice cream vendor, noting they only recorded a statement from the vendor. Addressing allegations that a layperson assaulted a monk during the struggle, a senior officer said video footage will be examined. The police chief said he did not see an assault, but affirmed the law will be enforced if one occurred.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Opposition MPs plan protests for the President's 12 November budget presentation

November 8·1 source

A majority of opposition MPs favor staging a protest when the President presents budget proposals to Parliament on 12 November, an opposition spokesperson told Divaina. Proposals under consideration include boycotting the speech, staging a mid-speech protest followed by a walkout, and skipping the traditional post-budget tea party. Opposition members have also proposed calling for a vote against the Speaker's expenditure head.

Politicsසිංහල

Jaffna Municipal Council proceedings halt amid protests over LTTE Mahaviru Day agenda

November 7·1 source

Proceedings of the Jaffna Municipal Council were halted midway following strong protests against an attempt to prepare an agenda to commemorate LTTE Mahaviru Day. Four councilors shouted and staged a walkout during the session. The unrest began when several councilors questioned the council's actions regarding the removal of a statue of Thileepan from Kopay, while officials refused to answer and instead attempted to prepare the remembrance agenda. Outside the council, the local authority has also stirred discussion regarding the need to commemorate LTTE Mahaviru Day in Jaffna on November 27.

Politicsසිංහල

GMOA concludes nationwide hospital protests demanding salary hikes and budget allocations

November 7·1 source

The Government Medical Officers’ Association concluded its multi-day protest campaign on 6 November 2026, holding demonstrations outside hospitals across Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, and Batticaloa. The doctors demanded increased salaries and allowances, higher budget allocations for health and education, and the implementation of proposals previously submitted to the government. GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said the association's executive committee would meet on 7 November 2026 to determine future professional actions regarding their demands. Dr. Hansamal Weerasuriya of the association stated that authorities had failed to provide a positive response or grant discussions, despite the proposals being submitted three months earlier.

Healthසිංහල

Katunayake Free Trade Zone workers protest against proposed Protection of State from Terrorism Act

November 7·1 source

Katunayake Free Trade Zone workers and trade unions staged a protest on the afternoon of 4 November in Aweriwatta town, Katunayake, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act. Protesters claimed the government plans to introduce the legislation while claiming it will abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act. They stated the bill allows the Defence Secretary to ban organizations and make arrests without court approval. The protesters also warned that 74,000 apparel sector jobs would be at risk if Sri Lanka loses the GSP concession, which is set to expire in 2027.

Politicsසිංහල

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

Jan Aragalaya Alliance protests proposed anti-terrorism and organised crime bills

November 5·1 source

On 4 November, the Jan Aragalaya Alliance and trade union representatives protested near Parliament against proposed bills on the prevention of terrorism and organised crime, causing heavy traffic congestion. Protesters marched from Polduwa Junction to the Parliament entrance before holding a rally near Diyatha Uyana. Alliance executive member Wasantha Mudalige pledged to defeat the legislation alongside the public, accusing the JVP-led government of introducing repressive laws that label protesters as terrorists despite promising to abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Executive member Duminda Nagamuwa said parliamentary debate on the bills was postponed following public opposition. He added that the Board of Investment and garment factory owners also oppose the legislation.

Politicsසිංහල

Students hold Labuduwa Advanced Technological Institute director hostage over facility and leadership issues

November 5·1 source

Students at the Labuduwa Advanced Technological Institute in Galle staged a protest on 3 November and held the institute's director hostage in his office after discussions failed to resolve their grievances. The demonstration by students from the institute, which trains over 3,000 pupils, was triggered by inadequate laboratory facilities and the absence of a permanent director. Officers from the Akmeemana Police later arrived and escorted the director out of the premises despite resistance from the protesting students. Gayan Ishara, president of the Inter-Advanced Technological Diploma Students' Federation, demanded the appointment of a permanent director, warning of joint action across all Advanced Technological Institutes if their demands are not addressed quickly.

Educationසිංහල

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

Animal rights advocates protest in Colombo over Kavanthissa elephant's death

November 4·2 sources

Animal rights advocates held a protest on 3 November at Galle Face, near the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, demanding justice for the death of the Kavanthissa elephant. Demonstrators called for an end to animal cruelty across the island and urged authorities to take immediate steps to protect the country's remaining elephant population. Protesters accused the government of taking no action regarding the elephant's murder, emphasizing that greater attention must be given to elephant protection two years into the administration's tenure. A speaker at the demonstration noted that Kavanthissa had been considered the largest elephant in Asia.

Environment & Weatherසිංහලதமிழ்

Archaeological officers remove Buddha statue from Kantharodai Viharaya following protests

November 2·1 source

Archaeological officers have removed a Buddha statue from the Kantharodai Viharaya in Jaffna and taken it to another area following strong opposition. Tamil residents, including trustees and devotees from more than nine surrounding Hindu temples, began protesting against the installation of the statue on 31 October 2026. Meanwhile, the Department of Archaeology has reportedly been unable to take legal action against surrounding residents who have forcibly occupied a large portion of the viharaya's land and constructed houses.

Otherසිංහල

Sri Lankan university teachers declare one-day nationwide strike over unresolved demands

October 30·2 sources

The Federation of University Teachers' Associations has announced a one-day strike across state universities to pressure authorities to address long-standing issues in the higher education sector. Federation General Secretary Senior Lecturer Charudatta Ilangasinghe stated that key grievances include a shortage of lecturers, excessive workloads, and a lack of adequate physical facilities. The outlets differed on the date of the action. Divaina reported that the strike and a protest march were scheduled for 30 October, while Virakesari stated the strike was set for Thursday (29 October), alongside a peaceful walk and an on-campus seminar.

Educationසිංහලதமிழ்

Gampola residents protest demanding repair of access road destroyed in cyclone landslide

October 30·1 source

Residents of Wewekumbura village in Mawathura, Gampola, protested demanding the reconstruction of their access road. The road was destroyed nearly a year ago during the Ditwa cyclone landslide, which destroyed 18 houses and killed 36 people. The unrepaired road affects 54 village families and Nayapana Estate residents, who must walk two kilometres to the Gampola-Kothmale bus route and carry produce on their heads. Residents reported a sick villager died four days prior due to transport delays, noting an alternative route is impassable and a temporary wooden bridge is decaying. Villagers stated that previous appeals yielded no solution and requested that the old road be repaired, adding that it would not cost much.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

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

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

Protesters hold 42nd demonstration demanding removal of Sri Tissa Viharaya in Jaffna

October 27·1 source

Protesters staged a demonstration for the 42nd time on Vap Pura Pasalosvaka Poya Day near Sri Tissa Viharaya in Thiyagidi, Kankesanthurai, Jaffna. Despite heavy rain, participants demanded the immediate removal of the temple and the return of their lands, asserting that the viharaya was built on privately owned, licensed property. Former Tamil National People's Front Parliamentarian Selvarajah Gajendran participated in the protest. Groups in Jaffna stage demonstrations on every full moon Poya day to coincide with visits by Buddhist devotees. Police tightened security to protect devotees visiting the temple as protesters chanted slogans calling the viharaya illegal and demanding their lands back.

Politicsසිංහල

Police investigate Balangoda Kassapa Thero over alleged false statements targeting NPP

October 27·1 source

Kurunduwatta Police informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court on 26 October that they launched an investigation into allegations that Balangoda Kassapa Thero made false and inciting statements to the media. The probe follows a complaint by Jagath Basnayake, organizer of the Pelawatta National People's Power office. Basnayake alleged that Kassapa Thero falsely claimed on 22 October that two knife-wielding men at a Viharamahadevi Park protest were sent by the party office. The demonstration was held to demand the release of imprisoned Gnanasara Thero. Police told the court that publicizing the false statements violates Section 98 of the Police Ordinance. Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered a private media institution to provide unedited footage of the remarks to police and instructed officers to submit their findings promptly.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

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 arrest former soldier carrying two knives at monks' protest in Colombo

October 23·2 sources

On the night of 21 October, protesters detained an intoxicated former soldier at Viharamahadevi Park and handed him over to the Cinnamon Gardens Police. The monks were holding a protest demanding the release of imprisoned Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero. While The Island reported the man was loitering, Divaina stated he broke in and attempted to behave riotously. Police found two knives hidden in the suspect's waistband and lower leg, suspecting he intended to commit a crime. Under instructions from Deputy Inspector General Nishantha de Zoysa, police are investigating the suspect's background. He will undergo a medical examination before being produced before court.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Police order for monks to end Viharamahadevi Park satyagraha causes tense standoff

October 23·1 source

A tense situation developed on the evening of 22 October at Viharamahadevi Park after police arrived with a court order instructing the removal of a satyagraha. The protest was being conducted by Buddhist monks demanding the release of Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero. Heated verbal exchanges took place between the police and the monks. The monks refused to leave the premises and continued chanting pirith, while police contingents remained stationed nearby.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Mayfield Estate workers strike demanding removal of superintendent after trade union activist's arrest

October 23·1 source

Workers at Mayfield Estate in Kotagala, Hatton, went on strike on 22 October demanding the removal of Estate Superintendent Kusal Weerasuriya. The strike followed a protest on 21 October outside Dimbala Pathana Police station against the arrest of an estate resident who is a former trade union leader and social media activist. Workers alleged the superintendent verbally abused the activist and attempted to run him over with his official vehicle during a dispute over sorting plucked tea leaves. Workers filed five complaints against the superintendent. Weerasuriya denied attempting to hit the activist, stating he lodged a police complaint against him over an alleged Rs. 350,000 fraud and accused him of inciting unauthorized union action.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Activists protest outside Environment Ministry over the death of elephant Kavantissa

October 21·2 sources

Nearly 500 environmental and civil society activists protested outside the Ministry of Environment at Sobadam Piyasa in Battaramulla on 20 October 2026 over the death of the elephant Kavantissa. During the demonstration, members of the Maha Sangha performed 'pansukula' and offered memorial robes for the elephant. Protesters also called for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Environment. Demonstrators accused Department of Wildlife Conservation officials of negligence, alleging they delayed rescue operations until the elephant's infection became life-threatening. They demanded immediate legal action against those responsible.

Environment & Weatherසිංහලதமிழ்

Citizens of the Mandate march in Anuradhapura for equal law

October 20·1 source

Social activist Deepawali Ruwan Tilakaratne led a protest march by the organization 'Citizens of the Mandate' in Anuradhapura. The march started near the clock tower in the Bank Area and ended at the new bus stand, where a demonstration was held. The protest was under the theme 'No favoritism in law – Law must be fair to all'.

Politicsසිංහල