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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

Minister Lalakantha rejects allegations over monk protests, says government ready to leave power

November 11·2 sources

Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K. D. Lalakantha on 10 November rejected allegations that he was behind the deployment of police against protests by Buddhist monks. Speaking to journalists, Lalakantha also completely denied accusations that groups affiliated with him sent individuals to disrupt a satyagraha held by Buddhist monks. The Minister said the current government does not aim to remain in power permanently and is ready to leave whenever the people decide at an election. He added that recent events in Colombo and at the Atamasthana were minor incidents occurring to fill the void of a strong political opposition.

Politicsසිංහල

MPs condemn sudden transfer of Gampaha Magistrate Bandula Gunaratne in Parliament

November 6·1 source

Members of Parliament protested the sudden transfer of Gampaha Magistrate Bandula Gunaratne on 6 November 2026, describing the move as extremely unfair. MP Chamara Sampath Dasanayake stated that Gunaratne made a firm ruling against the Inspector General of Police regarding an abduction gazette that had been issued for a single province rather than the entire country. MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara and Mujibur Rahman also condemned the transfer, asserting that the magistrate was targeted for acting against a circular issued by the police chief and questioning the government's commitment to judicial independence.

Politicsසිංහල

An SLPP lawmaker attributes Galle election victory to public trust and clean record

November 6·1 source

A Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) parliamentarian from Galle attributed his general election victory to grassroots politics, presenting a strong team, and having no allegations of fraud or corruption. Explaining the SLPP's nationwide loss of power, he stated that the party failed to answer fabricated corruption allegations and ignored public protests against poor decisions. He added that the defeat helped disprove false accusations, such as claims that the Rajapaksas transferred money to Uganda, noting the SLPP is preparing a program to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Politicsසිංහල

Katunayake Free Trade Zone workers protest proposed anti-terrorism bill in Awariyawatta

November 5·1 source

Katunayake Free Trade Zone employees and trade unions staged a protest in Awariyawatta town, demanding that the government immediately withdraw the draft Protection of the State Terrorism Act. Protesters stated that while the government claims the proposed law will abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act, it grants powers to the Secretary of Defence, allows arrests without court permission, and enables banning organizations. They also warned that 74,000 apparel sector jobs would be at risk if Sri Lanka loses its G.S.P.+ concession, which is set to expire in 2027.

Politicsසිංහල

Opposition protests refusal to debate no-confidence motion against Speaker Jagath Wickramarathne

November 5·1 source

The opposition has decided to continuously contest the government's refusal to debate a no-confidence motion against Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramarathne. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya stated opposition MPs will persistently raise privilege issues, arguing that their parliamentary privileges were breached. Three MPs, including the Leader of the Opposition, have already raised privilege concerns. Deputy Speaker Rizvi Salley is scheduled to announce on 5 November 2026 whether these privilege issues will be discussed. Opposition Chief Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka said the opposition will continue to voice objections if they are rejected. The government refused the debate on the grounds that the motion obstructs judicial proceedings, requesting that it be amended. The opposition refused to amend the motion, denying that it interferes with the judiciary.

Politicsසිංහල

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

Nalinda Jayatissa says government ready to debate motion against Speaker if properly submitted

November 4·5 sources

Speaking in Parliament on 3 November 2026, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the government is ready to debate and defeat the opposition's no-confidence motion against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne if submitted under Standing Orders. Jayatissa said the motion was rejected because it contained sub judice matters currently under judicial inquiry, asserting that the opposition failed to seek qualified legal advice. He alleged the opposition protested to disrupt a resolution appointing a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the Black July incidents. Outlets differed on his title, with Thinakaran naming him Leader of the House, while others reported him as Chief Government Whip.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Congress Party protests in New Delhi demanding India's Chief Election Commissioner resign

November 2·1 source

Thousands joined a Congress Party protest in New Delhi demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gayanesh Kumar over electoral roll revisions. Protests, ongoing for a month after being initiated by the youth-led Indian Karapothu Party, follow the removal of over 130 million names from voter rolls. Demonstrators alleged the removals targeted Muslim and other minority communities to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the 2029 general election. Rejecting the allegations, the Election Commission said it favored no party and mistakenly removed voters can re-register, while the ruling party accused the opposition of undermining democracy.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Government defends two-year record and dismisses opposition protests as alienated from public

November 2·1 source

A government representative claimed the administration has stabilized Sri Lanka's bankrupt economy, increased wages, and curbed corruption over the past two years, building an economy resilient to shocks. The representative dismissed opposition protests as ineffective and lacking public support, arguing their slogans serve personal interests rather than the general public. They cited a recent protest that concluded on 31 October at Viharamahadevi Park, stating it failed to attract ordinary citizens or monks. Addressing criticisms regarding no-confidence motions against ministers and changes in parliament speakers, the representative said the ruling party does not take mistakes lightly and has positively reformed the political culture.

Politicsසිංහල

State broadcast ban on singer Nanda Malini's songs recalled 40 years later

October 30·1 source

One month after the death of singer Nanda Malini, Lankadeepa recalled how state radio and television banned her songs four decades ago during J.R.'s rule. The ban followed her decision to stage a concert and donate the proceeds to striking nurses engaged in a salary dispute. The restriction led some to withhold radio and television license fees, while Vijaya Kumaratunga sent a letter to J.R. requesting the ban be lifted. Police beat participants at a conference protesting the ban, while Dinesh Gunawardena questioned Parliament's fear of the singer and Professor Sarachchandra criticized women's organizations for their silence.

Entertainment & Cultureසිංහල

Minister Lal Kantha says government is discussing abolishing presidential pardons for prisoners

October 29·3 sources

Speaking in Gannoruwa on 27 October, Minister Lal Kantha stated that discussions are underway regarding removing the president's power to grant presidential pardons to prisoners. He described presidential amnesties as anti-democratic and an abuse of power used to release favored individuals, emphasizing that the government received a public mandate to implement the law equally. Addressing the Prevention of Terrorism Act, Lal Kantha added that the public has the right to protest and submit petitions, assuring that the submitted bill will only pass after considering public opinion.

Politicsසිංහලதமிழ்

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

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

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

Amnesty International urges Parliament to withdraw and reform proposed Anti-Terrorism Act bill

October 23·1 source

Amnesty International called on the Sri Lankan Parliament to withdraw the government's proposed Anti-Terrorism Act bill and reform it to comply with international human rights law. In a statement on 21 October, the organization warned that the bill permits detention for up to one year without charges and remand for another year, risking up to two years of pre-trial detention. Amnesty noted that while the draft improves on a 2025 version, its definition of terrorism remains vague and could encompass peaceful protests, government criticism, and legitimate civil society work. It added that Section 3(4) fails to explicitly protect protests, industrial action, human rights advocacy, and humanitarian aid, while including economic damage fails to meet international thresholds for terrorism.

Politicsසිංහල

French President Macron visits Gulf nations to secure fuel supplies amid domestic protests

October 22·1 source

French President Emmanuel Macron made an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia and toured the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, while violent protests over the rising cost of living escalated across France. Macron met Saudi Crown Prince Salman in Riyadh to discuss regional issues, becoming the first Western head of state to visit Saudi Arabia amid attacks by Yemeni Houthi fighters. France is experiencing a fuel crisis linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the American-Iranian crisis. Following discussions, Macron agreed on additional diesel imports from Saudi Arabia, while the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain expressed willingness to supply France with 100,000 tons of fuel monthly.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Military corporal arrested for sexually harassing and assaulting cadets in Kalutara

October 22·1 source

Kalutara South Headquarters Police arrested a military corporal attached to the 11th National Cadet Unit in Kaduruwela for allegedly sexually harassing and assaulting students following a cadet course at the Kalutara Police College. Police said the suspect touched the cadets' private parts during a barracks inspection and assaulted them when they protested. The students also assaulted the corporal. Seven students are receiving inpatient treatment at Kalutara Nagoda Teaching Hospital. Hospital examinations confirmed that the arrested corporal had consumed alcohol and was addicted to illicit drugs. The cadets' passing out parade is scheduled to be held on 25 October under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

Over 10,000 protest across Greece demanding increased education funding and smaller classes

October 22·1 source

More than 10,000 people protested in Athens and other major Greek cities, demanding increased allocations for education and improved school infrastructure. The demonstrations, held in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Larissa, also called for limiting classroom sizes. The Greek government stated that school students, teachers, university students, and student unions participated in the protests, led by opposition political activists. Police reported the demonstration near the Parliament complex in Athens was peaceful, unlike recent protests in France. Protesters stressed their demand for free, public education.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Gammanpila files writ petition against Fort protest ban

October 20·3 sources

Former minister and attorney Udaya Gammanpila filed a writ petition in the Court of Appeal on 19 March challenging a court order that prohibits protests in the Colombo Fort area. The ban was issued by Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena after protests against the removal of the robe of Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence, and demanding his pardon. Gammanpila seeks a writ order preventing the implementation of the ban. The respondents named are the Fort Magistrate, the Attorney General, the Inspector General of Police, and the Officer-in-Charge of the Fort Police Station.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

CCD records 4-hour statement from Ulapane Sumangala Thero over police assault claim

October 20·4 sources

Officers from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) recorded a statement lasting approximately four hours from Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero on October 19. The statement was taken at Dudley Senanayake Vidyalaya in Narahenpita, where the Thero serves. The investigation concerns his allegation that police assaulted Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero during a protest at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo. The protest demanded the release of Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence for contempt of court. Police have denied the assault, saying Kassapa Thero slipped and fell on a concrete step during a confrontation after officers intervened over an unauthorized loudspeaker and temporary shelter. He was admitted to Colombo National Hospital and later discharged. Police also said no formal complaint had been lodged at the time.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Power and revenge: lessons from world political history

October 15·1 source

The report traces political vendettas from ancient Rome to the 20th century, showing how rulers have eliminated rivals to hold power. In the 1st century BCE, Sulla and the Second Triumvirate used 'proscription' to publicly list enemies and reward killers, massacring thousands. In Tudor England, Henry VIII beheaded opponents like Sir Thomas More, and Mary I burned hundreds of Protestants. During the French Revolution's Reign of Terror (1793–1794), Robespierre's Jacobins guillotined the king, queen, and moderate Girondins. Stalin's Great Purge in the 1930s killed or exiled millions of Bolshevik rivals, while Mao's Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) used Red Guards to humiliate and punish dissident leaders. The article presents these as recurring patterns in political history.

Politicsසිංහල

48-hour train strike from midnight tonight - Mawbima

September 18·5 sources

Twenty-six railway trade unions have initiated a continuous 48-hour strike, beginning at midnight on May 16th. The strike, which is scheduled to end at midnight on May 17th, is a protest against several administrative issues within the railway service. Key personnel including train drivers, station masters, and management-related staff are participating in this industrial action.

Otherසිංහල

Unable to Tolerate the 'System Change', the Opposition Has United - National People's Power (NPP) Member of Parliament Najith Indika

September 18·2 sources

In this interview, National People's Power (NPP) MP Najith Indika speaks as if his party is the ruling government, with Anura Dissanayake as President. He defends the hypothetical NPP government's two-year performance, highlighting economic stabilization and the establishment of the rule of law after inheriting a country in crisis. Indika attributes the opposition's unity to their inability to tolerate the ongoing "system change" and dismisses their criticisms as lacking genuine issues. He also addresses farmer protests and the legal sector crisis, asserting the government's sensitivity to real problems while acknowledging political agendas, and emphasizing the necessity of constitutional amendments for positive change.

Politicsසිංහල

How Far Can the Government Go by Ignoring Farmer Issues and the Cost of Living!

September 18·2 sources

The article criticizes the Sri Lankan government for prioritizing constitutional amendments over pressing public concerns like farmer issues and the rising cost of living, likening politics to a repetitive play with changing actors. It details recent farmer protests over low paddy prices, noting the irony that the current government, which came to power on farmer grievances, now faces similar accusations. The piece traces the historical significance of rice and cost of living as political weapons in Sri Lanka, from colonial-era riots to present-day struggles, suggesting that politicians fail to grasp that the public's primary crisis is one of livelihood, not constitutional reform.

Politicsසිංහල