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Violent protests erupt across Bangladesh as supporters demand Sheikh Hasina’s return

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 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

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

GSLF accuses Western missions of silence over crackdown on monk-led protest

November 11·1 source

Global Sri Lanka Forum representative Yasus Dharmadasa on 10 November accused the Colombo-based Western diplomatic community of double standards for staying silent over the government crackdown on protests led by the Maha Sangha. Dharmadasa referred to police action against a demonstration at Viharamahadevi Park, where protesters demanded that the National People's Power government grant a presidential pardon to Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera.

PoliticsEnglish

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

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

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

Strong laws are essential to suppress organised crime, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says

November 10·1 source

Strong laws are essential to control organised criminal gangs and international drug networks in Sri Lanka, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said on Tuesday (10). Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing in Colombo, Jayatissa said bills are not passed immediately. The public and civil organisations can submit views and propose amendments during parliamentary committee stage debates after gazetting. Jayatissa added that the government is prepared to remove unnecessary features. He assured that the proposed law will not affect trade union actions, strikes, protests, investigative reporting, or court coverage. However, he asked media organisations not to misuse media identity cards by sending criminals to news conferences.

Politicsதமிழ்

Paraguayan judge orders former President Santiago Pena detained over banking scandal

November 10·1 source

Paraguayan Judge Humberto Otazu has ordered former President Santiago Pena and Central Bank Chief Carlos Carvallo to be held in pretrial detention over a banking scandal linked to digital lender Ueno. Pena was charged with breach of trust and administration for personal gain. Carvallo faces the same charges alongside an allegation of falsifying government documents. Prosecutors allege Pena used political influence to inject over US$ 800 million in public funds into Ueno while shielding it from scrutiny. The bank's collapse locked nearly half the population out of savings, triggering violent protests and Pena's impeachment. Pena, who held a stake in Ueno's parent company until March 2025, denied wrongdoing, calling the bank's collapse a regulatory matter. He is being held at a military facility to ensure he remains in the country.

Crime & CourtsEnglish

Suren Raghavan calls government's suspension of two proposed bills a public victory

November 10·1 source

Former State Minister Suren Raghavan stated on Monday (9) that the government's temporary suspension of two proposed bills is a victory for the public resulting from protests inside and outside parliament. Speaking at an opposition press conference, he said the anti-terrorism and organized crime bills should only be reintroduced after consulting legal experts, scholars, and civil society. Raghavan also condemned a police officer's insult of a Buddhist monk in Anuradhapura and accused the government of attempting to rename historic cities for tourists. Criticising education spending of 2.1% of GDP last year and 1.97% this year, he urged the government to step down if it cannot fulfil its promises.

Politicsதமிழ்

Buddhist clergy and opposition challenge government over Gnanasara Thera's revoked pardon

November 10·1 source

The Supreme Court revoked the presidential pardon granted to Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, leading prison authorities to disrobe him before judicial proceedings. Buddhist clergy and opposition political parties subsequently mobilised demonstrations, demanding a presidential pardon from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and calling for his resignation if he refuses. The protests demonstrated that despite holding a two-thirds parliamentary majority, the government remains vulnerable to extra-parliamentary challenges, potentially explaining its interest in legislation expanding state coercive powers.

PoliticsEnglish

Anuradhapura sacred city development will continue despite protests, says Minister Samarasinghe

November 10·1 source

Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food, and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe said on Tuesday (10) that development works in the Anuradhapura Sacred City will continue regardless of protests. Speaking to journalists in Colombo, Samarasinghe described protests against the project as fabricated dramas staged for political survival, which cannot obstruct government plans. He said the works are fully supervised by the Sacred City Development Committee, formed with the participation of chief monks of the Atamasthana, alongside a special advisory committee, subject experts, and spiritual leaders. Samarasinghe added that excavations in the Aluth Nuwara area have uncovered evidence of a civilization dating back over 3,500 years, and steps are being taken to conduct more extensive excavations there.

Politicsதமிழ்

Batticaloa group accuses fisheries officials of abetting illegal purse seine fishing

November 10·1 source

Anthony Sil Rajkumar, spokesperson for the Batticaloa Anti-Corruption, Fraud and Narcotics Organization, alleged on Tuesday (10) that fisheries officials are abetting illegal purse seine fishing in Batticaloa. Speaking in Palaminmadu, Rajkumar claimed officials accept monthly bribes, fail to act on protests, and tipped off offenders. He noted his organization recently seized 14 purse seines with police and naval assistance. He warned that the practice threatens local fishermen with starvation. He urged legal action against named net owners between Poonochimunai and Kaluvanchikudy, and called for an investigation into individuals bringing fishermen from Kinniya and Karukkapana.

Economy & Businessதமிழ்

Harshana Rajakaruna warns SJB will protest if proposed security laws are introduced

November 9·2 sources

Samagi Jana Balawegaya Member of Parliament Harshana Rajakaruna warned on Monday that the party will launch street protests next year if the government introduces proposed security laws. Rajakaruna said the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act and Organized Crime Prevention Act would suppress free speech and permit warrantless arrests by security forces. He accused the government of steering the country toward dictatorship. He noted that Ministers Vijitha Herath and Sunil Wattagala had challenged these laws in court while in opposition. He also alleged the government is undermining judicial independence through the 22nd Amendment, citing the sudden transfer of the Gampaha Magistrate. With the budget debate scheduled from November 12 to December 14, Rajakaruna urged the government to fulfill its election manifesto promises rather than pursuing repressive legislation next year.

Politicsதமிழ்

Development officers across Sri Lanka stage island-wide sick leave protest over unresolved demands

November 9·2 sources

Development officers across Sri Lanka launched an island-wide sick leave protest on 9 November over various unresolved demands. A coalition of 12 trade unions representing all nine provinces and the central government organized the trade union action. All Ceylon Development Officers' Association general secretary Anuradha Seneviratne warned that the work stoppage disrupts internal work across ministries, provincial councils, registration offices, and immigration departments. United Development Officers' Association chief secretary Dhammika Munasinghe stated that repeated appeals had brought no solutions. Trade union representatives warned of more intense protests if the government fails to address their grievances.

Otherසිංහලதமிழ்

G7 foreign ministers meet in Paris to discuss Ukraine, Iran and US policy

November 9·1 source

G7 foreign ministers met in Paris on 9 November 2026 to assess potential shifts in United States policy following President Donald Trump's midterm election setback. The summit was urgently relocated from Marseille due to ongoing protests across France. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintained the administration's firm stance in talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Meanwhile, allies voiced concerns that further US military action could exacerbate the Iranian crisis. Ministers also discussed providing air defense, energy, and financial aid to Ukraine ahead of tripartite talks in Abu Dhabi on 10 November. Discussions additionally covered European cyberattacks, including pro-Russian hackers leaking Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's personal data. Ministers from Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Korea, and Brazil also attended the summit alongside the G7 members and the European Union.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

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

Rajitha Senaratne warns government mismanagement is driving Sri Lanka toward another economic crisis

November 9·1 source

Former United National Party MP Rajitha Senaratne warned on 9 November 2026 that government economic mismanagement is rapidly pushing Sri Lanka toward a severe crisis and bankruptcy similar to 2022. Speaking at a Joint Opposition press conference, Senaratne said central government debt rose from 29.5 trillion rupees to 32 trillion, with domestic debt reaching 19 trillion and foreign debt rising to 12.7 trillion. He stated that increases across 12 tax types reduced the middle class from 72 percent to 57 percent, while about 75 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises face a severe crisis. Senaratne also warned that suppressing protests risks losing GSP+ tax concessions, noting that 171 million dollars left the stock market and fuel and essential commodity prices have significantly risen.

Economy & Businessதமிழ்

Joint Health Workers' Union to launch nationwide protests over eight budget demands

November 9·1 source

The Joint Health Workers' Union announced nationwide protests and awareness campaigns starting Tuesday (10), presenting eight demands ahead of the government's third budget presentation on Wednesday (11). The union previously distributed leaflets outside the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital on Sunday (08) urging healthcare workers to join the campaign. Demands include allocating at least 5 percent of the budget to free health services, filling vacancies, setting health assistants' overtime rate to 1/160, and compensating additional hours in five-day work weeks. The union warned it would intensify trade union actions before the budget's second reading if the government fails to meet its demands, claiming previous promises remain unfulfilled.

Healthதமிழ்

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

Niruksha Kumara accuses opposition of exploiting protests and Colombo floods

November 9·1 source

United Opposition co-convener Niruksha Kumara accused religious extremist forces of misusing Buddhist monastic robes to create disturbances, speaking to the media in Colombo on Monday (09). He stated that a protest pilgrimage over Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero's imprisonment deviated into demands for regime change, shifting from Colombo's Viharamahadevi Park to Anuradhapura. Kumara alleged groups are falsely claiming excavations are occurring at Ruwanwelisaya to provoke confrontations with police, warning that these actions disrupt tourism and undermine the country's economic recovery. Additionally, Kumara accused the main opposition, including parties led by Sajith Premadasa, the UNP, and the SLPP, of seeking political gain from recent Colombo floods despite failing to install proper drainage while governing.

Politicsதமிழ்

Internal assessments show Russian and US networks exploited recent French riots online

November 9·1 source

An internal European Union assessment revealed that a covert Russian network, Operation Overload, used social media to exploit riots in France in October. Protests against rising prices and declining public services had escalated into severe violence. The network impersonated Western media to spread false claims regarding migrant assaults and imminent attacks, attempting to portray the French government as weak and authoritarian. However, the EU found no evidence that external actors instigated the unrest. A French Foreign Ministry assessment found that accounts tied to the US and Israeli MAGA movement also linked the riots to extremist Islamism and migration. From October 16 to 18, ten Russian-backed X posts gained 2.8 million views.

Foreign Affairsதமிழ்

S.M. Marikkar accuses government of failing to clean Colombo drains amid flooding

November 9·1 source

On Monday (9), Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar accused the National People's Power government of failing to carry out the basic task of cleaning Colombo's drains after taking control of the Colombo Municipal Council. Speaking at a press conference, Marikkar noted that the Director General of the Department of Meteorology had identified uncleared drains as the cause of the recent flood situation. Marikkar also defended his record as a Colombo MP since 2015 against private media criticism, citing past infrastructure work including over 700 sub-roads, road developments in Wellampitiya, and his role in anti-government protests.

Politicsதமிழ்

Human Rights Watch urges Bangladesh to end violence surrounding garment wage protests

November 9·1 source

Human Rights Watch urged Bangladesh on November 5 to end violence and impunity surrounding garment sector wage protests. HRW Deputy Asia Director Meenakshi Ganguly also called on global brands to prevent labour abuses in supplier contracts. Workers demand a monthly minimum wage of Tk 30,000, up from Tk 12,500 set in 2023. Most returned to work after a Minimum Wage Board was formed to implement a revised structure in December. HRW stated police used tear gas and batons against protesters. Garment worker Toufiq Hossain died on November 3 after being caught between protesters and men allegedly hired by another factory to suppress protests. Dhaka police arrested 33 Awami League supporters for sabotage and detained three labour leaders in Ashulia for incitement. Police also filed Anti-Terrorism Act cases against thousands of unnamed individuals.

Foreign AffairsEnglish

President Dissanayake says PST and POC bills will only pass after review

November 8·1 source

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on 7 November 2026 that the government has no plans to pass the Protection of the State from Terrorism (PST) and Prevention of Organised Crime (POC) bills immediately. He stated the legislation will be passed only after undertaking a comprehensive review. Amid growing protests, the justice minister has been instructed to hold talks with stakeholders.

PoliticsEnglish

Government amends proposed organized crime bill and delays debate following widespread opposition

November 8·1 source

The government has agreed to three key amendments to the proposed Organized Crime Prevention Bill and delayed parliamentary submission following domestic protests, legal challenges, and international criticism. The changes reduce police custody detention from 72 to 48 hours, remove criminal identification tattooing provisions, and drop certain Excise Ordinance offenses. The President confirmed the revisions at a National People's Power conference on Thursday (5 November). Opposition came from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the People's Struggle Movement, trade unions, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. A five-member United Nations expert committee also found sections violated international human rights agreements. With the 2027 budget scheduled for 12 November and debates running through December, parliamentary debate on the bills is now expected early next year.

Politicsதமிழ்

Protests launched across Sri Lanka against proposed terrorism and organized crime bills

November 8·1 source

Several protests were held across Sri Lanka this week against the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act. The demonstrations were led by the Frontline Socialist Party, the People’s Struggle Movement, civic rights activists and trade unionists.

PoliticsEnglish

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

Maldives moves to repeal 17 percent tourism tax on foreign tour operators

November 8·1 source

The Maldives is abandoning a 17 percent Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) on foreign tour operators following protests and threats to stop marketing the destination. The tax was imposed on October 1, 2026, but a bill has been presented to Parliament to repeal the measure and refund any money already collected.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Pubudu Jayagoda says amendments to organized crimes bill will not resolve fundamental flaws

November 7·1 source

Speaking in Colombo on Friday, Frontline Socialist Party Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda stated that proposed amendments to the Prevention of Organized Crimes Bill will not address its fundamental flaws. President Ranil Wickremesinghe had announced three revisions on Thursday: reducing police detention from 72 to 48 hours, altering identification based on body tattoos, and removing Excise Ordinance offenses. Jayagoda claimed the concessions followed public protests near Parliament on 4 November, but warned dangerous provisions remain, including detention without judicial oversight and recalling remand detainees for police interrogation up to six months. He added that offenses concerning gambling, wildlife, and antiquities remain covered, while also calling for the abandonment of the counter-terrorism bill and repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Politicsதமிழ்