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Top stories — November 11, 2026

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Funds misuse case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe postponed to December 9

November 11·10 sources

The Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court on 11 November 2026 postponed until 9 December a public funds misuse case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake. Both suspects appeared in court before Acting Magistrate Kingsley Hettiarachchi, who adjourned proceedings to await advice from the Attorney General. Both men had also attended the previous hearing on 30 October. The Criminal Investigation Department filed the case under the Public Property Act over state funds allegedly misused when Wickremesinghe travelled to the United Kingdom in 2023 for his wife Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe's graduation ceremony. Most reports stated the alleged loss exceeded Rs. 16.6 million, though one report by Hiru News placed the figure at over Rs. 15 million. The department previously informed the court that its investigations were complete.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

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

November 11·9 sources

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

Sri Lanka conducts first pilotless passenger drone test flight at Colombo Port City

November 11·12 sources

Sri Lanka conducted its first official demonstration flight of an electric, pilotless passenger drone on 11 November 2026 at Colombo Port City. Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka flew aboard the aircraft during the inaugural flight. The trial used a Chinese EHang E216 two-seater electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft. Remotely operated from a central station, the drone features 16 propellers, 12 battery packs, and automated safety systems for emergency failures. Testing will continue at Port City across a six-month trial phase. Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku announced that commercial passenger operations are expected within six months, with additional plans to expand into cargo transport. Authorities expect the service to support aerial tourism to destinations like Sigiriya and Pidurangala, as well as emergency services, coordinated by aviation, defence, port city, and tourism agencies.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Irrigation Department warns public of flash flood risk from intense rainfall

November 11·4 sources

The Department of Irrigation warned on Wednesday (11) that high-intensity rainfall within short periods could cause flash floods, advising residents in low-lying areas and near riverbanks, as well as road users, to remain vigilant. Eng. L. S. Sooriyabandara, Director of the department’s Hydrology and Disaster Management Division, said Ampara recorded the country's highest rainfall of nearly 130 mm over the previous 24 hours. Rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm was recorded in Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Kegalle, and Matale districts. Aruna and Ada Derana reported high rainfall in Kandy, whereas Virakesari cited Nuwara Eliya. Minor flooding persists along parts of the Nilwala, Gin, and Kalu rivers, though water levels are generally receding. Eng. Sooriyabandara urged the public to monitor official announcements as further heavy showers are forecast.

Environment & Weatherසිංහලதமிழ்

President Dissanayake to present 2027 budget to Parliament on November 12

November 11·9 sources

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, serving as Minister of Finance, will present the 2027 Budget to Parliament on November 12 at 1.30 p.m. Total government expenditure for 2027 is estimated at Rs. 4,992.77 billion. Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the budget will provide relief on certain taxes, increase some allowances, and raise public servants' basic salaries. A 26-day debate will run from November 13 to December 14. The Second Reading vote is scheduled for November 20 at 6.00 p.m., although Thinakaran reported November 10. A 19-day Committee Stage debate will follow from November 21, concluding with the final vote on the Appropriation Bill on December 14 at 6.00 p.m.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Authorities open Kotmale Reservoir spill gates and warn downstream residents

November 11·5 sources

The spill gates of the Kotmale Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir were opened at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday (11), releasing water into the Kotmala Oya at a rate of 150 cubic metres per second. The engineer in charge reported that the reservoir water level stood at 701.3 metres above sea level at 10:15 a.m., which was 1.7 metres below the spill level. Authorities decided to release water to lower the reservoir level and mitigate flood risks in downstream areas, following prevailing rains and weather forecasts predicting continued rainfall in the catchment areas. Officials advised residents living along the Kotmala Oya below the Kotmale Dam and along the Mahaweli River, as well as people travelling through these areas, to remain vigilant and exercise caution.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

President Dissanayake reviews 2027 budget with Rs. 2,000 billion capital allocation

November 11·9 sources

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewed the final draft of the 2027 budget proposals at the Presidential Secretariat on 11 November. Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma also attended the review. The budget includes Rs. 2,000 billion in capital allocations. It aims to move beyond economic stabilization toward economic expansion and transformative development. A President’s Media Division statement noted that the government achieved progress in key economic sectors through high financial discipline, despite challenges including the Ditwa disaster and the Middle East crisis. President Dissanayake is scheduled to present the budget to Parliament on Thursday (12) afternoon in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

Court of Appeal begins hearing contempt case against Dilith Jayaweera and others

November 11·3 sources

The Court of Appeal on 11 November began hearing a contempt of court complaint filed by the Fort Magistrate against Sarvajana Balaya leader MP Dilith Jayaweera, Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila, and three others. The complaint concerns statements regarding the arrest and detention of former State Intelligence Service Director retired Major General Suresh Salley over the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. Hiru News identified the other respondents as Sugeeshwara Bandara, Asanka Nawaratna, and Mahinda Pathirana, and described Weerawansa and Gammanpila as MPs, whereas Thamilan and Ada Derana identified them as former MPs. Appearing for Gammanpila before a three-judge bench led by Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya, President's Counsel Manohara de Silva argued that a cited YouTube video contained no date or time proving his client made the statement on 7 June.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Global crude oil prices rise as Brent reaches US$ 92.41 and WTI US$ 86.63

November 11·3 sources

Crude oil prices in the global market have increased, according to foreign media reports on 11 November 2026. The price of a barrel of WTI crude oil rose by 0.69 percent to US$ 86.63. Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil increased by 1.01 percent to reach US$ 92.41.

Economy & Businessසිංහලதமிழ்

Meteorology Department forecasts heavy rain exceeding 100mm across five provinces on 11 November

November 11·9 sources

The Department of Meteorology forecast heavy rain exceeding 100 mm in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, and Uva provinces on 11 November. Occasional showers were expected in the Northern and Eastern provinces, and across other areas after 1:00 p.m. The department advised the public to take precautions against lightning and temporary strong winds. Divaina reported landslide warnings for nine districts after rain up to 162.5 mm on 10 November flooded low-lying areas near four rivers. Meteorology Director General Ajith Wijemann said a potential depression could bring further rain from 15 November.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Gotabaya Rajapaksa's former private secretary Sugishwara Bandara further remanded until November 18

November 11·7 sources

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2026 ordered the further remand of Sugishwara Bandara, former private secretary to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, until November 18. Acting Magistrate Kingsley Hettiarachchi issued the directive. Bandara faces allegations of illegally drawing two salaries simultaneously under the Presidential expenditure head. Thamilan reported the case as an alleged misuse of funds from the Presidential Secretariat. Hiru News and Virakesari stated that the Criminal Investigation Department arrested Bandara, whereas News 1st reported that he was produced in court by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau. The magistrate scheduled the consideration of Bandara’s bail application for November 18, with Virakesari reporting that bail was rejected. Hiru News also identified Bandara as the leader of the New People’s Front.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa elected chair of first BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting

November 11·9 sources

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa was elected Chairman of the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting, which commenced at the Hilton Colombo on Wednesday (11). The summit brings together delegates from all seven member states: Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Thailand. India's Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, arrived in Colombo to attend. Discussions focus on regional public health security, communicable disease control, health emergency preparedness, and technical knowledge exchange. Sri Lanka serves as the lead country for public health cooperation within the regional bloc. Dr. Jayatissa was previously appointed Chair of the World Health Organization's South-East Asia Regional Committee in October 2025 and Vice Chair of the Fifth Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference in October 2026.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

NBRO warns of continued rockfall risk in Kadugannawa as unstable rocks remain

November 11·2 sources

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) warned on 11 November that the risk of rockfalls persists in Kadugannawa following an incident on 10 November. NBRO Senior Geologist Dr. Wasantha Senadeera said unstable rocks remain above the site and could fall at any time. He also highlighted danger along the railway line in the Kadigamuwa area. Dr. Senadeera explained that predicting landslides and rockfalls is difficult because localised rainfall often evades Department of Meteorology forecasts, with rain gauges spaced six to 10 kilometres apart. He noted that a rain gauge at Kurukuttala (reported as Guruguththala by Thamilan) School, one kilometre away, recorded no significant rain despite localised rainfall triggering the rockfall. He urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant.

Environment & Weatherසිංහලதமிழ்

Authorities reopen one lane of Colombo-Kandy road at Kadugannawa after landslide assessment

November 11·11 sources

Authorities reopened one lane of the Colombo-Kandy main road between Kadugannawa and Ganethenna at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday (11), following a temporary closure caused by rockfalls and landslide risks. The stretch between Dawson Tower and Ganethenna junction was closed on Tuesday (10) after heavy rain triggered earth slips, damaging a parked motorcycle. While Ada Derana reported the closure began Tuesday afternoon, Virakesari stated it began at 7:15 p.m. Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta said the decision to allow restricted traffic followed recommendations by an inspection team comprising the National Building Research Organisation, Road Development Authority, police, Disaster Management Centre, and Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat. Udawatta urged motorists to use alternative routes to avoid congestion and warned that authorities will close the road at night if heavy rain continues.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Israel swears in new parliament as Eisenkot seeks to form government

November 11·3 sources

Israel's new parliament was sworn in on 10 November following the general election held on 27 October. Opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot was tasked by the President with forming a new government within 28 days. In the 120-seat parliament, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's alliance won 53 seats, while Eisenkot's alliance secured 48. Hiru News reported that opposition parties secured a majority overall, while two Arab parties won 19 seats. Netanyahu proposed a national unity government and opposed Arab party involvement, drawing criticism from Eisenkot. Key obstacles to forming a government include Arab party support, Ultra-Orthodox military conscription, and policies on Hamas. Eisenkot has also presented a draft bill to establish a special commission to investigate the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Magistrate orders police investigation into fatal three-bus collision in Rambewa

November 11·5 sources

Anuradhapura Additional Magistrate D.L. Samarasinghe ordered Mihintale Police to formally investigate a three-bus collision that occurred on 10 November on the A9 road in Rambewa. Police stated that the crash occurred near the Rambewa-Weli Oya junction when a Sri Lanka Transport Board bus overtook a private bus and hit an oncoming bus head-on due to negligent driving. Aruna, Ada Derana, Hiru News and Virakesari reported four deaths, while Thamilan reported five. Hiru News reported 76 people were injured, while Aruna, Ada Derana and Thamilan reported 71. After inspecting the site and vehicles, Magistrate Samarasinghe directed a motor vehicle inspector to examine each bus and ordered hospital medical officers to conduct post-mortems before releasing the bodies to relatives.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

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

November 11·4 sources

Supporters of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have launched nationwide protests demanding her return from exile in India. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators across several areas. Clashes erupted in Gopalganj, where members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, affiliated with Hasina’s Awami League, set a police vehicle on fire. In Faridpur, a 60-year-old bus driver died after his vehicle was torched. The demonstrations began after Hasina reportedly requested a passport to return. The Bangladeshi government refused the request and asked India to deport her. Hasina, ousted in August 2024, was sentenced to death in absentia, charges she denies.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහල

Police arrest 41-year-old man in Unawatuna with 'Ice' and 'Kush'

November 11·3 sources

Officers of the Galle District Crime Division have arrested a 41-year-old resident of Unawatuna with stocks of ‘Ice’ and ‘Kush’ drugs. Police seized over 134 grams of ‘Ice’ and over 125 grams of ‘Kush’ from the suspect. The arrest was made during a raid conducted in Unawatuna based on confidential information received by officers. Further investigations are underway.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

Two injured in collision between three-wheeler and lorry in Kitulgala

November 11·4 sources

A man and a woman were injured on the morning of 11 November 2026 when a three-wheeler collided with a lorry in the Kitulgala area. Police and local residents admitted the two injured individuals to hospital following the crash. Kithulgala Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

Otherසිංහලதமிழ்

Three-judge bench appointed to hear Hirunika Premachandra’s appeal against prison sentence

November 11·2 sources

Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya has appointed a three-member bench to hear the appeal filed by former Member of Parliament Hirunika Premachandra against her prison sentence. The matter was referred to Justice Abeysooriya after judges disagreed when delivering a decision on the appeal. The bench comprises Justice Abeysooriya, P. Kumaran Ratnam, and Pradeep Hettiarachchi. The court decided on 11 November that the appeal will be heard before the bench on January 21. Premachandra filed the appeal seeking acquittal after the Colombo High Court on December 21, 2015, sentenced her to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine for abducting a youth in a Defender vehicle, unlawfully detaining him, and assaulting him.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

PCB moves second Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test from Lahore to Rawalpindi over smog

November 11·2 sources

The Pakistan Cricket Board has moved the second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from Lahore to Rawalpindi due to severe air pollution and smog in Lahore. The second Test will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 17 to 21. The first Test is also currently being played in Rawalpindi. Pakistan declared at 434 for 9, and Sri Lanka reached 114 for 3 before poor light stopped play early on the second day.

Sportsසිංහල

Royal College wins 2026 Western Province Schools Team Chess overall championship

November 11·2 sources

Royal College, Colombo, won the overall championship at the 2026 Western Province Schools Team Chess Tournament, held on October 7 and 8 at Dharmapala Vidyalaya in Kottawa. Male and female players from leading schools across the province competed. Royal College won titles in the Under 10, 12, 14, 16, and 20 categories, and finished as runner-up in the Under 8 category. Ada Derana reported that this was the first time Royal College won the tournament's overall championship, while Dinamina stated it was the first time any school secured an overall championship at the event.

Sportsසිංහල

PUCSL decides against electricity tariff revision for final quarter of 2026

November 10·3 sources

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided not to revise electricity tariffs for the final quarter of 2026. The tariff structure effective during the third quarter will remain in place. The Commission initially observed that electricity supply costs would increase by 2.88 percent based on data from the National System Operator (NSO). However, after reviewing updated cost data received on November 9 and public consultation feedback, the PUCSL determined that a revision was unnecessary. The Commission added that the NSO submitted the relevant cost data on October 6, despite being required to submit it by August 17.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

Supreme Court conveys opinion on State Security Bill to Speaker

November 10·2 sources

The Supreme Court has communicated its determination on the proposed State Security Bill to the Speaker, the Speaker’s Office announced on 10 November. The government recently presented the bill to Parliament, drawing objections from several parties. Meanwhile, United Nations experts stated that the proposed law must be amended to align with international human rights law. While acknowledging positive trends in the draft, they noted that several critical issues remain. The experts emphasized that detention orders should undergo prompt and effective judicial oversight, that the review committee hearing detention appeals must be genuinely independent, and that the definition of terrorism should exclude property damage and cover only acts causing intentional death or serious bodily harm.

Politicsසිංහල

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals exceed 1.9 million up to 8 November

November 10·4 sources

Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka reached 1,912,233 between 1 January and 8 November 2026, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. A total of 49,929 tourists arrived during 1 to 8 November, averaging 6,241 visitors daily. India remained the largest source market this year with 512,026 visitors, followed by the United Kingdom with 176,670. Germany contributed 108,754 arrivals, while Lankadeepa reported 95,224 from Russia. For Chinese arrivals, Aruna, Lankadeepa, and Ada Derana reported 126,326, while FT.lk reported 125,326. FT.lk and Lankadeepa recorded 12,401 Indian arrivals from 1 to 8 November, though Aruna and Ada Derana placed this figure in early October. Between 1 and 8 November, Russia sent 5,483 visitors and the UK 3,541. FT.lk noted that cumulative arrivals remained 1.7% below the previous year's pace.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

Signal failure between Colombo Fort and Maradana delays train services

November 10·7 sources

Train services operating between or originating from the Colombo Fort and Maradana railway stations were delayed on 10 November 2026 due to a signalling system failure between the two stations. The Railway Department stated that all trains commencing their journeys from these stations would be delayed. The fault affected all railway routes, including the main line, inconveniencing passengers. Aruna and Ada Derana reported that the signal breakdown occurred in the afternoon, while The Morning reported that it took place in the evening.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Colombo-Kandy main road closed at Kadugannawa after rock and earth slides

November 10·10 sources

Traffic along the Kadugannawa–Ganetenna stretch of the Colombo–Kandy main road was suspended on 10 November 2026 following earth and rock slides. Falling debris damaged a motorcycle parked beside the road. Hiru News initially reported that traffic was restricted to one lane, but later stated the road would remain closed until 6.00 a.m. on 11 November. Rainfall continued to affect the area following the collapse. The Kandy District Secretary urged motorists to avoid the section and use alternative routes.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Rumesh Tharanga ranks eighth in 2026 World Athlete of the Year nominations

November 10·2 sources

Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has secured eighth place among the ten nominees for the 2026 Men’s World Athlete of the Year award. He is the first Sri Lankan nominated for the award. During his 2026 campaign, the Sri Lanka Air Force athlete won gold medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. He also claimed the Diamond League title and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. Tharanga set a new personal best and national record with a 92.62-metre throw at the Diamond League meeting in Rome. The throw made him the second-best Asian javelin thrower in history.

SportsEnglishසිංහල