FindAllNews — Sri Lanka News

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.

Sri Lanka launches five-day business name registration pilot project in Anuradhapura

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

On 10 November 2026, Sri Lanka launched the Simplified and Unified Business Name Registration pilot project in Anuradhapura, enabling sole proprietorships and partnerships to register within five days. The reform modernises a system dating back to 1918 by separating business name registration from other regulatory licences. Applicants will no longer need land ownership documents or approvals from multiple agencies, requiring only basic identity and residency information. The initial three-month pilot covers 20 Divisional Secretariat divisions across the Central, Northern, North Central, and North Western provinces. Following an evaluation, the government plans to expand the system islandwide and introduce a digital registration platform. The project is implemented jointly by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, non-profit organisation Chrysalis, and Provincial Councils. Most outlets reported the launch was held under Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, though Virakesari named him Chaturanga Abeywickrama.

Meteorology Department warns Bay of Bengal disturbance may cause heavy rain from 15 November

The Department of Meteorology warned that an atmospheric disturbance over the south-east Bay of Bengal could develop into a depression, potentially bringing heavy rains to Sri Lanka from 15 to 17 November. Director General Ajith Wijemannage said the system is likely to form a low-pressure area around 13 November and move northwards along the eastern coast, particularly affecting the Northern, North Central, and Eastern provinces. Wijemannage noted that data remains insufficient for precise forecasts, but second inter-monsoon and El Niño conditions are already causing evening showers across the country. An Amber advisory was issued for deep-sea vessels and naval communities due to rough seas and winds up to 60 kmph. The department advised vulnerable residents to heed evacuation warnings from irrigation and building research authorities.

Minister says only 20km of Colombo’s 469km drainage network upgraded since 2014

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහල

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said on Tuesday that only 20 kilometres of Colombo’s 469-kilometre drainage network have been upgraded since 2014 to handle 102 millimetres of rain per hour. Speaking at a Cabinet briefing, Dr. Jayatissa attributed recent flooding to extreme downpours, an ageing drainage system designed for 30 millimetres per hour, unauthorised constructions, and garbage blockages. Dr. Jayatissa stated that 129 to 150 millimetres of rain fell within two hours. However, Colombo Municipal Council Drainage Deputy Director Deepika Wijethilake told the Daily Mirror that nearly 100 millimetres fell. Dr. Jayatissa noted that eight households along the Norris Canal near the flooded National Hospital remain unrelocated despite Rs. 11 million in offered compensation. The Presidential Secretariat is leading a multi-agency rapid response, while the council plans to seek Tri-Forces assistance and hire more workers to clean drains.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

US House Republicans block effort to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

November 11·3 sources

Republicans in the US House of Representatives voted 211 to 204 on Tuesday to refer eight articles of impeachment against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, effectively halting the effort. The impeachment push was sponsored by outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie, but no other Republicans joined him. Eleven Democrats did not vote, preventing the procedural measure from being defeated. The articles accused Hegseth of illegally ordering military action in Iran, Yemen, the Caribbean Sea, and Venezuela. Lankadeepa also reported accusations that Hegseth gave incorrect information to President Donald Trump, drawing the country into war with Iran. Reports noted the vote displayed Republican unity following recent midterm election defeats. Hegseth defended his record before the vote, while President Trump welcomed the decision.

Sri Lanka to introduce entrepreneurship and financial literacy to Grade 6 in 2027

November 11·4 sources

Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced on 10 November that entrepreneurship and financial literacy will be added to the Grade 6 curriculum from 2027. While Hiru News initially reported the rollout would begin next year, other outlets and the remainder of Hiru News's report specified 2027. Speaking at Isurupaya, Amarasuriya said the initiative aims to protect young people from financial fraud and promote participation in productive economic activities. Commercial education, previously limited to Ordinary and Advanced Level students, will become a broader life skill. The announcement coincided with awards for the first All-Island Commerce Knowledge and Entrepreneurial Skills Competition. Supplementary teaching modules were also introduced. The ministry launched a plan to establish 100 regional activity-based learning centres in three phases between 2026 and 2028, beginning with 25 centres across all districts this year.

EducationEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

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.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහල

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.

PUCSL decides not to revise electricity tariffs for final quarter of 2026

November 11·3 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 used in the third quarter will remain unchanged until the end of the year. The decision follows National System Operator (NSO) data showing a 2.88 percent increase in electricity supply costs. The NSO submitted updated cost data on 9 November 2026. According to the Daily Mirror, the NSO submitted initial estimates on 6 October, missing a deadline set for before 17 August 2026. The PUCSL stated that it decided against a revision after reviewing the updated cost data and stakeholder views submitted during legally required public consultations.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Police recover hidden firearms in Hanwella following interrogation of 'Bus Lalith'

November 11·3 sources

On 10 November 2026, the Central Crime Investigation Bureau recovered two firearms and two live rounds in Hanwella, following information revealed by extradited underworld figure Lalith Kannangara, alias ‘Bus Lalith’. Officers seized a locally manufactured firearm capable of firing 9mm ammunition along with a magazine, and a locally manufactured 12-bore ‘Galkatas’ firearm with two rounds of live ammunition. Lankadeepa and Hiru News reported the weapons were found hidden inside a mahogany tree hollow in Dasawella, while the Daily Mirror described the location as a hideout in Pahathgama. Kannangara, a 36-year-old Embilipitiya resident extradited from Dubai, remains detained for further questioning. Police suspect the weapons were hidden to commit a crime and will produce them before court.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Health Ministry opens Dengue Control Operations Office for 13 high-risk districts

November 11·2 sources

The Health Ministry has established a new Dengue Control Operations Office within its Disaster Preparedness and Response Division to streamline and coordinate national dengue prevention efforts. Daily News reported the hub opened on Monday, while Daily Mirror stated it was set up on 9 November. The launch coincides with a Special Dengue Control Week declared from 9 to 14 November. The office will directly oversee control measures across 74 Medical Officer of Health divisions in 13 high-risk districts, following rising mosquito density and dengue cases linked to recent weather changes. Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa chaired a meeting at the venue to review campaign protocols. Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, health officials, police, armed forces, and Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat representatives attended.

HealthEnglish

Pakistani anchor Rabia Ahsan shot dead at home; husband arrested for murder

November 11·1 source

Pakistani television anchor Rabia Ahsan, 41, was found shot dead at her home in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Police arrested her husband, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Deputy Director Ahsan Tahir, and seized an unlicensed .30-bore pistol from the bedroom. Police found bullet wounds below Ahsan's neck and on her back. Ahsan's sister entered the bedroom after hearing a gunshot and found Ahsan lying in blood while Tahir held a pistol. Pakistani news outlet Samaa reported that Tahir confessed to the killing. However, Dawn reported that a domestic worker told police Tahir claimed the shot was fired accidentally. Police registered a murder case under the Pakistan Penal Code. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari condemned the killing and called for an impartial investigation.

Crime & CourtsEnglish

Frequent eye rubbing can trigger keratoconus, cornea specialist warns

November 11·1 source

Frequent eye rubbing, especially among children with eye allergies, can cause or worsen keratoconus, Consultant Cornea Surgeon Dr. Kusum Ratnayaka warned on 10 November, marking World Keratoconus Day. The National Eye Hospital cautioned that the progressive cornea-thinning condition is increasingly detected in Sri Lanka, including among children as young as seven or eight, though it typically affects people aged 15 to 25. Keratoconus causes the cornea to bulge into a cone shape, distorting vision. Early signs include frequent spectacle prescription changes, blurred vision, night vision difficulties, halos around lights and vision differences between eyes. Dr. Ratnayaka urged people with itchy eyes to seek medical treatment rather than rub them. Doctors also stressed the importance of vision screenings in Grades 1, 4 and 7 for early detection.

HealthEnglish

Kamanthi Wickramasinghe wins Journalist of the Year at Journalism Awards for Excellence

November 11·1 source

Daily Mirror Deputy Features Editor Kamanthi Wickramasinghe won the Mervyn de Silva Journalist of the Year Award at the Journalism Awards for Excellence 2025 on 10 November. The event was organised by The Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Press Institute. In the website category, www.dailymirror.lk and www.ft.lk received a joint Merit Award in recognition of their journalistic work.

OtherEnglish

Cabinet approves five-year MoU between University of Jaffna and Southern Illinois University

November 10·5 sources

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to sign a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Jaffna and the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University in the United States. The proposal was submitted by the Prime Minister as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education to strengthen bilateral academic cooperation and research ties. Under the agreement, effective for five years from signing, the two institutions will pursue joint research, academic programmes, and faculty exchanges. They will also exchange undergraduate and postgraduate students for learning, research, and internships. The partnership further provides for joint conferences and workshops, the sharing of academic resources, and the linking of the universities' websites to facilitate information sharing.

EducationEnglishதமிழ்

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.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

Interest payments took Rs. 37 of every Rs. 100 spent in Budget 2026

November 10·1 source

According to the Ministry of Finance’s Citizens Budget 2026, Rs. 37 of every Rs. 100 allocated for government spending went to interest on past loans. This amounted to Rs. 2,617 billion, or about Rs. 120,100 per person, which was almost double the allocation for public service salaries. Budget 2026 allocated Rs. 7.10 trillion for total spending, excluding loan repayments, against expected revenue of Rs. 5.37 trillion. For every Rs. 100 expected in revenue, the government planned to spend Rs. 132, with interest consuming Rs. 49 and the remaining Rs. 32 requiring new borrowing.

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

Three buses collide on A9 road in Rambewa, leaving multiple dead and injured

November 10·22 sources

Three passenger buses collided near the Rambewa–Weli Oya junction on the A9 road in Anuradhapura on the morning of 10 November. Police said two Sri Lanka Transport Board buses collided head-on before a private bus travelling behind crashed into them. Lankadeepa reported that over 100 passengers were travelling in the three buses. Thamilan, Ada Derana, Dinamina and the Daily Mirror reported that five people died. Hiru News and Lankadeepa placed the death toll at four, with Hiru News identifying the deceased as an SLTB driver and three passengers. Most reports stated that about 50 people were injured, while Hiru News reported 76 hospitalised across Anuradhapura, Medawachchiya and Mihintale hospitals. Mihintale Police are investigating the crash.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Meteorology Department warns deep-sea fishermen over developing Bay of Bengal low-pressure system

The Department of Meteorology issued a warning on November 10 for naval communities and multi-day fishing vessels in the deep sea areas of the Southeast Bay of Bengal. The warning remains in effect until 4:00 PM on November 13. A low-pressure area is likely to form over the Southeast Bay of Bengal around November 13. The department predicted the system will move northwestwards and intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area within 24 hours. Strong winds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 60 kilometres per hour, are expected on November 14 and 15. Daily Mirror reported that these conditions will affect the Andaman Sea and Southeast Bay of Bengal. The department advised naval and fishing communities operating in these waters to remain vigilant and follow upcoming weather updates and warnings.

ASPI crosses 22,000 mark as Colombo Stock Exchange rises for sixth straight session

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

The Colombo Stock Exchange rose for a sixth consecutive session on 10 November 2026, with the All Share Price Index gaining 592.02 points, or 2.75%, to close at 22,123.39. This marked the first time the index surpassed 22,000 points since 6 July 2026. The S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index also gained 224.97 points, or 3.66%, to end at 6,368.12. Hiru News reported total market turnover at Rs. 7.9 billion, while the Daily Mirror reported LKR 7.96 billion. The banking sector led activity, and Dialog Axiata posted the highest individual turnover at LKR 1.42 billion. Foreign investors recorded a net outflow of approximately LKR 1.20 billion, though overall market breadth remained positive with 206 advancing stocks against 45 decliners.

Election Commission urges SLFP to resolve dispute over general secretary post

November 10·2 sources

The Election Commission has renewed its call for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to resolve its dispute over the post of general secretary to protect its official recognition. The Commission stated that the position is essential for communicating with election authorities and submitting nominations. It confirmed that the party currently remains recognised. Last week, the Commission summoned Dayasiri Jayasekara, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Duminda Dissanayake to discuss the party's internal conflicts. The Commission warned that the party is currently suspended, and failure to settle disputes through negotiations during an election would prevent it from submitting nominations.

PoliticsEnglishதமிழ்

Mahanayake requests date for Gnanasara Thera’s re-robing at Welikada Prison

Crime & CourtsEnglishதமிழ்

The Mahanayake of the Kotte Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya, Most Ven. Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Thera, has requested the Commissioner General of Prisons to set a date and time for the re-robing ceremony of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera. In a letter dated October 30, 2026, the Mahanayake said the ceremony must be conducted in accordance with Buddhist teachings and disciplinary rules. He asked prison authorities to provide a suitable date and time as soon as possible. A delegation of 10 members of the Kotte Chapter’s Sangha Sabha, including the Mahanayake, will visit the prison for the event. A copy of the request was also sent to the Superintendent of Welikada Prison.

Court of Appeal delivers divided judgment on Hirunika Premachandra’s appeal against conviction