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Top stories — November 11, 2026

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Court postpones sentencing of former Minister Johnston Fernando until November 25

November 11·3 sources

The Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court on November 11 postponed the sentencing of former Minister Johnston Fernando until November 25, after he pleaded guilty to charges involving an illegally assembled luxury vehicle. Acting Magistrate Kingsley Hettiarachchi issued the order following submissions by state counsel representing the Attorney General and the Criminal Investigation Department, who requested the court to confiscate the German-made BMW. Fernando pleaded guilty on October 28 to three charges under the Motor Traffic Act, including possessing an assembled vehicle and tax evasion. The CID had seized the vehicle after finding it parked at a Colombo hotel, which Lankadeepa identified as the Hilton.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

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

Government begins trial runs to expand Metro bus service to Jaffna by mid-2027

November 11·5 sources

The government conducted route inspections and trial runs in Jaffna on 10 November 2026 to prepare for expanding the Metro Luxury Bus Service to the district by mid-2027. The inspection assessed road suitability, technical feasibility, bus stops, and parking. Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Deputy Transport Minister Dr Prasanna Gunasena led the activities following discussions at the Road Development Authority's Jaffna office. Dr Gunasena said the service expanded from 10 to 122 buses in the Western Province. Jaffna and Kandy are selected for the next phase under full state funding under a national plan through 2029.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

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

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

ADB approves $98 million loan for Sri Lanka's digital transformation project

November 11·3 sources

The Asian Development Bank approved a $98 million loan on 10 November 2026 to support Sri Lanka's digital transformation and public service delivery. The bank is also providing an additional $1 million technical assistance grant from its Technical Assistance Special Fund to support program preparation, design, and capacity building. The Advancing Digital Transformation Project will expand broadband in underserved areas, upgrade telecommunications from 2G to 4G and 5G, and enhance government data systems through Lanka Government Cloud 3.0. Aligned with the National Digital Economy Blueprint, the project will also strengthen cybersecurity and improve digital skills among public sector employees, with targeted support for women.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

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.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහල

Mahawa court orders CID probe into tusker Kavantissa shooting, remands suspects

November 11·2 sources

The Mahawa Magistrate's Court on 11 November ordered the investigation into the shooting of the tusker Kavantissa to be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department. Magistrate Anuruddhika Seneviratne ruled that elephants fall under the Public Property Act, meaning the court lacks authority to grant bail. She remanded two suspects, including a skills development officer, until 25 November. News 1st reported that the magistrate instructed the Department of Wildlife Conservation to submit facts under the Act, while Lankadeepa stated the suspects were directed to present facts. Meanwhile, an interim post-mortem report presented by Professor P.P.M.A. Wijesundara of the University of Peradeniya revealed that three bullets were found in the animal's abdomen.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

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

ASPI crosses 22,000 mark as Colombo Stock Exchange rises on 10 November

November 11·3 sources

The Colombo Stock Exchange's All Share Price Index rose by 592.02 points to close at 22,123.39 on 10 November 2026, surpassing the 22,000-point mark. Daily market turnover reached Rs. 7.95 billion. Divaina and The Morning reported this was the first time the index crossed 22,000 points since 6 July 2026. However, Lankadeepa reported it had not exceeded that level since 3 October 2025. For the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index, Divaina reported a 224.97-point gain to 6,368.12 points, while Lankadeepa reported a 229-unit increase to 6,372 units. Lankadeepa attributed recent market gains to expectations that the Middle East crisis will de-escalate following Israeli and US elections, lowering global crude oil prices.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

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

Sunshine Holdings posts 44.3% profit rise to Rs. 3.7 billion in first half

November 11·2 sources

Sunshine Holdings PLC recorded a consolidated revenue of Rs. 40.2 billion for the six months ended September 30, 2026, an increase of 24.4% compared to the same period last year. The group's profit after tax grew by 44.3% to Rs. 3.7 billion, driven by performance across its healthcare, consumer, and agribusiness sectors. Healthcare contributed 49% of total revenue, while the consumer and agribusiness sectors accounted for 37% and 14%, respectively. Gross profit increased by 11.7% to Rs. 11.5 billion, though the gross profit margin declined to 28.7% from 31.9% because of drug pricing impacts and rupee depreciation. Operating profit reached Rs. 6.1 billion, up 10.5%. Second-quarter revenue rose 32% to Rs. 21.6 billion, with profit after tax increasing 82.4% to Rs. 2.3 billion. Group CEO Shyam Sathasivam stated the results demonstrated the resilience of the diversified business model amid price regulations and currency fluctuations.

Economy & Businessසිංහල

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

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

Plenty Foods launches Nutriline Corn Flakes made from 100 percent local corn

November 11·2 sources

Plenty Foods (Pvt) Limited, a subsidiary of CBL Group, has expanded its Nutriline breakfast cereal range by introducing Nutriline Corn Flakes to the market. The product is made using 100 percent locally grown corn. The new cereal contains no artificial colours or flavours and provides iron, protein, and 10 essential vitamins. It is available across the island in various pack sizes. CBL Food Sector Chief Executive Officer Manjula Dahanayake said the initiative supports local agriculture and empowers over 21,000 farming families through the company's "Farmer Family" programme. CBL Food Sector General Manager of Marketing Sachi Fernando added that the product offers an easily prepared, nutritious option for consumers managing busy morning routines.

Economy & Businessසිංහල

Kegalle youth throws stones at house after grandmother opposes relationship

November 11·1 source

A 24-year-old garment factory helper from Kegalle allegedly threw stones at an elderly woman's corrugated iron roof after she opposed his relationship with her granddaughter. The young man, employed at a factory in Rambukkana, met the woman at a clothing store while she was with her grandmother. The two began a relationship after secretly exchanging contact numbers. When the grandmother discovered the affair and repeatedly ordered her granddaughter to end it, the young woman asked him to separate. In response, the young man devised a plan with his girlfriend to scare the grandmother by throwing pebbles onto the roof from a nearby rock at night.

Crime & Courtsසිංහල

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

Cabinet approves 2027 Finance Commission recommendations for provincial council funding

November 10·3 sources

The Cabinet has approved a proposal submitted by the President to implement the Finance Commission’s recommendations for 2027 and present them to Parliament, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced. Established under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, the commission recommends policies on allocating national budget grants among Provincial Councils to ensure balanced regional development and more efficient public service delivery. Reports differed on the constitutional clause governing the submission to Parliament: Lankadeepa cited Article 154J(7), while Thamilan cited Article 154N(7).

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Police close Colombo-Kandy road section at Kadugannawa following rockfalls on 10 November

November 10·4 sources

Police closed a section of the Colombo-Kandy road between Ganetenna and Kadugannawa on the afternoon of 10 November 2026 following earth slips and rockfalls caused by adverse weather. A parked motorcycle was damaged by falling rocks. Kandy District Secretary Indika Uduwatta announced that vehicular traffic was completely suspended and urged motorists to use alternative routes. Police warned of a risk of further rockfalls accompanied by water along several locations. Aruna and Ada Derana reported the road would remain closed until 6:00 AM on 11 November, whereas Lankadeepa reported the closure would last until 6:30 AM. A separate Aruna report referred to the closed section as being between Kaduwela and Gannetanna.

Environment & Weatherසිංහල

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

Sri Lanka chairs first BIMSTEC Senior Officials' Meeting on Health in Colombo

November 10·6 sources

The first BIMSTEC Senior Officials' Meeting on Health commenced on 10 November at the Hilton Hotel in Colombo, bringing together delegates from Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Thailand. Sri Lanka’s Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, assumed the chairmanship of the meeting, which opened under the guidance of BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey. Discussions covered regional health security, emergency preparedness, infectious disease control, antimicrobial resistance, digital health, climate change impacts, traditional medicine, and the 'One Health' approach. Ahead of the inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Conference on 11 November, Pandey and the visiting delegates also met Sri Lanka's Health Minister, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Foreign Affairsසිංහල

Former Water Board Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga arrested and granted bail on corruption charges

November 10·15 sources

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption arrested former National Water Supply and Drainage Board Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga on 10 November 2026 over corruption charges. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama granted Ranatunga bail on two sureties of Rs. 1 million each and banned foreign travel. Hiru News and News 1st reported that the court also required Rs. 75,000 in cash bail. The Magistrate fixed the case to be called on 19 January. The Bribery Commission accused Ranatunga of using board and project funds to deploy security officers to his private residence and engage personal drivers. Hiru News reported a state loss exceeding Rs. 14 million, while News 1st cited losses of about Rs. 5.8 million for security and Rs. 9 million for drivers.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Cabinet approves MoU for 100 new Suwa Seriya ambulances funded by India

November 10·11 sources

The Cabinet of Ministers approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding with India to secure a financial grant to procure 100 fully equipped ambulances for the 1990 Suwa Seriya National Emergency Ambulance Service. Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa submitted the proposal following a request to India. He said the outright grant totals 1,725.7 million rupees and suppliers will be selected through competitive bidding. Officials sought the assistance because the existing fleet of 322 ambulances covers about nine million kilometres annually, resulting in wear and tear and frequent mechanical faults. Launched in 2016 with Indian aid and expanded nationwide in 2018, the free 24-hour service handles 1,000 to 1,200 patient transports daily. The Health Ministry will recruit personnel and handle maintenance.

HealthEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Indian actress Pooja Hegde arrives in Sri Lanka for Colombo opening event

November 10·5 sources

Indian actress Pooja Hegde arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on Monday (10) afternoon aboard IndiGo flight 6E-1181 from Hyderabad. While other outlets reported her arrival on 10 November, Daily Mirror stated she arrived on 11 October. Hegde is visiting Sri Lanka to attend a shop opening ceremony in Colombo. Her tour organisers have arranged a meet-and-greet session on 11 November, allowing registered fans who pre-booked to meet Hegde in person and take photographs with her.

Entertainment & CultureEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Parliamentary select committee seeks party views on Provincial Council election system

November 10·6 sources

A parliamentary select committee tasked with recommending an electoral system for Provincial Council elections has gathered views and proposals from several political parties. The committee met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of Minister Vijitha Herath. The discussions focused on the electoral system to be adopted and measures to ensure representation for women and youth. K. Premachandran of the Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front, Ramasamy Rajendran of the Eros Democratic Front, and Shanmuganathan Sanjeevan of the Eelam People's Democratic Party presented proposals on behalf of their parties. Deputy Ministers Munir Mulaffer, Sunil Watagala, and Arun Hemachandra also attended the meeting, along with committee members and Members of Parliament Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, Samanmali Gunasinghe, and Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Government debt reached Rs. 31,999 billion by end of June, ministry says

November 10·1 source

The Ministry of Finance announced that total government debt reached Rs. 31,999 billion, or about US$ 95,047 million, by the end of June 2026. According to the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report, this amount represents 88.8 percent of the estimated Gross Domestic Product of Rs. 36,037 billion for 2026. Public Debt Management Office data showed domestic debt stood at Rs. 19,203 billion. Treasury bonds accounted for 84 percent of this debt, while Treasury bills made up 12 percent. Foreign debt stood at US$ 38 billion, or Rs. 12,796 billion. Multilateral loans comprised 39 percent of foreign borrowings, commercial loans 33 percent, and bilateral loans 28 percent. The ministry added that agreements covering 93 percent of bilateral debt subject to restructuring were finalized by the end of June.

Economy & Businessසිංහල

Sri Lanka to test first passenger drone at Colombo Port City on 11 November

November 10·4 sources

Sri Lanka will conduct its maiden test flight of an electric, autonomous passenger drone on 11 November at the Colombo Port City premises, the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation announced. The six-month trial follows August discussions between ministry officials, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, and Chinese manufacturer EHang. A two-seater EH216 drone has already been imported for the flight tests. The remotely operated aircraft features 16 propellers, 12 battery sets, and automated safety controls. Authorities plan to explore passenger transport, emergency services, and aerial tourism to destinations such as Sigiriya, Pidurangala, and coastal islands.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Cabinet approves new Mahaweli railway bridge between Sarasavi Uyana and Peradeniya

November 10·7 sources

The Cabinet has approved constructing a new railway bridge across the Mahaweli River between Sarasavi Uyana and Peradeniya using financial assistance from an Indian Line of Credit scheme. The bridge on the Matale railway line is part of a project to establish a suburban rail network across the Kandy metropolitan area, where a feasibility study is currently underway. The initiative includes double-tracking the Main Line from Kadugannawa to Gampola via Peradeniya and the Matale line from Peradeniya to Katugastota to eliminate single-track bottlenecks and integrate the Matale line. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said funding comes from credit allocated after Cyclone Ditwa. He added that repairs to the historic 1865 Black Bridge will continue alongside the new bridge, handled by the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau and the University of Peradeniya.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහල

COPE Chairman urges 41 state institutions to adopt KPIs and corporate plans

November 10·3 sources

COPE Chairman Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera urged state enterprises to prepare proper corporate plans and measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to improve their performance and efficiency. Speaking at a parliamentary workshop reviewing 41 institutions that presented plans to COPE's Third Sub-Committee, he stressed evaluating progress and outcomes rather than solely focusing on past audit issues. Samaraweera also emphasized the necessity of acting on legal powers and responsibilities to maintain state institutions' financial discipline and operational functions. Attendees included enterprise executives, parliamentary consultants P. Ranasinghe and C. S. Mayadunne, and audit officials. Lankadeepa identified an attending official as Auditor General Samudika Jayaratne, whereas Virakesari named her Auditor Chamudika Jayaratne.

Economy & BusinessEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்