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Top stories — November 11, 2026

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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

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

Several dead and dozens injured after buses collide on A9 in Rambewa

November 11·5 sources

A head-on collision involving two Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses and a private bus occurred on the A9 road in Rambewa, Anuradhapura, on the morning of 10 November. Police said a speeding SLTB bus attempting to overtake the private bus collided head-on with an oncoming SLTB bus. Road conditions were narrow, and police suspect reckless driving and racing. Daily News, Dinamina, Divaina, and News 1st reported four dead, including one SLTB driver, while The Island reported five. Injured passengers were admitted to Anuradhapura, Medawachchiya, and Rambewa hospitals. Dinamina and News 1st reported 76 injured, Daily News stated 60, Divaina reported over 61, and The Island said over 50. Anuradhapura Additional Magistrate D.L. Samarasinghe directed Mihintale Police to obtain reports from the Government Motor Vehicle Examiner for court.

OtherEnglishසිංහල

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

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

Court of Appeal President appoints three-judge bench to hear Hirunika Premachandra's appeal

November 11·5 sources

Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya has appointed a three-judge bench to hear the appeal filed by former Member of Parliament Hirunika Premachandra against her conviction and three-year prison sentence. The decision followed a split verdict by a two-judge bench comprising Justices P. Kumararatnam and Pradeep Hettiarachchi. The newly appointed bench, including Abeysooriya and both judges, will hear the appeal on 21 January 2027. Premachandra was convicted by the Colombo High Court on 18 charges, including the abduction, unlawful detention, and assault of Amila Priyankara in Dematagoda on 21 December 2015. She is currently on bail pending the determination of the appeal.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

CID investigates MP Nalin Bandara over seized drones and microphones

November 11·2 sources

The Criminal Investigation Department has appointed a team led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police to investigate Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha over the importation of drones and microphones. Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya ordered the probe after Customs officials seized 39 drones and 16 microphones brought from Singapore on Sunday (8). News 1st reported that the items arrived on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 307. Speaking on Monday (9), Jayamaha stated the equipment was imported for a family rental and sales business run by his wife and son. He admitted lacking Defence Ministry approval, but claimed to have clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. However, News 1st reported that the items lacked approval from both the Defence Ministry and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. Police Media Spokesperson ASP F. U. Wootler confirmed the investigation.

PoliticsEnglish

Japan grants 1 billion yen to boost Sri Lanka Navy maritime capabilities

November 11·3 sources

The Government of Japan has agreed to provide a grant of one billion yen, or about Rs. 2.1 billion, under its Official Security Assistance Program 2026 to enhance the Sri Lanka Navy's maritime security and surveillance capabilities. Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata and Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma signed the agreement in Colombo. FT.lk and News 1st reported the signing occurred on 10 November 2026, while Virakesari stated it was on 10 October. The grant will fund Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats for maritime law enforcement and disaster response. FT.lk reported 25 vessels will be procured and deployed across the Northern, Eastern, North Western, Western, and Southern Naval Commands. This is Japan's second project under the program, following ¥500 million granted in 2025 to procure surveillance drones for the Navy.

Foreign AffairsEnglishதமிழ்

NBRO begins rockfall mitigation along Colombo–Kandy road in Kadugannawa

November 11·1 source

The National Building Research Organisation has started mitigation work to minimize rockfall risks along the Colombo–Kandy main road in Kadugannawa. NBRO Senior Geologist Wasantha Senadheera said teams inspected the site on 11 November and identified several more unstable, detached rock fragments threatening the roadway. The road was temporarily closed on the afternoon of 10 November following a rockfall near the historic Kadugannawa pass. Police confirmed the road reopened at 6:00 AM on 11 November.

Environment & WeatherEnglish

Gunman fires at house in Midigama; no injuries reported

November 11·2 sources

An unidentified gunman opened fire at a house in Midigama, Matara, in the early hours of 11 November. Although residents were inside the house at the time, no injuries were reported. Police stated that the shooting was intended to intimidate one party following a long-standing dispute between two groups. Accounts differed slightly regarding the location and physical evidence. Hiru News reported the incident occurred in Dammala and that police recovered one bullet casing, while News 1st named the area Dampala and reported two spent casings were found. Midigama Police are conducting further investigations into the shooting.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Sri Lanka earns over Rs. 150 billion from minor crop exports in nine months

November 11·1 source

Sri Lanka earned more than Rs. 150 billion from minor crop exports during the first nine months of the year, with cinnamon generating the highest revenue. The Department of Cinnamon Development reported that cinnamon exports brought in Rs. 76 billion during this period. Director General Janaka Lindara said this represents an increase of Rs. 2,278 million compared to the same period last year. Lindara added that Sri Lanka exports cinnamon products to 90 countries and plans to reach Rs. 100 billion in cinnamon export earnings by the end of the year.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

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

Court of Appeal to hear petition against Sarana Gunawardena's acquittal on February 10

November 10·5 sources

The Court of Appeal on Tuesday (10) fixed February 10 to hear a revision petition filed by the Bribery Commission challenging the Colombo High Court's decision to acquit former Minister Sarana Gunawardena in a corruption case. The order was issued by a bench comprising Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando after considering submissions made by counsel for both parties. Gunawardena, who is currently serving a prison sentence in a separate case, was produced before the court via Zoom technology.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

Colombo court remands MP Chamara Sampath and former secretary until 20 November

November 10·5 sources

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama on 10 November remanded MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake and his former private secretary, Sumathipala Liyanarachchi, until 20 November over bribery allegations. The Bribery Commission alleges Dassanayake accepted Rs. 8.4 million in bribes from three phosphate importing companies while serving as State Minister of Primary Industries between September 2022 and September 2024. The court rejected Liyanarachchi's bail application and ordered objections to Dassanayake's bail request by 17 November. Prison authorities did not produce the suspects due to a contagious illness in prison. Counsel Kalinga Indatissa requested Dassanayake attend Parliament for the budget on 12 November. News 1st and Hiru News reported the magistrate deferred the decision, while Aruna and Ada Derana reported he ruled no court order is needed.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Attorney General tells Court of Appeal decision on Gampaha Osman awaits investigation

November 10·5 sources

The Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal on 10 November that a decision on whether to proceed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act against Osmand Gunasekara, alias “Gampaha Osman”, will be taken after investigations conclude. Deputy Solicitor General Disna Warnakula made the statement before Justices Mahen Gopallawa and Annalingam Premshankar during a writ petition challenging Gunasekara’s detention. Gunasekara is in remand custody on allegations of aiding and abetting the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa. Gunasekara was produced before the Colombo Magistrate's Court on 9 November after 180 days of detention by the Colombo Crimes Division. While News 1st reported he was remanded until 13 November, Hiru News stated his remand was until the 19th. The Court of Appeal fixed the petition for 11 December. Defence Ministry Secretary Ravi Senewiratne and the Colombo Crimes Division Director are among 19 respondents named in the petition.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Meteorology Department forecasts heavy rain exceeding 100 mm across several provinces on 10 November

November 10·9 sources

The Department of Meteorology forecast rainfall exceeding 100 mm on 10 November across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva Provinces, and Galle and Matara Districts. Showers were expected elsewhere after 1:00 p.m. By 5:30 a.m., Deniyaya recorded 162.5 mm of rain, Udugama 139 mm, and Dehiowita 115 mm. Rising water levels prompted the Irrigation Department to issue minor flood warnings for the Gin River and Attanagalu Oya basins. Separately, police reported that a 61-year-old man and his 60-year-old wife died from electrocution that morning in Aulegama, Wariyapola.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Batticaloa court extends remand of Pillayan and two others until 23 November

November 10·6 sources

The Batticaloa Magistrate's Court on Tuesday extended the remand of former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, known as Pillayan, and two military intelligence informants until 23 November. The case involves the 2008 killings of five people in Batticaloa with a T-56 rifle, including a police officer in Kallady, a TMVP member in Kattankudy, and an abducted businessman. Informants Mohamed Sifan and Mohamed Saheed appeared in person. Most outlets reported Pillayan appeared via video link, though Tamil Mirror stated prison authorities reported a technical fault prevented his virtual appearance. The court also issued an arrest warrant for a fourth suspect residing in London, named Mohamed Pais, also referred to as Police Pais or Police Boys.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

ADB approves $98 million loan to advance digital transformation in Sri Lanka

November 10·2 sources

On 10 November 2026, the Asian Development Bank approved a $98 million loan to support Sri Lanka's digital transformation, alongside an additional $1 million technical assistance grant for project preparation and capacity building. The Advancing Digital Transformation Project will expand broadband connectivity in underserved areas, upgrade telecommunications networks from 2G to 4G and 5G, and enhance government systems through Lanka Government Cloud 3.0. The initiative also aims to bolster cybersecurity monitoring and incident response for critical national infrastructure while improving public sector digital skills, including targeted support to boost women's participation in the digital economy. Aligned with Sri Lanka's National Digital Economy Blueprint, the project will help bridge connectivity gaps and improve service reliability, according to ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Shannon Cowlin.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

ADB approves $300 million for Sri Lanka's water and sanitation sector

November 10·2 sources

The Asian Development Bank has approved two projects totaling US$300 million to modernize water supply and sanitation services across Sri Lanka. A US$200 million project will benefit over 1.3 million people in the Western and Southern Provinces and improve sewerage services for nearly 250,000 residents in Jaffna. Works include treatment plants, distribution networks, and reservoirs in Colombo and Lunugamwehera, alongside sewerage facilities in Jaffna, designed to cut water losses and increase renewable energy use. A second US$100 million reform subprogram will support policy reforms, water tariff revisions, and the financial sustainability of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

COPE reveals university lecturers owe nearly Rs. 30 billion over bond breaches

November 10·6 sources

The Committee on Public Enterprises revealed that university lecturers across Sri Lanka who breached bonds and stayed abroad owe the state approximately Rs. 30 billion. COPE urged authorities to establish a formal recovery mechanism. The disclosures came during a meeting on 4 November reviewing Eastern University's 2023 and 2024 performance, chaired by MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, whom Virakesari identified as Samarawickrama. COPE ordered the urgent recovery of Rs. 3,633,900 overpaid to a lecturer who rejoined after contesting elections. Another Rs. 99,181,457 went unrecovered after 38 staff bypassed attendance systems to take excess leave. Rejecting claims that records were lost to floods and the 2004 tsunami, COPE ordered a three-month investigation into missing personal files and conflicting qualification certificates.

EducationEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

UN experts urge Sri Lanka to amend proposed counter-terrorism bill

November 10·5 sources

United Nations human rights experts on Monday urged the Sri Lankan government to amend its proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill to comply with international human rights law. The experts welcomed plans to repeal the 1979 Prevention of Terrorism Act and acknowledged improvements in the draft, but warned that vital human rights concerns remain unaddressed. They recommended limiting the definition of terrorism to intentional death or serious injury, excluding property damage, and subjecting all detention orders to prompt judicial oversight. The experts also urged abolishing military arrest and search powers, ensuring independent detention review committees, and guaranteeing detainees legal counsel, medical care, and visits from the Human Rights Commission. Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya parliamentarian Ajith P. Perera stated that the government's proposed amendments to the legislation remain insufficient.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Four Chinese nationals remanded for collecting rare wildlife from Sinharaja forest

November 10·5 sources

Wildlife officers arrested four Chinese nationals, including one woman, on 9 November 2026 for illegally collecting endemic wildlife from the Sinharaja forest reserve. The suspects were remanded by the Kalawana Magistrate's Court until 23 November. Most outlets reported that over 250 specimens from roughly 40 species were recovered, whereas Hiru News reported over 79 animal specimens and rare plant samples. Hiru News also noted that chemicals, equipment, and a car were seized. Investigators stated the suspects had previously visited Sri Lanka. The Magistrate ordered the specimens sent to the National Museum—or the Department of National Zoological Gardens, according to Hiru News—for identification, after which live animals will be released.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Donald Trump says US military conflict with Iran is effectively over

November 10·6 sources

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the military conflict with Iran is effectively over, following a White House meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Trump said further direct strikes are unnecessary, though the US will continue its naval blockade on Iranian ports and operations under Task Force Iron Gate to curb Iranian trade. The announcement follows last week’s US midterm elections, in which the Republican Party lost control of Congress amid voter frustration over the eight-month war and high fuel prices. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Iran will not yield to coercion, while Iranian officials dismissed claims of formal talks and maintained that peace remains uncertain until blockades are lifted.

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Prison authorities suspend physical court appearances for Colombo inmates following measles outbreak

November 10·6 sources

On 9 November, Sri Lankan prison authorities suspended physical court appearances for detainees from Welikada, Magazine, and Colombo Remand prisons after four inmates contracted measles. Inmates instead attended proceedings virtually via video links. Prisons Department spokesman Senaka Pallethenna confirmed courts were notified in writing, leaving Colombo court cells empty. Authorities also barred outside visitors from affected facilities and sent blood samples from 20 individuals to the Medical Research Institute for testing. Around 900 people were vaccinated, which Divaina stated included officers and inmates, while News 1st and Daily News specified inmates. Divaina also reported infections across all three prisons, whereas News 1st and Daily News cited two.

HealthEnglishසිංහල

Sri Lanka launches mosquito control drive as dengue cases exceed 107,000

November 10·2 sources

More than 107,000 dengue cases have been recorded across Sri Lanka this year. The Island reported 107,829 cases and 81 deaths citing the National Dengue Control Unit, while News 1st reported cases surpassed 107,651. Gampaha recorded the highest number at 22,502 cases, followed by Colombo with 20,799 and Kandy with 8,803. In Colombo, the municipal council declared Mutuwal, Mattakkuliya, Borella, and Kirulapone high-risk zones, with 3,400 cases this year and 165 in November. Authorities warned that ongoing rainfall could trigger further infections. A special mosquito control campaign began on November 9 and will continue until November 14.

HealthEnglish

Police recover firearms from Hanwella tree hollow after interrogating suspect Bus Lalith

November 10·2 sources

The Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau has recovered two firearms hidden inside a tree hollow in Hanwella, following information obtained from detained suspect Lalith Kannangara, alias "Bus Lalith". Officers found a 9mm firearm and a locally manufactured shotgun inside an old mahogany tree on a tank embankment in Dasa Weella. News 1st reported that police also seized two rounds of ammunition. The operation was conducted under instructions from Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Ranmal Kodithuwakku and supervised by the bureau’s director. The recovered weapons will be produced before the Avissawella Court, and police are scheduled to interrogate Kannangara further.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල

Bribery Commission concludes money laundering investigation against former minister C.B. Rathnayake

November 10·2 sources

On 10 November 2026, the Bribery Commission informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that its investigation against former Minister C.B. Rathnayake under the Money Laundering Act has concluded. Investigating officers stated that steps are being taken to file indictments against him in the High Court. The magistrate ordered the case recalled on 23 February to call for further reports. Rathnayake, a former Minister of Sports, Private Transport, and Livestock, is accused of illegally acquiring assets exceeding Rs. 57.3 million. He is currently out on bail.

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහල