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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compilation of countrywide incidents published without news details

November 11·1 source

A report titled as a compilation of incidents across the country contained no details of any events on 11 November 2026. The publication included only promotional text for the news website and copyright notices credited to Liberty Publishers (Pvt) Ltd and Derana Macroentertainment (Pvt) Ltd.

Otherதமிழ்

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

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

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

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

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

November 10·3 sources

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.

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

NCPA introduces national guidelines for media reporting on children

November 10·4 sources

The National Child Protection Authority has introduced national guidelines to ensure child protection, dignity, and safety in media reporting involving children. Announced on 9 November 2026, the guidelines follow nearly 14 years of development by an expert committee led by NCPA Chairperson Preethi Inoka Ranasinghe. NCPA Director Shanika Malalgoda said the authority receives nearly 10,000 child abuse complaints annually, highlighting growing risks from media exposure, online platforms, and modern social challenges. The framework covers ethical reporting, abuse offences, child suicides, children's participation in activities, and, for the first time, digital media, artificial intelligence, and children with disabilities. Sri Lanka CERT Senior Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola reported that sensitive online incidents involving children rose from 53 in 2025 to 180 by November 2026, driven partly by content monetization on social media.

OtherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Sri Lanka approves 200 million dollar ADB loan agreement to support MSMEs

November 10·2 sources

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved entering into an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to obtain a 200 million US dollar loan to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, following the conclusion of negotiations between the Department of External Resources and the ADB. Drawn from the ADB’s ordinary capital resources, the loan is divided into a 100 million dollar policy-based component and a 100 million dollar financial intermediation component. Cabinet spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa stated the policy-based loan has a 12-year repayment period with a three-year grace period, while the financial intermediation loan carries a 15-year repayment period alongside a five-year grace period. The facility finances the first phase of an approved 620 million dollar ADB programme across five sub-programmes, aligned with the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility.

Economy & BusinessEnglishதமிழ்

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