Daily email
FindAllNewsbeta
FindAllNewsbeta

Wednesday 11 November 2026Wed 11 Nov 2026

Top stories — November 11, 2026

Latest stories

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

Irrigation Department warns public of flash flood risk from intense rainfall

November 11·4 sources

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

Environment & Weatherසිංහලதமிழ்

President Dissanayake 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

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

November 11·5 sources

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.

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

ADB approves $300 million for Sri Lankan water supply and sanitation projects

November 11·2 sources

The Asian Development Bank has approved two projects totalling $300 million to expand and strengthen water supply and sanitation services across Sri Lanka. A $200 million project will improve drinking water access for over 1.3 million people in the Western and Southern provinces, and upgrade sewerage services for nearly 250,000 people in Jaffna. Under this project, water treatment plants and reservoirs will be built in Colombo and Lunugamwehera, and wastewater facilities will be developed in Jaffna, while strengthening the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. The remaining $100 million will fund a sector reform programme. It will support policy changes, tariff reforms, and financial sustainability measures for the water board, while mobilising private sector financing.

Economy & BusinessEnglishதமிழ்

Sri Lanka faces Bangladesh today seeking a SAFF Championship semi-final place

November 11·4 sources

Sri Lanka plays host Bangladesh today, 11 November, in Dhaka in their final Group A match of the SAFF Championship, seeking qualification for the semi-finals. While other outlets reported a 7:30 p.m. kick-off, Daily FT reported 8:00 p.m. Having drawn 2-2 against Bhutan, Sri Lanka needs a win or a draw to guarantee progression. Even a single-goal defeat could secure qualification depending on disciplinary records and goal difference, while Bangladesh has already qualified. Sri Lanka’s squad was bolstered by the arrival of Germany-based players Jason Thayaparan and Claudio Kamenech on Tuesday. Head Coach Abdullah Al Mutairi said his team would play for victory, while urging fans to keep the countries' cricket rivalry out of football.

SportsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

November 11·9 sources

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

Environment & WeatherEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

November 11·7 sources

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

Crime & CourtsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

November 11·9 sources

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

Foreign AffairsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

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

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

Court further remands MP Chamara Sampath and former secretary over bribery allegations

November 11·2 sources

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama on Tuesday ordered Badulla District Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dasanayake and his former private secretary remanded until November 20 over bribery allegations. The Bribery Commission accused them of soliciting and accepting an Rs. 8.4 million bribe to improperly issue import permits to three companies while Dasanayake was State Minister of Primary Industries. Dinamina reported the imports were phosphate, while Virakesari reported passports. The magistrate rejected the former secretary's bail application and directed the commission to file objections to Dasanayake's bail request by November 17. Prison officials did not produce the suspects due to an infectious disease. The magistrate deferred ruling on a request by President's Counsel Kalinga Indatissa to allow Dasanayake to attend Parliament for the budget presentation on November 12.

Crime & Courtsසිංහලதமிழ்

GMOA protests in Colombo over salaries and proposed bills ahead of 2027 budget

November 11·2 sources

The Government Medical Officers’ Association staged a protest in Colombo on Tuesday (10), opposing reductions to doctors' salaries and allowances, doctor shortages, and economic injustice. Protesters gathered outside the Colombo National Hospital, demanding the withdrawal of the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the Organized Crime Prevention Bill. They also called for an end to trade union suppression. Assistant Secretary Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said the association expects the 2027 budget, scheduled to be presented to Parliament on Thursday (12), to provide solutions to these salary and allowance issues. The association warned that Tuesday's demonstration was only an initial step, threatening further intensive actions if the government fails to address their demands.

Healthසිංහලதமிழ்

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

Engineer warns of landslide risks on Hatton-Nuwara Eliya road amid heavy rains

November 11·2 sources

Executive Engineer M. Sadhik of the Norwood Highways Office has warned of further landslide risks along the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya main road due to prevailing heavy rains. The risk is particularly high in the Kudagama area, where an earth slip recently occurred. Although the fallen earth has been cleared, vehicular traffic remains restricted to a single lane. Sadhik urged motorists using the road to exercise caution and follow safety instructions.

Environment & Weatherසිංහලதமிழ்

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

Faizer Mustapha submits private member's bill to protect Sri Lankan migrant workers

November 11·1 source

New Democratic Front Parliamentarian Faizer Mustapha submitted the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (Amendment) Bill as a private member's motion to Parliament on Tuesday (10 November). Mustapha, a President's Counsel, handed the motion to Parliament Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera. The bill aims to ensure the legal protection, rights, and welfare of Sri Lankans seeking overseas employment. It seeks to establish comprehensive pre-departure training, state-sponsored legal representation, and immediate legal protection mechanisms for workers facing difficulties abroad.

Politicsதமிழ்

205th flag hoisting ceremony of Kalmunai Beach Mosque Dargah begins in Ampara

November 11·2 sources

The 205th annual flag hoisting ceremony of the Kalmunai Beach Mosque Nagore Andakai Dargah in Ampara District commenced on Tuesday (10). Presided over by Mosque President Al-Haj M.I. Abdul Azeez, the sacred flag was carried in a procession from the Kalmunai Muhyiddin Grand Jummah Mosque and hoisted onto the Dargah’s minarets. The 12-day festival includes daily Mawlid Shareef recitations, Rifa'i Rathib, and religious lectures by Ulamas. The ceremony will conclude on 22 November with the flag lowering and a grand Kanduri almsgiving. Thousands of devotees attended the event alongside religious leaders, local administrators, and political figures, including Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Social Empowerment Wasantha Piyathissa.

Entertainment & Cultureதமிழ்

Coir factory worker beaten to death in Hettipola; suspect arrested

November 11·1 source

A 54-year-old man from Ettampitiya was beaten to death on Tuesday night following a dispute at a coir production factory in Agarawatte, Hettipola, police said. Initial investigations revealed that the victim died after another factory employee attacked him with a wooden log when an argument escalated. Police arrested a suspect from Kuliyapitiya in connection with the killing. Hettipola Police are conducting further investigations.

Crime & Courtsதமிழ்

Beruwala Urban Council budget defeated by single vote on Tuesday

November 11·1 source

The budget of the National People's Power-controlled Beruwala Urban Council was defeated by one vote on Tuesday (10). Seven members voted in favour of the budget, while eight voted against it. Urban Council Chairman Muhammad Mabahim chaired the monthly meeting and budget review in the council hall. The defeat occurred after a female Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member, who had previously supported the administration, voted against the budget. Another member abstained from voting. The NPP took control of the council with nine members, combining its three elected members with the support of six SJB members, while an independent opposition group holds eight seats.

Politicsதமிழ்

Eastern Province Governor, National Women’s Commission discuss establishing provincial office

November 11·1 source

Eastern Province Governor Professor Jayantha Lal Ratnasekara met representatives of the National Women’s Commission on Tuesday (10) at the Governor’s Secretariat in Trincomalee to discuss establishing the commission's Eastern Provincial Office. The commission, established under the Women’s Empowerment Act No. 37 of 2024, briefed Governor Ratnasekara on its mandate to protect women’s rights, promote gender equality, and prevent discrimination. The discussion highlighted the need for an Eastern Provincial office to identify issues faced by women, resolve complaints efficiently, and strengthen coordination among state institutions to deliver services effectively. As a next step, district-level discussions and consultations will be conducted across the province to examine existing institutional mechanisms and secure the support of local government bodies and state institutions.

Politicsதமிழ்

Thirupperunthurai residents protest former police officer's claim to sports club ground

November 11·1 source

Residents of Thirupperunthurai near Batticaloa protested on Tuesday against construction by former Assistant Superintendent of Police Kumarasiri at the Renaissance Sports Club ground. Villagers compelled Kumarasiri to leave after he arrived with sand, cement, stones, and concrete pillars to fence off land he claims inside the ground. The former officer has attempted to fence the site since 2025, but residents removed earlier fence posts and wooden stakes last month. Club members and villagers have petitioned the President, demanding an official investigation into how private land ownership was granted within a public sports ground.

Otherதமிழ்

Patients raise concern over unhygienic toilets at Kilinochchi District Hospital

November 11·1 source

Patients and relatives at Kilinochchi District Hospital have expressed serious concern over the unhygienic condition of the hospital's toilets, warning that they pose a risk of spreading infectious diseases. Toilets across hospital wards and common areas are reportedly broken, damaged, poorly maintained, and emitting foul odours, causing severe difficulties and distress for patients and their visitors. Accusing the hospital administration of neglecting basic health facilities for a long time, the public urged authorities to intervene immediately to clean and renovate the facilities.

Healthதமிழ்

M. Rajendran appointed Assistant Director of Fisheries for Mullaitivu District

November 11·1 source

Susanta Kahawatta, Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, has appointed M. Rajendran as the Assistant Director for Mullaitivu District. The Mullaitivu office had functioned without a permanent Assistant Director after the previous official was transferred to Mannar District. Rajendran served as a Fisheries Inspector in Jaffna District from 2008, passed the Assistant Director examination last year, and was working as an Assistant Director in Colombo. The appointment takes effect on 16 November 2026, when Rajendran is scheduled to assume duties in Mullaitivu.

Otherதமிழ்

Sammanthurai Divisional Council allocates Rs. 150,000 to three young cricketers touring India

November 11·1 source

The Sammanthurai Divisional Council unanimously decided on Tuesday (10) to allocate Rs. 150,000, granting Rs. 50,000 each to three local cricketers set to play in international matches in India. The players—Hamdan, Isfaq, and Zahid from the MUFO Cricket Academy—will represent Sri Lanka's Riches Lanka Center for Cricket team in Haryana and Delhi this month, and in Hyderabad in January 2027. The financial assistance followed an application by the MUFO Sports Club for sports equipment and transport expenses, backed by Chairman I.L.M. Mahir and council members. The council also passed resolutions to honour local students selected for university admission, including those who placed first and second in the district technology stream.

Sportsதமிழ்

Achchu Mohammed Haneetha assumes duties as Sammanthurai Pradeshiya Sabha member

November 11·1 source

Achchu Mohammed Haneetha assumed duties as a member of the Sammanthurai Pradeshiya Sabha before its Chairman, I.L.M. Mahir, on Tuesday (10). She was appointed by the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to fill the vacancy created when M.I. Fathima Safiya resigned at the party's request. Haneetha had earlier taken her oath before party Secretary and Member of Parliament Nizam Kariyappar on 12 October 2026. Haneetha pledged to serve all wards equally beyond party lines. She urged the local council to address basic needs, including long-neglected roads, and asked fellow members to cooperate on public welfare and development proposals.

Politicsதமிழ்