News

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S. M. Marikkar has accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government of imposing unprecedented authoritarian measures across Sri Lanka to conceal economic failure and public discontent.

He made these allegation during a media briefing in Colomb.

Marikkar asserted that the current executive was erecting a regime more repressive than that of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa while actively preparing legislative mechanisms to curtail civil liberties.

He said state authorities are attempting to dismantle freedom of speech and restrict journalists from reporting on growing social hardship.

He attributed these measures to the government's inability to reduce the prices of fuel, electricity, essential foodstuffs, and vital pharmaceuticals.

Marikkar observed that severe economic pressure had forced many families to reduce daily meals from three to two, driving record numbers of citizens to pawn personal jewellery to survive.

Anticipating widespread public demonstrations, he claimed the government was resorting to intimidation and media censorship to stifle dissent.

He said that the NPP government's political mandate had expired, asserting that voters were increasingly shifting allegiance to the SJB.

He also promised that an alternative SJB government would attract USD 10 billion in foreign direct investment during its first year to deliver economic relief.

A foundation stone has been laid for a new monastic residence at the historic Yataththawala Rajamaha Vihara in Kurunegala.

Venerable Rambukwelle Nandaloka Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Siam Nikaya's Malwathu Chapter, presided over the religious proceedings.

The chief lay custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Pradeep Nilanga Dela, and Jalani Premadasa attended the event as special guests.

Dating back to the 13th-century Dambadeniya Kingdom, the ancient temple holds significant ecclesiastical status as one of the traditional electoral institutions empowered to vote in the appointment of the Diyawadana Nilame.

Organised under the patronage of Chief Incumbent Venerable Mawatagama Seewali Thero and resident monk Venerable Alabadagama Seelakkhandha Thero, the ceremony also drew former parliamentarians Prof. Charitha Herath and Thushara Indunil.

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has quashed a presidential pardon granted under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to a man serving a 29-month prison sentence for defaulting on maintenance payments, declaring the release unlawful and unconstitutional.

A three-judge bench comprising Justice Janak De Silva, Justice Dr. Sobhitha Rajakaruna, and Justice Sampath K. B. Wijeratne delivered the verdict following a Fundamental Rights application filed by the convict’s former wife, Ahamend Jaleel Farmilla Begum.

The petitioner challenged the early September 2024 release of Mohamed Ameen Mohamed Naseem, who had served less than two months of his term following imprisonment by the Quazi Court for failing to pay Rs. 1.74 million in maintenance arrears.

The court ruled that former President Wickremesinghe, alongside the Ministry of Justice Secretary and the Commissioner General of Prisons, violated Article 12(1) constitutional guarantees of equality and equal law protection by granting the presidential remission.

The justices noted that prison authorities gave preferential treatment to the convict by recording his commitment as non-payment of a fine, whereas another inmate held under identical maintenance arrears received only a one-week sentence reduction.

Holding that clerical differences on commitment warrants could not justify unequal treatment, the bench invalidated the remission and reinstated the original prison term issued by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

The court designated the released convict a fugitive from justice and advised his immediate surrender to law enforcement, confirming that local magistrates retain existing statutory power to enforce the arrest warrant without requiring additional directives.

The bench clarified that the executive branch retains constitutional power to issue a fresh remission provided all procedures strictly adhere to legal standards.

The World International Press Club has urged the Sri Lankan Government to overhaul proposed anti-terrorism legislation and institute firm legal guarantees to safeguard media freedom and independent journalism.

The global media body issued the appeal in support of Sri Lankan journalists who have raised severe concerns regarding draft counter-terrorism measures.

The organization warned that national security laws must not serve as a pretext to undermine investigative reporting or compromise source confidentiality.

Addressing the state's responsibilities, WIPC President Aurangzeb Kamal stated that defending journalists' rights remains a collective international duty and called on the authorities in Colombo to address local media grievances constructively.

In addition, WIPC Central Executive Committee Secretary-General Mian Ishtiaq Ali emphasized that responsible governments must actively protect journalists from intimidation and maintain an environment conducive to reporting without fear of official retaliation.
Key Policy Recommendations For Media Protection

To ensure the protection of constitutional rights and journalistic integrity, the press club submitted five specific demands to the Sri Lankan Government.

Guarantees ensuring the right of media professionals to gather and publish news independently.

An independent legal review of anti-terrorism draft clauses threatening source confidentiality and investigative reporting.

Comprehensive safeguards to prevent state harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary restrictions against working journalists.

Institutional consultations involving media bodies, civil rights advocates, and legal experts prior to enacting security legislation.

Strict adherence to international human rights standards, constitutional guarantees, and fair trial principles in all security laws.

Signatories To The Appeal

The declaration calling for state guarantees and media protections was issued by the leadership and international representatives of the World International Press Club.

Aurangzeb Kamal, President (Bangladesh)

Osman Baykus, Senior Vice President (Turkey)

Ranga Bandaranayake, Vice President (Sri Lanka)

Mian Ishtiaq Ali, Secretary-General of the Central Executive Committee (Pakistan)

Syed Yasin Matin, Joint Secretary (Afghanistan)

Samaresh Roy, Central Organizing Secretary (India)

Alhaj Sohag, Office Secretary (Saudi Arabia)

Shampa Das, Secretary for Women and Children’s Affairs (India)

Md Anis Pradhan, Executive Committee Member

Dr Syed Khalid Qayes, Executive Committee Member (India)

Mir Mohammad Ali, Permanent Member (India)

Lakshman Muthuthanthirige, Executive Member (Sri Lanka)

K K Dhammika, Executive Member (Sri Lanka)

Shiromi Ratnayake, Executive Member (Sri Lanka)

Lasantha Ruhunage, Executive Member (Sri Lanka)

Mithun Jayawardhana, Executive Member (Sri Lanka)

Sushil Aryal, Representative (Nepal)

Zeynep Tilkici, Member (Turkey)

Fong Tze Hong, International Member (Malaysia)

Kim Bolan, International Member (Canada)

Paul Veyre, International Member (Canada)

Marin Gugu, International Member

The Irrigation Department has issued an Amber flood warning for low-lying areas near the Mahaweli River within the Pasbage Korale Divisional Secretariat Division following heavy rainfall in the river’s upper catchment areas.

According to the department, the heavy rainfall recorded over the past few hours has increased the risk of minor flooding in areas adjacent to the river.

The department has urged residents in the affected areas and motorists travelling along roads that pass through these locations to exercise extreme caution.

People living close to the Mahaweli River have also been advised to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves in the event of flooding.

Meanwhile, disaster management authorities have been requested to implement appropriate precautionary measures in response to the potential flood threat.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for five fundamental legal safeguards in proposed national security legislation, warning international envoys that new laws must protect civil liberties alongside state authority.

He presented the comprehensive reform package during a high-level briefing with foreign diplomats and representatives of international organisations at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Colombo.

The discussions focused on two controversial legislative measures currently under government consideration, namely the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crime Bill.

Constitutional concerns

Growing opposition to the statutory proposals follows severe warnings from major legal and human rights bodies across the country.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) issued an assessment on 21 October stating that the proposed organised crime legislation violated fundamental constitutional guarantees and international treaty obligations.

The commission cautioned that the measure could prove even more draconian than the 1979 Prevention of Terrorism Act, urging the Government to withdraw the draft text entirely for substantial redrafting.

Concurrently, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka called for the immediate withdrawal of the organised crime bill and demanded major revisions to the proposed anti-terrorism framework.

During his address, Premadasa emphasised that genuine national security requires robust judicial oversight rather than arbitrary state power.

He noted that safeguards must apply universally to every citizen rather than acting as political shields for elected officials or activists.

Reaffirming his party's support for combating serious crime, he insisted that statutory powers must remain compatible with judicial independence, democratic governance, and individual freedoms.

Key legislative safeguards proposed

To address institutional deficiencies and protect public liberties, Premadasa outlined five specific prerequisites for any future security legislation.

- Full public release of all expert recommendations informing the draft legislation.

- Clear and strictly proportionate statutory definitions for all criminal offences.

- Preservation of meaningful judicial discretion over remand, detention, and bail.

- Explicit legal protections against forced confessions and arbitrary search operations.

- Mandatory consultations with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, and relevant civil society stakeholders prior to parliamentary enactment.

The Opposition Leader stressed that adopting these legal guarantees remains essential to ensure that Sri Lanka's counter-terrorism measures do not compromise basic constitutional rights.

Wholesale prices for key produce across Sri Lanka have surged dramatically following continuous heavy rainfall, threatening further financial strain on consumers ahead of the upcoming festive period.

Trade figures from major distribution hubs, including the Manning Market in Colombo, reveal significant price hikes affecting both upcountry and low-country crops over recent days.

Tomatoes registered the steepest increase, climbing from a previous wholesale range of Rs. 350 to Rs. 400 per kilogram to a peak of Rs. 600 to Rs. 650 per kilogram.

Capsicum prices rose sharply from Rs. 250 to between Rs. 400 and Rs. 450 per kilogram, while cabbage more than doubled in cost to reach Rs. 350 per kilogram.

Former Manning Market Traders Union Chief Organiser Anil Indrajith said that adverse weather patterns had severely disrupted supplies across key farming regions, making tomatoes the most expensive staple in the market.

Current market data indicates that beans are trading between Rs. 400 and Rs. 500 per kilogram, with green chillies fetching between Rs. 350 and Rs. 400 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, carrots are selling at between Rs. 200 and Rs. 250 per kilogram, and leeks are holding steady at approximately Rs. 200 per kilogram.

Indrajith cautioned that wholesale rates are likely to escalate further across the island as household demand intensifies in the coming weeks.

Sinopec has increased the retail price of Octane 95 petrol by Rs. 20 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs. 495.

The revision follows a similar price increase announced by Lanka IOC, which came into effect from midnight on October 25.

Following Lanka IOC's adjustment, Sinopec has also revised its pricing for Octane 95 petrol at its filling stations.

Accordingly, motorists purchasing Octane 95 petrol from Sinopec filling stations will now have to pay Rs. 495 per litre.

Severe structural and management failures at the Port of Colombo have left Sri Lanka’s flagship East Container Terminal largely non-operational more than a decade after its first phase was completed, delaying critical returns on a USD 755 million national project.

Senior Professor Prasanna Perera, former Vice Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Head of the Economics Department at the University of Peradeniya, disclosed the systemic lapses surrounding the asset during a detailed technical assessment.

Despite USD 550 million having been spent by early 2026, the facility remains unable to conduct full semi-automated operations due to fragmented procurement, incomplete integrated designs, and missing critical software interfaces.

Equipment sequencing failures have left all 40 Automated Rail-Mounted Gantry cranes and four Ship-to-Shore cranes standing idle, risking the expiry of warranties and software licences before commercial deployment.

The terminal civil works face ongoing delays under a fourth extension request through July 2026, compounded by pending legal claims, five cancelled straddle carrier tenders, and unresolved staffing approvals.

Revenue losses for 2026 alone are estimated between USD 28.2 million and USD 105.6 million, excluding loan interest, maintenance costs, and potential long-term cargo diversion to regional competitors such as Hambantota.

Governance conflict

Critical oversight deficiencies and frequent leadership turnover have further undermined project execution and financial accountability.

Professor Perera highlighted a fundamental conflict of interest in having internal authority engineers supervise construction and assess contractual claims resulting from the institution's own operational decisions.

Frequent management changes, featuring at least four chairpersons and multiple project directors since 2021, have continually disrupted continuity and institutional memory.

To resolve the impasse, the economist outlined a series of mandatory operational and administrative interventions.

- Appointment of an independent third-party engineer to supervise remaining civil works and objectively assess contractor claims.

- Formalisation of a final, unextendable completion deadline that fully accounts for seasonal monsoon risks.

- Immediate procurement of the Equipment Control Interface Database alongside parallel resolution of legal disputes.

- Resolution of the straddle carrier procurement based on an independent price evaluation to support interim operations.

- Approval of 467 pending operational posts by the Department of Management Services to ensure adequate staffing.

The Kalutara Crime Division has arrested the suspected main gunman involved in the shooting deaths of a restaurant owner and his wife in Nagoda, Kalutara, earlier this month.

The 32-year-old suspect, a resident of Badulla, was apprehended while hiding at a house in Ranala, Kaduwela, following investigations into the double murder.

The shooting occurred in front of a restaurant in Nagoda on October 9, 2026. The 54-year-old restaurant owner died at the scene, while his wife, who sustained gunshot injuries, later died while being transported to hospital.

According to police, two unidentified gunmen arrived at the location on a motorcycle, carried out the shooting and fled the scene.

Investigators subsequently analysed telephone records and CCTV footage, which helped them identify the suspected main gunman and trace his whereabouts to the Kaduwela area.

Further inquiries revealed that the suspect had been taking refuge at the residence of a relative of an organised crime figure known as ‘Dippitigoda Shakthi’.

Police investigations have also indicated that the shooting was allegedly carried out on the instructions of an individual known as ‘Kalutara Naveen’.

Investigators have further uncovered details regarding the firearm used in the killings. The T-56 assault rifle allegedly used in the attack had reportedly been supplied to the shooter by another individual before being handed over to a different person near the Dodangoda Interchange on the Southern Expressway following the incident.

The arrested suspect is expected to be produced before the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court as investigations continue.

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has commended Brazilian voters following the return of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the presidency, describing the election outcome as a victory for democratic principles over political corruption and national division.

In a message posted on social media platform "X", President Dissanayake said that the electorate had decisively rejected political forces that attempted to fracture the nation.

He remarked that the Brazilian people had achieved more than an electoral win by defeating corruption, division, and political deception.

Furthermore, Dissanayake noted that Lula’s return demonstrated that voters could not be misled by bankrupt political dynasties or established interests attempting to assert authority over democratic rights.

Extending personal congratulations to the newly elected leader, the Sri Lankan president applauded him for securing public confidence once again to lead one of the world's largest democracies and guiding what he termed a march of progress.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a Red Warning for strong winds and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal, urging naval and fishing communities to avoid affected sea areas as Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” continues to intensify.

According to the department, the deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has developed into Cyclonic Storm Arnab and is moving westwards.

At 5.30 a.m. today (October 26), the storm was centred near latitude 15.4°N and longitude 88.9°E.

The weather system is expected to move west-northwestwards and strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by 1800 UTC today. It is subsequently forecast to develop into a very severe cyclonic storm over the same region on October 27.

Wind speeds in the affected sea areas could reach 80–100 kmph at times, while heavy thundershowers are also expected. Wave heights may rise to between 3.0 and 4.0 metres, creating very rough sea conditions.

In view of the hazardous conditions, the department has advised naval and fishing communities, particularly operators of multi-day fishing vessels, to refrain from entering sea areas bounded by latitudes 10°N to 20°N and longitudes 80°E to 95°E until further notice.

Vessels already operating within these areas have been urged to move away from the affected zones to ensure their safety.

The department has further called on naval and fishing communities to remain vigilant and closely monitor subsequent weather forecasts and advisories as the cyclone develops.