Today’s News Digest: Your go-to summary of the key events and headlines that shaped the day. From major developments to breaking news, we bring you everything that happened today, all in one quick and easy read.
UNP calls for immediate presidential pardon for Ven. Gnanasara Thera
The United National Party (UNP) has called for an immediate presidential pardon for Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, urging the government to resolve the issue through the intervention of the Chief Prelates of the three main Buddhist chapters. In a statement issued on October 26, the UNP noted that the satyagraha campaign demanding the monk’s release had been temporarily suspended following instructions from the Chief Prelates. The party cited former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva’s interpretation that the maximum prison sentence for contempt of court is 18 months, claiming that Ven. Gnanasara Thera had already served more than 10 months in prison for the offence. The UNP also referred to a previous presidential pardon granted to the monk following a request from the Chief Prelates.
Sajith briefs diplomats on concerns over proposed security laws
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has held discussions with representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations in Colombo over concerns surrounding the government’s proposed anti-terrorism and organised crime legislation. According to a statement issued by the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on October 25, the meeting focused on the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, particularly their implications for fundamental rights, judicial independence and constitutional safeguards. Former MP M.A. Sumanthiran and other serving and former parliamentarians also raised concerns over the proposed legislation during the discussion. Premadasa stressed that while effective laws were necessary to combat terrorism and organised crime, such measures must include adequate judicial oversight and safeguards against the abuse of executive powers.
SC rules Ranil violated fundamental rights over amnesty granted to man jailed following marriage dispute
The Supreme Court has declared null and void a presidential amnesty granted under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to a man sentenced to 29 months in prison for failing to pay Rs. 1.74 million in maintenance arrears. In a judgment delivered on October 23, a three-judge bench ruled that the remission of the sentence granted to Mohamed Ameen Mohamed Naseem under the September 2024 general amnesty violated the fundamental right to equality and equal protection of the law guaranteed under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The judgment was delivered by Justice Janak De Silva, with Justices Dr. Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Sampath K.B. Wijeratne agreeing. The case was filed by Naseem’s former wife, Ahamend Jaleel Farmilla Begum, who challenged his release after he had served less than two months of his 29-month prison sentence.
SC orders travel ban on Keheliya over unpaid compensation in medicine case
The Supreme Court has ordered the release on bonds of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and three other respondents, while imposing overseas travel bans on them over their failure to fully pay court-ordered compensation in connection with the importation of substandard medicines. The order was issued by a three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, following the consideration of a motion filed by Transparency International Sri Lanka. The four respondents include former Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Chandragupta.The motion alleged that the respondents had committed contempt of court by failing to comply with an earlier Supreme Court ruling ordering them to pay compensation.
President AKD hails Brazilian leader Lula’s victory as defeat of corruption
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has congratulated Brazilian leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his reported election victory, describing it as a victory against corruption, division and political dishonesty. In a post shared on his official ‘X’ account, President Dissanayake said the people of Brazil had achieved more than an electoral victory. “Today, the people of Brazil did not just win an election; they defeated the forces of corruption, division and political lies,” he stated. The President further described Lula’s victory as a demonstration that people cannot be misled by political dynasties and outdated political forces.“Comrade @LulaOficial’s historic victory in Brazil shows that the people cannot be fooled by bankrupt political dynasties and the ghosts of the past who believe might is greater than right,” he said.