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.
“I was misled” – Maithri apologizes, reveals what went wrong with Gnanasara Thera’s presidential pardon
Former President Maithripala Sirisena has claimed that officials at the Presidential Secretariat misled him during the process of granting a presidential pardon to Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, resulting in a technical error that eventually led to the monk’s reimprisonment. In a statement issued on October 19, Sirisena said he had studied a copy of the relevant court judgment and understood that a technical defect in documents submitted by the Presidential Secretariat had contributed to the court’s decision. He said Gnanasara Thera had faced two cases before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court, identified as B 7417/10 and 40042. According to Sirisena, the additional senior secretary in charge of legal affairs at the Presidential Secretariat had informed him that approval from the Ministry of Justice and Prisons was required in connection with the pardon. However, he alleged that the necessary documents were never forwarded to the ministry and that his signature was obtained without securing the required approval. “This was misleading me,” Sirisena said.
Four killed, several injured in multi-vehicle collision in Akurana
At least four people have been killed and several others injured following a major road accident involving multiple vehicles in the Kurugoda area of Akurana along the Kandy-Matale main road. The accident occurred near the 7th kilometre post when a cement lorry collided with several other vehicles. Several people sustained injuries in the collision, with some reportedly in critical condition. Severe traffic congestion has also been reported along the Kandy-Matale main road following the accident, disrupting vehicle movement in the area. Further details regarding the circumstances of the collision are yet to be confirmed
Sri Lankan Tusker ‘Agbo’ found safe and healthy in Nachchaduwa Reserve
Sri Lankan Tusker ‘Agbo’ has been found safe and in good health in the Nachchaduwa Tank Reserve following a joint search operation conducted by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Sri Lanka Army. According to the Ministry of Environment, the elephant was located following an extensive search operation carried out by wildlife officers and Army personnel. Wildlife Range Officer Buddhika, who is in charge of the area, confirmed that Agbo was in good health and physical condition when located. The Ministry further stated that wildlife officials have confirmed that the elephant is currently roaming freely within the Nachchaduwa Tank Reserve and is not facing any immediate danger. The successful operation comes after several days of search efforts to locate Agbo, following earlier reports that the elephant may have sustained injuries. The Ministry of Environment has now officially confirmed that Agbo is safe, healthy and moving freely within the reserve.
Four arrested in India over attempt to smuggle 137 kg of crystal meth to Sri Lanka
Indian authorities have seized 137 kg of crystal methamphetamine intended to be smuggled into Sri Lanka through a maritime route, following a major anti-narcotics operation in Tamil Nadu. According to India’s Ministry of Finance, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted the consignment in a coastal village in Nagapattinam district during an intelligence-led operation conducted on October 16 and 17. Investigations revealed that the narcotics were intended to be smuggled to Sri Lanka through a mid-sea transfer, with the estimated value of the seized drugs exceeding Indian Rs. 100 crore in the illegal drug market. The operation was launched following specific intelligence that a large consignment of narcotics had been transported to a coastal location in Nagapattinam for storage and subsequent smuggling to Sri Lanka.
Sajith raises concerns over possible HSBC Global Service Centre exit from Sri Lanka
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns over reports that the HSBC Global Service Centre may relocate its operations from Sri Lanka to the Philippines, warning that such a move could result in significant job losses and an economic setback for the country. In a statement on ‘X’, Premadasa said he had received information suggesting that the HSBC Global Service Centre may withdraw from Sri Lanka by December 2027, potentially resulting in the loss of 3,000 direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs.However, the Opposition Leader expressed hope that the information was inaccurate, warning that such a withdrawal, if confirmed, would have serious consequences for Sri Lanka’s economy. Questioning the country’s investment climate, Premadasa said Sri Lanka should be attracting substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) rather than witnessing the withdrawal of major foreign investors. His remarks come amid the withdrawal of China Merchants Port Holdings from a proposed US$ 392 million logistics hub project at the Port of Colombo.