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.
Special security arrangements announced for 2027 Budget presentation in Parliament
Special security arrangements will be implemented at the Sri Lankan Parliament ahead of the presentation of the 2027 National Budget on Thursday, November 12. According to an announcement issued to Members of Parliament, the entire parliamentary building, including MPs’ restrooms and wardrobes, will undergo security inspections on November 11 and 12. Additional security measures will be enforced on Budget Day, with designated high-security areas and other sensitive locations within the Parliament complex subjected to inspections. The Public Gallery will be restricted to invited guests only, with invitation cards issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. MPs have been requested to arrive with drivers wherever possible and avoid bringing guests to Parliament.
Namal Rajapaksa ordered to appear in court again over Krrish deal
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today (06) ordered Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa to appear before court again on November 19 in connection with the ongoing Bribery Commission investigation into the Krrish transaction.The Magistrate also directed prison authorities to produce Rajapaksa before court on that date if he remains in remand custody. Rajapaksa, who was granted bail in the Krrish case on November 03, remains in remand custody in connection with a separate case involving the purchase of Airbus aircraft for SriLankan Airlines.Prison officials produced Rajapaksa and former Krrish Group Director Janaki Siriwardena before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today in connection with the case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Sajith accuses Govt of interfering in no-confidence motion against Speaker
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of improperly interfering in the legislature by pressuring the Opposition to amend the no-confidence motion submitted against the Speaker of Parliament. Addressing Parliament today (06), Premadasa said the Opposition had been informed that the motion would be taken up for debate only if certain clauses were amended, describing the move as unconstitutional. He argued that the Opposition has the right to submit a no-confidence motion and determine its contents, while the government has no authority to interfere with the matters included in it.
Rs. 8.4M bribery case: MP Chamara Sampath further remanded
Badulla District Parliamentarian and former State Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake has been further remanded until November 10 in connection with an alleged Rs. 8.4 million bribery case. The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (06) also ordered that his former private secretary be further remanded until the same date. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the order after considering submissions made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the lawyers representing the suspects. The case relates to allegations that Dassanayake solicited and accepted Rs. 8.4 million in bribes from three companies involved in importing phosphate.
Rohitha Bogollagama granted bail but remains in remand over unmet bail conditions
Former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who was granted bail by the Colombo High Court today (06) in connection with a corruption case, has been returned to prison after failing to fulfil the bail conditions. Colombo High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela issued the bail order when the case filed against the former minister by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) was taken up for hearing. However, Bogollagama was taken back to prison as he was unable to meet the bail requirements. He is expected to remain in remand custody until November 25, when the case will be taken up again. Meanwhile, the High Court rejected a request by the defence to acquit Bogollagama without calling for defence evidence and ordered the defence to present its case. Bogollagama, who also served as Governor of the Eastern Province, had previously been remanded after repeatedly failing to appear in court in connection with the corruption case.