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.
GMOA launches protest in Colombo over doctors’ demands and proposed laws
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has launched a protest in Colombo today (10), raising concerns over doctors’ salaries and allowances, alleged suppression of trade union rights and proposed legislation. The protest is being held outside the National Hospital in Colombo, with doctors carrying placards and banners demanding solutions to several issues affecting the medical profession. Protesters displayed banners opposing what they described as democratic repression, suppression of fundamental rights and victimisation of trade union activists. The GMOA also called for the protection of freedom of expression, assembly and association. One of the main protest banners called for the repeal of the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) and Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill (POCB), while other placards highlighted concerns over doctors’ allowances, including the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance.
Rambewa bus accident: Number of injured rises to 70
The number of people injured in the three-bus collision on the A9 Road in Rambewa, Anuradhapura, has risen to approximately 70, according to the latest information released by Sri Lanka Police. Police confirmed that four people, including three men and a woman, were killed in the accident, which occurred near the Rambewa-Weli Oya Junction in the Mihintale Police Division this morning (10). According to Police, the accident occurred when a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus travelling from Vavuniya towards Rambewa attempted to overtake a private bus travelling in the same direction. During the overtaking manoeuvre, the SLTB bus collided head on with another SLTB bus approaching from the opposite direction, while the private bus also became involved in the collision.
Four Chinese nationals remanded for collecting over 250 animals from Sinharaja Forest
Four Chinese nationals arrested for allegedly collecting more than 250 insects and reptiles from the Sinharaja Forest have been remanded until November 23 by the Kalawana Magistrate’s Court. The suspects, three men and a woman, were arrested by Wildlife Department officials while collecting insects and reptiles endemic to Sri Lanka in the buffer zone of the Sinharaja Forest. According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the arrests were made following information received by the Panahaduwa Range Protection Office of the Udawalawe National Park. Wildlife officials seized more than 250 specimens belonging to nearly 40 animal species from the possession of the suspects.
Trump says Iran war militarily ‘effectively over’, signals progress in peace talks
US President Donald Trump has told reporters that he believes the war on Iran is militarily “effectively over”, signalling progress towards ending the conflict following discussions with Qatar’s Prime Minister. Speaking to reporters, Trump said renewed military action against Iran does not appear necessary at present, as negotiations with Tehran are progressing well. “At this point, it won’t be necessary taking – the military action doesn’t seem to be very necessary but we’re locked and loaded, ready to go for any reason that changes,” he said. Trump said the United States remains fully prepared to respond militarily if necessary, but expressed optimism that the conflict could end soon.
Rs. 14.8M corruption : Why Nishantha Ranatunga was arrested
Former National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga was arrested today (10) over allegations of misusing public funds amounting to approximately Rs. 14.8 million to obtain security personnel and drivers for his personal use, according to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The Bribery Commission states that Ranatunga is accused of causing the NWSDB to pay approximately Rs. 5.8 million to a private company for two security officers deployed at his private residence, despite not being legally entitled to such services. He is also accused of employing two drivers for his personal use without legal entitlement and arranging payments of approximately Rs. 9 million from funds allocated to water supply project contracts implemented by the Board.