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.
CESS tax reductions announced for hundreds of imported goods from April 1 – Full List
The government has proposed reductions in the CESS levy on several categories of imported goods from April 1, 2027, under the 2027 Budget. According to the proposed tariff schedules, the changes cover 800 tariff lines across two categories of intermediate and capital goods. The first list includes 107 tariff lines covering selected goods considered sensitive to local industries, with a 25% reduction in existing CESS rates proposed from April 1, 2027. These include selected categories of cement, paints, tyres, packaging materials and other industrial products. A separate list covering 693 tariff lines provides for further reductions, including a 50% cut in several existing CESS rates.
SLC welcomes Supreme Court determination on Cricket Bill as major milestone for reforms
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s determination on the Sri Lanka Cricket Bill, describing it as a significant milestone towards introducing far-reaching reforms in the governance and administration of cricket in the country. In a statement, SLC said the determination marks one of the most important reform initiatives in the history of Sri Lanka Cricket. The Supreme Court’s determination on the Bill was communicated to the Speaker of Parliament, who informed the House of the decision during today’s (13) parliamentary session. According to the determination, two clauses of the Bill require amendments to ensure consistency with the relevant provisions of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has determined that once the necessary amendments are made, the two clauses would no longer be inconsistent with the Constitution and could be passed by a simple majority in Parliament.
Balangoda Kassapa Thera & 6 others remanded, ordered to undergo psychiatric & drug tests
Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero and six others who were staging a fast-unto-death protest in the Anuradhapura Sacred City have been remanded until November 26 by the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court. The court issued the order over allegations that the suspects had defied previous court orders while continuing their protest at the sacred site. The Magistrate also ordered that all seven suspects undergo psychiatric evaluations and tests to determine whether they had used drugs. The protest, held near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya, was launched in opposition to the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan and to demand the release of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero.
Over 100 packets of ICE and heroin seized from fishing vessel off Sri Lanka
The Sri Lanka Navy has seized more than 100 packets of suspected ICE and heroin from a multi-day fishing vessel intercepted in the deep seas south of Sri Lanka. According to reports, the fishing vessel named ‘Yasiru Putha’ was brought to the Galle Harbour following a special operation conducted jointly by the Navy and intelligence agencies. During the operation, Navy personnel discovered more than 50 packets of ICE narcotics and more than 52 packets of heroin, packed in six sacks aboard the vessel.
CCC welcomes Budget 2027, but flags areas needing greater attention
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the broad direction of Budget 2027, stating that timely implementation of the proposed reforms will be crucial to translating policy commitments into investment, exports and sustainable economic growth. In a statement, the Chamber said the Budget reinforces Sri Lanka’s commitment to economic transformation while maintaining policy continuity, macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline. The Chamber also welcomed the inclusion of more than 20 proposals it had submitted to the government, describing this as a positive outcome of continued public-private dialogue.