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.
Budget 2027: PAYE tax-free threshold to rise to Rs. 162,500, further income tax cuts proposed
The government has proposed increasing the monthly personal income tax-free threshold from Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 162,500 under the 2027 Budget, providing additional relief to salaried employees. According to the official Budget Speech released by Parliament, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed raising the annual personal income tax-free allowance from Rs. 1.8 million to Rs. 1.95 million. The President is currently delivering the 2027 Budget Speech in Parliament and has yet to announce these proposals during his address. Under the proposed revisions, individuals earning monthly salaries and allowances of up to Rs. 162,500 will not be required to pay income tax on their salaries.
Police disclose details of clash near Ruwanwelisaya involving Buddhist monks
Four Buddhist monks, including Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, have been taken into police custody following unrest near the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa in Anuradhapura today (November 12). Police Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler said a total of eight individuals were taken into custody in connection with the incident. Those detained include four Buddhist monks, one civilian woman and three civilian men. The unrest was reported at the car park opposite the main entrance of the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, where a group of Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, had been staging a fast-unto-death protest.
SriLankan Airlines lost Rs. 528bn since Emirates deal ended over personal dispute: President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that SriLankan Airlines has incurred cumulative losses amounting to Rs. 528 billion since 2008, following the termination of its partnership with Emirates. Speaking during the 2027 Budget Speech in Parliament today (November 12), the President said the losses followed the decision by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to end the partnership, allegedly over a personal issue. The Emirates management agreement ended in March 2008, after a 10-year partnership, with the Sri Lankan Government taking over the management of the national carrier.
Certain clauses of Sri Lanka Cricket Bill require two-thirds majority: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has determined that two clauses of the proposed Sri Lanka Cricket Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution and require a two-thirds majority in Parliament unless amended in accordance with the Court’s recommendations. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced the Supreme Court’s determination in Parliament today (12). According to the determination, the two clauses must secure a special majority in Parliament to become law in their present form. However, the Court has indicated that the provisions could be passed by a simple majority if the amendments recommended by the Supreme Court are incorporated.
“We will never forget what you did” : Anojan’s family thanks President AKD
The family of Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia before being cleared of all charges, has expressed gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his intervention in securing Sivarasa’s release. According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), Sivarasa’s family members met the President at the Presidential Secretariat today (12) to personally thank him for his efforts. During the meeting, President Dissanayake stated that standing up for Sri Lankan citizens at all times was his responsibility. He also expressed appreciation to the Government of Saudi Arabia and all individuals who contributed to securing Sivarasa’s release, irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation.