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.
Update : Over 189kg of narcotics worth Rs. 4.2 billion seized from fishing trawler
The Sri Lanka Navy has confirmed the recovery of over 189 kilograms of narcotics, including ICE and heroin, with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 4.2 billion, from a multi-day fishing trawler intercepted in the southern deep seas. Director Navy Media, Commander Chaminda Walakuluge, told Newswire that the seized narcotics included over 132 kilograms of ICE and more than 57 kilograms of heroin. The final figures were confirmed following the inspection and weighing of the narcotics recovered from the fishing trawler, which was brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour today (05). The trawler, registered as Phana Putha, was intercepted on the morning of November 1 during a special intelligence-led naval operation in the deep seas south of Sri Lanka. According to Commander Walakuluge, the vessel had departed from the Gandara Fisheries Harbour on October 18 for fishing activities.
TikTok removes over 870,000 Sri Lankan videos in six months: Here’s why
TikTok has removed more than 870,000 videos uploaded from Sri Lanka during the first six months of 2026 for violating its Community Guidelines, according to the company’s latest transparency reports. Data published by TikTok show that 871,446 videos were removed between January and June 2026, including 441,089 during the first quarter and 430,357 during the second quarter. The figures indicate a slight decline of 10,732 removals, or approximately 2.4%, in the second quarter compared to the first. What types of videos were removed? According to TikTok’s second-quarter report, the most common categories of removed videos worldwide included sensitive or mature content, dangerous activities, sexualised behaviour and violations of safety standards.
Sajith holds talks with Northern, Eastern and estate sector MPs on rising cost of living
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has held discussions with Opposition MPs representing the Northern, Eastern and estate sectors to address the economic hardships faced by communities in these regions, particularly the impact of rising fuel prices and the cost of living. The meeting was held today (05) at the Office of the Opposition Leader in Parliament, with the participation of MPs representing the three regions. During the discussion, Premadasa obtained information from the MPs on the social, economic and livelihood challenges faced by communities amid the prevailing economic situation in the country. Special attention was given to the impact of rising fuel and commodity prices, declining purchasing power and the financial difficulties faced by working families in the Northern, Eastern and estate sectors. The discussion also focused on shortcomings in basic infrastructure facilities and challenges faced by communities in accessing essential healthcare and education services.
Major change to TIN rules announced in Sri Lanka
The Inland Revenue Department has announced that the implementation of the compulsory submission of Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) for eight essential transactions will be postponed until April 1, 2027. The Commissioner General of Inland Revenue confirmed the decision, providing a five-month extension to the requirement that came into effect on November 1. The announcement follows widespread public difficulties in obtaining TIN certificates, with long queues reported at Inland Revenue offices and disruptions to the department’s online registration system.
NSO withdraws request for electricity tariff increase following improved reservoir levels
The National System Operator (NSO) has reversed its earlier position on electricity tariffs, announcing that it will no longer seek an increase for the final quarter of 2026, citing improved reservoir storage levels and favourable rainfall forecasts. The announcement comes after the NSO initially requested a 2.88% electricity tariff increase for the October–December period, citing a projected revenue shortfall of Rs. 4.4 billion. Following a preliminary review, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) had reduced the proposed increase to 1.46%, with public consultations held on Thursday (5). However, in a statement issued following the stakeholder consultation, NSO (Pvt) Ltd said it would no longer request an increase in electricity tariffs for the final three months of the year.