Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has pledged his full support for efforts to save the life of Sri Lankan Anojan Sivarasa, who has reportedly been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia over a social media post.

President’s Counsel Faiszer Musthapha and President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma met Nasheed in the Maldives on Wednesday as an initial step in their diplomatic mission on behalf of Sivarasa.

According to the statement, Nasheed acknowledged the seriousness of Sivarasa’s remarks to the Muslim community but said he would support efforts to save the young man’s life on humanitarian grounds.

The Sri Lankan government decided to send Musthapha and Kumarapperuma as special diplomatic envoys to Saudi Arabia, a move announced in Parliament by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.

The statement said the two lawyers are undertaking the mission following interventions by the President and Foreign Minister and will use their own funds rather than government money for the trip.

Kumarapperuma said the meeting with Nasheed was successful and that they were preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming days. (Newswire)

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A Sri Lankan delegation led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya or, at minimum, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath should engage with Saudi Arabian authorities in an effort to save Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa from the death sentence, Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman said today (23).

Addressing Parliament, MP Rahman said the matter was too serious to be handled by a delegation led by Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, as announced by the Government, and called for diplomatic engagement at the highest possible level.

He proposed that the Deputy Speaker be included in the delegation together with former ministers who are MPs in the Opposition who have experience dealing with the Saudi Arabian Government.

“This is not an issue that can be resolved at the level of the Deputy Speaker. This is a far more serious issue. It would be even better if the discussions are led at the Presidential level. If the President is unable to do so, the Prime Minister or, at the very least, the Foreign Minister must lead the delegation to save the life of this youth,” Rahman said.

The Opposition MP also questioned the handling of Sivarasa’s case by the Foreign Ministry and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), alleging that serious mistakes had been made in obtaining legal advice and appealing his initial sentence.

According to Rahman, Sivarasa was arrested on July 2 under Saudi Arabia’s cybercrime laws and sentenced on July 15 after pleading guilty. He said the initial sentence was five years’ imprisonment and a fine, with the proceedings concluding within approximately two weeks.

Rahman claimed that despite the case having concluded following Sivarasa’s guilty plea, an appeal was subsequently filed.

He alleged that the appeal was made following incorrect legal advice involving legal professionals connected to the Foreign Ministry and a law firm in Saudi Arabia.

According to Rahman, the Saudi Attorney General’s Office subsequently challenged the appeal, following which a judgment imposing the death sentence was issued under Saudi law.

The MP argued that instead of appealing the initial court ruling, the Sri Lankan Government should have pursued the matter diplomatically with the King of Saudi Arabia after Sivarasa received the original prison sentence.

“They should not have appealed this in court. After the initial sentence, the Government should have taken the matter directly to the King of Saudi Arabia. We do not know on whose advice they appealed after the youth had accepted the charges and pleaded guilty. This is the mistake that has been made,” he said.

Rahman also alleged that Rs. 1.8 million had been obtained from Sivarasa’s parents for expenses related to the case and questioned why funds available through the SLBFE or insurance arrangements could not have been utilised. He noted that the Government had since indicated that the money would be reimbursed.

Drawing comparisons with previous cases, Rahman said three Sri Lankan women had faced death sentences in Saudi Arabia during the Yahapalana Government and claimed that swift intervention by the Foreign Ministry had resulted in the sentences being suspended.

He said that although the women had served prison terms before returning to Sri Lanka, they ultimately did not face execution.

Rahman called on the Foreign Minister to table in Parliament the judgment relating to Sivarasa’s death sentence, saying it would allow MPs to establish the sequence of events surrounding the appeal and subsequent legal action.

The Opposition MP reiterated that the Government should make use of politicians with previous experience dealing with Saudi Arabian authorities and pursue the issue through high-level diplomatic channels in an effort to save Sivarasa’s life. (Newswire)

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Discussions between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Sri Lankan authorities will continue in the near term with the aim of reaching agreement on the parameters and policies required to conclude the Seventh Review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme, the IMF said at the conclusion of its latest mission to the country.

In a statement issued at the end of the mission, led by IMF Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou, the IMF said staff and Sri Lankan authorities had held productive discussions relating to the Seventh Review of the EFF arrangement and the 2026 Article IV Consultation.

The IMF noted that Sri Lanka’s economy has continued to demonstrate resilience despite facing successive shocks. Economic activity expanded by 4.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, marking the eleventh consecutive quarter of strong growth, while gross official reserves increased to US$ 6.9 billion by the end of August 2026. The IMF also said banks remain well capitalised and profitable, fiscal performance during the first half of 2026 was strong and the country’s debt restructuring process is largely complete.

However, the IMF cautioned that downside risks remain, citing uncertainty surrounding the duration and intensity of the conflict in the Middle East, global trade policy developments and the impact of El Niño.

The IMF stressed that maintaining macroeconomic stability in a shock-prone environment would require unwavering commitment to prudent policies and reforms. It identified the development and implementation of a medium-term revenue strategy as a key priority, alongside efforts to broaden the tax base, rationalise exemptions and incentives, and strengthen revenue administration to improve compliance and secure durable revenue gains.

The Fund also underscored the importance of maintaining cost-recovery energy pricing to minimise fiscal risks arising from state-owned enterprises and called for action to address bottlenecks affecting capital expenditure, including projects linked to recovery and reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

On monetary policy, the IMF said authorities should remain prepared to respond to inflationary pressures while maintaining price stability under the flexible inflation-targeting framework. It added that greater exchange rate flexibility would help absorb shocks and support reserve accumulation.

The IMF further stated that it would be prudent for Sri Lanka to maintain its existing 5% inflation target and current accountability band during the first statutory review, arguing that the target provides the flexibility needed in an environment of high food and energy price volatility.

The statement also highlighted governance and anti-corruption reforms, with the IMF stressing that preserving the integrity of the anti-corruption legislative framework is essential to enhancing public trust. It warned that selected clauses in recently proposed amendments could weaken transparency and accountability.

The IMF said Sri Lanka must now move from economic stabilisation to economic transformation through sustained structural reforms aimed at creating a more conducive business environment and attracting investment. Recommended measures include trade liberalisation, modernisation of business and labour regulations, broader access to finance and accelerated digitalisation.

The mission also visited Jaffna, where discussions with private sector representatives and civil society groups focused on the Northern Province’s economic potential and opportunities for growth through investment in connectivity, skills development, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and renewable energy.

During the visit, the IMF delegation met President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, senior government officials, Central Bank representatives, parliamentarians, private sector representatives, civil society organisations and development partners.

The IMF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka and said discussions would continue with the goal of reaching a staff-level agreement that would pave the way for the timely completion of the Seventh Review.

Full statement : https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2026/09/23/pr26301-sri-lanka-imf-staff-team-concludes-visit (Newswire)

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The Government has gazetted a new Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, seeking to repeal and replace the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979, while introducing a new legal framework to address terrorism-related offences, investigations, detentions and prosecutions.

The Bill, published in a Gazette Supplement dated September 18 and released on September 22, states that it aims to protect Sri Lanka’s national security and the public from terrorist acts committed within or outside the country, prevent Sri Lankan territory from being used to prepare terrorist activities abroad, and provide for the identification, arrest, detention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of persons involved in terrorism-related offences.

Under the proposed law, the provisions would apply to offences committed by Sri Lankan citizens both within and outside Sri Lanka, as well as acts committed against Sri Lankan citizens, diplomatic missions and State-owned property overseas.

The Bill defines terrorism as the intentional or knowing commission of acts for the purpose of provoking a state of terror among the public or compelling a government or international organisation to act or refrain from acting in order to advance a political or ideological objective. 

Such acts include causing death, grievous injury, hostage-taking, serious damage to public infrastructure, major environmental harm, cyberattacks on critical systems and conduct covered under international anti-terrorism treaties.

A person convicted of terrorism resulting in death could face life imprisonment, while other terrorism-related offences may attract prison terms of up to 20 years and fines of up to Rs. 20 million.

The proposed legislation also criminalises attempts, conspiracies and preparations to commit acts of terrorism. Individuals found guilty of involvement in proscribed organisations through recruitment, funding, training, logistical support or participation in activities could face imprisonment of up to 15 years and fines of up to Rs. 15 million.

The Bill further criminalises harbouring terrorism suspects, assisting offenders, withholding information relating to terrorism offences and disseminating terrorist publications or material intended to encourage terrorism.

At the same time, the draft law includes provisions aimed at safeguarding fundamental freedoms. It explicitly states that participation in protests, strikes, trade union action, advocacy, dissent and humanitarian activities would not, by themselves, amount to terrorism offences. 

The Bill also provides protections for journalism, academic and scientific research, civil society activities, legal representation, artistic expression, satire, political criticism and the peaceful expression of opinions or dissent, provided such activities do not intentionally incite terrorism.

The legislation contains detailed provisions governing arrests, searches and investigations. Suspects must be informed of the reasons for their arrest and their right to legal representation, while notice of arrest must be provided to next of kin and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

Under the Bill, a suspect generally must be produced before a magistrate within 48 hours of arrest. However, detention orders may be issued by the Secretary to the relevant ministry upon application by the Inspector General of Police or an authorised Deputy Inspector General where further detention is considered necessary for investigations.

Each detention order may remain in force for up to two months at a time, while the aggregate detention period cannot exceed one year from the date of the initial detention order. Any extension beyond the initial two-month period would require High Court approval.

The Bill also proposes the establishment of an Independent Review Committee comprising a retired Supreme Court or Court of Appeal judge and two other members with expertise in law, human rights, public administration or national security. The committee would review detention orders and make recommendations on whether they should be upheld, amended or revoked.

Several oversight mechanisms have also been included. Magistrates would be required to periodically review detainees’ welfare, while approved places of detention would be subject to inspections by magistrates and authorised officers of the Human Rights Commission. The Bill also contains provisions requiring medical examinations where torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment is suspected.

In addition, suspects held under the proposed law would have access to lawyers, relatives and other visitors, subject to conditions imposed by law, while investigations are required to be completed without unnecessary delay.

If enacted, the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act would replace the long-standing PTA and establish a new counter-terrorism legal framework governing offences, investigations, detention procedures, judicial oversight and protections for suspects.

Gazette : https://www.newswire.lk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Protection-of-the-State-from-Terrorism-Gazette.pdf (Newswire)

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The 15 people convicted in the Easter Sunday attacks case have been sentenced to terms of rigorous imprisonment ranging from 200 to 260 years.

The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar sentenced five of the convicts to 200 years of rigorous imprisonment each, five to 220 years each, four to 240 years each and one to 260 years.

The court also ordered the confiscation of the movable and immovable assets of all 15 convicts with effect from the commencement of their respective sentences. (Newswire)

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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued freezing orders against six companies and their directors, preventing them from disposing of, transferring or otherwise dealing with their properties and other assets.

In a statement issued on September 22, CBSL said the orders were made under Section 44 of the Finance Business Act No. 42 of 2011 and had subsequently been confirmed and extended by the Colombo High Court.

The freezing orders currently cover Kasagala Green Plantation (Private) Limited, Ceylon Green Life Plantation (Private) Limited, Singhe Capital Investment Limited, Pro Shop Advertising Holdings (Private) Limited, Athens International Education Centre (Private) Limited and Eyon Lanka Investment & Film Production International Company (Private) Limited.

CBSL said investigations into Kasagala Green Plantation and Ceylon Green Life Plantation are currently being conducted under Section 42 of the Finance Business Act.

The Central Bank said it has already determined that the other four companies had carried on finance business and/or accepted deposits in contravention of Section 2 of the Act.

CBSL warned the public to deposit money only with legally authorised institutions, noting that only institutions licensed under the Banking Act or Finance Business Act, or specifically exempted from those laws, are permitted to accept deposits from the public.

The regulator said investigations are also underway into several other institutions and individuals following complaints over possible unauthorised finance businesses and deposit-taking.

CBSL previously confirmed that it was investigating Kasagala Green Plantation to determine whether it had conducted finance business or accepted public deposits in violation of the Finance Business Act.  (Newswire)

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The Colombo High Court’s Permanent Trial-at-Bar is delivering its verdict in the case filed against 24 accused over the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.

The accused were charged with more than 23,270 offences, including conspiracy and aiding and abetting the attacks.

Of the 24 accused, 15 have been found guilty, while the remaining nine have been ordered to be acquitted and released.

Naufer Maulavi, identified by investigators as a key associate of Easter Sunday attacks leader Zahran Hashim, was among those convicted.

The court has adjourned briefly and will resume shortly to deliver the sentences. (Newswire)

More to follow

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has forwarded recommendations to the Constitutional Council to appoint High Court Judges Navaratne Marasinghe and Manjula Thilakaratne as judges of the Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, three judicial officers are scheduled to be appointed as High Court Judges on Wednesday (Sept. 23), based on recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission.

The three officers are Perumal Sivakumar, Anandi Kanagaratnam and Gnanesa Lalith Kannangara.

The President’s Media Division announced the proposed appointments on September 22. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the publication of the Sri Lanka Cricket Draft Bill in the Government Gazette before submitting it to Parliament for approval, following clearance from the Attorney General.

The decision marks a further step in the government’s efforts to restructure Sri Lanka Cricket and introduce a new legal framework for the administration of the sport.

According to the Cabinet decision issued on September 22, approval was initially granted on June 8, 2026, to prepare legislation for restructuring Sri Lanka Cricket.

The Legal Draftsman has since formulated the Bill, which provides legal provisions for the establishment, governance, control, regulation, promotion, development and administration of Sri Lanka Cricket.

The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen good governance, integrity, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and equal opportunities within the sport.

It also aims to safeguard the welfare of all participants and protect cricket from corruption and other malpractice.

The Cabinet approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports to publish the draft legislation in the Government Gazette and subsequently forward it to Parliament for approval.

The development follows an announcement by the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee on September 21 that it had completed drafting a new constitution and submitted it to the government.

The Bill has not yet been enacted and will require parliamentary approval before becoming law. (Newswire)

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Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament today that a delegation headed by Deputy Speaker Rizvi Salih, comprising both ruling party and opposition MPs, is being proposed to travel to Saudi Arabia to hand over a letter from the Sri Lankan government appealing against the death sentence imposed on migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa.

Briefing the Parliament, Minister Herath said that he himself intends to meet the Saudi Foreign Minister at the UN General Assembly next week, where he will press for alternatives such as granting a pardon, reducing the sentence, or securing a concession.

Minister Herath further revealed that President’s Counsels Upul Kumarapperuma and Faizer Mustapha have agreed to travel to Saudi Arabia at their own expense to coordinate with the representing legal firm and other authorities for legal intervention.

Outlining the government’s measures so far, the minister said the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh is in direct contact with Sivarasa and providing consular support, while also tasked with reporting on possible appeal routes to higher courts in Saudi Arabia. 

He noted that the government has undertaken to bear all current and future expenses related to the case, and continues diplomatic discussions with the Saudi Embassy in Colombo. A special presidential delegation is also being prepared to travel to Saudi Arabia.

“The government is taking its utmost measures regarding this matter,” he told Parliament, adding that Sivarasa’s family has been briefed on all steps taken. He urged all parties to act responsibly and avoid statements that could derail the measures or end in disharmony between the countries.

Providing details of the case, Minister Herath said that Sivarasa, a registered migrant worker, travelled to Saudi Arabia in September 2025. He lost his job after a Facebook post and was later arrested on July 2, 2026, accused of disrespecting Islam and Saudi law. On July 27, a three‑judge bench sentenced him under the anti‑cybercrime law to five years in prison and a fine of three million riyals. He issued a video apology on Facebook admitting his mistake.

The Sri Lankan Embassy received the judgment on July 31 and informed his family of the appeal process. His father consented to an appeal on August 4, and a memorandum of appeal was filed on August 24. However, following a Saudi government appeal under Sharia Law, the court on September 17 imposed the death sentence for insulting Prophet Mohammed.

Minister Herath went on to note that the written judgment, received on September 20 and translated on September 21, confirmed the ruling, suspended the fine, and ordered the deactivation of his Facebook account.

The government is now reviewing the judgment with Saudi and local legal experts while pursuing diplomatic, consular, and humanitarian channels to seek relief, he informed the Parliament. (Newswire)

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The Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Jagath Wickramaratne today announced the determination of the Supreme Court on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature Amendment Bill, stating that it was consistent with the Constitution of Sri Lanka. 

Announcing the Supreme Court’s interpretation, the Speaker further said the court has determined that the provisions of the 22nd Amendment Bill or any part thereof does not require approval by the people at a referendum by virtue of the provisions of the Article 83 of the Constitution.

“I wish to announce that I have received the determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the bill titled 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and the Judicature Amendment, which were challenged in the Supreme Court under Article 121 (1) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has determined that the provisions of the 22nd Amendment Bill or any part thereof does not require approval by the people at a referendum by virtue of the provisions of the Article 83 of the Constitution. In the Provisor appearing in Clause 2 of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill, the phrase ‘67 ta elembena dinaya’ appearing shall therein be replaced with the phrase ‘67 ta sampurna kala dinaya’. The following to be added as the second provisor to the Clause 2 of the 22nd Amendment Bill, provided further that the term limits of 06 years set out in the first provisor will not apply to any person holding the Office of the Chief Justice as the date of coming into operation of this Act. 

“The Supreme Court has further determined that the provisions of the Judicature Amendment Bill are not inconsistent with the Constitution of Sri Lanka and may be passed by the simple majority of the Parliament,” Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced today (22). 

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill, relating to the extension of the retirement age of judges, was presented to Parliament on August 18 by Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara.

Subsequently, various parties challenged the constitutionality of the Bill by filing petitions before the Supreme Court, and accordingly the total number of petitions filed was 67.

These petitions were examined before a five‑judge bench of the Supreme Court presided over by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Srasena, with Justices Achala Wengappuli, Arjuna Obeyesekere, Sampath Abeykoon, and Gihan Kulatunga.

On September 2, after concluding the hearings, the Supreme Court bench announced that the interpretation regarding the constitutionality of the Bill would be referred to the Speaker.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Business Committee recently decided that the debate on the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill will be held on the 24th and 25th of September. (Newswire)

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Police have attributed the Southern Expressway accident involving 11 vehicles to excessive speed and serious negligence by the driver of a cab travelling from Galle towards Colombo.

The accident occurred between Gelanigama and Dodangoda at approximately 6:15 a.m. when the cab suddenly applied its brakes, crashed into the expressway barrier and subsequently collided with a bus carrying schoolchildren.

The collision triggered a series of crashes involving an Akuressa-Colombo passenger bus and eight other vehicles.

As reported earlier, 15 people, including eight schoolchildren and two teachers, were injured and admitted to the Kalutara Teaching Hospital.

Police said the schoolchildren escaped with minor injuries because they were wearing seat belts. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that the government will take steps to make a formal written diplomatic appeal to the King of Saudi Arabia seeking a pardon for Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, who has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.

The President made the announcement following a meeting with Sivarasa’s parents in Colombo.

During the meeting, President Dissanayake assured the family that the government was making every possible effort to secure a pardon for their son.

He explained that the government was intervening through both legal and diplomatic channels to address the situation.

The President said steps would be taken to formally appeal to the Saudi King in writing, seeking clemency for Sivarasa.

Sivarasa’s family has been seeking urgent intervention after being informed that his initial sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of 3 million Saudi riyals had been increased to a death sentence following an appeal.

The case stems from a social media comment reportedly deemed insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

The Foreign Ministry previously confirmed that it was engaging with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels but had not formally confirmed the reported death sentence, pending receipt of the written court judgment. (Newswire)

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Minister of Sport Sunil Kumara Gamage has acknowledged that some of Sri Lanka’s current cricketers are not meeting the required standards, stressing that the long‑standing problems in the sport must be addressed from the grassroots level.

Responding to questions from reporters, the Minister said that appointing strong committees or implementing sound plans alone will not revive cricket unless the country produces quality players. 

“Without good cricketers we cannot take the sport forward. Our focus must be on developing players from the bottom,” he noted.

Gamage emphasized that the lack of consistent standards among certain members of the current squad highlights the need for a comprehensive development programme starting at school and district levels. 

He added that the issue has persisted for years and requires urgent reform to ensure Sri Lanka can regain its competitive edge internationally. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met the family of Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, who is reportedly facing a death sentence in Saudi Arabia, at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo on Monday (21).

Anojan’s father, Thambiraja Sivarasa, mother, Rasamanickam Yogalakshmi, and brother, Sivarasa Hamsithan, attended the meeting to discuss his situation and efforts to secure his release.

During the meeting, Premadasa contacted the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Sri Lanka by telephone to inquire about Anojan’s case and the possibility of securing his release.

He also contacted Anojan, who is being held in a Saudi prison, to inquire about his well-being.

Premadasa subsequently spoke to the secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to seek information on the government’s efforts to secure Anojan’s release.

The opposition leader assured the family that he would make every possible effort to secure Anojan’s release, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously confirmed that it was closely following Anojan’s case and engaging with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels. However, the ministry has not officially confirmed reports that he has been sentenced to death. (Newswire)

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SJB Parliamentarian Prasad Siriwardana has claimed that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will face imprisonment after the current government leaves office in 2030, accusing him of allowing the misuse of public funds and failing to ensure accountability.

Siriwardana alleged that the President could face legal consequences over a reported cyberattack on the Finance Ministry that resulted in the loss of $2.5 million in public funds.

“Once this government is removed from power in 2030, Anura will definitely go to jail,” Siriwardana said.

He claimed that Dissanayake, who also serves as finance minister, should be held accountable for the reported financial loss, alleging that the President had failed to act appropriately in response to the cyberattack

The MP drew comparisons with the imprisonment of former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, referring to remarks he attributed to the director general of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Siriwardana argued that the former minister’s conviction over the distribution of goods using public funds during an election period had established a precedent for holding public officials accountable for the misuse of state resources.

He claimed that a similar principle could apply to Dissanayake over the reported cyberattack, predicting that the President would face imprisonment in 2030

The MP said he was not suggesting that the opposition would personally seek to imprison the President, but argued that the legal precedent could result in such an outcome

Siriwardana also accused Dissanayake of failing to take responsibility during previous political alliances and alleged that he had used corruption-related investigation files for political purposes.

He claimed that files collected through investigations conducted during the administration of former President Maithripala Sirisena had been used to negotiate political arrangements with individuals accused of corruption.

The MP further criticized the government’s taxation policies, alleging that it was collecting substantial revenue from businesses, workers and farmers without demonstrating sufficient accountability in public spending.

He said the President could no longer avoid responsibility for governance and called on the public to question the administration’s handling of state finances.

The Finance Ministry confirmed in April that hackers had breached its systems in connection with the $2.5 million loss. It said complaints had been lodged with law enforcement agencies and disciplinary proceedings initiated against several officials. (Newswire)

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New regulations have been gazetted requiring organisers of weddings, parties, corporate functions, DJ shows, and even banks and supermarkets to obtain a licence to play music, in a move aimed at protecting intellectual property rights.

The rules, introduced by the Association of Creators and Publishers of Sri Lanka (ACPOSL) under the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), came into effect last Tuesday. 

Hotels and institutions have been informed that licences must be obtained for musical events, with fees ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 125,000, depending on the size of the audience.

Initially, the licensing applies to Sri Lankan musical works represented by ACPOSL and Hindi and Tamil works represented through the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS). Events exclusively featuring English or other foreign music will not require a licence.

According to ACPOSL, the requirement covers a wide range of functions including weddings, receptions, private parties, corporate events, dinner dances, award ceremonies, product launches, promotional events, conferences with musical entertainment, DJ shows, live band performances, hybrid events, concerts, and music-focused shows.

For DJ events, fees are set at Rs. 20,000 for under 100 persons, Rs. 30,000 for 100–300 persons, and Rs. 40,000 for over 300 persons. Live music events in the same categories will cost Rs. 25,000, Rs. 35,000, and Rs. 50,000 respectively. Private or corporate DJ events will require Rs. 25,000, Rs. 40,000, and Rs. 50,000, while hybrid or live corporate events will cost Rs. 50,000, Rs. 75,000, and Rs. 125,000.

According to the Sunday Times, ACPOSL Chairman Nilar N. Cassim said the regulation was introduced to ensure royalties are properly distributed to composers, lyricists, and publishers, who often go uncredited compared to singers. He stressed the scheme is primarily aimed at commercially organised events, with exemptions for small‑scale artists in certain cases.

Under the regulations, hotels must not permit events without an ACPOSL licence, and organisers must provide an audio recording after the event to identify the music played.

The licensing scheme also extends to supermarkets, banks, retail stores, shopping malls, cinemas, office buildings, and transport vehicles such as buses, coaches, tourist vans, and passenger trains. 

Annual licences will be issued for commercial premises, with rates varying by area size and local authority jurisdiction. (Newswire)

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Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero has appealed for a fresh presidential pardon from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, days after the Supreme Court invalidated the pardon granted to him by former President Maithripala Sirisena in 2019.

Speaking at the launch of his book, Navayay Paha Vikurthiya, at the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi Mandiraya in Colombo on Sunday (20), Gnanasara Thero urged senior Buddhist monks to intervene and request a presidential pardon on his behalf.

Addressing the gathering, Gnanasara Thero said he was uncertain about his future following the Supreme Court ruling but insisted that he was prepared to respect the law.

“I don’t know how my fate has been written. This is not a time when I am afraid. Everyone has a responsibility to respect the laws of the country. I will bow to the law. There is no argument about that,” he said.

He questioned why he should face the consequences of alleged procedural errors made by officials involved in granting the previous presidential pardon.

“If officials made a mistake in the procedure, why am I being punished? The current President can correct any mistake made in the process followed by former President Maithripala Sirisena,” he said.

Gnanasara Thero appealed to senior monks to request a fresh pardon from President Dissanayake, arguing that he should be given an opportunity to continue his religious activities.

He also spoke emotionally about his 87-year-old mother, expressing concern that he might not have another opportunity to see her if he were imprisoned.

“Sometimes we may meet again, and sometimes we may not. I have no sorrow about that,” he said.

The monk also rejected claims that he was acting on behalf of political figures, saying he was not a follower of any politician.

“We are not anyone’s followers. We are followers of the Buddha,” he said.

He maintained that the legal proceedings against him originated during the former Yahapalana administration rather than under the current government.

Gnanasara Thero thanked those who had supported him over the years and sought forgiveness for any mistakes he may have made.

The Supreme Court ruled on Sept. 10 that the presidential pardon granted to Gnanasara Thero in 2019 was invalid, raising questions about the enforcement of his remaining prison sentence for contempt of court.

His latest appeal comes amid uncertainty over the next legal steps following the ruling. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia have discussed expediting the finalization of bilateral agreements on the transfer of sentenced persons and mutual legal assistance.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia O.L. Ameer Ajwad met Saudi Deputy Minister for Laws and International Cooperation Mishaal bin Ali Al-Balawi at the Ministry of Justice in Riyadh.

According to the Sri Lankan Embassy, the discussions focused on strengthening judicial and legal cooperation between the two countries, with particular emphasis on finalizing the two proposed agreements.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in judicial affairs and discussed other matters of bilateral interest.

The meeting was also attended by Sri Lankan Embassy Second Secretary and Head of Chancery Damithri Samangika and embassy official Sajeeth.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh announced the meeting in a statement dated September 19, 2026. (Newswire)

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The directive is contained in a letter dated September 11, 2026, signed by Acting Energy Ministry Secretary G.M.R.D. Aponsu and addressed to the chairman and CEO of Electricity Distribution Lanka.

SJB MP Ajith P. Perera, shared the document on social media, expressing concern over the decision to discontinue two of the three rooftop solar schemes introduced under the Soorya Bala Sangramaya program on September 6, 2016.

According to the letter, the National Electricity Policy, approved by the Cabinet and published in a gazette on March 5, 2026, requires all new agreements for on-grid rooftop solar photovoltaic systems to operate under the Net Plus scheme.

The ministry has issued the following directions:

* All new rooftop solar agreements entered into on or after March 5, 2026, must operate under Net Plus.

* Extensions of existing agreements must also transition to Net Plus.

* Net Metering and Net Accounting will no longer be offered for new connections or extensions.

* Existing agreements will remain valid under their current terms until they expire.

* New agreements and extensions must not exceed 12 years.

* Rooftop solar installations must be equipped with smart meters capable of remote access by the electricity distribution licensee.

However, the ministry has provided transitional arrangements for applications already being processed.

The letter states that the new requirements will apply to grid clearances granted after September 11, 2026. Agreements concluded or grid clearances granted on or before that date will not be reopened.

The ministry has also clarified that the feed-in tariff rates declared by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will remain unchanged.

The directive marks a change in the framework governing rooftop solar installations, with Net Plus becoming the sole commercial connection scheme available for new agreements.

Under Net Metering, consumers can offset electricity imported from the grid against electricity exported by their solar systems. Net Accounting provides a mechanism for compensating consumers for surplus electricity, while Net Plus separately accounts for electricity generated and electricity consumed.

The decision means new rooftop solar customers will no longer have the option of selecting between the three schemes previously available.

The letter also instructs Electricity Distribution Lanka to refer any questions raised by the Public Utilities Commission regarding compliance with its tariff decision to the Ministry of Energy and not to alter the directive without the ministry’s written concurrence. (Newswire)

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