Sri Lanka has lost one of its most iconic wild elephants, Kawanthissa, a majestic tusker whose towering presence and magnificent tusks made him a celebrated figure among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa announced the death of Kawanthissa, who had been receiving veterinary treatment for nearly a month following a gunshot injury.

Believed to be between 50 and 60 years old, Kawanthissa stood approximately 11 feet tall, with tusks measuring more than six feet in length. He was widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s tallest living wild tuskers.

First spotted in 2008, the elephant was named Kawanthissa in 2015 after the ancient Sri Lankan ruler King Kawan Tissa, father of King Dutugemunu.

The tusker was a familiar sight in the Galgamuwa, Usgala and Siyambalangamuwa areas of the Kurunegala District, where he roamed for years, becoming a favourite among wildlife photographers and elephant enthusiasts.

Despite his enormous size, Kawanthissa was reportedly not known to have killed or injured anyone.

His final struggle began in September when wildlife observers discovered a gunshot injury near his right front leg. Wildlife veterinarians began treatment on September 24, initially reporting signs of recovery.

However, his condition subsequently deteriorated, with the elephant developing further health complications and losing his appetite.

On October 16, Kawanthissa was found collapsed in a paddy field near Siyambalangamuwa, prompting an emergency operation by wildlife veterinarians. The government also sought assistance from veterinary specialists in Thailand.

His death has renewed concerns over the protection of Sri Lanka’s remaining iconic tuskers, particularly as human-elephant conflict, habitat loss and deliberate shootings continue to threaten the country’s wild elephant population.

For wildlife enthusiasts who followed his movements for nearly two decades, Kawanthissa’s death marks the loss of another irreplaceable symbol of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. (Newswire)

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Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says the government will not bend or amend the law to accommodate any individual, stressing that the law must be applied equally to everyone, regardless of their power or social status.

Responding to questions regarding the ongoing protests by Buddhist monks demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, Minister Jayatissa said the government remains committed to ensuring equal application of the law.

He stated that one of the key reasons behind President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election victory and the government’s two-thirds parliamentary majority was public dissatisfaction with the unequal application of the law under previous administrations.

According to the Minister, the public had witnessed instances where ordinary citizens were treated differently from those holding political power or enjoying influential positions.

Jayatissa said the government had pledged to end such practices and ensure that the law is enforced equally, irrespective of an individual’s position or status.

He emphasised that this was not only an expectation of those who voted for the government but also of those who did not.

Responding to a question regarding requests for Gnanasara Thera’s release, similar to the presidential pardon granted under the previous Yahapalana government, Jayatissa stressed that the monk’s sentence was imposed by a court.

He noted that individuals have the right to appeal court decisions and that the relevant legal proceedings had already concluded.

The Minister maintained that the government is responsible for implementing court orders and cannot make exceptions based on an individual’s identity or social standing.

He further stated that the public does not expect the government to alter or adjust the law for the benefit of a single individual, adding that all decisions would be made in accordance with established legal procedures.

Meanwhile, Buddhist monks have been staging protests demanding the release of Gnanasara Thera, following a protest march titled “Justice for the Robe – Freedom March,” which commenced from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on October 10.

The protesters arrived outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on October 15 and remained overnight, demanding a definite response from the government.

However, following a court order prohibiting protests at the location, the monks removed their temporary shelters and subsequently proceeded to the Ministry of Buddhasasana today (16).

The Ministry provided an opportunity for discussions, with four representatives of the protesting monks participating in the meeting.

The members of the Maha Sangha, who engaged in discussions at the Ministry of Buddhasasana, have stated that they would remain at Viharamahadevi Park until Ven. Gnanasara Thero is released. (Newswire)

ඥානසාර හිමිට නිදහස ලැබෙයිද ?
“නීතිය නවන එක ජනතාව මේ ආණ්ඩුවෙන් බලාපොරොත්තු වෙන්නේ නෑ”
නලින්ද දීපූ පිළිතුර මෙන්න https://t.co/nZYQbtaLxi

— Ada Derana Sinhala (@adaderanasin) October 16, 2026

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TV Derana has strongly defended its 360 programme presenter Kalindu Karunaratne over allegations raised by Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe’s Office concerning an allegedly AI-generated photograph displayed by former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, maintaining that the presenter had appropriately questioned the claims during the live broadcast.

In a letter dated October 15, Derana TV News director Yuwaraj Athukorala rejected the allegations and said the television channel had committed no wrongdoing requiring a public correction.

The response follows a formal complaint from the Deputy Minister’s Office over a photograph allegedly manipulated using artificial intelligence to portray an individual photographed with Abeysinghe as a Buddhist monk.

Derana pointed out that Karunaratne had directly questioned Weerawansa about the identity of the individual in the photograph during the October 12 programme.

When Weerawansa displayed the image from his mobile phone, the presenter specifically asked whether it was confirmed that the individual shown was a layperson.

Weerawansa responded that it was confirmed and later identified the individual as Amal Salinda.

Derana maintained that the presenter had fulfilled his journalistic responsibility by directly questioning the guest about the photograph rather than simply accepting the claim without challenge.

The channel said guests appearing on live television programmes were responsible for the statements they made and the photographs or documents they presented.

It argued that presenters and production teams could not scientifically verify the authenticity of every photograph or document presented during a live broadcast, adding that questioning the guest about the material was the action available to the presenter.

Derana also confirmed that it had not rebroadcast Weerawansa’s remarks on television or republished them on digital platforms following the live programme.

The channel rejected the Deputy Minister’s demand for a correction, maintaining that neither the presenter nor the television station had acted improperly.

However, Derana said it was willing to inform viewers during the next edition of 360 that it had received a letter from the Deputy Minister’s Office alleging that the photograph was AI-generated.

The controversy began after Abeysinghe alleged that a photograph originally showing him alongside an individual identified as Amal, who had helped protect protesters during the 2022 Aragalaya movement, had been digitally manipulated to depict the individual wearing Buddhist robes.

The Deputy Minister subsequently issued a clarification on social media, sharing what he described as the original photograph alongside the allegedly AI-manipulated version.

He accused Weerawansa of using the image to make misleading political claims during the television discussion.

However, the Deputy Minister’s Office confirmed that no letter of demand had been sent to former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, who displayed the photograph and made the remarks.

In its response, Derana questioned why criticism had been directed at the programme presenter over statements and material presented by a guest, expressing surprise at the attempt to hold the presenter responsible.

Derana reiterated that Karunaratne had questioned Weerawansa about the photograph during the live broadcast and maintained that the responsibility for the image and the claims made about it rested with the former Minister Wimal Weerawansa (Newswire).

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The protest by a  group of Buddhist monks outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, has ended.

According to reports, the monks have removed the temporary shelters erected at the protest site in compliance with a court order issued today (16), and moved away from the site.

The move follows an order issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena this morning, prohibiting Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera and 54 others from remaining within the premises of the Presidential Secretariat.

The protesting monks reportedly removed the temporary structures in respect of the court order.

The protest began on Thursday (15) evening, with a group of Buddhist monks gathering outside the Presidential Secretariat to demand the release of the imprisoned Gnanasara Thera.

Several monks remained at the location overnight, continuing their protest into Friday (16).

The protesters had been occupying the pavement on the opposite side of Galle Road, away from the Presidential Secretariat.

The removal of the temporary shelters followed the court’s intervention as the monks continued their demonstration demanding Gnanasara Thera’s release. (Newswire)

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The United States today (16) announced a US$ 17 million investment to digitize operations at the Port of Colombo, aimed at strengthening one of South Asia’s busiest and most strategically important maritime trade hubs.

According to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, the project will be implemented in partnership with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), introducing new digital systems using American technology to streamline port operations, accelerate cargo movement and reduce shipping delays and costs.

The US-funded project will support the development of two interconnected digital systems, the Maritime Single Window and the Port Community System, to improve coordination and accelerate cargo processing at the Port of Colombo.

These systems will enable shipping companies, Customs officials, immigration authorities, port operators and businesses to exchange information electronically, reducing paperwork and delays caused by disconnected procedures.

The Embassy stated that the Port of Colombo handles an estimated US$ 30 billion in US-related cargo annually, serving as a major transshipment hub connecting South Asia with global markets.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer said more than 500,000 containers carrying US inbound and outbound cargo pass through the Port of Colombo each year, representing billions of dollars in trade.

He noted that improving port efficiency and reducing shipping costs would strengthen supply chains, benefit American businesses and consumers, and create new commercial opportunities for American technology companies.

Meanwhile, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka said modernizing port operations is essential to maintaining Colombo’s position as a regional maritime hub.

He stated that the project would improve trade facilitation, attract business and strengthen Sri Lanka’s connections to international markets.

SLPA Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake also welcomed the initiative, stating that the new digital systems would improve coordination among agencies and businesses involved in port operations while providing more efficient and predictable services to shipping lines and customers.

According to the US Embassy, the project will also create opportunities for American technology companies to provide the hardware, software and technical expertise required for the digital upgrade.

An open and competitive selection process will be conducted to appoint an implementing partner.

The Embassy further stated that the investment is expected to strengthen critical international trade routes, support US supply chains and reinforce Sri Lanka’s role as a key maritime trading partner in the Indian Ocean. (Newswire)

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Hambantota International Port (HIP) delivered a total of 167,569 vehicles during the March–December 2025 period and the first nine months of 2026, according to a statement issued by Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).

Of the total, 86,389 vehicles were delivered between March and December 2025, including 30,809 brand-new vehicles and 55,580 used vehicles.

A further 81,180 vehicles were delivered between January and September 2026, comprising 25,018 brand-new vehicles and 56,162 used vehicles.

HIPG stated that it had worked closely with the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Lanka (VIAL) to support vehicle importers amid increased demand and disruptions affecting vehicle movements.

The Association, which represents more than 450 members across Sri Lanka, has recognised HIPG’s operational flexibility and support in addressing challenges faced by vehicle importers.

According to HIPG, the Port provided demurrage waivers and concessions during vehicle import restrictions, when customers’ vehicles remained at the Port for extended periods.

More recently, disruptions to vehicle transhipment through the Gulf region prompted HIPG to introduce a storage cap mechanism to help affected importers manage costs.

HIPG Chief Executive Officer Wilson Qu said meeting increased demand required not only handling capacity but also an understanding of customers’ operational needs and the ability to respond to changing conditions.

Meanwhile, HIPG General Manager of Commercial and Marketing Bindu Ranasinghe said the Port’s focus had been on helping customers manage costs while ensuring the efficient movement of cargo.

VIAL President Sampath Merenchige also acknowledged HIPG’s responsiveness and flexibility, stating that its timely operational solutions and cost-management measures had been valuable to the Association’s members. (Newswire)

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Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena on Friday (Oct. 16) issued a court order preventing Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera and 54 others from remaining within the premises of the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

The order comes as a group of Buddhist monks continues a protest outside the Presidential Secretariat, demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

The protest began on Thursday evening, with several monks remaining at the location overnight.

The protesters are currently occupying the pavement on the opposite side of Galle Road, away from the Presidential Secretariat. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has condemned the police action against Buddhist monks protesting outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, urging President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to personally intervene and address their demands.

In a statement, Premadasa said the monks, who had marched from Kandy to Colombo, were engaged in a peaceful protest near the Presidential Secretariat.

He said he had received reports that police had dismantled a temporary structure erected to provide shelter for a Buddha statue brought by the monks, allegedly causing distress to those at the protest site.

Premadasa also said he had received information that several individuals had been arrested during the incident.

The Opposition Leader strongly condemned what he described as undemocratic actions against the protesting monks.

He urged the President to engage directly with the Maha Sangha and find a solution to their demands while ensuring due respect for the Buddhist robe.

Premadasa also called on the government and police to immediately halt any actions that could cause harassment or distress to the monks.

The protest outside the Presidential Secretariat is being held to demand the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera. (Newswire)

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A protest demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera continued outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Thursday (Oct. 15), after discussions with presidential officials failed to produce an agreement.

Representatives of the protesting Buddhist monks held discussions with the President’s Chief of Staff, who reportedly informed them that the government would require more time to consider their demands.

However, the discussions ended without an agreement on a specific time frame for a decision, prompting the protesters to continue their demonstration.

Tensions also arose outside the Presidential Secretariat after protesters erected a temporary hut on Galle Road.

Police ordered the removal of the structure, following which protesters moved it to the side of the road.

The protesting monks have insisted that they will not leave the location until the government makes a positive announcement regarding the release of Gnanasara Thera.

The demonstration remains ongoing outside the Presidential Secretariat. (Newswire)

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Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has arrived for discussions with members of the Maha Sangha staging a sit-in protest on the road outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

The Buddhist monks, who are demanding the release of imprisoned Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, have declared that they will not leave until they receive a positive response from the authorities.

The monks reached Colombo despite heavy rain and are continuing their protest as discussions take place. (Newswire)

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A group of protesters demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera has reached the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, where a demonstration is underway outside the premises.

The protesters, who continued their journey towards Colombo despite heavy rain, gathered outside the President’s Office to call for the imprisoned monk’s release.

The demonstration comes amid growing calls for the release of Gnanasara Thera and concerns raised by Buddhist religious leaders over the removal of his robes following his imprisonment.

The government has already announced proposed amendments to prison regulations that would allow imprisoned Buddhist monks to wear their religious robes when leaving prison for court appearances or other purposes.

The proposals followed discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of the three Buddhist Nikayas.

However, protesters are continuing to demand Gnanasara Thera’s release, with the demonstration reaching the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Thursday (Oct. 15).

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Ven. Thiththagalle Anandasiri Thera has responded to allegations by Sri Lanka Police that he spread false information about an assault during a protest march demanding the release of imprisoned Buddhist monk Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, acknowledging that he had initially assumed the injured man was a supporter of the march.

In his initial video, the monk alleged that individuals linked to the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) were responsible for attacking a man who had assisted the protest march from Kandy to Colombo.

However, responding to a police statement rejecting those claims, the monk said he had believed the injured man was someone supporting the march because the assault occurred in front of the protesters.

He did not repeat his earlier allegation directly linking the attackers to the NPP in his latest explanation, instead focusing on the police response to the incident.

The monk maintained that the assault had occurred in the presence of police officers deployed along the protest route and questioned why they had allegedly failed to intervene.

According to Ven. Anandasiri Thera, the victim was bleeding following the attack, and he helped clean the man’s wounds before arranging for him to be taken to hospital by ambulance.

He also claimed that those accompanying the march had recorded the registration number of the motorcycle involved and provided the information to police.

The monk questioned why police had focused on accusing him of spreading misinformation rather than examining the alleged failure of officers to act when the assault occurred.

He further suggested that police had taken action only after his video attracted public attention.

His response follows a statement issued by Sri Lanka Police on Oct. 15, rejecting claims that a supporter of the march had been attacked.

Police said investigations revealed that the incident occurred on Oct. 14 near the Veediyawatta Devalaya in the Weeragula police area following a traffic-related dispute between a man travelling in a lorry and a motorcyclist.

According to police, an argument arising from traffic congestion escalated into a confrontation during which the lorry occupant was struck with a helmet.

Police said the injured man had confirmed in a statement that he was travelling for personal reasons and had no connection to the protest march.

The injured man was admitted to Wathupitiwala Hospital, while the motorcyclist involved in the dispute was also admitted to Gampaha Hospital for treatment.

Police accused Ven. Anandasiri Thera of misleading the public by presenting the injured man as a supporter of the march who had been deliberately attacked.

The monk, however, rejected suggestions that he had deliberately spread false information, maintaining that he had intervened to help an injured person and publicised the incident to draw attention to the assault.

He also criticised the government’s handling of the protest and reiterated that the march would continue towards Colombo despite heavy rain.

Police said the matter would be reported to court and warned that legal action could be taken against those spreading false or unverified information capable of causing public unrest.

Further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka, emphasizing that it will remain a trusted partner as the country continues its economic recovery and approaches the completion of its current IMF programme.

IMF Deputy Division Chief in the Asia and Pacific Department, Sonali Jain-Chandra, said the Fund stands ready to support Sri Lanka through future financing arrangements, policy advice or capacity development, depending on the government’s requirements.

“The Fund will remain a very committed partner to Sri Lanka,” she stated, emphasizing that the nature of future engagement would be determined through discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities.

Highlighting the progress achieved under the current IMF programme, Jain-Chandra noted significant improvements in macroeconomic stability, government revenue, debt restructuring and economic growth.

“The macroeconomic situation is much improved. The revenue ratio has doubled. The debt restructuring is largely complete. Growth has been positive for 11 consecutive quarters,” she said.

She also highlighted improvements in governance and other structural reforms, describing the programme’s overall performance as strong.

However, Jain-Chandra stressed that important work remains under the existing programme, which is scheduled to expire in March.

She noted that a staff-level agreement on the seventh review had been reached in early October and that it was expected to be considered by the IMF Executive Board in the coming weeks.

Another review mission is also scheduled to take place before the programme expires.

The IMF official emphasized the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability and consolidating the reform gains achieved so far.

Addressing the possibility of future IMF assistance, Jain-Chandra explained that requesting another programme would be a decision for the Sri Lankan authorities.

“There are many ways in which the Fund can support Sri Lanka, whether it’s a new financing arrangement, whether it’s granular policy advice in the context of surveillance or capacity development,” she said.

She reiterated that the IMF remains prepared to continue its engagement with Sri Lanka in a manner that supports the country’s economic priorities.

IMF Deputy Division Chief in the Asia and Pacific Department, Sonali Jain-Chandra, stated this while clarifying details regarding Sri Lanka’s economic progress during a press conference held this morning (15), which took place alongside the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy sector, particularly in oil and gas supply, during discussions between Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.

The meeting took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Minister Herath is leading the Sri Lankan delegation to the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

In addition to energy cooperation, the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan in trade, investment and tourism.

Minister Herath is attending the 7th CICA Summit, being held in Baku from October 14 to 15, 2026, where he is scheduled to deliver Sri Lanka’s country statement under the theme “Stronger CICA: Connectivity, Digitalisation and Sustainable Growth in Asia.”

During his visit, the Minister is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with representatives of CICA member countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, as well as officials from Azerbaijan and the Secretary-General of CICA.

The visit aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s diplomatic engagement with Asian countries and explore new economic partnerships, particularly with the growing economies of Central Asia.

CICA is a regional intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation, peace, security and stability across Asia. (Newswire)

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India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered an alleged smuggling operation involving Pakistani-origin goods transported through Sri Lanka to India using fraudulent trade documents, with four individuals arrested in connection with the racket.

According to India’s Ministry of Finance, the operation involved more than 7.3 million kilograms of Pakistani-origin rock salt valued at over USD 3.15 million (INR 30 crore).

Investigations revealed that nine importers had brought 295 containers of the goods into India through the Mundra and Kandla ports since March 2026, despite restrictions on imports of Pakistani-origin goods.

The shipments were allegedly routed through Colombo Port by a UAE-based company, with fabricated trade documents used to conceal their Pakistani origin.

Indian authorities conducted a special operation between September 26 and October 11, identifying the shipments and seizing five containers carrying approximately 140 metric tonnes of rock salt.

The investigation also revealed that customs declarations submitted in Sri Lanka had correctly identified Pakistan as the country of origin and India as the final destination.

However, fraudulent certificates were allegedly used during the Indian import process to misrepresent the origin of the goods and bypass import restrictions.

Authorities said the network involved businesses owned by Pakistani, UAE, Sri Lankan and Indian nationals.

Four individuals have been arrested, while further investigations are underway to identify others involved in the alleged smuggling operation. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has welcomed the decision by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia to set aside the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa.

In a statement, the President said the decision had brought immense relief to Sivarasa, his family and Sri Lankans who had followed the case with deep concern.

He said the outcome reflected the importance of patient diplomacy, respect for the legal processes of a friendly nation and the tireless efforts of those who supported the Sri Lankan national.

The President expressed his appreciation to the Government of Saudi Arabia for the decision and thanked Saudi Arabian and Sri Lankan diplomats, civil servants and legal teams for their contributions.

President Dissanayake also assured that the Sri Lankan government would continue to provide all necessary assistance to Sivarasa and his family until the remaining legal proceedings are concluded.

“No Sri Lankan who leaves our shores in search of a livelihood should ever feel that they stand alone,” the President said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Sri Lankan nationals facing difficulties overseas. (Newswire)

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A fire has broken out on the fourth floor of an apartment complex on Castle Road in Bambalapitiya, Colombo.

The Fire Service Department said five fire engines have been dispatched to the scene to bring the blaze under control.

Further details are awaited.

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The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has overturned the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, following sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by the Sri Lankan Government.

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism confirmed in a media release issued on October 14 that the Saudi Supreme Court had set aside the death sentence on October 13.

The Ministry described the ruling as a significant breakthrough in efforts to secure a favourable outcome in Sivarasa’s case.

According to diplomatic sources, the decision followed an appeal filed before the Saudi Supreme Court on October 11, challenging a ruling delivered by the Saudi Court of Appeal on September 21.

Following the Court of Appeal ruling, the Sri Lankan Government, led by the President and Foreign Minister, initiated diplomatic and legal efforts to challenge the death sentence.

A special legal delegation comprising Additional Solicitor General Azad Navavi, President’s Counsel Faizer Mustapha, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma and attorney Hafeel Farisz travelled to Riyadh to pursue the appeal.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Amir Ajwad, also engaged extensively with Saudi authorities, working alongside the legal team and embassy officials.

According to diplomatic sources, the Supreme Court communicated its decision to overturn the Court of Appeal ruling on October 13.

The Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, expressed appreciation to the Saudi Government, Sri Lankan diplomatic officials, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and the Sri Lankan and Saudi legal teams for their efforts.

However, uncertainty remains over Sivarasa’s legal status.

Diplomatic sources said it has not yet been confirmed whether Sivarasa will be required to serve the original five-year prison sentence imposed under Saudi Arabia’s anti-cybercrime law or whether his entire conviction has been overturned. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra has announced that the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has set aside the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa.

In a statement issued on social media, the Deputy Minister said the Saudi Supreme Court had set aside the judgment imposing the death penalty on October 13, 2026.

Hemachandra described the development as a major relief for Sivarasa, saying it followed sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by the Sri Lankan government.

The Deputy Minister expressed his appreciation to the Saudi Arabian government for its cooperation in the matter.

He also thanked Sri Lanka’s ambassador, the secretary and officials of the Foreign Ministry, the chairman and members of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, and the Sri Lankan and Saudi legal teams for their efforts.

The announcement marks a significant development in Sivarasa’s legal case, although further details regarding his legal status and the next steps in the proceedings have not been disclosed.(Newswire)

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The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah has issued a travel advisory to Sri Lankan nationals planning to undertake Umrah, warning of possible disruptions to flights to and from Saudi Arabia due to the prevailing situation in the region.

In a notice issued on Tuesday (13), the Consulate urged prospective pilgrims to exercise caution when making travel arrangements.

Sri Lankans intending to travel for Umrah have been advised to remain in close coordination with their respective Umrah group representatives or travel agents to stay informed of any changes to their travel plans.

The Consulate also stressed the importance of making appropriate contingency arrangements to deal with emergencies or unforeseen circumstances during their journey.

The advisory comes amid concerns over regional security developments that could affect air travel to and from Saudi Arabia.

The notice follows a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, including deadly strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which have led to flight cancellations and the suspension of airport operations until October 17.

Meanwhile, SriLankan Airlines has temporarily suspended its flights to Riyadh and services between Colombo and Dammam until October 18, citing security concerns in the region. (Newswire)

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