Sri Lanka has established its second king coconut village in the Badulla District as part of a national programme to develop 250 king coconut villages across the country.

The village was inaugurated in Dehigama, Rideemaliyadda, on Saturday (Oct. 10), under the “Ceylon King Coconut Village – 250” programme, which aims to expand cultivation and increase export earnings.

According to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, the programme aims to increase Sri Lanka’s annual king coconut production by 25 million nuts and boost export revenue from king coconuts and related products by more than US$12 million by 2030.

Under the initiative, 212,500 new king coconut seedlings are expected to be planted between 2026 and 2028, while 221,500 existing trees will be rehabilitated to improve productivity.

During the event, 500 king coconut seedlings were symbolically distributed among growers. Another 500 coconut seedlings were distributed to 250 families under a home gardening initiative linked to the Praja Shakthi poverty alleviation programme.

Financial assistance was also provided to beneficiaries under the coconut land rehabilitation programme.

The ministry said irrigation systems would be developed to cover 500 acres of king coconut cultivation, helping farmers maintain production during dry periods.

A new data management system is also planned to connect growers, collectors and exporters, covering activities from cultivation and harvesting to processing and exports.

The national programme was launched on Sept. 2.

Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyarathna, Badulla District MP Sudath Balagalla and several government officials attended the event. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that public sector salaries will increase again in January 2027, with the starting salary of a teacher rising to Rs. 65,000 and that of a doctor to Rs. 94,000.

Addressing a public rally in Nikaweratiya on Sunday (Oct. 11), the President said the government had already increased public sector salaries through its first budget and would implement another increase at the beginning of next year.

He said strengthening the public service was essential for implementing development projects and improving the delivery of government services.

The President also announced plans to recruit 121,000 new public sector employees, including teachers, police officers and Grama Niladhari officers.

He said recruitment would be carried out through examinations and interviews instead of political appointments.

President Dissanayake further announced plans to increase allowances for Grama Niladhari officers, Pirivena institutions and teacher trainees.

He emphasised that a strong and efficient public service was essential for the country’s development. (Newswire)

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay inaugurated the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Phase 2, marking a major expansion of the city’s urban transport network.

The two leaders also travelled together on the newly inaugurated metro train, interacting with passengers and representatives of emerging startups during the journey.

The new metro section is expected to improve connectivity between Chennai’s rapidly developing western suburbs and the city centre, offering commuters faster and more convenient travel.

A key feature of the project is a 3.7-kilometre double-decker corridor, designed to accommodate transport infrastructure within a limited urban space.

Sharing details of the inauguration on social media, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the benefits of the new route for daily commuters and Chennai’s growing transport network.

He also praised the enthusiasm of startup representatives he met during the metro journey.

The inauguration forms part of Chennai Metro’s Phase 2 expansion, aimed at improving public transport connectivity and reducing travel difficulties across the city.

The approximately 15-kilometre elevated section, built at a cost of 4,900 crore Indian rupees, includes 11 stations and forms part of Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro Phase 2.

Passenger services began on Sunday afternoon, with trains scheduled to operate daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting Monday (Oct. 12). (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has alleged that money generated through drug trafficking is being used to finance media outlets, YouTube channels, websites and protests aimed at attacking his government.

Addressing a public rally in Nikaweratiya on Sunday (Oct. 11), the President claimed that individuals linked to the drug trade were attempting to undermine the government’s efforts to eliminate narcotics and organised crime.

He said the government had taken significant steps to combat drug trafficking and organised criminal activities, including ending what he described as political and state protection previously enjoyed by criminal networks.

According to the President, authorities have seized 3,511 kilograms of heroin, 6,206 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and 308 kilograms of cocaine during the government’s two years in office.

He also said authorities had recovered 93 T-56 assault rifles, 139 pistols and 104 revolvers as part of operations targeting organised crime.

President Dissanayake vowed that the government would continue its campaign against drug trafficking despite what he described as attempts to discredit the administration through media campaigns and protests.

He said the government remained committed to eliminating the drug menace to protect the future of Sri Lanka’s children.

The President did not identify specific media organisations, websites or protest groups allegedly receiving funding from drug trafficking. (Newswire)

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Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has suspended the provincial government led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, declaring a state of emergency and imposing governor’s rule on Sunday (Oct. 11).

The decision follows recommendations from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s federal Cabinet, which accused the provincial administration of failing to effectively combat terrorism and maintain law and order.

According to the President’s Office, the emergency measures were approved under Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution, effectively stripping the elected provincial government of its administrative powers.

The move places the northwestern province, which borders Afghanistan, under the authority of the federally appointed governor.

The decision comes amid escalating political tensions between the federal government and Khan’s PTI party, whose supporters have been holding protests demanding his release from prison.

PTI supporters have also been preparing for a major march towards Islamabad, increasing pressure on the government.

The federal government defended the emergency measures, citing growing security threats and accusing the provincial administration of failing to cooperate adequately in counterterrorism efforts.

However, PTI strongly condemned the decision, describing it as an attack on democracy and the mandate of the province’s elected government.

Khan’s spokesperson, Zulfikar Bukhari, warned that the decision could lead to further instability and violence.

Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023, remains a central figure in Pakistan’s opposition politics.

The suspension of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government marks a significant escalation in the confrontation between Khan’s party and the federal administration. (Newswire)

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The government expects to introduce new prison regulations within two weeks to allow Buddhist monks serving prison sentences to be taken outside prison wearing their robes, subject to recommendations from their respective Nikayas or chapters.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the proposed changes follow discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior Buddhist monks representing the three Nikayas on Oct. 8, following the controversy surrounding the removal of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera’s robes.

During the meeting, the President explained that the existing Prisons Ordinance, dating back to 1877, contains no special provisions for Buddhist monks and that prison officials had acted in accordance with the law.

He stressed that he would not issue personal orders overriding existing laws, saying the appropriate solution was to amend the regulations.

The Maha Sangha proposed that when a Buddhist monk is sentenced to imprisonment for more than three years, the relevant Nikaya or chapter should be informed. They also proposed allowing monks to wear their robes when taken outside prison, based on recommendations from their respective religious authorities.

Following the discussion, the President instructed Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara to complete the necessary legal changes within two weeks.

A five-member committee, chaired by Ministry of Buddhasasana Secretary Prince Senadheera, was appointed on Oct. 8 to review the existing regulations and standing orders.

The committee held its first meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on Oct. 9, with policy guidance provided by the justice minister.

According to the PMD, the committee is expected to present its proposals to the Maha Sangha by the middle of next week to obtain their views and recommendations.

The revised regulations are expected to be adopted within two weeks, allowing Buddhist monks to wear their robes when taken outside prison, subject to recommendations from the relevant Nikaya or chapter. (Newswire)

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An appeal against the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa was filed with the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia on Sunday (Oct. 11), following coordinated efforts by Sri Lankan and Saudi legal teams.

The appeal was prepared following several rounds of consultations between a special team of Sri Lankan lawyers and their Saudi counterparts, in coordination with Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, O.L. Ameer Ajward.

The legal process was coordinated through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh.

Sivarasa was sentenced to death by a Saudi appeals court over a social media post considered insulting to Prophet Muhammad.

A lower court had initially sentenced him to five years in prison. However, following an appeal, the appeals court overturned the earlier ruling and imposed the death penalty.

A special legal team from Sri Lanka subsequently travelled to Saudi Arabia to assist in preparing the appeal.

The Sri Lankan legal team included Additional Solicitor General and President’s Counsel Azard Navavi, President’s Counsel Faiszer Musthapha, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma and attorney-at-law Hafiel Farisz.

Ambassador Ameer Ajward, Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Jeddah, Judge Mohamed Lafir, and Silmy Riyasdeen were also involved in coordinating the legal efforts.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan legal team is now stranded in Riyadh after its scheduled return flight to Sri Lanka was cancelled due to the recent attacks in the Saudi capital.

The Saudi Supreme Court is the country’s highest judicial authority and primarily reviews lower court decisions on legal and procedural grounds. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reiterated that Sri Lanka will not allow its territory to be used for any activities harmful to India, while welcoming the Indian government’s recent assurance regarding Katchatheevu Island.

The president expressed satisfaction over India’s position on the longstanding Katchatheevu issue, describing the development as a positive sign for relations between the two neighboring countries.

India’s Attorney General R. Venkataramani told the Supreme Court on Oct. 6 that New Delhi had no intention of reopening the 1974 and 1976 maritime agreements with Sri Lanka.

The Indian government also informed the court that concerns involving Indian fishermen would continue to be addressed through diplomatic channels.

The Supreme Court, meanwhile, stressed the importance of preventing Indian fishermen from crossing into Sri Lankan waters. The legal challenges concerning the agreements remain pending, with further hearings scheduled for February 2027.

President Dissanayake had previously given a similar assurance on Sri Lankan territory during a meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in September. (Newswire)

“Will not allow Sri Lankan soil to be used for activities harmful to India,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assures, welcoming India’s Katchatheevu assurance. pic.twitter.com/jMdaFej0KM

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) October 11, 2026

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Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Sajeewa Kanakarathna has said the board plans to curtail unnecessary stops for tea breaks, particularly on short-distance bus routes such as Colombo–Kandy services.

He said the measures would be implemented based on the distance travelled and the destination, while taking into account the needs of drivers and conductors.

Breaks may still be necessary on longer journeys to help reduce driver fatigue and the risk of accidents, he added.

The SLTB expects to implement the measures as soon as possible. (Newswire)

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Nepalese authorities have urged residents along riverbanks to move to safer locations after flash flooding in the country’s Gorkha district swept away houses and bridges and damaged a hydropower project camp.

The flooding occurred early on Sunday after a landslide in the Chumnubri area apparently blocked a waterway, causing a sudden surge in the Budhi Gandaki River, officials said.

About a dozen houses and two suspension bridges were swept away, while a highway bridge linking Gorkha district with neighbouring Dhading district was also destroyed. A camp belonging to a hydropower project sustained damage.

No casualties had been reported at the time of the latest updates.

The Nepalese Army rescued six people who were at risk from a landslide in Jagat, while 18 workers at the affected hydropower project camp managed to escape safely, officials said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority issued warnings to communities in Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi and West Nawalparasi districts, urging residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate and assist rescue efforts where necessary.

Army and police personnel have reached the affected area, while officials are monitoring conditions by helicopter as concerns persist over rising river levels and further flooding.

The Budhi Gandaki flows into the Trishuli River system, which was affected by a devastating flood in August that killed 1,457 people, with thousands more reported missing. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police have warned sellers and service providers about scams involving fake payment receipts created using artificial intelligence (AI) or editing tools to obtain goods or services without making actual payments.

According to a police notice, scammers agree to purchase goods or obtain services and then send fake receipts through WhatsApp or Messenger, claiming that the payment has been deposited.

The fraudulent receipts may contain seemingly accurate details, including the account number, transaction time, name and payment amount.

The scammers then pressure sellers or service providers to hand over goods or provide services before they verify whether the money has actually been credited to their accounts.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and confirm that payments have been received in their accounts before releasing goods or providing services. (Newswire)

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A Sri Lankan domestic driver has been arrested in Kuwait for allegedly trafficking crystal methamphetamine while transporting his employer’s family members, according to Kuwait Times, citing the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior.

The suspect was arrested in the Ardiya area following an investigation by the Farwaniya Governorate Criminal Investigation Department.

According to Kuwait Times, investigators reviewing surveillance footage discovered that the Sri Lankan national had allegedly been distributing drugs while carrying out his duties as a family driver.

Police subsequently intercepted the suspect and found bags containing crystal methamphetamine.

Following his arrest, officers searched his living quarters at his employer’s residence, with the homeowner’s cooperation.

Authorities reportedly seized 469.1 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 0.7 grams of marijuana, a digital weighing scale and KD 285.950 in cash.

Investigators also uncovered financial records showing transfers totaling KD 6,573 to individuals in Sri Lanka.

According to the report, the suspect admitted to possessing the drugs for distribution and coordinating trafficking activities with an accomplice outside Kuwait.

The suspect and the seized items have been referred to the relevant authorities for further legal proceedings.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has urged employers to remain vigilant to prevent domestic workers from misusing household vehicles and residences for illegal activities. (Newswire)

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Charith Sandakelum, alias “Ran Malli,” identified by Sri Lanka Police as one of the country’s largest narcotics suppliers, has been arrested in Bulgaria.

Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya confirmed the arrest.

The IGP said diplomatic steps would be taken through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange for the suspect to be brought back to Sri Lanka.

Further details regarding the arrest and the arrangements for his return have not yet been disclosed. (Newswire)

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In a letter dated October 9, Rajapaksa called on the President to fulfil the NPP’s 2024 presidential election promises to provide tax relief on schoolbooks, stationery, educational equipment and essential food items.

He referred to the NPP’s election manifesto, which he said proposed a zero percent VAT rate on essential goods, including locally produced milk, eggs and infant milk.

Rajapaksa urged the government to review existing taxes on these items and introduce the promised concessions in the upcoming Budget.

He said the proposed measures would provide much-needed relief to low- and middle-income families facing rising education and living expenses, while supporting children’s education and nutrition. (Newswire)

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There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

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India has strongly rejected concerns raised by the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) over events in New Delhi, describing the criticism as unwarranted interference in its internal affairs.

In a statement dated October 11, India’s Ministry of External Affairs defended the country’s democratic institutions and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

India said the right to peaceful protest was guaranteed under its Constitution but remained subject to the maintenance of public order and safety.

The ministry maintained that law enforcement authorities act in accordance with the law and that citizens have access to an independent judiciary to address grievances.

India also accused the UN human rights office of applying double standards, alleging that it had failed to comment on violent responses to protests in neighbouring countries and law enforcement actions elsewhere.

The statement said such selective criticism undermined the credibility of international institutions and weakened confidence in multilateralism.

The diplomatic dispute followed large-scale protests in New Delhi on October 10, during which more than 2,000 people were reportedly detained as authorities moved to prevent demonstrations demanding the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar.

The UN Human Rights Office expressed concern over reports of mass detentions involving protesters, civil society representatives, lawyers and journalists. It called for respect for peaceful assembly and the release of those arbitrarily detained.

India’s response was also issued through its Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, which described the UN’s concerns as misplaced and urged the organisation to apply its standards impartially. (Newswire)

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A new fully equipped hospital complex costing Rs. 12 billion is planned for Dambulla to address overcrowding and space shortages at the Dambulla Base Hospital.

Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa inspected the proposed site on October 10.

The project will be developed on approximately five acres of land in Pohoranwewa, within the Dambulla Divisional Secretariat Division. The land has been allocated by the Rangiri Dambulla Raja Maha Viharaya.

During the inspection, Acting Medical Superintendent Dr. Aruna Kumara briefed the minister on the location and proposed master plan.

Discussions also focused on preliminary planning, engineering reports and steps required to begin construction without delays.

Minister Jayatissa instructed officials to take the necessary measures to commence initial development work at the site before the end of 2026.

The proposed hospital complex is expected to provide improved healthcare services to residents of four districts — Matale, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kurunegala — while strengthening Dambulla’s healthcare infrastructure.

The project is considered significant given Dambulla’s growing importance as an economic, tourism and transportation hub. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has retained its Tier 2 ranking in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for the fifth consecutive year, according to the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF).

The task force said the ranking reflects the government’s continued efforts to combat human trafficking through improved victim protection, law enforcement, prevention measures and coordination among state institutions.

A key development during the reporting period was the launch of the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking 2026-2030, aimed at strengthening the country’s response over the next five years.

Sri Lanka has also expanded District Anti-Trafficking Forums to improve the identification of victims, referral procedures and coordination between local authorities and law enforcement agencies.

Other initiatives include training programmes for frontline officers, greater cooperation with international partners and measures to address emerging trafficking threats, including online exploitation, technology-facilitated recruitment and forced criminal activity.

The NAHTTF, chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, said Sri Lanka remains committed to addressing existing challenges and strengthening investigations, prosecutions and victim protection.

Under the US State Department’s classification system, Tier 2 indicates that a country does not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. (Newswire)

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Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka has said the government is looking at recovering the full Rs. 15.765 billion financial loss caused by coal quality issues in the 2025/2026 period through penalties and performance guarantees imposed on coal suppliers.

He said there is scope to recover Rs. 16.989 billion through penalties and funds held as deposits under the arrangements with the suppliers.

The minister said there would be no need to recover the financial loss from ordinary electricity consumers, as the recovery process would be implemented through penalties and deposited funds in accordance with the legal terms and regulations governing the contracts with coal suppliers. (Newswire)

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The second phase of the President’s Fund programme to provide free spectacles to university students was held at the University of Ruhuna on Saturday (October 10).

More than 1,000 students underwent eye examinations and hearing tests and were given the opportunity to select spectacle frames. Students who require spectacles will receive them free of charge within one month.

The programme is supported by the Stroud Rotary Club and the Wish Foundation.

The first phase was held at Rajarata University, benefiting 600 students.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund Roshan Gamage said the programme would be extended to all universities in the country under the President’s guidance.

University of Ruhuna Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor P.A. Jayantha said maintaining good health, particularly healthy eyesight, was important for students’ academic success and that the initiative would help facilitate their education.

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