Nine people have died after a business jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood in South Florida, the United States.

All on board were killed in the crash, which US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described as a “horrific tragedy” in a post on X on Sunday.

Federal Aviation Administration staff were on their way to the crash site to support a National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the incident, Duffy said.

Disturbing recordings in the plane’s cockpit shortly before the crash, retained by LiveATC.net, captured the pilot talking about “manageable” ice issues, before later saying the plane was rapidly losing altitude.

Shortly after, the panicked crew said, “We’re going to crash into the ground”.

The plane was a Learjet 60 – a popular business jet – heading from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas. Austin-Bergstrom International airport confirmed that the plane was a private jet, but not who was on board.

Videos of the incident circulating online appear to show the jet striking the ground at high speed and at a sharp angle, followed by a huge explosion.

Footage of the aftermath appears to show flames flickering around debris and chunks of pavement, with people milling around the area.

The plane looked to have fallen just metres from homes and cars, but Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters that there appeared to be no casualties on the ground.

Speaking from the scene, DeSantis described the crash as “cataclysmic” and said the plane “looked like a missile going down, and left a big crater on the side of the road”. (Al Jazeera)

Dramatic dashcam footage shows the moment a private jet crashed and exploded on a busy highway in Florida on Sunday. Authorities say all nine passengers aboard the business jet died. https://t.co/ypnzKsCwVc

— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 1, 2026

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Investors have pulled $3.6bn (£2.7bn) in funds from the cryptocurrency exchange Binance as it recovers from a record hack in which billions were stolen from customer accounts.

The platform was hit by a $6.3bn theft on Thursday, which has since been described as the biggest heist in history. Experts identified North Korea as the probable culprit.

Binance initially froze withdrawals as it investigated the breach but on Sunday announced it had begun a phased reopening.

By Sunday afternoon, the platform had processed $4.6bn in withdrawals and $1bn in deposits, resulting in a net outflow of about $3.6bn – representing 2.1% of its $171bn in total assets under management.

The numbers were confirmed by the company in its latest proof of reserves snapshot. A full report is expected on Monday.

Binance said: “After an initial spike, withdrawal volumes have declined and are stabilising as expected, while deposit volumes have remained substantial.”

The crypto exchange told its customers that market conditions were stable and that its team was “testing rigorously the remaining networks and assets”.

“We know how important safe and reliable access to your funds is and will share details of the next phase as soon as we can,” it said on X.

In the first phase Binance restored withdrawals for 15 networks and assets, including ethereum, USDT and USDC tokens on the ethereum blockchain, as well as some others held on the BNB Smart Chain blockchain. Later on Sunday, dealing in the Dogecoin and Avalanche currencies resumed on their own platforms.

The platform said it had replenished 90% of the ⁠amount stolen. The remaining 10% of tokens were less liquid, meaning they ⁠may take ​longer to buy, the company said in a post on X on Saturday.

Richard Teng, Binance’s co-chief executive, said separately that the company was “committed to covering the ⁠remaining 10%” and users would not bear the financial impact of the hack.

On Saturday the FBI confirmed earlier suspicions from private investigators and analysts that a North Korea-affiliated group called TraderTraitor was behind the hack.

TraderTraitor is believed to be part of the Lazarus Group, which gained notoriety in 2014 when it was accused of hacking into Sony Pictures as revenge for The Interview, a film that mocked the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

“The Federal Bureau of Investigation is releasing information advising the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) was responsible for the theft of more than $6bn in virtual assets from cryptocurrency exchange Binance, on or about October 29,” the law enforcement agency said. 

The FBI added that it had observed “TraderTraitor actors” converting stolen assets into ethereum, and expected those assets to be laundered further by converting them using decentralised finance and instant swap services.

It said it was urging private sector entities “to block transactions with or derived from addresses TraderTraitor actors” were “using to launder these stolen assets”.

Teng said on Friday that the breach was a “complex attack” involving a compromised laptop and malicious software designed to delete evidence of its activity, making it ‌harder to trace and investigate.

Binance said it had set aside about $6.34bn of company funds to cover the losses. “Our commitment remains the same: Binance will fully cover the financial impact of the funds stolen in this incident,” the company said.

The money spent rebuying tokens came from using part of its $1bn secure asset fund for users, a bitcoin reserve it holds to protect customers in the event of security breaches, as well as some ⁠of its futures insurance fund and own corporate treasury, Binance said ​on X.

The hack came as many observers expressed worries that the ever-expanding capabilities of artificial intelligence models could compromise cryptography and IT security protocols.

Bitcoin plunged nearly 5% after the news of the hack, while ethereum dropped nearly 6% and BNB, native to Binance, tumbled nearly 10%.

The sheer scale of the hack has put a spotlight on the capacity of North Korea – which faces extensive international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes – to find illicit means to capture revenue. (The Guardian)

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Bus fares and school van transport charges will remain unchanged despite the latest fuel price increase, while three-wheeler operators have expressed differing views on a possible fare revision, it was reported.

According to reports, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne said bus fares cannot be increased as the rise in fuel prices has not reached the 4% threshold required under the bus fare revision formula.

He pointed out that although diesel prices have increased by Rs. 15 per litre over recent revisions, the increase remains insufficient to justify a bus fare hike under the existing formula.

However, Wijeratne said the bus industry continues to operate at a loss, with short-distance services incurring daily losses of approximately Rs. 1,000 and long-distance services suffering losses of around Rs. 2,000.

Meanwhile, school van transport associations have also indicated that school transport charges will remain unchanged despite the increase in fuel prices.

However, three-wheeler associations remain divided over whether fares should be increased.

National United Three-Wheeler Drivers’ and Industrialists’ Association General Secretary L. Rohana Perera said three-wheeler fares should be revised to reflect the rising cost of fuel.

He proposed increasing the fare for the first kilometre from Rs. 110 to Rs. 120 and the charge for each subsequent kilometre from Rs. 90 to Rs. 100.

Perera said the association intends to submit its proposal to the National Transport Commission and await a response over the coming days.

He warned that if no action is taken, the association may have to consult fare meter adjustment service providers regarding a possible revision.

However, other three-wheeler associations have opposed an immediate fare increase, maintaining that there is no need to revise charges at present. (Newswire)

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A 10-year-old boy has drowned after falling into the Keselgamu Oya in the Bogawantalawa area on Sunday (01).

According to Police, the child had accompanied his grandfather to cut grass when he accidentally fell into the stream and drowned.

The child was rescued and admitted to the Bogawantalawa Hospital, where he subsequently died.

The deceased has been identified as a 10-year-old resident of Linford Estate in Bogawantalawa.

Police said the body has been placed at the mortuary of the Dikoya Hospital.

The Bogawantalawa Police are conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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Two persons, including a 16-year-old, have died after a motorcycle carrying three individuals crashed into a wall in the Alaveddy area of Jaffna.

According to the Police Media Division, the accident occurred on the Mallakam–Alaveddy Road within the Tellippalai Police Division on Sunday evening (01).

Police said the motorcycle, which was travelling towards Mallakam with two pillion passengers, collided with a wall after the rider lost control of the vehicle.

The rider and both pillion passengers sustained serious injuries and were admitted to the Tellippalai Hospital, where the rider and one pillion passenger subsequently died.

The deceased, aged 16 and 28, were residents of Kundukulam and Achchuveli, respectively.

The other pillion passenger, who sustained injuries, was transferred to the Jaffna Hospital for further treatment.

The Tellippalai Police are conducting further investigations into the accident. (Newswire)

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Litro Gas Lanka has warned that strict disciplinary action, including the cancellation of dealerships, will be taken against agents found hoarding gas, restricting sales or charging customers above the approved prices.

In a special statement, the company said all Litro Gas dealers have been strictly instructed to refrain from hoarding gas, limiting sales, exceeding the prescribed maximum retail price or imposing unauthorised additional charges.

Litro Gas Lanka emphasised that dealers who disregard or violate these instructions will face strict disciplinary action, with their dealerships liable to be cancelled if necessary.

The company said the measures have been introduced to ensure that consumers have uninterrupted access to Litro Gas at the approved retail prices. (Newswire)

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China has announced plans to reconstruct nine bridges in Sri Lanka within 18 months under its emergency post-disaster reconstruction assistance programme.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka said the nine bridges will be completed to high standards, with particular attention to safety.

The announcement follows the groundbreaking ceremony for the first bridge under the China Aid Emergency Post-Disaster Reconstruction Project in Sri Lanka.

The Embassy highlighted the importance of roads and bridges to Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and economic development, noting that the reconstruction initiative will help reconnect communities affected by disasters.

It further stated that rebuilding the bridges would strengthen the resilience of economic activities and deliver tangible benefits to the Sri Lankan public.

Describing the initiative as a reflection of the longstanding friendship between the two countries, the Embassy reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The Embassy also called for further deepening the China-Sri Lanka Strategic Cooperative Partnership and carrying forward the spirit of the historic Rice and Rubber Pact for future generations. (Newswire)

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The foundation stone for the Maitri Setu Project, aimed at celebrating the shared Buddhist heritage of India and Sri Lanka, has been laid at the Sri Bodhidrumaramaya Purana Viharaya in Biyagama.

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha announced the initiative in a social media statement, highlighting the longstanding cultural and religious ties between the two countries.

According to Jha, the project commemorates the enduring legacies of Ven. Anagarika Dharmapala and B. R. Ambedkar, recognising their contributions to Buddhist heritage.

The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Indian Rajya Sabha MP Jyoti Waghmare and Sri Lankan MP Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala.

High Commissioner Jha described the initiative as a celebration of the deep, shared Buddhist heritage that unites India and Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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British veterinarian Janey Lowes, founder of WECare Worldwide, has completed a 621-kilometre run across Sri Lanka to raise funds for a new animal hospital dedicated to treating street dogs.

Lowes completed the challenging journey from Point Pedro, the northernmost point of Sri Lanka, to Dondra, the southernmost point, travelling through the country’s hill country.

The initiative, titled ‘Dog Jog’, was launched on October 9 to raise funds for a new £1.6 million animal hospital in Sri Lanka.

Announcing the completion of her journey on social media, Lowes described the experience as the journey of a lifetime, acknowledging the support of friends who helped her through the final stages of the run.

“I ran 621km, through the hill country, from the northernmost point of Sri Lanka back to my home at the southernmost point. I can’t actually believe I’m saying that,” she said.

Describing the journey as extremely challenging, Lowes expressed gratitude to her friends for their encouragement and support.

“It was such a mind-blowing end to the journey of a lifetime and I will NEVER, EVER forget today because of you all,” she added.

Originally from Barnard Castle in County Durham, England, Lowes gave up her life in the UK to dedicate herself to caring for injured and vulnerable street animals in Sri Lanka.

She founded WECare Worldwide, a charity that provides free veterinary treatment, sterilisation and rabies vaccinations for Sri Lanka’s street dogs. (Newswire)

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Italian driver Kimi Antonelli has made Formula 1 history by becoming the youngest world champion at the age of 20, after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Mercedes driver broke the record previously held by Sebastian Vettel, who won his first world championship in 2010 at the age of 23.

Antonelli, aged 20 years and 68 days, secured his maiden world title with four races remaining in the 2026 season.

The Italian entered the Mexico City Grand Prix needing only a ninth-place finish to secure the championship, regardless of the results of his closest rivals.

Starting fourth on the grid, Antonelli delivered a composed performance to finish third, behind race winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.

The victory also made Antonelli the first Italian driver to win the Formula 1 world championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953, ending a 73-year wait for Italy.

Antonelli’s remarkable achievement comes in just his second Formula 1 season after replacing seven-time world champion Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025.

The young Italian has dominated much of the 2026 season, securing nine race victories on his way to the championship.

His achievement also marks Mercedes’ first Drivers’ World Championship since Hamilton claimed the title in 2020. (Newswire)

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The Department of Meteorology has forecast showers or thundershowers across most parts of Sri Lanka after 1 p.m. today (November 2).

Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is expected in some areas of the Sabaragamuwa, Central and North Central provinces, as well as the Trincomalee and Mullaitivu districts.

The department said showers may also occur in the Western and Southern provinces during the morning.

Meanwhile, misty conditions are expected in parts of the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces, along with the Kurunegala and Anuradhapura districts, during the early morning.

The public has been advised to take necessary precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. (Newswire)

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The restaurant owner was shot dead on October 20, 2026, and investigations are being conducted by the Mount Lavinia Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau.

Police have released CCTV images and video footage of a suspect believed to be connected to the killing.

Members of the public with information about the suspect have been requested to contact the following officers:

– Officer in Charge of Mount Lavinia Division: 071-8591661

– OIC, Mount Lavinia Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau: 071-8596408

Police have urged anyone with relevant information to assist investigators in locating and arresting the suspect.

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Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a 24-year-old man who went missing from the Wellampitiya area in October last year, police said.

According to the Police Media Division, investigations revealed that the victim had allegedly been murdered at a vehicle repair workshop in Grandpass before his body was burned and the remaining human remains dumped into the Kelani River.

The victim’s disappearance was reported to Grandpass Police on October 14, 2025.

Investigations revealed that he had been consuming alcohol with several individuals at a vehicle repair workshop in Kambikotuwawatta on October 11, 2025. The individuals who were with him reportedly fled the area following his disappearance.

On October 30, 2026, officers of the Colombo District Crimes Division arrested two suspects in Mabola and Mahara. Information obtained during questioning led to the arrest of two additional suspects in Uswetakeiyawa.

The four suspects, aged 29, 32, 37 and 46, are residents of Wellampitiya and Agalawatta.

Police said questioning revealed that the victim had been killed at the workshop, after which his body was allegedly taken to Papiliyawala in the Kirindiwela Police Division and set on fire.

The remaining human remains were allegedly disposed of in the Kelani River from the Ranwala Bridge in the Kosgama Police Division.

Investigators recovered several items suspected to be connected to the crime, including a motorcycle ignition key, an amulet, bone fragments and a piece of burnt tent fabric.

The findings were reported to the Pugoda Magistrate’s Court, following which a crime scene examination was conducted in the presence of the Pugoda Magistrate and a Judicial Medical Officer.

A separate search operation was conducted in the Kelani River near Ranwala Bridge on November 1, with the assistance of Sri Lanka Navy divers, the Avissawella Magistrate and the Seethawaka Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Police said the four suspects have been remanded until November 2, while the Colombo District Crimes Division continues further investigations. (Newswire)

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Litro Gas Lanka has warned its dealers against hoarding gas cylinders, restricting sales or selling gas above the maximum retail price.

In a statement, the company instructed all authorised dealers to refrain from such practices.

Litro Gas said disciplinary action would be taken against dealers who fail to comply with the instructions.

The company further warned that dealerships could be cancelled if necessary. (Newswire)

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According to Ceypetco, the price of Octane 92 petrol has been increased by Rs. 10 per litre to Rs. 424, while Octane 95 petrol has been increased by Rs. 15 to Rs. 490.

The price of Auto Diesel has been increased by Rs. 5 per litre to Rs. 397, while Super Diesel has been increased by Rs. 15 to Rs. 543.

The revised fuel prices are as follows:

– Octane 92 petrol: Rs. 424 (increased by Rs. 10)

– Octane 95 petrol: Rs. 490 (increased by Rs. 15)

– Auto Diesel: Rs. 397 (increased by Rs. 5)

– Super Diesel: Rs. 543 (increased by Rs. 15)

The revised prices will take effect from midnight, according to Ceypetco.

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An inmate at Pallekele Prison has died after being shot by a prison guard while allegedly attempting to escape from the facility.

According to the Prisons Spokesman, the inmate was shot by a guard stationed at a sentry post during the reported escape attempt.

The inmate subsequently died from the gunshot injuries.

Further details regarding the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the shooting have not yet been disclosed. (Newswire)

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People’s Bank has achieved a significant milestone with Fitch Ratings upgrading its National Long-Term Rating by two notches, from ‘AA-(lka)’ to ‘AA+(lka)’, with a Stable Outlook.

This is only the second time the bank has a received a double notch rating upgrade in its history with the first instance being in 2010. The upgrade places People’s Bank ahead of all private sector commercial banks in Sri Lanka on Fitch’s national rating scale, reaffirming its position among the country’s strongest and most trusted financial institutions.

With this upgrade, People’s Bank now jointly enjoys the highest National Long-Term Rating among domestic commercial banks, while surpassing the ratings of leading private sector banks. The development represents an important endorsement of the Bank’s underlying strengths, extensive customer franchise and dominant position within Sri Lanka’s banking industry.

In announcing the rating action, Fitch Ratings specifically recognised the significantly stronger domestic franchises of People’s Bank relative to large private sector banks. The agency highlighted their market-leading customer reach, extensive branch networks, strong deposit franchises and established market positions, which provide significant advantages in funding strength and stability.

The upgrade follows Fitch’s recalibration of Sri Lanka’s national rating scale after the recent improvement in the country’s sovereign credit rating. Importantly, the revised rating framework has enabled greater recognition of People’s Bank’s distinctive competitive strengths and relative creditworthiness within the domestic banking sector.

Commenting on this landmark achievement, People’s Bank Chairman Mr. Chandana Guniyangoda stated:

“This two-notch rating upgrade is a significant achievement for People’s Bank and a strong recognition of the confidence and trust the institution has earned over six and a half decades. It demonstrates that our unparalleled national reach, strong customer relationships and established market position remain fundamental competitive strengths. Being rated above all private sector banks is particularly encouraging and reinforces the importance of combining our national development mandate with sound commercial banking principles, strong governance and financial discipline. I specially appreciate the commitment and contribution extended by my fellow directors, CEO/GM and the entire staff of the bank. Also, this would not have been possible without the guidance and support received from the regulators, the Ministry of Finance and other key stakeholders. As we chart the Bank’s next phase of growth, we remain committed to building an even stronger, more competitive and future-ready institution that creates sustainable value for all our stakeholders.”

The rating upgrade also comes at a time when People’s Bank is demonstrating strong financial momentum and pursuing a strategic transformation of its business model, with greater emphasis on commercial competitiveness, operational efficiency, customer-centricity and digital innovation.

People’s Bank Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Mr. Clive Fonseka, commenting on the upgrade, stated:

“This recognition by Fitch Ratings is an important endorsement of the fundamental strengths of People’s Bank and the direction in which we are moving. We have been steadily transforming our business to become more competitive, efficient and customer-focused, while maintaining prudent financial and risk management practices. Our objective is not merely to preserve our position as one of Sri Lanka’s largest banks, but to establish ourselves among the best-performing and most resilient financial institutions in the country. This upgrade provides further encouragement as we accelerate our transformation, strengthen our financial performance and deliver greater value to our customers. I would like to acknowledge the guidance and direction given by our Chairman Mr. Chandana Guniyangoda and the board of directors and the dedication of all our team members across the country, whose collective efforts continue to drive the Bank forward.”

The latest Fitch upgrade further strengthens People’s Bank’s standing among customers, depositors, investors and other stakeholders, providing renewed recognition of the Bank’s institutional strength and competitive positioning.

As People’s Bank advances its strategic priorities for the coming years, this achievement provides a strong platform for its ambition to combine financial excellence, innovation and commercial competitiveness with its longstanding commitment to financial inclusion and national economic development.

The upgrade to AA+(lka) is not merely a recognition of the Bank’s standing today, but also a powerful encouragement to build an even stronger People’s Bank for tomorrow. (Newswire)

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Finland is inviting single adults from around the world, including Sri Lanka, to apply for an all-expenses-paid trip to the country, offering them a chance to meet potential romantic partners while experiencing Finnish food and culture.

The initiative, launched by the country’s official tourism organisation, Visit Finland, will select 16 singles for a four-day trip in February 2027.

The campaign, called Finnish Dinner Date, will bring together international visitors and local Finnish singles for special group dinner dates in Helsinki and Tampere.

According to Visit Finland, eight international participants will be selected for each destination, where they will be joined by two local singles for a dining experience featuring traditional Finnish cuisine.

The selected participants will receive free flights, accommodation, meals and activities during their stay.

Who can apply?

Single adults aged 18 and above from anywhere in the world can apply, provided they are not residents of Finland. Applications must be submitted individually.

Applicants must record a short video in English answering the question: “What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?”

The video must be uploaded to Instagram, TikTok or YouTube using the hashtag #FinnishDinnerDate, with Visit Finland tagged.

Applicants must then complete the official online application form and submit a link to their video.

The deadline for applications is November 10, 2026, while the 16 successful participants will be announced on December 1.

The trips will take place between February 9 and 19, 2027.

The campaign was inspired by Finland’s popular Sinkkukori, or “single basket”, trend, in which shoppers use pink supermarket baskets to signal that they are single and open to meeting someone.

Visit Finland says the initiative aims to introduce international visitors to Finnish food culture while creating opportunities for personal connections.

Although the campaign offers a chance to meet potential partners, finding love is not guaranteed.

Interested Sri Lankans can apply through the official Visit Finland website. (Newswire)

https://www.visitfinland.com/en/have-some-finnish/apply-dinner-date/

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A 64-year-old South Korean national has been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake with a consignment of cocaine valued at approximately Rs. 49.4 million.

The suspect, identified as a carpenter by profession, was arrested by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) on Sunday (01) when he arrived at the airport to collect a delayed suitcase.

According to police, the suspect had travelled from Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia to Dubai before arriving at BIA on October 26.

However, the suitcase containing the suspected narcotics had not arrived on the same flight and was subsequently transported to Katunayake on another aircraft.

Acting on intelligence received by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), PNB officers monitored the situation and arrested the suspect when he returned to collect the luggage.

Further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra says Sri Lankan migrant worker Pramadi Madhumali Nisansala, whose safety had raised serious concerns following alleged threats from her employer in Saudi Arabia, is now safe and receiving treatment.

The Deputy Minister confirmed that he had personally spoken to the woman and that she was currently at the recruitment agency.

“I talked to her now. She is at the agency now. Fine and well. She is being treated. Our labour section of the embassy is in close contact. I am handling. Let’s finish all the prerequisites and bring her as soon as possible,” Hemachandra said.

His response follows an urgent public appeal by an activist on behalf of the worker’s family and friends, who claimed they had lost contact with her for three days after she reportedly expressed fears for her life.

According to the appeal, the woman had complained of threats from her employer and requested assistance to return to Sri Lanka. She had also reportedly suffered a foot injury.

The activist further alleged that the employer had failed to obtain the required Saudi residence permit, known as an Iqama, despite the woman having worked there for four months.

Hemachandra said the Sri Lankan Embassy’s labour section was closely monitoring the situation and that arrangements were being made to bring her back to Sri Lanka as soon as the necessary formalities were completed. (Newswire)

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