Today’s News Digest: Your go-to summary of the key events and headlines that shaped the day. From major developments to breaking news, we bring you everything that happened today, all in one quick and easy read.
Sajith calls for urgent parliamentary committee meeting over prison attire rules for clergy
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the urgent convening of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection to review prison regulations concerning the attire of Buddhist monks and other religious clergy while in custody.In a letter dated October 10, addressed to the Committee Chairperson through the Speaker of Parliament, Premadasa raised concerns over the implementation of the Department of Prisons’ Standing Order No. 550. He stated that a serious controversy had emerged regarding the attire worn by members of the Maha Sangha and clergy of other religions while serving prison sentences and when being taken outside prison premises. The Opposition Leader claimed that the government’s apparent failure to intervene promptly and constructively to resolve the issue had caused considerable public distress. Premadasa emphasised that the Legislature has a responsibility to review the existing regulations and recommend necessary amendments to address the concerns.
SriLankan Airlines cancels Dammam flights following attack in Saudi Arabia
SriLankan Airlines has announced the cancellation of flights scheduled to operate between Colombo and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, today (12) and tomorrow (13), following an attack reported yesterday (11). According to the airline, flights UL253 and UL254, scheduled to operate between Colombo and Dammam International Airport on October 12 and 13, have been cancelled. Meanwhile, SriLankan Airlines has already cancelled its flights to Riyadh until next week. The airline stated that further announcements regarding the operation of upcoming flights to Saudi Arabia will be made in due course.
Fines of up to Rs. 20 million for environmental pollution: PM
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says laws have been introduced to impose fines of up to Rs. 20 million and imprisonment on those who pollute the environment by dumping hazardous waste. She said fines ranging from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 10 million would also be imposed on those who destroy protected wetlands. The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the 36th anniversary celebration of Jathika Namal Uyana, where she highlighted the government’s measures to strengthen environmental protection.
Mahinda Rajapaksa undergoes medical checkup; team denies reports of serious illness
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been taken to a private hospital in Colombo for a routine medical checkup, with his team dismissing reports that he is seriously ill or receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A source from Rajapaksa’s team told Newswire that the 80-year-old former President is in stable condition and that there is no serious health concern. The source denied media reports suggesting that his condition was serious or that he was receiving treatment in the ICU. Meanwhile, his wife, former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, remains in remand custody, with her case scheduled to be taken up in court on Tuesday (13), when her bail application is expected to be considered. Their son, Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, is also currently in remand custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.
Shiranthi Rajapaksa admitted to National Hospital’s Cardiology Unit
Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, who is in remand custody at Welikada Prison, has been admitted to the Cardiology Unit of the National Hospital. Earlier today the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by Rajapaksa, seeking an order to prevent her arrest. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) last week on October 7, 2026.She was subsequently produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court and remanded until October 13. Her arrest is linked to allegations that Rs. 10 million was obtained from the National Savings Bank (NSB) through the Siriliya Saviya organisation, purportedly to purchase a CT scanner for the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children.