Today’s News Digest – October 1

On Oct 1, 2026

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.

Court of Appeal issues open warrant for arrest of Gnanasara Thera

The Court of Appeal has issued an open warrant for the arrest of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, who has been sentenced to imprisonment for contempt of court. The court ordered that Gnanasara Thera be arrested and produced before the Court of Appeal. In addition to the open warrant, the court imposed an overseas travel ban preventing him from leaving Sri Lanka. The court directed that the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration be informed of the travel restriction. The order further states that the open warrant for Gnanasara Thera’s arrest should be executed through the Inspector General of Police (IGP). Gnanasara Thera has been sentenced to imprisonment in connection with a contempt of court case.

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Court blow for Gota over Easter attacks probe

The Court of Appeal has dismissed, without taking it up for hearing, a writ petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa seeking an order preventing his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Rajapaksa had sought an order preventing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from arresting or detaining him as part of the ongoing investigation into the attacks.The petition had cited the Inspector General of Police, CID Director Shani Abeysekera, the officer in charge of the CID’s Special Investigations Unit and the Attorney General as respondents.

The Court of Appeal had earlier heard submissions from lawyers representing Rajapaksa and the respondents before reserving its decision on whether the petition should be allowed to proceed.

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34,000 individuals to face fines from Bribery Commission

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has identified around 34,000 individuals who are liable to face penalties over late submissions of asset declarations, Director General Ranga Dissanayake told the Committee on Public Finance (COPF). Responding to questions from COPF Chairman Harsha de Silva regarding the Commission’s financial requirements and the availability of funds, Dissanayake said there was currently no money available in the relevant fund, but funds were expected to be received in the future. De Silva suggested that the Commission impose higher fines where applicable, noting that revenue generated through penalties could be utilised to meet some of its requirements. In response, Dissanayake revealed that approximately 34,000 individuals had already been identified in relation to late submissions of asset declarations, adding that penalties would be imposed on them.

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US report flags major hurdles for foreign investors in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s investment climate continues to face significant challenges despite stronger economic growth and the country’s ongoing recovery from the 2022 economic crisis, with foreign investors continuing to raise concerns over regulatory unpredictability, bureaucratic hurdles, policy shifts and transparency, according to a new assessment of the country’s investment environment. The 2026 Sri Lanka Investment Climate statement by the United States Department of State notes that Sri Lanka, a lower-middle-income country with a population of around 22 million, recorded 5 percent GDP growth in 2025, exceeding expectations and strengthening its economic recovery.

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Court of Appeal bars arrest of Tiran Alles, Ceylon Newspapers officials

The Court of Appeal has issued a writ order preventing the arrest or detention of former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and directors, representatives and employees of Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd over a complaint arising from a commercial transaction. The order was issued by a Court of Appeal bench comprising Justices Shashi Mahendran and Pradeep Hettiarachchi following the hearing of a writ petition filed by Ceylon Newspapers, which publishes the Mawbima and Ceylon Today newspapers.

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Today’s News Digest – October 1

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