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.
Saudi Supreme Court sets aside death sentence of Sri Lankan Anojan Sivarasa – Deputy FM
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.
Committee submits report on prison regulations for clergy
The interim report of the special committee appointed to review and update prison regulations concerning Buddhist monks and other religious clergy has been submitted to the Secretary to the President, Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the report was handed over at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (14) by committee Chairperson Prince Senadheera, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. The committee was appointed following discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Maha Sangha representing the three Buddhist Nikayas on October 8. It was tasked with reviewing existing rules, regulations and standing orders under the Prisons Ordinance and submitting proposals for amendments within two weeks.
Chinese suspect in Port City extortion case wanted in China for multiple crimes – Police
Police have revealed further details regarding the arrest of a Chinese national by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) over allegations of operating an extortion racket targeting foreign investment institutions and businessmen in Colombo Port City. According to the latest information released by Police, the 38-year-old Chinese national was arrested on Tuesday (13) during a raid conducted at an apartment complex on Justice Akbar Mawatha in the Kompannavidiya Police Division. The raid was carried out by officers of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau based on information received. During the operation, Police recovered two forged foreign passports, four foreign passports belonging to other individuals, and 16 cigarettes of various types brought into the country without payment of customs duties. Further investigations have revealed that the suspect is allegedly involved in several criminal offences in China and that warrants have been issued against him by Chinese authorities. The Central Crime Investigation Bureau is conducting further investigations into the matter.
Court orders steps to obtain INTERPOL Red Notice against Basil Rajapaksa
The Fort Magistrate’s Court has ordered authorities to take necessary steps to obtain an INTERPOL Red Notice against former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa in connection with the alleged misuse of funds belonging to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena issued the order today (14), directing that a warrant be issued in both Sinhala and English to facilitate the process of obtaining a Red Notice through INTERPOL. The Magistrate also ordered the Illegal Assets Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to arrest Basil Rajapaksa and produce him before court. The orders were issued following submissions made by the CID regarding the ongoing investigation. The case relates to allegations that Rs. 7.8 million allocated to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in 2014 was misused to provide 12,000 T-shirts for the Uva Provincial Council election, instead of being spent on the Bureau’s promotional activities.
President expresses gratitude to Saudi Arabia, vows to stand by Sri Lankans overseas
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.
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