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 refuses to withdraw order against monks’ satyagraha at Viharamahadevi Park
The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has rejected a request by lawyers representing Buddhist monks staging a satyagraha at Viharamahadevi Park to withdraw or amend an order directing protesters to leave the premises. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ruled on Friday (Oct. 23) that the court order issued on Thursday (Oct. 22) could not be changed. The magistrate also stated that police could take appropriate legal action under the Penal Code if the order was violated. Lawyers representing the protesters and the Attorney General filed separate motions before the court on Friday. The protesters’ lawyers sought the withdrawal or amendment of the earlier order to allow the satyagraha to continue. The court, however, refused the request.
Mahinda writes emotional letter to son Namal in remand custody
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has written an emotional letter to his son, MP Namal Rajapaksa, who is currently in remand custody, recalling the advice he gave him when he first entered politics in 2010. In the letter, Mahinda Rajapaksa said Namal had sought his permission to enter politics and that he had warned him to be prepared for imprisonment and hardship. “If you want to enter politics, do so. But be prepared to go to prison and face hardships,” the former President recalled telling his son. He said the advice was based on his own experience of being imprisoned over what he described as baseless allegations shortly after entering politics, before Namal was born. Mahinda Rajapaksa urged his son to maintain his faith in the judiciary, saying it had been his only source of confidence during his own imprisonment.
Proposal to investigate Tusker Kawanthissa’s death handed over to Speaker
The Opposition has submitted a proposal to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne requesting the appointment of a Special Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the death of Sri Lankan Tusker Kawanthissa. The proposal, signed by Opposition MPs under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, was handed over to the Speaker today (23). According to the Opposition, the proposed committee aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding Kawanthissa’s death, determine whether all relevant parties had fulfilled their responsibilities and ensure justice for the elephant, which was considered part of Sri Lanka’s national natural heritage. Speaking on the occasion, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stressed the need to take measures to protect the country’s remaining elephant population, in addition to investigating Kawanthissa’s death. He emphasised that the matter should be addressed without political interference.
Chamara Sampath granted bail in four bribery cases, further remanded in another
MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake and his former secretary have been granted bail in four bribery cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), following an order issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (23). However, the court rejected their bail applications in a separate bribery case involving phosphate export licences and ordered that both suspects be further remanded until November 6. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the orders after considering submissions made by the Bribery Commission and the attorneys representing the suspects. Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered that each suspect be released on two surety bonds of Rs. 1 million each, separately applicable to each of the four cases. Overseas travel bans were also imposed on both suspects.
Double Gold for Sri Lanka at 2026 Asian Para Games
Sri Lanka secured two gold medals at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, today (23), with athletes Janani Dhananjana Wickramasinghe and Pradeep Somasiri delivering outstanding performances in their respective events. Janani Dhananjana Wickramasinghe clinched the gold medal in the women’s long jump (T47) event, setting a new Games record with a jump of 5.52 metres. Her record-breaking performance added another gold medal to Sri Lanka’s tally at the Games. Meanwhile, Pradeep Somasiri secured the gold medal in the men’s 1,500m (T46) event after an impressive performance against strong competition from other Asian athletes. Somasiri maintained a competitive performance from the beginning of the race to finish in first place.
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