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.
Shiranthi Rajapaksa remanded until October 13
Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has been remanded until October 13 after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court following her arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). Rajapaksa was arrested by CIABOC officers on Wednesday (7) morning after officials recorded a statement from her at her residence in Colombo. According to the Bribery Commission, the arrest relates to allegations that she obtained Rs. 10 million from a state bank and committed offences under the Public Property Act and corruption-related provisions through the alleged misuse of the funds.
Katchatheevu belongs to Sri Lanka: India rules out reopening agreements
India has told its Supreme Court that it has no intention of reopening the 1974 and 1976 agreements with Sri Lanka concerning Katchatheevu and maritime fishing rights, citing the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Attorney General R. Venkataramani, appearing for the Indian government before a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva, said concerns involving Indian fishermen were being pursued through diplomatic channels. However, he said India could not compel Sri Lanka to accept or comply with its position. The submissions were made during the hearing of petitions challenging the 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan agreement concerning Katchatheevu and the subsequent 1976 agreement restricting Indian fishermen’s fishing rights in Sri Lankan waters. The Indian government also raised concerns over Indian fishermen repeatedly crossing the international maritime boundary.
Two sentenced to 10 years RI over explosives linked to Zahran Hashim’s group
Two individuals who pleaded guilty over the illegal storage of firearms and explosives at the Lactowatta estate in Wanathavilluwa, Puttalam, in 2018 have been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo Trial-at-Bar. The sentences were imposed on Abu Haneefa Mohamed Musif and Ameer Hamza Mohamed Hamas when the case was taken up today (07) before a three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court comprising Judges Lal Ranasinghe Bandara, Rashmi Singappuli and Nayomi Wickramasekara. The case relates to the discovery of firearms, ammunition and materials used to manufacture explosives allegedly stored at the Lactowatta estate in association with a group that included Zahran Hashim, who later led the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.The Attorney General had filed indictments against six defendants on 14 counts in connection with the incident.
High Court upholds nine-month prison sentence for Gnanasara Thera in separate case
The Colombo High Court has upheld the nine-month prison sentence imposed on Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. The sentence relates to a case over statements made by Gnanasara Thera at a media briefing that were found to have promoted discord between Muslims and Sinhalese. The High Court dismissed an appeal filed by Gnanasara Thera seeking to overturn the Magistrate’s Court ruling, with the decision being read out before the Colombo Additional Magistrate on Wednesday. The Magistrate’s Court had sentenced Gnanasara Thera on Jan. 9, 2025, to nine months’ simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 1,500 after finding him guilty of the charge.
Saudi death-row case: Foreign Minister reveals details of alleged assault on Anojan
The Sri Lankan government is stepping up legal efforts to assist Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, who is facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, with a legal team currently in the Kingdom preparing an appeal to its Supreme Court, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament. Herath said the deadline to submit the appeal is October 17 and that the government expects the legal team to complete and file it shortly following consultations with a Saudi law firm. The minister said Sri Lankan legal experts and Saudi legal advisers are working together on the appeal, while the Foreign Ministry, Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and Attorney General’s Department are coordinating efforts to provide Sivarasa with legal and consular assistance. Herath also revealed that diplomatic efforts seeking clemency or a reduction of Sivarasa’s sentence are expected to follow the conclusion of the judicial process.
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