Today’s News Digest – October 9
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.
Sri Lanka welcomes Indian Supreme Court observations on Katchatheevu fishing dispute
Gotabaya Rajapaksa appeals Supreme Court over PTA arrest bid
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has filed an appeal petition before the Supreme Court challenging a Court of Appeal ruling that dismissed his writ petition seeking to prevent his arrest under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks. The Inspector General of Police, the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department and several others have been named as respondents in the appeal.
Saudia pilot killed in incident at Riyadh international airport
Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, has announced the death of one of its pilots following an incident at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 8. In an obituary issued on October 9, the airline identified the deceased as Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami. “It is with profound sadness that Saudia announces the passing of Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, who lost his life on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in the incident at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh,” the airline said. Saudia paid tribute to the captain’s contributions throughout his career with the national carrier and the lasting impression he left on his colleagues. The airline also extended its condolences to his family, loved ones and colleagues. The announcement follows two attacks on King Khalid International Airport on October 8, which killed three Saudi nationals and injured several others, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. The authority said one attack targeted airport facilities, while another struck a Saudia aircraft. Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for targeting the airport with a ballistic missile.
Opposition MPs submit No-Confidence Motion against Speaker
A no-confidence motion against Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, signed by 44 opposition MPs, has been formally handed over to the Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadheera. The motion outlines around 50 allegations against the Speaker, including claims of misconduct, alleged misuse of public property, financial irregularities, conflicts of interest and violations of parliamentary procedures. The opposition has called for the Speaker to step down, citing what it describes as biased and undemocratic conduct in the handling of parliamentary proceedings.
Former Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage permanently removed from judicial service
The Judicial Service Commission has decided to dismiss Thilina Gamage, former Colombo Chief Magistrate and former Moratuwa District Judge, after finding him guilty of all charges levelled against him in a disciplinary inquiry. Gamage had been suspended from duties pending the outcome of the inquiry. The disciplinary proceedings relate to allegations of misconduct involving the possession of a baby elephant named Sakura under a permit allegedly obtained fraudulently. In August 2025, the Judicial Service Commission took steps to suspend Gamage, who had served as the District Judge and Magistrate of Moratuwa, as part of its investigation into the allegations. He was formally notified in writing on August 1 and asked to respond within 21 days. The Commission had filed a charge sheet against him in June 2025 in connection with the matter. The case dates back to an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department into the alleged illegal possession of the baby elephant. The elephant was handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation in May 2015.
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