Sri Lankan AI News Summary.

Sri Lanka Daily News Digest — Thursday, October 22, 2026 HEAVY RAIN AND LANDSLIDE WARNINGS Heavy rain is expected across much of the island until Tuesday, October 27. Landslide warnings are in force in seven districts, and the Kala Oya and Deduru Oya rivers are close to critical levels. Authorities are asking the public to reconsider planned trips to the central hills and other rain-hit areas. GNANASARA THERO PARDON ROW There was a tense scene at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo after a court ordered the eviction of Buddhist monks. They have been holding a Satyagraha protest demanding a presidential pardon for BBS General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero. SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa asked what action will be taken against IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya, saying the law must apply equally to both. The case also raises unresolved questions about how an imprisoned monk can be disrobed. CRICKET: RECORD CHASE BEATS ENGLAND Sri Lanka chased down 430 to beat England by two wickets in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at Rawalpindi, a record-breaking chase. England had posted 429. Their captain Harry Brook hit the fastest double century in ODI history, reaching 200 in 114 balls. Separately, Sri Lanka's para athletes won three more medals at the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, including a silver for Palitha Bandara in the men's F42 shot put. ECONOMY AND MARKETS The Asian Development Bank approved USD 100 million to strengthen social protection, economic inclusion and resilience among the poor. The Colombo Stock Exchange fell for a fourth straight session, and the ASPI dropped to a new low for the year, testing the 19,700 level. Hambantota Port expects new business as container shipping returns to the Red Sea and Suez route. Commentators say the cancellation of the USD 392 million Chinese-backed logistics hub at Colombo Port damages investor confidence. PARLIAMENT: DRUG LAW AMENDMENTS Two Bills amending the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance were presented. They would allow seized drugs to be disposed of before trials conclude, and they also aim to ease prison overcrowding. SJB MP Hector Appuhamy called for public awareness programmes on drugs to be made a priority. ENERGY The Energy Ministry explained that restarting the Norochcholai coal power plant takes several days because boilers, turbines and other critical equipment must be inspected and brought back into operation gradually. TRANSPORT The Department of Motor Traffic has proposed that vehicles get a roadworthiness certificate every 5,000 km or about every three months. Separately, part of the A09 Kandy-Jaffna road near Alawathugoda was closed overnight so the trailer of a prime mover from a fatal crash could be removed. FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT Sri Lanka and Romania discussed better welfare and protection for about 26,000 Sri Lankans working in Romania, including recruitment through Government-to-Government arrangements. Ukraine said it has handed over the remains of Rohan Kumar Sudi, a Sri Lankan who fought for Russia, to Russia as part of an exchange of fallen soldiers. WILDLIFE The Department of Wildlife Conservation released 45 animals back into the wild after they were treated at the Attidiya rescue and rehabilitation centre. WORLD A magnitude 7 earthquake struck Tibet on Thursday night. The US has ordered non-essential diplomats and their families to leave Saudi Arabia as attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis escalate.