Sri Lankan AI News Summary.

Sri Lanka Daily News Digest — Wednesday, October 28, 2026 ECONOMY AND MARKETS The Government expects to set aside Rs.2 trillion for capital expenditure in Budget 2027. Roads, railways and rural connectivity will get priority, and officials say revenue collection is running ahead of target. The Colombo Stock Exchange rose sharply for a second straight session on October 28, and the ASPI is now close to 20,000. The SEC Chairman warned that market manipulation using AI will face the same regulatory action as any other misconduct. The 28th Presidential Export Awards will be held at the BMICH on December 8. HEALTH AND CIVIL LIBERTIES The GMOA criticised the Health Ministry over its dengue response. It warned that heavy rain and changing weather could cause cases to rise quickly. Separately, Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa warned that proposed counter-terrorism legislation could treat speaking out about cancer drug shortages, substandard medicines or health-sector corruption as terrorism. He said bodies such as the GMOA and IUSF could also risk being labelled terrorist organisations. COURTS, CORRUPTION AND CRIME A Trial-at-Bar will take up the Airbus bribery case against SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa and three others on November 19. Former NYSC Chairman Lalith Piyum Perera was arrested by CIABOC on October 28 and later granted bail. Former Minister Johnston Fernando denied reports that he was charged with, or pleaded guilty to, vehicle import tax fraud. He said the Fort Magistrate's Court case involved only three charges under the Motor Traffic Act. The former Crimes OIC of Homagama Police was arrested over the death of a suspect in police custody. Customs seized illegal drugs worth over Rs.60 million that had been sent by airmail to the Central Mail Exchange. The Mahanayake Theras said any issues involving Ven. Gnanasara Thera should be dealt with within the framework of the law. SOCIAL POLICY AND EDUCATION Sri Lanka is drafting guidelines to stop children being exploited on social media for profit or popularity, known as "kidfluencing". A commentary highlighted the National Commission on Women set up under the Women Empowerment Act No. 37 of 2024. Smart classrooms with remote learning have been introduced at the National Colleges of Education for the first time, with plans to extend them to all 20 colleges. The Government also discussed using national parks to support tourism while bringing in new laws to protect forests. POLITICS JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva met a delegation from the World Organization of Buddhist Scholars Alliance, including Indian actor and Buddhist activist Dr. Gagan Malik. SPORT Opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the two-Test series in Pakistan with a left hamstring injury. Fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk praised the pace attack for bouncing back after conceding more than 400 runs in the previous match. REGIONAL AND WORLD Cyclone Arnab struck India's Andhra Pradesh coast, killing at least three people and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. In Spain, at least 64 people died when two high-speed trains collided near Urda in Toledo province, and the toll may rise. Early results in Israel's election show Arab parties on course for 17 seats, after turnout among Palestinian citizens reached its highest level in decades.