Sri Lankan AI News Summary.

Sri Lanka Daily News Digest — Thursday, October 29, 2026 HOMAGAMA CUSTODY DEATH: The medical report on Ishara Harsha Kumara, the suspect who died in Homagama Police custody, found three broken ribs and bleeding in the brain. Western Province Senior DIG Sajeewa Medawatte said police suspect an assault caused the death. The station's Crime Branch OIC, arrested on Wednesday, has been remanded until November 12. CORRUPTION PROBE: CIABOC, the bribery commission, has suspended several bank accounts belonging to Rakitha Rajapakshe, son of former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, as part of an ongoing bribery investigation. ID AND LICENCE BACKLOG: More than 6.5 million driving licences are still unprinted because there are not enough printing cards and machines, so many applicants are getting temporary licences instead. A shortage of plastic cards has also held up National Identity Card printing, leaving about one million NICs waiting to be issued. POLITICS AND REFORM: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa urged the government to keep the NPP's election promise to abolish the executive presidency and bring in a new constitution. The UN human rights office (OHCHR) welcomed new safeguards in the draft Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) but said it still needs more changes. Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said the planned labour law reforms will strengthen workers' rights, not weaken them. Former Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara called for real relief, tax cuts and social safety nets in Budget 2027. Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the government wants every child to have a properly equipped primary school, wherever they live. FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT: From January 1, 2027, Israel will hire Sri Lankan workers only through a Government-to-Government scheme, according to the SLBFE. COURTS: The Colombo High Court rejected bail for Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, known as "Harak Kata", and two other accused in a case of conspiring to escape from custody. In a separate commentary, a Supreme Court verdict and former Minister A.H.M. Fowzie's newspaper apology over a disaster-management vehicle donated by the Netherlands were described as a reminder that public office is a responsibility. ECONOMY AND MARKETS: The Colombo Stock Exchange rose for a third straight session on October 29, and the ASPI closed above 20,250 on strong buying. SEC Chairman Prof. Hareendra Dissabandara said a stronger capital market is needed to bring in long-term investment and support 7-9% growth. Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC reported group revenue of Rs 10.15 billion and profit before tax of Rs 6.87 billion for the nine months to September 2026. SPORT: England beat Sri Lanka by 55 runs in the last group match of the ODI tri-series at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Liam Dawson took four wickets. Chasing 387, Sri Lanka fell short despite Pavan Rathnayake's 118 off 77 balls, his second century of the series. Separately, Mumbai Indians have parted ways with bowling coach Lasith Malinga, who held the role from IPL 2024 to 2026, along with Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson. INTERNATIONAL: Israelis are waiting for final election results, which are expected to show that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor its rivals have a majority. The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters' Association sent condolences to Spain after a train accident that reportedly killed several people.