Sri Lankan AI News Summary.

Sri Lanka Daily News Digest — Tuesday, November 3, 2026 POLITICS AND LAW Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa was granted bail in the Krrish project case, but he was taken back into custody after completing the bail formalities. He must be produced before the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar over the alleged Airbus bribery case. The proposed Organised Crime Bill and Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill drew sharp criticism. Former Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris warned they could put Sri Lanka's GSP+ trade concession at risk. A three-judge Supreme Court bench takes up 26 petitions challenging the Organised Crime Bill today. Licensed liquor dealers fear police could exploit the law, and police denied their claims that officers demanded free liquor. A parliamentary oversight committee discussed easing prison overcrowding through Prisons Ordinance amendments and rehabilitation referrals for drug addicts. The obstruction case against former MP Hirunika Premachandra was postponed to January 25 because the Attorney General had not given instructions. CI Varuni Bogahawatta was remanded until November 6. HEALTH The Government Medical Officers' Association plans islandwide protests at major hospitals over the coming days. Its demands include salary and allowance issues, staff shortages and concerns over repressive laws. WEATHER, DISASTERS AND INCIDENTS The NBRI has issued landslide early warnings for several areas. Showers above 75 mm are likely in the Southern and Uva provinces and in Ratnapura and Ampara districts. The Navy rescued four fishermen stranded at sea after Cyclone Arnab and brought them to Hambantota Port. A tree fell on a train near Polgahawela, disrupting rail services. A remand prisoner was shot dead at Pallekele prison after allegedly trying to seize a guard's firearm. A fire broke out at a Kelaniya University girls' hostel with no injuries reported. ECONOMY AND BUSINESS The Budget swung to a Rs. 9.5 billion surplus in the first half of 2026, from a Rs. 405.6 billion deficit a year earlier. Public debt stands at 88.8% of GDP. The Finance Ministry says 33 struggling state-owned enterprises are being liquidated. The Cabinet approved a contract for Sri Lanka's first utility-scale 100 MWh battery storage system at Kolonnawa. LAUGFS Gas expects three LPG shipments in November as it seeks approval to resume supplies through its Hambantota terminal. The CSE closed higher, with the ASPI holding above 20,000. Seylan Bank passed LKR 1 trillion in total assets. People's Bank received a two-notch Fitch upgrade to AA+(lka). Capital Alliance agreed to acquire 51% of Hong Kong fund manager Asia Frontier Capital, subject to regulatory approval. John Keells' September-quarter profit after tax rose 39% to Rs. 5.82 billion. Colombo Dockyard posted its second consecutive profitable quarter. WORLD US President Donald Trump said the US will stop funding Israel, reportedly around $4 billion, at the end of 2026. Explosions were heard on Iran's Qeshm Island as US media reported "defensive strikes" in the Strait of Hormuz. Americans vote today in US midterm elections widely seen as a referendum on Trump's second presidency. North Korea denies responsibility for the record $6.3 billion Binance hack. Binance says it covers 90% of the losses, and users withdrew $3.6 billion. Apple overtook Nvidia as the world's most valuable company at $5.03 trillion. The Asian Cup was postponed after attacks on Saudi Arabia. The UK and EU agreed a draft deal to scrap Brexit red tape on food exports. An Indian tourist was killed when two helicopters collided near Everest base camp. Bomb threats on flights in Europe caused disruption, but no devices were found. SPORT Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from international cricket. Sri Lanka slipped to seventh in the latest ICC ODI rankings. Julie Hope finished 19th in the women's 100m backstroke heats at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, and next races in the 50m freestyle today. Vishad Randika hit an 80 off 47 balls as CDB beat David Peiris Group by 75 runs in the Mercantile Super Premier T20.