Sri Lankan AI News Summary.

Sri Lanka Daily News Digest — Saturday, November 7, 2026 FLOODS AND WEATHER Around 129mm of rain fell within one hour, the main cause of flash floods in Colombo on November 6, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) said. A special emergency response task force of the Tri-Forces, Police and relevant government institutions will be set up under the CMC for floods and similar emergencies. The UNP has urged the government to resume the World Bank-aided Colombo City Flood Mitigation Project. The Deduru Oya Reservoir is releasing 4,100 cusecs, and two more spill gates have opened. Downstream residents are urged to stay alert. The NBRO has issued landslide early warnings for eight districts. A severe lightning advisory is in effect until 8.00 am on November 8, and heavy showers above 100mm are forecast for parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. GOVERNMENT AND JUSTICE President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the government will consult the public and stakeholders before proceeding with the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill. He also signalled further PAYE tax threshold relief in the 2027 Budget, which is due in Parliament next week. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the government has no role in judicial transfers, disciplinary proceedings or decisions on judicial officers. Gampaha Magistrate Bandula Gunaratne, who sought contempt proceedings against IGP Piryantha Weerasuriya, has been transferred to the Judges' Training Institute with immediate effect. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya returned home from CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. ACCIDENTS, WILDLIFE AND EVENTS Three people were killed and four injured in a bus-van collision in Warakapola. A wildlife photographer has asked the Galgamuwa Magistrate's Court to order an independent foreign team to perform a post-mortem on the tusker Kawanthissa. The National Deepawali Festival 2026 is being held at the Sri Muthumariamman Temple in Matale from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon. Liquor shops will be closed tomorrow in several areas for Deepavali. A US Navy MV-22B Osprey landed at Katunayake Airport after flying from a US Navy vessel in the Indian Ocean. SPORT India beat New Zealand by four runs on DLS to go 2-0 up in the series. New Zealand beat Samoa 32-0 to reach the Women's Rugby League World Cup final next Sunday. Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football. Harshitha Samarawickrama will lead Sri Lanka in the Emerging Nations Trophy. Harry Kane has signed a Bayern Munich extension until 2029. WORLD AND BUSINESS Russell Brand was found guilty by a UK court of rape and sexual assault. Thomas Markle, father of the Duchess of Sussex, appeared in court on a federal charge over child sexual abuse material. Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie faces a death sentence over 190 child murders. Elon Musk says Tesla will wind down Cybertruck production at its Texas factory next year. LIV Golf is winding down after backers withdrew support. Sony's Q2 profit rose on Spider-Man and PlayStation. Google has turned off AI for schoolchildren by default. Apple's AI tools are coming to China after a two-year delay. ENTERTAINMENT Sri Lanka's Nimhara Sasindi has left for the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico. Vijay Sethupathi became the first Indian presenter at the 54th International Emmy Awards. Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 has a global streaming date on Prime Video.