Sri Lankan AI News Summary.

Sri Lanka Daily News Digest — Sunday, November 8, 2026 Middle East: Explosions were reported in Riyadh, with a fire at Saudi Aramco's Abqaiq oil facilities in the Eastern Province. Iran's navy said a tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after hitting a naval mine. The US has launched a task force to disrupt land transit routes into Iran. In Israel, President Herzog has tasked Gadi Eisenkot, not Benjamin Netanyahu, with forming the next government. Flooding and weather: A joint operation involving several State institutions has been launched for Colombo and its suburbs, with 60 flood-prone locations where drainage is obstructed identified for urgent action. The Met Department forecasts heavy showers of about 100mm in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts. Butterfly swarms seen across the island are part of a natural monsoon migration, experts say. Trade unions: Doctors will protest in Colombo on November 10. Development Officers nationwide begin a sick-leave campaign tomorrow (9) over unresolved demands. Economy: Cement companies raised the price of a 50kg bag by Rs. 100, citing production costs. Namal Rajapaksa accused the Government of raising fuel taxes beyond previous levels, passing the burden on to the public. The Government and the ADB signed a USD 100 million loan agreement to transform the skills development system. SriLankan Airlines' June-quarter loss widened to Rs. 35 billion, from an Rs. 12.5 billion operational loss, due to rupee depreciation, according to a Finance Ministry report. JKH urged the government to advance the proposed Colombo North Port. Hambantota Port and Al-Futtaim discussed expanding vehicle shipments to Gulf markets as Middle East disruption raises Hambantota's appeal as an alternative gateway. Crime and courts: A 59-year-old businessman died after falling from an apartment complex in Kompannavidiya (Slave Island) this morning. Customs seized 39 drones and 16 microphones brought in without approval by SJB MP Nalin Bandara at Katunayake Airport. Police are investigating suspected illegal online operations after 32 Chinese nationals were found at a hotel in Nalluruwa, Panadura. Police are recording statements from monks continuing a satyagraha near Ruwanwelisaya. Navy and maritime: The Navy, with the Air Force and local firefighters, extinguished a fire at a boat maintenance yard at Galle Fisheries Harbour this afternoon. A former Navy Chief of Staff urged Sri Lanka to assert its maritime rights over an unusual gathering of foreign-flagged oil tankers off the south coast. The Navy also won first place in the public-sector inter-departmental category of the National Productivity Awards 2025/26. Politics and society: The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath issued Deepavali messages calling for unity across ethnic and religious lines. Sri Lanka is seeking closer tourism ties with Singapore through a media partnership with the Singapore Press Club. Construction of the Jaffna International Cricket Stadium is set to begin within weeks. Sport: Sri Lanka drew 2-2 with Bhutan in their SAFF Championship opener. New captain Mendis says Sri Lanka can handle Pakistan's pace-friendly conditions ahead of the first Test. Nimhara Sasindi left for the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico. Elena Rybakina withdrew from the WTA Finals with a virus, and Marta Kostyuk takes her place. Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international football. World: A Pakistani astronaut has been selected as a payload specialist on China's Shenzhou-24 mission. At least 21 people died when a small migrant boat sank off Senegal. Four people were killed and dozens injured in a train collision near Giza, Egypt. Russell Brand was found guilty by a UK court of rape and sexual assault. Human Rights Watch urged Bangladesh to end violence surrounding garment-sector wage protests. Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie faces a death sentence over 190 child murders.