<ul><li>Suspected thief detained for two days at Kobeigane Police</li><li>Five villagers who tied him to tree and called cops nabbed&nbsp;</li><li>HRCSL expresses concern over failure to follow guidelines by cops&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Police Dept acknowledges negligence despite repeated instructions by IGP&nbsp;</li><li>79 deaths in custody or following arrest reported between 2020 and March 2025</li></ul> A man suspected of involvement in several thefts has died after being taken to hospital following his arrest and detention by the Police, with five villagers who apprehended him and handed him over to the authorities subsequently arrested in Kobeigane.The suspect was apprehended by residents in the Baddegama area and tied to a tree before being handed over to the Kobeigane Police on 25 October. He reportedly remained in Police custody for two days before being admitted to the Nikaweratiya Base Hospital on Tuesday night (27), where he later died.Following his death, the Kobeigane Police arrested five residents who had apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the authorities.Relatives of the arrested men claim that the Police were informed within an hour of the suspect being apprehended and tied to the tree, and that he was handed over unharmed. They have questioned why he was not admitted to hospital before his death if he had been assaulted by villagers.They also claim that the Police had previously been informed on several occasions about the man's alleged involvement in thefts and had instructed residents to apprehend him and hand him over to the authorities.Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police and Attorney FU Wootler, said the Police had arrested the suspect after receiving information that a person had been tied to a tree. The Police subsequently received information that several civilians had assaulted him, leading to the arrest of three civilians.Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has launched an investigation into the death of a 29-year-old father of two from Kiriwaththuduwa, who died after being arrested by Homagama Police on 25 October on suspicion of possessing narcotics.According to the Police, the suspect developed a sudden illness after being brought to the station and was admitted to the Homagama Base Hospital for treatment, but later died.The HRCSL said its investigation, initiated on its own motion following media reports, had raised concerns that the officers involved appeared not to have followed its guidelines on the treatment of suspects in custody. Two complaints have also been lodged by the deceased's relatives.The Commission has visited the Police station and the relatives' residences, summoned the officers concerned to appear before it yesterday (29) and decided to obtain the post-mortem report.The HRCSL said a review of complaints received between January 2020 and 31 March 2025 had identified 49 reported deaths in Police custody and 30 deaths following confrontations with the Police after arrest.The Homagama case has also triggered disciplinary and criminal investigations. Three officers, including two Sub-Inspectors and a Police Constable, were suspended with effect from Monday (26), while the former Officer-in-Charge of the Crimes Division was arrested on Wednesday (28) and remanded until 12 November.The Headquarters Inspector of the Homagama Police has also been indicted over alleged failures to monitor the suspect's condition, supervise officers and ensure proper maintenance of arrest records.Wootler said no special protection would be afforded to officers found to have engaged in misconduct or unlawful activity, adding that those responsible would face legal and disciplinary action.

 Another custodial death? 

&nbsp;<ul><li>Over 1.7m to qualify as extremely poor and poor&nbsp;</li><li>Appeals and objections sought till 11 Nov</li></ul> The Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) has taken steps to remove 1,391,830 beneficiaries under the revised selection process of the Aswesuma welfare benefits programme.&nbsp;According to the Government Gazette Number 2497/03, dated 15 December of last year (2025), financial assistance under the Aswesuma scheme will henceforth be provided only to beneficiaries classified under the ‘extremely poor’ and ‘poor’ categories.&nbsp;Following the updating of beneficiary information, 991,800 people have qualified under the first list. Of them, 363,142 beneficiaries fall under the extremely poor category and are eligible to receive a monthly allowance of Rs 17,500 each. A further 628,658 beneficiaries have qualified under the “poor” category, making them eligible for a monthly allowance of Rs 10,000 each.Meanwhile, the WBB stated that approximately 740,127 families are expected to be selected for the second list, which is scheduled to be released in December.&nbsp;The current list of eligible beneficiaries has been displayed on notice boards at all Divisional Secretariat and Grama Niladhari offices.Members of the public who wish to submit appeals or objections regarding the published list have been given an opportunity to do so from yesterday (29) to 11 November.The WBB expects to publish the second list of newly eligible beneficiaries in December, following the completion of the information-updating process.

Revised Aswesuma selection: Over 1.3m beneficiaries removed 

A low-level atmospheric disturbance is likely to develop near the southern Andaman Sea, in the vicinity of the North Sumatra Islands, from yesterday (29), the Meteorology Department has warned.&nbsp;The Met Department has advised Naval personnel and fishing communities operating in the affected sea areas to remain vigilant and closely monitor weather forecasts, subsequent updates and advisories issued in the coming hours, attentively, as the weather system develops. The advisory was issued at 9.30 a.m. yesterday and will remain valid for the next 24 hours.

Near the southern Andaman Sea, North Sumatra: Low-level atmospheric disturbance likely 

<ul><li>Repatriation expected by 2027&nbsp;</li><li>Rs 4.695b criminal assets earmarked for seizure&nbsp;</li></ul> The Police have identified 112 individuals wanted under International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) Red Notices who are believed to be residing in 13 countries, with arrangements underway to secure their return to Sri Lanka by next year (2027), Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police and attorney F.U. Wootler said. He made these remarks at a media briefing held yesterday (29). He stated that legal action would be pursued against the suspects upon their return to the country. He further noted that the individuals are allegedly generating illicit income through drug trafficking.Meanwhile, investigations into assets suspected to have been acquired through criminal proceeds are being conducted around the clock by two specialised Police units, he said. Assets valued at Rs 1.49 billion in 2024, Rs 1.549 billion last year (in 2025) and Rs 1.656 billion this year (in 2026), up to Wednesday (28), have been identified for acquisition by the State. These assets include gold jewellery, land, vehicles and cash.Further, the Police have reported significant narcotics seizures over the past two years and during 2026 to date. The quantities seized include 4,483 kg of heroin, valued at Rs 107.942 billion, 7,129 kg of crystal methamphetamine Ice, valued at Rs 121.64 billion, 33,277 kg of cannabis, valued at Rs 5.293 billion, and 333 kg of cocaine, valued at Rs 14.306 billion. He also outlined the penalties applicable under existing legislation, stating that individuals found guilty of possessing, trafficking, dealing in or manufacturing more than five grams of Ice, heroin or cocaine could face life imprisonment or the death penalty following proceedings before the High Court.The ‘Nation United’ national operation, launched in October 2025, has completed its first year. During this period, Police seized 2,835 kg of heroin, 3,550 kg of Ice, 297 kg of cocaine, and 11,167 kg of cannabis. A total of 5,743 individuals allegedly connected to various criminal activities were arrested during the year, while investigations into suspected illicit assets are being conducted against 450 of those suspects.Wootler acknowledged that efforts to combat organised crime and drug trafficking posed significant challenges to the Police. However, he emphasised that the Police would continue to receive the support of the three Armed Forces in carrying out these operations.

112 red warrant suspects in 13 countries 

Even though breast cancer is one of the most commonly reported cancers among women in Sri Lanka, only around 50 per cent of women aged 35–45 currently attend Suwanari clinics, which are designated cancer early-detection centres. Approximately 6,000 new cases of breast cancer are reported in Sri Lanka annually, while around 1,000 women die from the disease each year. Although breast cancer can be completely cured when detected at an early stage, delays in seeking treatment due to fear, embarrassment or a lack of awareness remain a major challenge. Therefore, an island-wide special national programme will be held on 2 November under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Health Ministry to promote the early detection of breast cancer. Accordingly, women MPs are scheduled to organise health clinics and awareness programmes at the electorate and District levels and participate directly in these initiatives. Special attention will be given to encouraging women in rural communities, plantation areas, urban high-rise housing complexes and underserved areas to attend Suwanari Clinics. Efforts will be made to encourage more women in this age group to make use of the facilities available at these centres. Meanwhile, a comprehensive programme is also planned for implementation next year (2027) to refer all women aged 35–45 for screening tests, bringing together the relevant stakeholders, including women’s societies operating at the Grama Niladhari Division level.&nbsp;In addition, the meeting between the Caucus and the Ministry discussed conducting cervical cancer awareness programmes in January 2027 under the leadership of women MPs.The meeting also focused on gender-responsive budgeting and the care economy. Discussions were held on obtaining technical advisory support to facilitate the implementation of the National Care Policy and the incorporation of gender-responsive policies into the budgetary process.Furthermore, the need to expedite amendments to address existing shortcomings in legislation relating to the prevention of domestic violence, maintenance, and the prohibition of corporal punishment against children was emphasised. The importance of coordinating with the Justice Ministry to advance these amendments was also highlighted.

Breast cancer early detection: Only 50% 35-45 age women attend clinics 

The Citizens' Power Against Bribery, Corruption and Waste organisation has lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), calling for an investigation into the sale of a large plot of State land to a private hotel company during the regime of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and seeking the recovery of the land and legal action against those responsible.The complaint, dated yesterday (29), was submitted by the organisation’s President, Kamantha Thushara. According to the complaint, the land was sold under Section 23(2) of the State Lands Ordinance (Chapter 454). The then President’s Secretary, Lalith Weeratunga, signed Deed Number 4/10/33433 on 29 December 2010, transferring a 2.4361-hectare (ha) block of land, identified as Lot 01 of Plan No. 9132, to the relevant company for US$ 75 million, equivalent to around Rs 8,250 million at the time.&nbsp;The complaint notes that the purchasing company had been registered with the Registrar of Companies on 19 November 2010, just weeks before the transaction, with Mohamed Sajad Mashoon named as its Director. "A second block of land, Lot 02 of the same Plan, covering 1.6108 ha, was sold to the same company on 15 March 2011, for Rs 5,499 million under the same legal provision. The two transactions involved approximately 10 acres and 11 perches of State land, sold for a combined sum of Rs 13,749 million." it added.&nbsp;The organisation alleged that the procedure required under Section 23(2) for the sale of State land to a private investor was not followed during this transaction. "There’re also questions about the speed with which the first transaction was completed. The survey plan was prepared on 27 December 2010, the deed was drawn up on 28 December, and the transaction was registered the following day, 29 December. The whole process took just three days."&nbsp;It further claimed: "Cabinet of Ministers approval was not obtained for the sale and there’re issues about the valuation reports used to determine the prices of the properties. The land was sold without a public auction or a call for bids. The powers vested in the President under the Ordinance seems to have been misused to transfer State property to favoured parties." the complaint read.

Complaint to CIABOC on prime real estate sale 

The Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry attributed the reported 40 per cent post-harvest loss in the fish industry largely to quality and nutritional deterioration rather than fish being physically discarded, mentioning the need to establish a proper cold chain to maintain freshness.&nbsp;Fish caught by multi-day fishing vessels can lose a significant part of their market value due to poor handling and inadequate preservation.Speaking to The Daily Morning, Ministry Secretary Dr Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa said that measures are being taken to improve fish quality through better storage facilities and faster transportation from fishing grounds to land.&nbsp;“The 40%-60% post-harvest loss in the fish industry (deep-sea and offshore fisheries) is something that has been declared by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). But in Sri Lanka, a situation where 40% of fish is being thrown away is not seen by anyone. It is the quality of the fish that is mentioned here. If a fish is in Grade A quality when you catch it, fetching Rs. 1,000, it could be downgraded to Grade C as it gets damaged and loses its freshness, and often used to make dried fish,” he said.&nbsp;He explained that such deterioration resulted in economic losses rather than the fish being discarded, reducing fishermen’s profitability if bruised or damaged during handling and transport, which then sell for between Rs. 500-700. He also said that Sri Lanka lacked the cold-chain infrastructure needed to maintain fish freshness.The FAO identified poor onboard handling and storage, inadequate chilling facilities and delays between catching fish and bringing them to the market as factors contributing to these losses.Dr Jinadasa said that the issue could be addressed by expanding the fishing boats’ capacity, replacing ice with cold rooms on boats and introducing collecting vessels and freezer trucks to transport fish to the land more quickly.&nbsp;“One of the other major reasons for the quality loss is that our fishermen fish in the deep seas for days, and the fish become less fresh. If they can employ collecting vessels to go and collect the fish at sea and bring them to land immediately, then the freshness and quality can be maintained,” he said. He added that the Ministry had provided allowances for five collecting vessels and that allocations had been made to establish a cold room with a capacity of 200 metric tonnes for the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation. He also highlighted the need for fishing-ground forecasting applications, which could help fishermen plan their trips and reduce the time spent travelling to and from fishing grounds.Addressing concerns about formalin use, Dr Jinadasa said that sellers no longer use it to preserve fish, adding that naturally occurring formaldehyde after fish are caught contributed to the public’s perception that the practice continues.However, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said recently that nearly 40% of the annual fish production was lost due to post-harvest wastage and called for measures to mitigate the issue. The statements of Dr Jinadasa come as the Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Ministry promotes fish as one of the most affordable sources of protein for the public.

Post-harvest fisheries losses: Govt blames quality drop over discarding 

The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) has decided to launch a one-day islandwide strike today (30), demanding solutions to several issues affecting the State university system.FUTA General Secretary, Senior Lecturer Charudaththe Illangasinghe, said that the trade union action would be carried out across all State universities, alongside a protest march planned for today.The action comes amid concerns over the shortage of academic staff, excessive workloads on existing staff and inadequate physical facilities at State universities.Illangasinghe said the strike and protest march were intended to draw public attention to the challenges facing the State university system.

FUTA token strike march today 

<ul><li>Requests Govt clarity on proposed arrangements&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Claiming that the proposed Anuradhapura sacred City development plan appears to have problems on the surface, the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Buddhist Sect called on the Government to explain the proposed arrangements clearly to the public, as different views have emerged over what the plan would entail.Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Chapter's Registrar, Ven. Dr Medagama Dhammananda Thera said: “There seems to be a problem on the surface. Everyone’s speaking on the basis of what’s stated in the Gazette notifications, but, we still don’t clearly understand what’s actually going to be done,” He said that different parties are expressing different views on the matter, making it necessary for the Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Ministry and other relevant institutions to provide a clear explanation.&nbsp;“For now, nothing’s been stated clearly. That’s why different parties are coming up with different views on this. If the Government can clearly and simply explain what they’re going to do, there’ll not be unnecessary panic among the Buddhist clergy and the public,” he said.Multiple attempts to contact the subject Minister, Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi and Deputy subject Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake proved futile.His remarks come amid discussion surrounding the proposed Rs 7.7 billion plan, which envisages expanding the designated sacred City area from 28 square kilometres (km) to 38 square km.&nbsp;The plan includes proposals to improve transport facilities, access roads, waste management and sanitation, while also restoring historical sites and upgrading facilities for Buddhist devotees visiting major religious sites, including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the Ruwanweli Maha Seya. Among the proposed transport measures are restrictions on diesel vehicles within the designated sacred City area and the introduction of a circular bus service using electric buses managed by the Anuradhapura Municipal Council.&nbsp;The plan also includes pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes and rest areas for passengers using railway and bus services. The development proposals further envisage the relocation of approximately 331 families living within the Inner City area, with alternative housing, land or compensation to be provided in the Lolugaswewa area. The estimated Rs 7.7 billion project has been submitted to the Indian Government for financial assistance, following commitments made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Another custodial death?

Revised Aswesuma selection: Over 1.3m beneficiaries removed

Revised Aswesuma selection: Ov ...

Near the southern Andaman Sea, North Sumatra: Low-level atmospheric di ...

Near the southern Andaman Sea, ...

112 red warrant suspects in 13 countries

112 red warrant suspects in 13 ...

Breast cancer early detection: Only 50% 35-45 age women attend clinics ...

Breast cancer early detection: ...

Complaint to CIABOC on prime real estate sale

Complaint to CIABOC on prime r ...

Post-harvest fisheries losses: Govt blames quality drop over discardin ...

Post-harvest fisheries losses: ...

FUTA token strike march today

FUTA token strike march today

Asgiri Chapter queries Anuradhapura sacred city plan

Asgiri Chapter queries Anuradh ...

Revised Aswesuma selection: Over 1.3m beneficiaries removed

Revised Aswesuma selection: Ov ...

Near the southern Andaman Sea, North Sumatra: Low-level atmospheric di ...

Near the southern Andaman Sea, ...

112 red warrant suspects in 13 countries

112 red warrant suspects in 13 ...

Breast cancer early detection: Only 50% 35-45 age women attend clinics ...

Breast cancer early detection: ...

Complaint to CIABOC on prime real estate sale

Complaint to CIABOC on prime r ...

Post-harvest fisheries losses: Govt blames quality drop over discardin ...

Post-harvest fisheries losses: ...

FUTA token strike march today

FUTA token strike march today

Asgiri Chapter queries Anuradhapura sacred city plan

Asgiri Chapter queries Anuradh ...

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112 red warrant suspects in 13 countries

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Complaint to CIABOC on prime real estate sale

Complaint to CIABOC on prime r ...

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Post-harvest fisheries losses: ...