- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directs officials to provide immediate relief to those affected by recent floods and landslides across Sri Lanka: instructs the Defence Ministry to prioritise safety in impacted areas and allocated Rs. 50 million for relief efforts: Currently, 24,492 people from 6,018 families are affected, with 2,200 individuals sheltered in 23 centres: Relief operations are currently ongoing.
- Former MP Ajith Mannapperuma resigns from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and withdraws his nomination for the upcoming general election after being removed as the party’s chief organiser for Gampaha without notice: expresses frustration with party leader Sajith Premadasa, feeling betrayed by the decision: The SJB has not yet responded, and Premadasa has not commented on the situation: A similar situation befell actress Damitha Abeyratne, who expressed her disappointment over her name being removed from the nominations list, in what she described as a ‘double-crossing’ act by SJB former MP Hesha Withanage.
- A total of 8,821 candidates will contest Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election on 14 November, competing for 196 seats, with 29 additional seats allocated via the national list, totalling 225 members: Of these candidates, 5,464 represent registered political parties, while the rest are independents: Colombo has the highest number of candidates, followed by Gampaha.
- The Navy deploys six flood relief teams to assist communities in Gampaha and Colombo districts affected by heavy rains: The teams, following orders from Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, focused on flooded areas like Kaduwela and Biyagama: Additionally, 44 more teams are on standby across Western, Southern, and Northwestern Naval Commands for further assistance.
- The Ministry of Public Security instructs the Acting IGP to expedite investigations into seven high-profile cases, including the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings and the 2015 Treasury Bond scandal: Other cases include the deaths of businessman Dinesh Schaffter, a police officer in Weligama, and journalist Taraki Shivaram, along with the disappearances of Eastern University Vice Chancellor Raveendranath and activists in Jaffna.
- Transport Minister Vijitha Herath directs the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) to allow students with season tickets to travel on SLTB buses during weekends and public holidays: This decision follows complaints from students about difficulties using their tickets on non-school days: The measure ensures seamless travel for students throughout the month, regardless of holidays.
- Sri Lanka aims to restore 10,000 hectares of mangroves by 2030 through a partnership between Ministry of Crab and the UNDP, under the GEF-funded Small Grants Programme: The project will empower local communities in mangrove restoration, focusing on sustainability, climate resilience, and community development: Mangroves play a vital role in coastal protection and carbon absorption, contributing to Sri Lanka’s environmental and economic sustainability.
- A group of 120 Chinese nationals was arrested in Kundasale for alleged involvement in online financial scams: Police seized 15 desktop computers and 300 mobile phones from 47 rooms in a luxury bungalow: The operation was confirmed by the police spokesman, highlighting the group’s suspected participation in what the spokesperson described as “fraudulent online” activities.
- Tragedy befalls three people, including a three-year old child, as they died in a train accident at Katukurunda railway station: The victims were struck by a train travelling from Matara to Colombo: The two adults were pronounced dead at the scene, whilst the child, who was seriously injured, succumbed to his injuries upon being admitted to Kalutara Teaching Hospital: A Police investigation into the incident is currently underway.
- Sri Lanka will face West Indies in a three-match T20 series starting today (October 13) at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium: The second and third T20s are on October 15 and 17, followed by a three-match ODI series in Pallekele on October 20, 23, and 26: West Indies’ squad sees several key players absent, whilst Sri Lanka has recalled Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Jeffrey Vandersay.
