The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (Oct. 23) rejected a motion seeking to withdraw an order issued yesterday prohibiting a group of Buddhist monks from continuing to occupy the vicinity near the Buddha statue at Viharamahadevi Park while engaging in a Satyagraha demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the order after considering submissions made through a motion by a group of lawyers, including President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, who appeared on behalf of the monks in question.
Making submissions before the court, President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne requested that the existing order prohibiting the monks from gathering near the Buddha statue at Viharamahadevi Park be withdrawn or amended to allow them to remain at the location.
However, the Chief Magistrate refused the request. The Magistrate also rejected a request by the police to issue arrest warrants against several individuals accused of violating the court order, stating that sufficient facts had not been presented at this stage to justify issuing the warrants.
However, he added that the police could take action in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, if necessary.
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Trains between Rambukkana – Peradeniya, Gampola suspended over the weekend
Published
12 minutes ago
on
October 23, 2026
Train services between Rambukkana-Peradeniya and Gampola will be temporarily suspended on October 24 and 25, to carry out restoration work following an earth slip near the Kadugannawa Railway Station, Sri Lanka Railways has announced.
The earth slip, triggered by adverse weather conditions, has caused soil and debris to collapse onto the railway tracks, creating a hazardous situation.
Sri Lanka Railways has scheduled emergency restoration work for Saturday (Oct. 24) and Sunday (Oct. 25) to remove the soil and debris and restore the affected railway line.
All train services operating along the affected sections will be suspended during the two-day period to facilitate the restoration work.
Passengers who have already purchased tickets and reserved seats for travel on the affected dates will be eligible for a full refund at any railway station, the SLR states, expressing regret over the inconvenience caused by the cancellations.
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SLCERT urges not to be misled by Poya Day reward offers
Published
23 minutes ago
on
October 23, 2026
Sri Lanka CERT urges the public not to be misled by a social media message claiming to have been issued by a leading bank in Sri Lanka, offering a special gift to mark the upcoming Vap Poya Day, which falls on Sunday (Oct. 25).
Sri Lanka CERT confirms that the bank has not taken any steps to offer such a gift.
Noting that the message circulating online is believed to be an attempt by scammers to steal personal information, banking details, and other sensitive information, Sri Lanka CERT warns this could also put victims’ bank accounts at risk of being compromised.
Therefore, Sri Lanka CERT advises the public not to click on the link accompanying the message.
Senior Professor Venerable Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera, Chief Incumbent of Molagoda Kotamudungala Raja Maha Viharaya and holder of the title of Agga Maha Pandita, has been appointed the new Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University.
The appointment was made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The letter of appointment was presented to Venerable Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera by Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (23).
Senior Professor Venerable Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.
He obtained a Special Degree in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Kelaniya as his first degree. He subsequently earned a Master of Philosophy degree from the University of Kelaniya, followed by a Master of Philosophy degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Delhi in India. In addition, he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Chinese Language from the Peking University.
(President’s Media Division)