Today’s News Digest: Your go-to summary of the key events and headlines that shaped the day. From major developments to breaking news, we bring you everything that happened today, all in one quick and easy read.
Decision on imprisoned monks’ robes rest with Nikayas: Minister
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says that decisions on whether Buddhist monks imprisoned for various offences should be allowed to continue wearing their robes should be made by their respective monastic orders (Nikayas), rather than prison authorities. Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing held today (13), the Minister said the government intends to introduce a procedure to consult the relevant Nikayas in such situations.He explained that, if a similar situation arises in the future, the relevant monastic order will be informed, while the government will seek guidance from the four Mahanayaka Theras of the three Nikayas through the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs. “We are of the position that the decision as to whether a Buddhist monk who is imprisoned should continue wearing the robe or not should be made not by the prison authorities, but by the respective Nikaya to which that monk belongs,” the Minister said.
IMF forecasts Sri Lanka’s economic growth at 3.7% in 2027
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest World Economic Outlook report, has projected Sri Lanka’s economic growth rate at 4% in 2026 and 3.7% in 2027, indicating a gradual moderation in economic expansion over the next year. According to the IMF’s October 2026 report, titled World Economic Outlook: Resilience Under Strain, Urgent Choices, Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to grow at a slower pace compared to the 5% growth recorded in 2025. The report also forecasts Sri Lanka’s inflation rate at 5.3% in 2026 and 5.4% in 2027, compared to the negative inflation rate of 0.5% recorded in 2025. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s current account balance is projected to record a deficit of 0.5% of GDP in 2026, followed by a deficit of 0.3% in 2027, compared to a surplus of 1.6% in 2025. The IMF has also projected Sri Lanka’s unemployment rate to remain steady at 3.9% in both 2026 and 2027.
Australia stops traveller carrying unusual souvenirs from Sri Lanka over biosecurity concerns
Australian biosecurity authorities have stopped a traveller returning from Sri Lanka from bringing elephant dung fridge magnets into the country, citing potential risks to agriculture, the environment and wildlife.The unusual souvenirs, made from elephant dung, were declared by the traveller upon arrival in Australia. Authorities warned that animal waste products could carry harmful bacteria, parasites, insect larvae and weed seeds, potentially threatening livestock health and introducing invasive plants. Although the magnets were sold as souvenirs, Australian authorities said such products were not permitted to enter the country due to biosecurity concerns.The traveller voluntarily disposed of the magnets before leaving the airport. Authorities used the incident to remind international travellers that souvenirs purchased overseas are not necessarily permitted into Australia. They urged travellers to check Australia’s biosecurity import requirements before bringing animal-based products into the country.
Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s heart condition: Minister reveals latest medical update
Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa underwent an angiogram this morning to assess her condition and identify any blockages, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing, Jayatissa said a medical board would review the test results and determine whether she required surgery or another form of treatment. “No surgery was performed at that point. Only an angiogram was carried out,” the minister said.He said the medical board would decide whether Rajapaksa required coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the insertion of a stent or another suitable treatment.
Sri Lanka drop Lahiru Udara despite recent 188; only specialist opener Pathum Nissanka doubtful
Sri Lanka’s decision to leave out opening batter Lahiru Udara from the Test squad has raised questions over the team’s selection strategy, particularly with established opener Pathum Nissanka facing fitness concerns.Udara, who scored a career-best 188 against the West Indies just two Test appearances ago, has been overlooked despite Sri Lanka facing a shortage of specialist opening batters. The opening batter has represented Sri Lanka in five Tests, scoring 313 runs at an average of 34.77, including one century. His last two Test appearances came against India, where he scored 43 runs across two innings in Galle before managing just four runs in Colombo. However, his exclusion has attracted attention because Sri Lanka have not named an obvious specialist replacement to partner Nissanka at the top of the order. With Nissanka’s availability uncertain due to fitness concerns, Sri Lanka could be forced to make significant changes to their batting combination.
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