Category: News

The government has begun drafting new regulations to allow imprisoned Buddhist monks to wear their robes when escorted outside prison premises, subject to recommendations from the respective Nikayas or chapters to which they belong, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

According to the PMD, the proposed amendments to the existing regulations and standing orders are expected to be presented to the Maha Sangha by the middle of next week to obtain their views and suggestions.

A special committee has been appointed to study the matter and submit proposals for amending the relevant regulations and standing orders within two weeks.

The government expects to finalise and pass the proposed regulations within the next two weeks.

Once implemented, the new provisions will permit imprisoned Buddhist monks to wear their monastic robes when escorted outside prison premises, provided they have the endorsement of their respective Nikaya or chapter.

A foot march led by members of the Maha Sangha commenced today (10) from the premises of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, protesting the disrobing of Most Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero and calling for his release.

Prior to the commencement of the march, a special blessing ceremony and a Sathya Kriya (Act of Truth) were held at the Magul Maduwa in Kandy.

Speaking on the occasion, Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero stated that he strongly condemned what he described as arbitrary actions taken by the current government against Gnanasara Thero.

He pointed out that, just as Venerable Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero had raised his voice in the past to protect the nation and the Sambuddha Sasana, Gnanasara Thero had also spoken out for the advancement of the country, the nation and the Sasana.

Emphasising that Gnanasara Thero was not imprisoned over a personal matter but was serving a prison sentence on behalf of the nation and the Sasana, Venerable Sumangala Thero stressed that it was the responsibility of the entire fourfold Buddhist community to stand by him unconditionally and ensure that he was not left isolated.

The foot march commenced near the statue of Venerable Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero within the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises and is scheduled to proceed to the location where Gnanasara Thero is currently being detained.

Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero also appealed to the public to join the march peacefully, despite what he described as the prevailing suppression. He asserted that the campaign against what he termed injustice would not be abandoned until Gnanasara Thero was granted his freedom.

Sri Lanka and China have begun discussions on preparations to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the Rubber–Rice Pact in 2027.

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath met Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Wei Huaxiang to discuss bilateral cooperation and arrangements for commemorating the two milestones.

The Rubber–Rice Pact, signed in 1952, laid an important foundation for economic cooperation between the two countries, five years before they formally established diplomatic relations in 1957.

The meeting highlighted the significance of the anniversaries as an opportunity to recognise the longstanding friendship between the two countries and further strengthen bilateral ties.

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision to dismiss, at the initial stage, his writ application seeking to prevent his arrest over the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The Court of Appeal dismissed the application on October 1 without issuing formal notices to the respondents.

In his appeal petition, Rajapaksa has named Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director Shani Abeysekara, the Officer-in-Charge of the CID’s Special Investigations Unit, and the Attorney General as respondents.

Through the appeal, the former President is seeking to challenge the legality of the Court of Appeal’s decision and obtain an order restraining the authorities from arresting him in connection with the investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks.

The Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her extraordinary contributions to peace, justice, and the strengthening of international law.

As Sri Lankan Tamils, we hold deep respect for Ms. Pillay’s unwavering commitment to truth and accountability. Her principled leadership at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and her courageous efforts to highlight war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide have ensured that the voices of victims — including those from Sri Lanka — were heard on the world’s most important human rights platforms.

Her work has been instrumental in advancing global recognition of the suffering endured by Tamil civilians during the Sri Lankan conflict, and her insistence on justice has given hope to countless families still seeking answers and accountability.

TELO proudly salutes Ms. Pillay’s lifelong dedication to defending human rights — from her early fight against apartheid to her leadership in major international courts — and celebrates this historic recognition of her moral courage and legal integrity.

We wish her continued strength as she inspires the world to uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that no community’s suffering is forgotten.