Showers or thundershowers are expected in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces, as well as the Ampara and Batticaloa districts, after 1.00 p.m. today (01), the Department of Meteorology stated. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is likely at some locations in these areas. Mainly fair weather is expected elsewhere across the island. The public has been advised to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. Misty conditions are also expected in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces, as well as the Kurunegala and Anuradhapura districts, during the early morning hours.

Fairly heavy showers expected in several areas

<ul><li>GRA misses June deadline, followed by Nov. targets</li><li>Draft regulations undergoing finalisation: Regulator&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>6 licensed casino operators; 5 currently operational</li><li>Betting, gaming revenue reached nearly Rs. 15 b in 2024</li></ul> The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has set 31 December as the latest deadline for the publication of Sri Lanka’s much-delayed casino and online gambling regulations, after missing its initial 30 June target and a subsequent November timeline, as learnt by The Sunday Morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The delays have raised concerns over the Government’s failure to adequately regulate online gambling amid allegations of substantial tax revenue losses, despite collecting nearly Rs. 15 billion in betting and gaming levies and casino licence fees in 2024.&nbsp;Speaking to The Sunday Morning, GRA Director General Dr. W.M.K.G.A. Wickramasinghe confirmed that the regulations were being finalised following a review process and would be published by the end of December.&nbsp;He said that an international advisory team had drafted the regulations and submitted them to the authority, which had referred them to a review committee. The reviewed proposals have since been returned to the GRA for finalisation.&nbsp;The Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No.17 of 2025 came into operation on 1 December 2025 to establish a unified regulatory framework covering casinos, betting, and online gambling. However, the first phase of regulations, initially scheduled for 30 June 2026, remains unpublished, while 30 November had also been identified as the target for making the authority fully operational.&nbsp;According to information presented during parliamentary scrutiny in July, Sri Lanka had six licensed casino operators, of which five were operational, along with 37 licensed sports betting and horse-racing operators.&nbsp;Inland Revenue Department (IRD) officials also informed the parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) that no online casino operators had been registered with the department at the time, despite numerous platforms targeting Sri Lankan customers.&nbsp;According to the IRD’s 2024 Annual Performance Report, the Government collected Rs. 9.81 billion through the Betting and Gaming Levy and Rs. 5.1 billion in casino licence fees, bringing total collections from the two categories to approximately Rs. 14.91 billion, or 0.57% of the department’s total reported revenue.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Government has increased taxes on gambling businesses, with the gross collection levy rising from 15% to 18% from 1 January 2026 for operators whose monthly gross collections exceed Rs. 1 million, under the Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment) Act No.25 of 2025.&nbsp;The casino entrance levy applicable to Sri Lankan citizens was also doubled from $ 50 to $ 100 per entrant, while casino operators are subject to an annual gaming levy of Rs. 500 million. The earlier licensing framework also prescribed Rs. 500 million for a five-year casino licence or renewal.&nbsp;The corporate income tax rate applicable to betting and gaming businesses was increased from 40% to 45%, effective from 1 April 2025.&nbsp;Meanwhile, COPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva has strongly criticised the Government’s failure to introduce the regulations, alleging that the prolonged delay was allowing substantial potential tax revenue to go uncollected.&nbsp;Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Dr. de Silva accused the Government of failing to address revenue leakages from online gambling while continuing to impose substantial taxes on ordinary citizens and businesses.&nbsp;“Every day, millions and tens of millions, probably hundreds of millions of tax money is not being paid to the State, and the State is just looking the other way,” he charged.&nbsp;He claimed that successive governments had failed to establish an effective regulatory system despite repeated calls for action and parliamentary scrutiny.&nbsp;Dr. de Silva said he had consistently advocated the establishment of an independent gambling regulator, but questioned the effectiveness of the current arrangements in the absence of the supporting regulations.&nbsp;“There is a regulator, but there are no regulations,” he said.&nbsp;According to the COPF Chairman, the absence of an effective regulatory framework has enabled foreign-linked online gambling businesses to operate in the country without sufficient financial supervision.He alleged that substantial amounts of money were being generated daily through online gambling activities, while the State was failing to collect taxes potentially due from such operations.&nbsp;The MP also raised concerns over the involvement of foreign nationals in online gambling-related businesses operating in Sri Lanka, warning that the absence of proper oversight could expose the country to wider financial and reputational risks.&nbsp;He questioned the effectiveness of Government efforts to block illegal gambling websites, alleging that some operators had continued their activities despite restrictions imposed by the authorities.&nbsp;Dr. de Silva also criticised the Government’s broader approach to revenue collection, arguing that the authorities should prioritise plugging tax leakages and bringing unregulated businesses into the formal tax system instead of imposing additional burdens on working and middle-income earners.&nbsp;He maintained that the existing tax burden had placed considerable pressure on ordinary citizens, while potentially substantial revenue sources remained inadequately regulated.&nbsp;The COPF Chairman further questioned why successive deadlines for introducing the regulations had been missed despite repeated assurances that the necessary framework was being prepared.

Gambling regulations:  Casino rules by 31 Dec. after repeated delays

<ul><li>Project to be funded by Indian grant</li></ul>The proposed development of the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port in Jaffna has reached the final stage of negotiations, with the signing of the agreement between Sri Lanka and India awaiting approval from the respective Cabinets, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka told The Sunday Morning.&nbsp;India’s High Commission has subsequently listed $ 65 million in grant assistance for the KKS Port’s development, with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise the arrangement still described as under negotiation in its bilateral relations update.“There are no setbacks to the development of the KKS Port. It is in the final stage of the agreement; the signing is also in the final stage,” the Minister said in an interview. The high commission also said there were no impediments.&nbsp;Karunathilaka further stated that the project would be financed through a full grant from India, following the conversion of the original line of credit into grant assistance.&nbsp;The Minister explained that the delay was due to the need to reach an agreement between the two Governments on the terms of the MOU, following several rounds of discussions involving different Sri Lankan stakeholders.&nbsp;“From the Sri Lankan side, the Defence Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Legal Draftman’s Department, and all other stakeholders were involved. There were several opinions, but somehow it is now at the final stage,” he said.&nbsp;Karunathilaka said that the proposed arrangement would involve a 50-50 partnership, with the operating period currently envisaged at 25 years. However, he stressed that the terms could still change before the agreement was finalised.&nbsp;“The proposal at the moment is for 25 years, but there could be some changes at the final stage,” he said.&nbsp;He also confirmed that the original Indian credit line had been converted into a full grant, meaning Sri Lanka would not have to repay the funding as a loan.&nbsp;Asked whether any money had already been spent under the earlier credit line arrangement, the Minister said that India had made payments towards preliminary studies and technical designs, recalling that approximately $ 2 million had been paid, although he did not give an exact figure.&nbsp;The KKS Port rehabilitation project has been delayed for several years despite being initiated in 2020.&nbsp;An agreement was signed between Sri Lanka and the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of India on 10 January 2018 for a $ 45.27 million credit facility to renovate the port. However, the original project could not proceed as planned, with the Government subsequently seeking Indian grant assistance to meet the revised development costs.&nbsp;According to the National Audit Office’s 2024 audit report, preliminary designs, prequalification documents, and the detailed project report had been completed, while Rs. 196.3 million had been paid to consultants. The construction phase had not commenced by the end of 2024.&nbsp;In February, Karunathilaka inspected the port and instructed officials of the ministry and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to expedite arrangements to commence the project.&nbsp;On 3 September, Sri Lankan and Indian officials held another round of discussions at the Ministry of Energy, Ports, and Civil Aviation in Colombo to resolve outstanding matters concerning the proposed MOUs. The meeting was attended by Indian Deputy High Commissioner Maitrey Kulkarni, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala, the SLPA Chairman, and officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.&nbsp;The two sides reached agreement on several matters, while the Indian delegation agreed to report the progress to New Delhi and seek a final decision. A joint steering committee and a technical committee were also proposed to oversee the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

KKS Port agreement in final stages: Minister 

The recent dip in Sri Lanka’s apparel export revenue is the result of external macroeconomic pressures and weaker consumer spending in key Western markets rather than domestic operational failures, according to Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe.&nbsp;He added that the Government was working to diversify market reach while ensuring that trade concessions such as the European Union’s (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) remained protected.“The reason for the drop in apparel is the economic slowdown in the United States and Europe,” he told The Sunday Morning, noting that rising inflation in the US and the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict had contributed significantly to the deceleration of Western economies.Apparel exports totalled $ 3.59 billion from January to September this year, a decline of 5.52%, or roughly $ 210 m, compared to the same period last year, according to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), which represents the industry.Cumulative figures show declines across all major markets. Exports to the UK recorded the sharpest fall at 10.85%, followed by the EU and other markets at 5.44% and 5.43%, respectively. The US market contracted by 3.69%.The Deputy Minister pointed out that the local industry was structured around high-value manufacturing. “We produce high-premium products for top-tier brands,” he said. “When their markets experience a slowdown, consumer spending decreases, and that is what impacts our order volumes.”Drawing comparisons with market fluctuations during the Covid-19 pandemic, Abeysinghe described the downturn as part of an economic cycle. Some facilities are operating at capacities roughly 20% below peak periods, but he stressed that the sector’s survival was not at stake. “This is not a threat severe enough to cause factory closures, though order volumes are not at the levels seen previously,” he said.To reduce vulnerability to single-market shocks, he said the Government would assist manufacturers to expand. “What we intend to do is promote apparel beyond our current markets,” he said. “We are looking at assisting our enterprises to expand into different states within the US as well as exploring new international destinations outside the US.”According to the JAAF figures, September itself saw some improvement. Exports totalled $ 416.99 million, up 3.47% year-on-year. Shipments to the US climbed 7.17% to $ 172.03 million, while exports to the EU, excluding the UK, grew 6.5% to $ 132.46 million. Exports to the UK, however, dropped 5.92% to $ 47.33 million, and shipments to other regions decreased 3.89% to $ 65.17 million.JAAF described the growth in the US and EU as an “encouraging sign” but cautioned that it did not yet constitute a turnaround.The forum stated that global shifts in trade dynamics were influencing the outlook. US import data indicate that Chinese apparel shipments to the US dropped by approximately 34% in the first seven months of 2026.&nbsp;Industry stakeholders in other apparel-exporting countries observe that China and India have redirected more exports to Europe after facing higher US tariffs, increasing competition in the EU market. China’s share of EU apparel imports grew from 26.9% to 28.6% between January and April this year. JAAF said this highlighted the need for Sri Lankan producers to focus on competitiveness, reliability, and market diversification.JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence said: “September’s growth in the US and EU is encouraging, and it shows our manufacturers can compete when demand is there. We’re still more than 5% behind where we were this time last year. What the industry needs now is steady, competitively priced energy and a supportive policy environment, so that this momentum lasts beyond a single month.”Responding to questions on the EU’s GSP+ concession which directly impacts Sri Lanka’s apparel sector and the conditions tied to democratic reforms in the light of controversies surrounding the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB), Abeysinghe said the President had given assurances that the required commitments would be addressed. He dismissed speculation that the Government would risk tariff preferences through proposed legislation.“We are formulating these laws in consultation with the United Nations, the EU, and relevant governing bodies,” he said. “If there are shortcomings or adjustments that need to be made, the Government will address them appropriately. We will carry out legal reforms in a manner that will not harm concessions like GSP+.”Meanwhile, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has submitted its observations on the PSTB and is finalising its views on the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill. It called for a careful review to ensure clear definitions, appropriate judicial oversight, and adequate due process safeguards.“Such measures are essential to maintaining investor confidence, legal certainty, and Sri Lanka’s reputation as a predictable and rules-based destination for trade and investment,” the chamber said, urging that new legislation be aligned with international commitments and standards to support the continuation of GSP+ benefits.The Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, and Human Rights Watch have flagged concerns over the drafts.&nbsp;

Western slump behind apparel export decline: Dep. Min.

<ul><li>Removals follow reassessment under 22 criteria: WBB&nbsp;</li><li>Vulnerable and Transitional category payments already discontinued</li></ul> The Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) has said that 954,885 individuals have been removed from all four Aswesuma beneficiary categories following the latest recertification, while noting that payments to those previously classified under the vulnerable and transitional categories had already ended in accordance with earlier gazette notifications.“According to the gazette, payments to the Transitional category ended last December, although the deadline was extended until April. Payments to the Vulnerable category also ended last June. Going forward, we will be making payments to those classified as Poor and Severely Poor,” WBB Chairman Nimal Kotawalagedara said.He explained that the current payment arrangements covered only the Poor and Severely Poor categories, while those under the Vulnerable and Transitional categories, comprising 248,251 and 188,694 people, respectively, could potentially be directed towards alternative assistance, including empowerment and Samurdhi-related programmes in the future.Kotawalagedara noted that the removal of 954,885 individuals from all four categories was part of the recertification exercise aimed at addressing inclusion and exclusion errors identified during the previous beneficiary selection process in 2023.According to him, 23,364 individuals previously classified as Severely Poor and 102,915 individuals from the Poor category had been removed following the reassessment, while others had shifted between categories depending on their updated assessments.He stressed that the reassessment was not based solely on household income, but instead on 22 criteria developed by the Department of Census and Statistics, covering factors including housing conditions, disability, age, household size, sources of income, and land ownership.“Poverty is not just about income. In addition to income, we consider 22 other criteria. All these factors are taken into account when determining eligibility for the Poor and Severely Poor categories,” he said.He added that information provided by applicants was verified by survey officers, with the final categorisation determined through a scoring system operated by the Integrated Welfare Management System (IWMS).“The selection process is not influenced by personal preferences, friendships, or political connections. The scoring and selection is carried out through our system. Survey officers verify the claims provided by beneficiaries, while the selection committee further reviews the information and directs it into the system,” he added.The Chairman said that approximately 95% of divisional secretariats had submitted their assessments, resulting in the publication of an initial list comprising 991,800 individuals. A further list covering approximately 700,000 individuals is expected following the completion of the remaining assessments, with payments and arrears expected to be made in November.“For the second release, about 5% of assessments remain to be approved at divisional secretariat level from this 95%. We expect to make payments, including arrears, in November. There are approximately 700,000 people, of whom around 200,000 could shift to the Poor and Severely Poor categories. Therefore, we do not expect a substantial reduction from the amounts paid so far, although there may be some minor changes,” he noted.Addressing concerns over wrongful exclusions, Kotawalagedara said that individuals whose status had changed or those who had not been selected could submit appeals within the designated 10-day period, while objections could also be lodged by members of the public and voluntary organisations.He added that appeals and objections would be reviewed by committees headed by divisional secretaries, with affected households subject to a fresh assessment by officers who had not conducted the original survey. The public can also contact the WBB through its hotline, 1924, to make inquiries.Kotawalagedara said that the beneficiary lists would be published in all three languages, adding that individual notices would not be issued to all those excluded given the large number of applicants.Under the revised payment arrangements, individuals categorised as Severely Poor receive Rs. 17,500, while those in the Poor category receive Rs. 12,000.

Aswesuma: Nearly 955,000 dropped from beneficiary categories

Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) officials will visit prison to record a statement from the former Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Homagama Police Crimes Division, who has been remanded over the death of 29-year-old Ishara Harshakumara in Police custody, former Commissioner of the HRCSL Nimal Punchihewa told The Sunday Morning.Punchihewa said that three personnel connected to Homagama Police had been summoned to appear before the commission over the death of a suspect in custody, but one, the former Crimes Division OIC, had already been arrested and remanded until 12 November. Arrangements had been made to obtain his statement by sending commission officials directly to the prison, he said.He added that the station’s Headquarters Inspector had been suspended shortly before the scheduled inquiry. A newly appointed Inspector, who had taken up duties only a day earlier and had no prior knowledge of the matter, appeared in his place. Representatives of the Police Human Rights Division had also appeared before the commission to explain the Police’s actions, he said.The HRCSL has opened an inquiry of its own initiative into the death of the 29-year-old, who died shortly after his arrest by the Homagama Police, under case reference HRC/SUO/MOTU/13/26.The Police said that statements had so far been recorded from 17 people – eight civilians and nine Police officers. The Western Province South District Crime Division is leading the investigation on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The case has been handed to that division to ensure an independent inquiry.Harshakumara, from Kiriwaththuduwa, was a father of two who had been arrested on narcotics-related charges. He died on Sunday (25 October) while in the custody of the Homagama Police.&nbsp;Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General Sajeewa Medawatte said that the Police believed he had died of injuries from an assault. Post-mortem and medical examinations had found three fractured ribs, a fractured bone in the neck, and swelling and bleeding in the brain, he said. The Police said that the man had been held in the Crimes Division before being placed in a cell, where the alleged assault took place.The former Sub-Inspector who served as OIC of the Homagama Police Crimes Division was arrested on Wednesday (28 October). He was produced before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (29 October) and remanded until 12 November for an identification parade.Three officers, two Sub-Inspectors and a Police Constable, have been suspended. The Headquarters Inspector of the station has also been suspended with immediate effect for failing to exercise proper supervision.Investigators visited a prison on Wednesday and, under a court order, recorded a statement from another suspect who had been arrested with the deceased on 24 October. The family has raised concerns about that suspect, identified as Madhusanka, alleging that he was also severely beaten and remains in a serious condition in remand custody.The Police said that the deceased had been admitted to the Homagama Hospital at 1.05 p.m. on 24 October for treatment after a road accident. Hospital records show that he left without authorisation at 5.55 p.m. the same day. Investigators have taken steps to report these findings to the court.The Police said that he had been arrested by the Homagama Police on 25 October and had died after being hospitalised. A comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of his death is continuing.Separately, three officers at the Kobeigane Police Station, two Police Sergeants and a Constable, have been suspended after the death of a 41-year-old suspect in custody.The man was suspected of involvement in burglaries and thefts in the area. Villagers apprehended him in the Beddegama area of Kobeigane, tied him to a tree, and assaulted him before handing him over to the Police. He was held at the station for two days without immediate medical treatment and was admitted to the Nikaweratiya Hospital on Tuesday (27 October) night, where he died.Police Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler confirmed the suspensions over alleged dereliction of duty and negligence. Five residents have been arrested in connection with the assault.HRCSL data show that 49 people died in Police custody and 30 more died in Police confrontations between January 2020 and May 2025, a total of 79 deaths over the period.After a preliminary inquiry into the Homagama Police custodial death, the HRCSL said that the officers involved appeared to have violated established guidelines on the welfare and safety of suspects in custody. It has summoned the Homagama OIC, the Crimes Division OIC, and the arresting officers to give evidence.The commission has also asked the Judicial Medical Officer for the full post-mortem report to establish the exact cause of death. An open verdict was returned at the initial autopsy at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital.The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) condemned the death and called on the IGP to ensure an impartial, transparent, and comprehensive investigation without institutional interference.&nbsp;

Homagama custodial death: HRCSL to question remanded Police officer in prison

<ul><li>Terminal project targets July 2027</li></ul> As of Friday (30 October), development at the Jaffna International Airport (Palaly Airport) is progressing, with the passenger terminal expansion expected to be completed by July 2027. However, the airport’s longer-term expansion continues to face challenges over land acquisition, funding, and the extent of the proposed development.&nbsp;The proposed expansion of the airport is facing delays due to land acquisition difficulties involving properties under the Ministry of Defence as well as privately owned land, according to Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Director General Captain Daminda Rambukwella.&nbsp;He said that the development work was progressing under the Government. According to a Government announcement in February, the terminal expansion project is being implemented in two stages, with Stage 1 having commenced and Stage 2 scheduled to begin in June. The two-stage development programme was estimated to cost approximately Rs. 700 million.&nbsp;Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Captain Rambukwella said that the land required for the next phase had been identified in the airport’s master plan, but acquisition had been complicated by protests and the need to determine compensation for affected landowners.&nbsp;“Some of the land identified for the airport’s development is under the Ministry of Defence, while other areas involve private land. There have also been protests relating to land acquisition,” he said.&nbsp;He further stated that officials had been assigned to work with the Ministry of Defence to examine the land requirements, while discussions had also been held with the relevant authorities. The acquisition process is ongoing, with the Government required to determine compensation arrangements.&nbsp;On the airport’s operational capacity, Rambukwella said that Palaly could currently accommodate ATR aircraft, but larger aircraft would require an extension of the runway. He stressed that runway development was the responsibility of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL), not the CAASL.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the CAASL is considering introducing Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches at the Palaly and Ratmalana Airports. The system uses satellite-based navigation and reduces reliance on conventional ground-based navigation infrastructure.&nbsp;Captain Rambukwella said that the proposed system was widely used internationally and could improve navigation capabilities at both airports.&nbsp;Responding to concerns raised in the Auditor General’s 2024 report over an advance payment of approximately Rs. 170 million released through the CAASL for the development of the Jaffna International Airport while AASL records reportedly reflected Rs. 175 million, Captain Rambukwella said that the CAASL fund had been used as an intermediary to release money for the project.&nbsp;Supporting bills and documentation had to be submitted to account for the expenditure, but there had been issues with the submission of bills.&nbsp;“I cannot describe that as corruption. However, I was informed that the matter has since been settled by AASL, with the guidance of the ministry,” he said.

Palaly Airport expansion faces land hurdles

&nbsp;Nineteen investors were initially involved in proposals to develop the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), with the Government now holding discussions with interested parties including both local and international investors, according to Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Director General Captain Daminda Rambukwella.&nbsp;Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Captain Rambukwella said that the proposals included aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, larger hangars, aircraft parking, and storage, as well as supporting services such as hotels and leisure facilities.&nbsp;He said the aim was to create commercial opportunities that would attract aircraft operators and aviation-related businesses to Mattala. Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) is discussing infrastructure requirements, including road access, water supply, and other facilities, while the proposals have also been presented to the President.&nbsp;Asked whether the airport would be developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Captain Rambukwella said the final arrangement had not been confirmed, adding that commercial and investment arrangements were being discussed by AASL and the relevant authorities.&nbsp;He stressed that the CAASL’s role was regulatory, with responsibility for safety and security oversight rather than commercial decisions. The authority conducted continuous safety and security audits at Mattala, including monthly inspections, he said.

MRIA attracts interest from 19 investors

Tens of thousands of people, mostly students and workers, ​took to the streets across Italy on Friday to demand ‌higher wages and stronger public services, protest against the rising cost of living and oppose increased military spending. Grassroots union Unione Sindacale di Base called a 24-hour general ​strike, with protests planned in more than 40 cities. The demonstrations, which came ​after clashes earlier this month in which protesters fought with ⁠police, looted shops and vandalised property, were largely peaceful, although tensions flared ​in some areas. In Turin, police used a water cannon to push back ​students and left-wing activists who approached security cordons protecting the prefecture building. A large march passed near the Colosseum, in Rome, where protesters said they planned to set up ​tents and remain over the weekend. Some rubbish bins were placed ​across streets and set on fire. In the evening, a large group tried to ‌march ⁠towards parliament, prompting police to use water cannon to disperse the crowd, Italian news agency ANSA reported. Eight people were detained after repeatedly trying to break through police barricades, it said. In Milan, protesters marched onto the ​city’s ring road before ​ending the ⁠march in front of the Politecnico di Milano university. Demonstrators carried flares and set fire to objects. Around 15,000 ​port workers, students and other demonstrators entered the port ​of Genoa, ⁠joining similar protests in Europe and elsewhere against the use of ports for arms shipments and highlighting the deaths of seafarers in conflicts from the Gulf ⁠to ​the Black Sea. A wave of protests has ​swept across European countries including France, Spain, Belgium and Albania, driven by grievances including the cost ​of living. Source: Reuters

Fairly heavy showers expected in several areas

Gambling regulations: Casino rules by 31 Dec. after repeated delays

Gambling regulations: Casino ...

KKS Port agreement in final stages: Minister

KKS Port agreement in final st ...

Western slump behind apparel export decline: Dep. Min.

Western slump behind apparel e ...

Aswesuma: Nearly 955,000 dropped from beneficiary categories

Aswesuma: Nearly 955,000 dropp ...

Homagama custodial death: HRCSL to question remanded Police officer in ...

Homagama custodial death: HRCS ...

Palaly Airport expansion faces land hurdles

Palaly Airport expansion faces ...

MRIA attracts interest from 19 investors

MRIA attracts interest from 19 ...

Mass protests sweep Italy during nationwide strike

Mass protests sweep Italy duri ...

Gambling regulations: Casino rules by 31 Dec. after repeated delays

Gambling regulations: Casino ...

KKS Port agreement in final stages: Minister

KKS Port agreement in final st ...

Western slump behind apparel export decline: Dep. Min.

Western slump behind apparel e ...

Aswesuma: Nearly 955,000 dropped from beneficiary categories

Aswesuma: Nearly 955,000 dropp ...

Homagama custodial death: HRCSL to question remanded Police officer in ...

Homagama custodial death: HRCS ...

Palaly Airport expansion faces land hurdles

Palaly Airport expansion faces ...

MRIA attracts interest from 19 investors

MRIA attracts interest from 19 ...

Mass protests sweep Italy during nationwide strike

Mass protests sweep Italy duri ...

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Gambling regulations: Casino rules by 31 Dec. after repeated delays

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KKS Port agreement in final stages: Minister

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Western slump behind apparel export decline: Dep. Min.

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Aswesuma: Nearly 955,000 dropped from beneficiary categories

Aswesuma: Nearly 955,000 dropp ...

Homagama custodial death: HRCSL to question remanded Police officer in ...

Homagama custodial death: HRCS ...

Palaly Airport expansion faces land hurdles

Palaly Airport expansion faces ...