Horror as woman 'drugged and gang-raped for hours after group text'

A university student was allegedly sexually assaulted after another student drugged her and invited others to join in on a group chat.

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IRD enforces mandatory TIN certificate submission for specified transactions starting November 01

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced a sweeping regulatory shift, confirming that the submission of a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate will become mandatory for a wide range of essential financial, commercial, and property transactions starting November 1, 2026.

The decisive directive, enforced under the legal framework of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, applies directly to individuals specified under Section 102(3) of the principal Inland Revenue Act.

Under the new mandate, relevant authorities and corporate entities across the island have been instructed to withhold processing or completion of key procedures unless applicants present a verified TIN document. The specified transactions include:

Financial Services: Opening any account at a bank or financial institution, and obtaining a credit card.

Property and Construction: Obtaining approval for building plans, and registering land or titles to land.

Automotive Administration: Registering a motor vehicle or renewing a motor vehicle license.

Commercial Activity: Registering a new business.

Corporate Transfers: Transferring shares of a company incorporated in Sri Lanka—a requirement binding on both the transferor and the transferee.

The IRD has reiterated that acquiring a TIN remains a statutory obligation for all resident individuals who were aged 18 or older as of December 31, 2023, as well as those who attain the age of 18 on or after January 1, 2024, upon reaching that milestone. Officials handling the designated services have been sternly directed to verify compliance before moving forward with any customer requests.

To streamline the transition and prevent administrative bottlenecks, the department has encouraged members of the public who have not yet secured their numbers to register promptly via the official IRD e-Services platform. Furthermore, recognizing potential logistical hurdles, the IRD noted that a printout of the online TIN verification result—clearly displaying the applicant’s National Identity Card (NIC) number and TIN—will be accepted as a valid alternative to the official certificate.

As the November 1 deadline approaches, citizens are urged to secure their documentation beforehand to ensure uninterrupted access to essential public, financial, and legal services.

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Harak Kata’s father alleges plot to kill son in custody

The father of detained underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias “Harak Kata”, has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), alleging a plot to assassinate his son while in custody.

In a letter to the HRCSL Secretary, Nelson Mervyn Wickramaratne said his son was being held at a 10-cell detention facility at the Welisara Navy Camp alongside three other alleged underworld figures — Kehelbaddara Padme, Bacco Saman and Panadura Nilanga.

He alleged that the three had previously been accused of attempting to assassinate his son within court premises.

Wickramaratne also denied recent media reports of a clash between his son and Padme on September 22, claiming that the reports were being used to facilitate an attack on his son.

He said his son was suffering from a knee injury, used crutches and was being held under conditions that had adversely affected his health.

The complaint also alleged that his son faced threats after being prepared to disclose information concerning alleged corruption involving senior police officers. These allegations have not been independently established.

Wickramaratne further claimed that despite more than 36 months in detention and extensive interrogation by the CID and TID, no new cases relating to drug trafficking or major crimes had been filed against his son, apart from a 2018 drug case involving 12 grammes.

He urged the HRCSL to intervene immediately to safeguard his son’s right to life and ensure due process.

from The Island http://island.lk/harak-katas-father-alleges-plot-to-kill-son-in-custody/

Seylan Cards partners with Cinnamon City of Dreams to unveil ‘Lenny Jay’s Michael: Relive the Legend’

Seylan Cards has partnered with City of Dreams Sri Lanka, to present ‘This Is Michael: Relive the Legend’, a live tribute to the legacy, music, and energy of Michael Jackson. Held at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, from the 8th to the 9th of November 2026, the event offers Seylan Cardholders the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in premium entertainment and create extraordinary memories.

Standing as an internationally acclaimed Michael Jackson tribute production, ‘This is Michael: Relive the Legend’ has travelled across 15 countries and 25 cities. Performed by Lenny Jay, the tribute show honours the voice, costumes, and the iconic presence of Michael Jackson and his immense impact on the world, backed by an exhilarating cast of singers, dancers, and musicians.

The partnership expands Seylan Cards’ proposition, effectively opening the doors to exclusive entertainment, lifestyle, and experiential opportunities and allowing Cardholders to step into the experience of an authentic Jackson performance.

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One dead, another missing in Kitulgala drowning

One person drowned and another went missing while bathing in the Manna Kethi Ella in Kitulgala on Wednesday (23) evening.

Efforts were underway to locate the missing person. (NP)

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Planters’ Association Chairman proposes 5-point plan for industry revival at 172nd AGM

Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC Director / CEO, Shanaka Samaradiwakara was appointed as Chairman of the Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PAC), while Kahawatte Plantations PLC Director / CEO Binesh Pananwala, was appointed as Deputy Chairman at the Association’s 172nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 19 September at the Cinnamon Grand.

The event was graced by Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman, Raj Obeyesekere as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

In his inaugural address, Samaradiwakara outlined a five-point vision for the plantation sector, focusing on value addition, research and development, land-use and productivity, irrigation and long-term security of tenure. He emphasised that the future of commercial agriculture in Sri Lanka would hinge on how effectively all industry stakeholders could work together, while maintaining clear understanding of the ground realities faced by producers.

Value-added tea accounted for more than 50% of total tea export volumes in 2025. Samaradiwakara noted Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) have accounted for the majority of that volume through continuous investments, including most recently in matcha, green tea and artisanal teas.

In that context, he sought the support of the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the export sector to protect this emerging high value segment, given that significant quantities of green tea and other high-value teas remain unsold at auction while similar products continue to enter the country. “We respectfully request the authorities to review this matter and introduce appropriate measures to support domestic production and value addition,” he stated.

On research and development, he observed that commercially viable alternatives to several essential crop protection products remain limited. Accordingly, he called on the Tea, Rubber and Coconut Research Institutes to lead the development of practical, scientifically proven alternatives, while stressing that disease threatening the rubber industry requires immediate attention. “We cannot afford to repeat the experience of the coffee industry, where coffee blight devastated the sector,” he added.

Turning to issues around land-use policies and productivity, he noted that RPCs have diversified for over two decades in response to changing rainfall patterns, introducing crops such as oil palm, pepper and avocado. He warned that these investments are increasingly threatened by unsupportive policy, agricultural theft and crop damage by wild animals, costing companies millions of rupees each month in security. “It is imperative that these investments are protected through strong enforcement, appropriate regulatory reforms, and effective measures to address both agricultural theft and crop damage,” he noted. On irrigation, he appealed to the Government to relax archaic restrictions on groundwater use and simplify approvals for drilling tube wells in order to enhance climate resilience.

Addressing security of tenure, he highlighted that replanting often takes more than a decade to generate meaningful revenue, and that uncertainty over lease extensions is making it harder for RPCs to attract foreign direct investment and long-term financing. “If we are to attract fresh capital, accelerate replanting, modernise our plantations and improve productivity, security and certainty of tenure are mandatory,” he added.

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England 119/2 in 20 overs

England had moved to 119 for two at the end of 20 overs after electing to bat first in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street yesterday.

Captain Kusal Mendis returned to the side after a long injury lay off while Sri Lanka handed over debut to leg-spin bowler Sachindu Colombage.

Captain Harry Brook was unbeaten on 35 with Joe Root on 41.

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