SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, marking 50 days since his imprisonment, has said that although he remains behind bars, his thoughts and the aspirations of those supporting his political camp cannot be imprisoned.

In a statement issued from the Parliamentary Complex on October 23, Rajapaksa described his imprisonment as a period of learning and reflection, while criticising the Government over what he said were attempts to divert attention from the country's pressing problems.

"Although prison walls surround me, I know that beyond those walls stands a wall of people," he said, questioning whether his imprisonment was linked to the public support he receives and his position as the eldest son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

He said politics was not merely about rallies, speeches or applause, adding that he viewed the 50 days in prison not as time lost but as a period during which he had learned about life anew.

Referring to the death of the tusker Kavantissa, Rajapaksa said the country's failure to protect the elephant and its heritage had caused collective sadness, stressing the responsibility of national leaders to safeguard all living beings and preserve the country's heritage for future generations.

He praised his father for what he described as his commitment to protecting the country's people, religion and cultural values, saying Mahinda Rajapaksa continued to enjoy the affection of many Sri Lankans.

Rajapaksa also distinguished between criticism and attacks on religion and culture, saying democratic societies should allow civil discussions but should not tolerate insults, deliberate distortions of the truth, hatred or violence.

Describing Buddhism as deeply rooted in Sri Lanka's cultural identity, he said religious coexistence should be based on mutual understanding and respect rather than competition.

He added that the country's resources, culture and heritage should not be ridiculed or treated with contempt, calling for their protection through a proper understanding of issues and respect for the law.

Turning to the economy, Rajapaksa said people were facing severe difficulties while the country was struggling with problems across multiple sectors. He questioned the lack of relief for the public despite claims about the state of government finances and said Sri Lanka had lost investment opportunities.

He further argued that attempts to place the country's problems at the door of one family were unreasonable and reflected an inability to address the underlying issues.

Rajapaksa expressed confidence that the courts would eventually find him not guilty and acquit him.

In a series of remarks highlighting the economic difficulties faced by the public, he said he would be willing to remain imprisoned for 500 days instead of 50 if his imprisonment could lead to lower electricity bills, cheaper fuel, salary increases every six months, interest-free bank loans without collateral, Toyota Vitz cars priced at around Rs. 1.2 million, lower rice prices and the removal of taxes on healthcare, education and essential goods.

"If my country can benefit and our cultural heritage can be protected, then I am willing to remain imprisoned for not just 50 days, but even 500 days," he said.

He concluded by saying that his father had taught him that true victory was not about holding power but about earning a place in the hearts of the people.

"Although you may imprison me, you cannot imprison the aspirations of the people who stand with our camp," he said.

The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard seized over 475kg of methamphetamine (Ice) and heroin during a joint operation in the coastal area of Naotunna, Thalalla, Matara, this morning (24), the Navy said.

The President’s Office has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was admitted to a private hospital following a sudden illness.

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament yesterday that steps had been taken to bring back criminals operating from overseas, with special police teams conducting operations in coordination with international police in countries where the suspects are hiding.

The Acting Commissioner General of Prisons has issued an Extraordinary Gazette notification amending the Standing Orders of the Department of Prisons outlining the procedures to be followed regarding the removal of robes when imprisoning a Buddhist monk.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has written an emotional letter to his son, MP Namal Rajapaksa, who is currently in remand custody, recalling the advice he gave him when he first entered politics in 2010.

The three foreign companies involved in retail fuel distribution — Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC), Sinopec and RM Parks — have limited their operations amid a surge in global fuel prices, leaving the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) hard-pressed to make up the shortfall, an official said yesterday.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the Ministry of Finance has finalised decisions to close 34 state institutions as part of the government’s efforts to reduce public expenditure and ease the financial burden on the state.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today rejected a motion filed by Buddhist monks participating in a Satyagraha protest at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, seeking to challenge or vary a court order issued yesterday directing the protesters to vacate the premises.

The first heart surgery performed on former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has been successful, family sources said. The procedure was carried out following an emergency that arose while she was receiving inpatient treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. However, family sources said another open-heart surgery is expected to be performed at a later date.

Litro Gas Lanka has announced plans to distribute 350,000 gas cylinders to the market over the next three days to ensure an uninterrupted supply of domestic gas across the country.

A developing weather system over the Andaman Sea could mark the beginning of a fresh cyclonic threat over the Bay of Bengal, with a low-pressure area likely to form on October 23, 2026.

The National System Operator (NSO) has announced that electricity demand management measures will no longer be required from today (October 22), following the restoration of Lakvijaya Power Station Unit 02 to its full capacity of 270 MW.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala today told Parliament that the Government has intensified investigations into drug-related offences, with 586,824 individuals arrested during 588,180 drug raids conducted over the past two years.

SriLankan Airlines has announced that the suspension of all flights between Colombo and Dammam, and Colombo and Riyadh, will remain in effect until and including November 1, 2026, due to the prevailing security situation in the region.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it is yet to discuss with Sri Lankan authorities the government's claim that around US$ 1 billion has been siphoned out of the country under the guise of import payments for which no goods were delivered.

The Court of Appeal (CoA) today (Oct. 22) rejected a series of intervention petitions seeking permission to make submissions in connection with the writ petition filed by former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay.

Sri Lanka Police have recorded statements from 14 individuals, including politicians, in connection with the installation of a statue of former LTTE member Rasaiah Parthipan, also known as Thileepan, in Nallur, Jaffna.

ITAK Parliamentary Group Leader MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has strongly opposed the establishment of additional liquor outlets in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, urging the government to prioritise development and public welfare in the Northern Province.

The government today assured the public that there was no reason to fear shortages of gas, fuel, fertiliser or medicine, saying sufficient stocks were available in the country.

The National System Operator (Pvt.) Ltd. expects the Norochcholai coal power plant to resume power generation by tomorrow (Thursday), an official said yesterday.