Marking Deepavali, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has highlighted the festival’s philosophical significance in overcoming oppression and injustice, noting that its underlying message is particularly relevant amid the current socio-economic challenges faced by the country.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her Deepavali message, has stated that the festival symbolizes “the light over darkness and good over evil,” while providing an opportunity to dispel hatred, jealousy and ignorance and embrace wisdom and compassion.

Israel's president on Saturday chose Gadi Eisenkot, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strongest rival, to try to form ​a new government following a deadlocked election that left neither man with a clear path to power.

A gunman believed to have been inspired by far-right ideology has killed six people and injured more than a dozen others in an attack in the busy centre of Poland's second largest city.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his Deepavali message has extended his greetings to the Hindu community, highlighting the festival’s significance as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Showers or thunder showers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 p.m, today (08), the Department of Meteorology said.

Due to the prevailing heavy rainfall, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide early warnings under Levels 1 and 2 for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions across eight districts.

The Department of Irrigation has taken steps to open two additional spill gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir by one foot each, following an increase in the volume of water flowing into the reservoir.

At least three persons, including a woman, have reportedly died, while four others have sustained injuries following a collision between an SLTB bus and a van at Mahena, Warakapola, along the Colombo–Kandy road, police said.

Officials of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) informed a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat that the main cause of the flash floods in Colombo yesterday (06) was the exceptionally heavy rainfall of approximately 129 mm within one hour.

The Excise Department has taken steps to close liquor outlets in several areas of the island tomorrow (08) in observance of the Deepavali festival.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for heavy rainfall in multiple areas across fourteen districts.

Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar has stated that the city’s drainage system, which was developed over the years to accommodate rainfall of approximately 30mm, was overwhelmed by the unusually heavy rainfall of 129mm recorded yesterday, resulting in flooding in several areas.

Manoj Muthukumarana, alias “Kaiwaru Muthu,” a suspected member of an organised criminal gang, has been remanded until November 19.

At least four persons are reportedly missing and feared drowned while bathing in a stream at Bevaraliya in Deniyaya, according to police.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya returned to Sri Lanka today (07), following her participation in the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 held in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an Amber-level advisory for severe lightning affecting several areas across the island.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax will be revised through the 2027 Budget, which is scheduled to be presented to Parliament next week.