- John Hopkins University Economist Professor Steve Hanke reports that Sri Lanka is 3rd in the world in terms of the depreciation of the local currency against the USD: 1st – Zimbabwe: 2nd – Cuba.
- Cabinet approves import of 25,000 MT of maize or alternative grains for the production of animal feed to address the current shortage of maize in the country.
- Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Russia Professor Janitha Liyanage says Aeroflot flights between Moscow and Colombo will resume from 9th October.
- Bar Association expresses concerns at the President’s move to declare certain areas in Colombo District as high-security zones.
- SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam says the government never promised to offer chairmanship of COPA and COPE to the Opposition: also says the opposition is misleading the country by such false claims.
- Police fire water cannons and tear gas to disperse persons protesting against the declaration of high security zones: 84 persons including the National Organizer of the Socialist Youth Union Eranga Gunasekara and two Buddhist monks arrested.
- Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera expresses concern over the future of the poultry industry in the country as the economic crisis is severely affecting the production of chicken and eggs.
- Parliament passes Bill to establish a “National Council” representing all recognised political parties in Parliament, with responsibility to guide short, medium, and long-term national policies, without a vote: PM Dinesh Gunawardene says it was presented after reaching agreement with all political parties.
- Cabinet approves President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to limit Ministers’ trips abroad: Ministers’ travels limited to “necessary trips”: delegations limited to “required personnel”.
- “Bandula” 80, the oldest elephant in the Dehiwala Zoo, dies: Bandula had been brought to the zoo in 1943 as a year-old calf, and thereafter trained to participate at the “elephant dancing show” which is a major tourist attraction.
