- UNP Chairman MP Wajira Abeywardana says holding the Local Government elections at this juncture will not solve the country’s burning issues: asserts it will not turnaround the bankrupt country: also says the total number of LG members has to be reduced to at least 4000.
- Cabinet approves President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to set aside all state lands under the guidance of Divisional Secretaries.
- President Ranil Wickramasinghe says Govt expects to receive India’s “response” regarding debt restructuring at the end of this month, “negotiations with China have re-commenced”, and expects the IMF facility to be received in the “first half of this year”: in May 2022, CB Governor Weerasinghe had assured the IMF facility would be in place and the economy stabilized by Aug’22.
- All Ceylon Medical Officers’ Association General Secretary Dr Jayantha Bandara warns the lives of 10,000 cancer patients are in danger due to shortages in 15 vital cancer drugs: says 90% of the drugs used by them were in short supply.
- Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa returns from a private visit to Dubai: pictures of Rajapaksa with exotic animals in an exclusive animal park in Dubai go viral in social media.
- Under the Indian “credit line”, 75 buses imported by the Govt: another 425 buses to be received this year: the buses “handed over” by Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay to Transport Minister Dr Bandula Gunawardena, Ports Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, and Trade Minister Nalin Fernando.
- Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says Govt will introduce new laws as proposed by the Law Commission.
- Several high-ranking Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks, who were on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya recently, seek a visit by the Dalai Lama to Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka begins fresh austerity drive: freezes Govt recruitment: introduce new
taxes and higher electricity and fuel prices: desperately try to secure the elusive IMF bailout: the IMF has so far ordered that the Govt’s 1.5 mn strong public service be trimmed, taxes sharply raised, and several State enterprises be sold. - India wins 3rd T20 Cricket International against Sri Lanka by 91 runs and win the series 2-1: IND – 228/5 (20): Sri Lanka 137 all out (16.4).
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 08/01
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