- Foreign Minister Ali Sabry contradicts the Defence Ministry and says Sri Lanka has not given permission to the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan-6 to dock in Colombo next month: says negotiations are still going on: adds that Indian security concerns are “important” for Sri Lanka.
- Foreign Minister Ali Sabry says Canada is a safe haven for terrorists and that Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has a way of coming out with outrageous allegations: the FM was speaking out in support of India amidst India’s ongoing diplomatic row with Canada.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe says a new law will be introduced to transform the Port City into the Colombo Financial Zone, granting it jurisdiction over offshore activities: the legislation is expected to be enacted by the end of the year.
- Chairman of the Parliament Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans – Mahindananda Aluthgamage says SL is struggling to meet its tax revenue target committed to the IMF this year: also says that is due to the inefficiency and corruption among state officials at Inland Revenue Dept, Customs, & Excise Dept; analysts point out however that the main reason for the decline in Govt revenue is the hugely contracting economy as a result of Govt & CB policies.
- Foreign tourist arrivals so far this year (2023) crosses 1 million.
- State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says the 2024 Budget speech will be on Nov.13 & the debate on 2nd reading of the Appropriation Bill will be from Nov.14 to 21: the vote on the 2nd reading will be on Nov.21 & from Nov.22 to Dec.13 the debate on the 3rd reading will be held.
- Rebel SLPP MP Professor G L Peiris & SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara file a Fundamental Rights Petition before the Supreme Court challenging the Govt’s Domestic Debt Optimization programme: cite CB Governor, Monetary Board, Finance Secretary, Attorney General and several others as Respondents.
- Audit report on the Ministry of Health by the National Audit Office states that presently a shortage of 1,331 medical officers, 77 dentists, 1,759 nurses & 2,268 medical assistants is prevalent in the health sphere, thus dealing a crippling blow to its maintenance.
- Former NPP MP Dr Nalinda Jayatissa says a future NPP govt will work with the IMF and other institutions: also says the NPP will do so while respecting the people’s mandate: alleges the present Govt is only trying to postpone the economic crisis by hiding behind the IMF proposals.
- Cricket selectors exclude Wanindu Hasaranga from the 15-member World Cup squad as he is still recovering from injury: include Dushan Hemantha in the squad.
