- A hotline (1908) and digital application form (www.tinyurl.com/urumaya) have been launched under the “Urumaya” program for individuals to secure freehold land rights: The initiative, part of the 2024 budget, aims to grant unconditional ownership to farmers and low-income earners, promoting fair land ownership and economic empowerment.
- The Samagi Jana Balawegaya initiated a vote of no confidence against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena: The motion accuses the Speaker of various charges, including mishandling the Online Safety Bill amendments from the Supreme Court and violating parliamentary procedures: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and other prominent figures have signed the motion on behalf of the party.
- NPP Executive member, former MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says although the demands made by the health sector trade unions regarding a pay rise are fair, his party does not approve of long-term strike actions at this moment: stresses such strike actions affect the public: adds there is a reasonable doubt whether a political motive to clash trade unions against one another is in the works.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe orders an investigation into a circular asking overstaying Russian and Ukrainian tourists to leave within 14 days: The Russian Embassy in Colombo awaits the probe’s results, stating it’s an internal matter: Earlier, the circular permitted extended stays due to flight disruptions from Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Deshabandu Tennakoon appointed as the 36th Inspector General of Sri Lanka Police (IGP): The appointment has been made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the Constitution, according to PMD.
- Cabinet suspends ‘Parate executions’ until December 15, 2024, following requests from the Ministers of Justice and Industrie: President, acting as Finance Minister, submits a memorandum, subsequently approved by the Cabinet. Relevant amendments to be presented to Parliament: Decision comes amid considerations to suspend Parate execution laws against micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- United Petroleum Australia Pty Ltd secures contract with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Power and Energy to supply petroleum products: The company aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s retail petroleum sector standards: The billion-dollar enterprise plans to manage 150 existing fuel stations and establish 50 new ones: United Petroleum Lanka Pvt Ltd established for local operations.
- A survey by the University of Peradeniya’s Economics and Statistics Department finds that nearly half of the telephone numbers provided to public service officials are inactive: Out of 589 numbers surveyed, 286 were inactive: Additionally, 22% of active numbers did not receive a response when dialled, while only 29% were answered.
- Deepal Roshan Kumara Withanarachchi, a public health inspector who served as the Treasurer of the Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) fatally shot at his home in Elpitiya, Pathiraja Mawatha: The PHI was known for leading raids against traders selling unfit food: Police say the assailant used a pistol in the attack: Investigations led by the Elpitiya Police are underway to apprehend the suspects.
- Minister Harin Fernando announces that all 72 registered sports in Sri Lanka have achieved ‘Total Autonomy’: highlights the absence of National Sports Associations (NSAs) under Interim Rule, bans by International Federations, or court cases, emphasising stakeholders’ freedom to elect officials.
