- President Ranil Wickremesinghe updates on granting free land rights to 2 million individuals and allocating ownership of 50,000 flats in Colombo to plantation communities: calls for setting aside partisan interests to achieve shared goals: further outlines plans for development programs in the Uva region, reaffirming the government’s commitment to regional growth.
- SJB MP (Dr.) Kavinda Jayawardena says his party has proposed the appointment of a special commission under a SJB-rule to serve justice to the Easter Sunday terror attack and to implement the recommendations received from it: asserts foreign judges and investigators are also being considered to be appointed to the said commission: adds the Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has also been informed in writing about it.
- SLFP National Organiser, MP Duminda Dissanayake says it would be questionable as to why Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa joins hands with Maithripala Sirisena amidst a crisis facing the party: alleges the former President sold out the SLFP to detach himself from the allegations levelled against him involving the Easter Sunday massacre: Yesterday, the Justice Minister was appointed as the Chairman of the SLFP.
- Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith expresses disappointment over the government’s inaction on recommendations from the Presidential Commission report on the Easter Sunday attacks: makes a staggering revelation that ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa conveyed his ‘inability’ to implement the PCoI recommendations, citing potential repercussions involving ‘individuals linked to organisations close to him’: criticises the government’s failure to initiate a fresh probe into the bombings: condemns the sale of national assets to foreign powers: stresses the need for governmental accountability and action to ensure justice for the victims while expressing broader concerns about national policies.
- The Department for Registration of Persons extends the deadline until June 30th for issuing National Identity Cards to individuals aged 40 and above who lack one: The move aims to aid those facing challenges, especially with birth certificates: The extension responds to requests for broader access to essential identification documents and emphasises the commitment to streamlining the NIC issuance process.
- The market’s prime lending rate hit a two-year low, dropping by 22 basis points to 10.41%: This continues a downward trend initiated by rate cuts last June: Treasury bill yields also decrease, aligning closely with policy rates: Despite concerns about excess liquidity, the lower lending rates are expected to boost economic recovery, facilitating increased credit disbursement by banks: This could help restore purchasing power eroded during periods of high inflation.
- Economic think tank Verité Research’s “State of the Budget Report 2024” reveals Sri Lanka faces persistent fiscal challenges: highlights a recurring shortfall in tax revenue over 33 years, with the government consistently missing targets: Despite an optimistic projection for 2024, the report predicts a 14% deficit, emphasising the need for more accurate fiscal planning: Overestimations in revenue streams like VAT and high interest-cost-to-revenue ratios pose hurdles to economic recovery and debt sustainability: adds policymakers must address these challenges by enhancing revenue collection, improving forecasting, and implementing prudent fiscal policies for sustainable growth.
- The United States Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Sri Lanka Navy will collaborate in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka 2024 exercise from April 22-26 in Trincomalee: This bilateral maritime exercise aims to boost naval capabilities and includes joint training sessions on maritime security and anti-terrorism operations: With approximately 70 U.S. personnel participating, CARAT strengthens the partnership between the two nations in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. The exercise was initiated in 1995 and marks its 30th anniversary.
- Following a tragic accident at the Fox Hill Super Cross event in Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka, authorities detains two drivers involved: The crash resulted in seven fatalities, including an eight-year-old girl, and injured at least 18 others: Both drivers are hospitalised and under arrest as investigations into the incident continue: The tragedy has raised concerns about safety measures at motorsports events, leading authorities to review the event’s safety protocols and management practices.
- Sri Lanka is gearing up to participate in the 19th Asian Under 20 Junior Athletics Championship in Dubai, UAE, from April 24th to 27th: Merone Wijesinghe from Ananda College will lead the men’s team, while Madhushani Herath from Nannapuruwa Maha Vidyalaya will lead the women’s team.
