- President Ranil Wickremesinghe announces IMF representatives are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in two weeks to disburse the next instalment of funds, as outlined in the agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the International Monetary Fund.
- Election campaigning for Sri Lanka’s 2024 presidential election ended at midnight on 18 September, initiating a silent period until election day on 21 September: The Election Commission urges no further campaigning, warning of legal action for violations, including on social media.
- The Ministry of Education will distribute school uniforms to 4.3 million students and robes for 825 ‘Pirivens’ by January 20, 2025: These uniforms, donated by the Chinese government, will save the Sri Lankan government approximately Rs. 7 billion: The first consignment arrives on November 13, with subsequent shipments on November 21 and December 20.
- The Elections Commission obtains a detailed weather report from the Meteorology Department to anticipate and address potential disruptions to the presidential election: Weather updates will be received every three hours starting Friday: District Returning Officers and the navy have been instructed to be prepared for adverse weather conditions, including flooding, with boats and canoes on standby.
- The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has outlined who may enter polling stations on 21 September, including registered voters, polling staff, police, candidates, agents, and approved election monitors: They have also prohibited illegal activities such as mobile phone use, photography, video recording, firearms possession, smoking, and alcohol consumption, including entry while intoxicated.
- A 21-member delegation from Bangladesh National Defence College’s Armed Forces War Course 2024 visits Sri Lanka’s Navy Headquarters: The delegation, led by Lieutenant General Mohammad Shaheenul Haque, met with Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera to discuss mutual interests: exchanges mementoes and receives a briefing on the Sri Lanka Navy’s roles and responsibilities.
- Deputy General Manager of Railways Nandana Idipolag announces the usual Saturday train schedule will be followed on the Presidential Election day: Long-distance trains will run on Sunday (22), with potential reductions in short-distance services: A special train from Colombo Fort to Kankesanturai will operate for officials and security personnel on election duty.
- The Supreme Court dismisses an intervention petition seeking to suspend the interim injunction against Deshabandu Tennakoon serving as Inspector General of Police: Filed by three monks, the petition was reviewed by a three-judge bench: Justice Yasantha Kodagoda says the petition lacked sufficient content to maintain a case, leading to its dismissal.
- Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara says the first question paper of the Grade 5 Scholarship exam will not be nullified: The decision follows concerns about questions circulating on social media before the exam: Any further complaints will be investigated: The exam was held on 15 September at 2,849 centres, prompting protests near the Department of Examinations.
- Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis scores his eighth 50-plus in Tests, becoming the second batter after Saud Shakeel to score a fifty in each of his first seven Tests, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s record: reaches this milestone on the first day of the Galle Test against New Zealand, contributing to a crucial partnership with Angelo Mathews amidst New Zealand’s strong bowling.
