- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasises stabilising Sri Lanka’s economy is a priority before implementing structural changes: His government will resume discussions with the IMF and advance debt restructuring efforts to build stability and trust: also highlights plans for economic reforms, public service improvements, and social justice, aiming to enhance the nation’s future and restore confidence in governance.
- Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya emphasises public trust in political authority and public services is essential for nation-building: Addressing her office staff, she acknowledged negative perceptions towards politicians and public services but stressed the government’s commitment to fostering a strong, efficient, and people-focused public service, which is vital for the country’s development.
- Former Minister and SLPP stalwart S.B. Dissanayake expresses confidence that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his government will likely win the upcoming general elections: praises the president’s leadership and progress since taking office, predicting the National People’s Power (NPP) will secure 6.5 million votes: also suggested other parties unite to form a strong opposition for the elections.
- International credit agency Moody’s warns Sri Lanka’s credit risks may remain high despite President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s tax cut pledges and potential IMF bailout changes: While reform disruption is unlikely, fiscal challenges may slow progress: Although revenue improvements have reduced the fiscal deficit, debt affordability remains weak, with interest payments expected to consume 40%-50% of revenues in the coming years.
- Former MP Dilum Amunugama condemns NPP member Wasantha Samarasinghe’s remarks about vehicles at Galle Face, clarifying they were used by coordinating committee chairmen, not misused by MPs or Ministers: emphasises that all official vehicles were handed over, and any claims of theft should be investigated: criticises displaying the vehicles after their official return as unfair: Samarasinghe claimed hundreds of vehicles used by former ministry secretaries were found abandoned at Galle Face after Parliament’s dissolution: The NPP member condemned this as evidence of public asset misuse, highlighting missing vehicles and improper use of others, and praising the NPP government for addressing corruption and waste, emphasising efforts to hold those responsible accountable, including recovering misappropriated public funds.
- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange on September 25th surges by 325.59 points, closing at 11,659.71, a 2.87% rise from the previous day: This is the third consecutive time has the ASPI index indicated surge: The market turnover reached Rs. 3.96 billion, indicating robust trading activity.
- The Election Commission releases details for the 2024 General Election, outlining the number of MPs to be elected per district: Gampaha District will elect 19 MPs, the highest number: The statement also provides information on candidate nominations, required deposits for independent groups, and the number of MPs per electoral district.
- The Supreme Court remands Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Harsha Illukpitiya on contempt of court charges for failing to follow an interim order suspending the electronic visa system: This follows petitions by opposition MPs: The case will resume on January 22, 2025: The interim order halted a contract with private companies for visa issuance.
- All Island Poultry Association President Ajith Gunasekara says Sri Lanka is now self-sufficient in chicken and egg production: Egg production has risen, but consumption has significantly dropped, affecting small and medium-scale producers: Egg prices range from Rs. 30 to Rs. 40, with production costs causing instability for smaller farms despite the market’s price decline.
- The Sri Lanka U19 women’s team, captained by Manudi Nanayakkara, narrowly lost to Australia by 4 runs in their third match of the U19 Women’s T20 Tri-Series in Brisbane: Australia set a target of 116 runs, led by Samara Dulvin’s 45: Despite solid performances from Sanjana Kavindi and Vimoshka Balasuriya, Sri Lanka managed only 112 runs: Sri Lanka remains in second place and will face New Zealand again today.
