- During his visit to Colombo on 04 October 2024, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, assuring continued development assistance to Sri Lanka. Notably, he announced India’s offer to modernize the Kankesanthurai port with a USD 61.5 million grant and convert payments for completed projects into a grant, while also gifting 22 diesel locomotives to Sri Lanka.
- The Ministry of Defence has announced that all firearms and ammunition provided to civilians for self-defence will be acquired by the government and that they must be handed over to the relevant authorities before 07 November. Furthermore, the Defence Ministry stated that they will be returned pending a review and consideration of the need to possess such firearms.
- Dr. S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions with two key Sri Lankan politicians today. The visiting Indian official met former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. Commenting on the meeting, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa said he looks forward to India’s continued fullest support in advancing Sri Lanka’s stability and growth.
- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has crossed the 12,000 mark today (04). The CSE’s ASPI crossed this milestone for the first time since 03 July 2024 increasing by 123.50 points to close at 12,053.49.
- The Ministry of Finance stated that Sri Lanka has successfully completed consultations with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
- The Colombo High Court has extended the suspension on 16 fixed deposit accounts and 03 life insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The Court extended the suspension until 04 January 2025, following a request by the Bribery Commission (CIABOC).
- The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) states that Sri Lanka has seen a significant increase in the number of Sri Lankans departing for overseas employments in September 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
- A Deputy Commissioner and a Clerk attached to the Department of Motor Traffic, along with a broker, have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The arrest was made while the trio were soliciting a bribe of Rs. 300,000.
- Former Minister Diana Gamage says she was offered a Landcruiser V8 vehicle during her tenure as the State Minister of Tourism, to carry out her official duties. Speaking to the media, Gamage said that she had been provided several unmaintained vehicles from the Tourism Ministry during her tenure.
- The Ministry of Transport and Highways has announced that the construction of the Port Access Elevated Highway is scheduled to be completed by December. The Ministry stated that approximately 90% of the construction work has already been completed.
