- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake holds a crucial meeting with senior officials from the Sri Lanka Customs and Inland Revenue Departments to discuss strategies for enhancing revenue generation and operational efficiency: Officials highlighted challenges in managing revenue and tackling tax evasion, stressing the need for stronger coordination between the two departments to improve tax law enforcement, prevent leakage, and boost national revenue collection.
- Ex Minister and Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) Secretary General Jeewan Thondaman officially signs his nomination papers to contest the upcoming General Election from the Nuwara Eliya District, under the United National Party (UNP) led alliance formed by ex President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
- Veteran actor Kamal Addaraarachchi and actress Damitha Abeyratne are entering politics for the first time in Sri Lanka’s upcoming General Elections: Addaraarachchi will contest from the Devana Parapura Party, led by Uvindu Wijeweera, son of JVP founder Rohana Wijeweera, and Abeyratne the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) from the Ratnapura district: This reflects the ongoing trend of artistes joining politics: Meanwhile, former MP and actor Ranjan Ramanayake together with former Sri Lankan cricketer T.M. Dilshan forms a new political party, the United Democratic Voice (UDV), having Ramanayake as the Leader and Dilshan the National Organiser.
- The Deputy Head of Mission at Japan’s Embassy in Colombo, Naoki Kamoshida, meets with Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Headquarters in Kotte: Accompanied by Defence Attaché Captain Yuki Yokohari, the delegation discussed strengthening defence cooperation and bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Japan: exchanged souvenirs to mark the meeting.
- The Court of Appeal schedules a petition hearing for 13 November, seeking disciplinary action against former SIS Director Nilantha Jayawardena for failing to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attack despite prior intelligence: Filed by the Centre for Society and Religion (CSR), the petition faces potential dismissal as a new investigation, initiated by the National Police Commission, is already underway.
- CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe says the Central Bank has recommended to the Finance Ministry to allow vehicle imports without affecting the country’s foreign reserves: While import restrictions were imposed during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, they have since been relaxed: The final decision on vehicle imports remains with the Finance Ministry.
- Sri Lanka rejects a UNHRC draft resolution extending the mandate of Resolution 51/1, aimed at promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights: Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative Himalee Arunatilaka argued against the external evidence-gathering mechanism within the OHCHR, calling it an expansion of the Council’s mandate: Despite rejecting the resolution, Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to engage constructively with the UNHRC and domestic human rights processes.
- Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama has been appointed Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Ltd.: He brings extensive experience from his distinguished Sri Lanka Air Force career to his new role at AASL, contributing his leadership and expertise to enhance the country’s aviation sector.
- The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court issues an arrest warrant for Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary, Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera, for failing to appear in court regarding a hate speech case: The case alleges that he insulted Muslim religious beliefs in 2014 near Slave Island police station: The warrant was issued after his absence at the hearing.
- Sri Lanka Cricket has announces a 17-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies, scheduled for 13th, 15th, and 17th October 2024 in Dambulla: The squad, led by Charith Asalanka, includes prominent players like Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga: The team was approved by Prime Minister and Sports Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
