- Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, has directed all government institutions to obtain written approval from the Presidential Secretariat prior to displaying the President’s photographs or messages on commemorative plaques or in designated celebration areas for various events.
- Sri Lanka’s economy has stabilized, with growth expected to reach 4.4 percent in 2024, surpassing earlier forecasts. This positive outlook follows four consecutive quarters of growth driven by the industrial and tourism sectors and supported by critical structural and policy reforms, says the World Bank.
- Sugath Wasantha De Silva, President of the Sri Lanka Council of Visually Handicapped Graduates, has been nominated by the National People’s Power (NPP) to their national list for the upcoming Parliamentary election. Social activist Sugath Wasantha De Silva supported President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the last Presidential Election.
- Former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and three other defendants were formally indicted in the presence of Colombo High Court Judge R.S.S. Sapuwida. The charges relate to the alleged purchase of Greek treasury bills in 2012, which resulted in a loss exceeding Rs. 1.84 billion to the Sri Lankan government during Greece’s severe economic crisis. During the court proceedings, defense attorneys argued that the defendants had fully cooperated with the investigations from the outset, and therefore, there was no need to remand them in custody.
- Former Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe has announced that he will not be contesting in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Issuing a statement, Semasinghe reflected on the country’s economic challenges over the past year and his dedication to rebuilding the economy alongside former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, following the economic collapse.
- The National Police Commission has approved the reappointment of former Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shani Abeysekera in the Police Service on a contract basis for one year. Speculation has been rife that Abeysekara, who retired from the service 3 years ago, is expected to lead a new assets recovery unit of the police department.
- The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has imposed an overseas travel ban on former Member of Parliament Johnston Fernando. The travel ban has been imposed over allegations of possessing an illegally assembled luxury vehicle.
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has advised relevant Ministry officials to allocate 11,000 acres of land belonging to the Kantale Sugar Company to farmers for the cultivation of short-term crops, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
- Former Member of Parliament Patali Champika Ranawaka says that his party – the United Republic Front (URF) will not contest the 2024 Parliamentary Election.
- The Department of Posts has issued a clarification regarding the recent release of stamps featuring Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister Vijitha Herath. The statement also emphasized that the Postal Department offers the public the opportunity to create personalized stamps with their preferred images, a service traditionally provided as souvenirs for special occasions.
