- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake advised that the projects aimed at achieving the energy sector’s goals over the next three years must be structured and expedited. He pointed out that, similar to other countries where the energy sector holds a prominent position, Sri Lanka too has given the energy sector a leading role, and he also mentioned that the Ministry of Energy is one that generates revenue, and with higher earnings, there are societal discussions about possible irregularities.
- Minister Vijitha Herath states that the import of vehicles will only be carried out under a proper procedure and in a manner that will not exhaust the foreign reserves in the country thereby causing a dollar crisis again. Herath also assured that the government is of the stance that the importation of vehicles should be allowed.
- The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas for the sea areas over the Southern Bay of Bengal. Issuing the advisory, the Met. Department said that the low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal has moved west-northwestwards and is located as a well-marked low-pressure area over the central part of the south Bay of Bengal at 05.30 a.m.
- Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Vijitha Herath announced that an additional Rs. 3,000 will be added to the monthly pension of government retirees starting next month. This decision, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, comes as part of an interim allowance to provide immediate financial relief to pensioners.
- The Leader of the United National Party (UNP), former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced that he will make a special statement to the public on Thursday (17). This will be the first time that Wickremesinghe makes a public statement following the 2024 Presidential Election.
- The government has appointed a special committee to assess and manage potential increases in oil prices in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Vijitha Herath stated the decision comes as a proactive approach by the government to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices in the local market.
7. - The government has assured to investigate all past crimes and initiate legal action against those found responsible, apart from the seven high-profile cases ordered to be expedited. He said the government will not refrain from launching investigations into any past crimes. His comments came in clarification of the Ministry of Public Security’s instruction to the Acting IGP to expedite investigations into seven high-profile cases.
- The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to enter into buyback agreements with local pharmaceutical companies to encourage domestic medicine production. The initial approval for the initiative was granted on Nov. 29, 2013, to support locally produced medicines through the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC).
- The player registration portal for the inaugural Lanka T10 Super League 2024 is now open today. Overseas and Ex-Sri Lanka players are encouraged to log in to the portal via www.srilankacricket.lk and complete their registrations on or before 6.00 PM (IST) on October 23, 2024. The tournament will be played from 12th to 22nd December 2024. Sri Lanka’s newest addition to the annual cricket calendar.
