- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announces he has instructed the IGP and the CID to formally investigate the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks: criticises efforts by certain political individuals to suppress the investigation and committed to a fair inquiry: Ex-MP Udaya Gammanpila threatened to release two related reports if the President does not: Political analysts point out that Gammanpila’s so called ‘confidential reports’ are the ‘Imam Report’ and ‘Alwis Report,’ in which information pertaining to the ‘Channel 04 Documentary’ about the attack, and its connections to certain government officials are preserved, in a bid to politically smother the NPP-led government ahead of the General Election by cornering DIG Ravi Seneviratne and Shani Abeysekara, who currently serve as the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, and the Director of the Central Criminal Intelligence Analysis Bureau, respectively: claim the two individuals had previously been speculated to have acted as whistleblowers to international channels about the attack, and them being part of the NPP-regime thus to be demonstrated as an act of failure to serve justice for the victims of the attack for Gammanpila’s political benefit.
- SJB leader Sajith Premadasa expresses confidence in his party’s ability to secure a parliamentary majority, stating there are no issues in collaborating with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: emphasises the SJB has assembled a strong team with a clear vision for the country’s development, positioning the party as the most suitable choice for leadership in the current political climate.
- Ex-MP Manusha Nanayakkara criticises the current government for implementing reforms without proper understanding and relying on loans, contrasting it with Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration, which he claimed managed finances wisely: accuses the JVP of using deceit to gain power and warned that their influence would decline: further criticises JVP candidates for lacking local connections and practical leadership skills.
- The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) establishes a strategic committee to support candidates and guide future decisions ahead of the general and Provincial Council elections: aims to strengthen the party’s position in the elections: SLPP national organiser, Namal Rajapaksa, announces the decision, emphasising the importance of leadership and correct guidance.
- The Election Commission receives over 400 complaints related to the upcoming parliamentary election, with 58 complaints filed the day before, bringing the total to 401: These complaints pertain to violations of election laws, with no reports of election-related violence: The commission has resolved 309 of the complaints thus far, ensuring smoother conduct of the election process.
- Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath highlights the immense potential in trade between India and Sri Lanka, noting India’s key role as one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners: emphasises growing bilateral cooperation, Indian investment in key sectors, and increasing tourism: praises India’s support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and debt restructuring efforts.
- Sri Lanka faces high poultry feed costs due to import duties and trade controls on maize, which are driving up egg and meat prices: This policy benefits local maize farmers but hurts small poultry producers and worsens child malnutrition: Despite issuing maize import licenses, prices remain high: Vietnam’s free-trade policies contrast with Sri Lanka’s protectionism, improving nutrition and exports.
- A private secretary of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte was found dead with gunshot injuries in a house in Katugastota: The 50-year-old is suspected to have shot himself near Ratwatte’s office in Mahaiyawa and died after being admitted to Kandy’s National Hospital: Katugastota Police are investigating to determine if it was suicide or not.
- The Kandy Division Criminal Investigation Bureau seizes a BMW and Prado jeep worth Rs. 60 million from former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena’s son-in-law’s residence in Aniwatta: The vehicles were confiscated after no legal ownership could be established: Authorities suspect they were illegally released from the port, and further investigations will be conducted by the Government Analysts.
- Sri Lanka secure a five-wicket victory over West Indies in the rain-affected first ODI in Pallekele, chasing a revised target of 232 in 37 overs: Captain Charith Asalanka (77) and debutant Nishan Madushka (69) combined for a 137-run partnership after early trouble: West Indies posted 185 for 4 before rain intervened, with Sherfane Rutherford top-scoring with 74*.
