- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake slams political critics who urge the public to elect ‘familiar faces’ in this year’s Parliamentary Election, claiming that such figures so far had ruled the country above the law: emphasises that the so called ‘familiar faces’ are only familiar with the practice of deceiving the public, defrauding and misusing public property: adds the members of the National Peoples Power (NPP), on the other hand, are ‘familiar’ with the practices standing against corruption and benefiting the public: further urges the public to elect who genuinely feel the public and act solely on the public’s interest.
- Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara says the National People’s Power (NPP) vote base is declining, as shown by the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha election results: notes NPP secured less than 42% of the vote, with 17,000 votes compared to 19,000 by other parties, challenging the trend of post-presidential election victories: asserts the NPP will not be able to secure even a Pradeshiya Sabha election in the future.
- Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe remarks he and current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake share similar political fates, as neither received a majority endorsement in the recent presidential election: acknowledges his defeat and questions if Dissanayake’s position, without a majority endorsement, truly differed from his, suggesting both are politically “in the same boat.”
- A tense scene erupts outside Colombo’s Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium after a United Democratic Voice conference led by popular actor and former MP Ranjan Ramanayake: Around 200 young attendees, claiming to be university students who were offered a part-time job, protested, alleging unpaid compensation for participation as promised by the organisers: Police intervened to restore order, eventually dispersing the crowd and facilitating transportation back to their accommodations.
- India provides solar rooftop systems to four religious sites in Colombo as part of a $17 million project to equip 5,000 Sri Lankan religious institutions with renewable energy: The initiative, spanning all nine provinces, aims to generate 25 MW annually, supporting Sri Lanka’s energy transition: India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy underpins this partnership, emphasising sustainable energy cooperation.
- Casio intensifies its anti-counterfeit efforts in Sri Lanka, targeting fake calculators following previous action against counterfeit watches: Supported by the Colombo Crime Division, Casio seized a large stock of counterfeit calculators from a major wholesaler: This initiative, led by Casio India’s Head of Legal, reinforces Casio’s commitment to quality, consumer trust, and educational standards in Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa visits Pakistan to observe Exercise Indus Shield-2024 and met with Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu: Discussions focused on regional security, operational cooperation, and strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in training and maintenance: praises Pakistan’s advancements in aerospace technology and expressed interest in deepening collaboration.
- Despite an Israeli warning of a possible terror threat, a few Israelis remain in Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay, feeling secure amid heightened security: Prompted by unspecified warnings, Sri Lanka has deployed police, military, and checkpoints in this popular surfing area, particularly targeting tourist zones: The recent Gaza conflict and past local terror attacks have prompted caution, although local residents report no tensions.
- The Sri Lanka Navy apprehends 12 Indian fishermen and seizes an Indian fishing boat caught poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Point Pedro: This operation, part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal fishing impacting local livelihoods, brought this year’s total to 62 boats and 462 fishermen detained: The detainees were taken to Kankesanthurai Harbour for legal proceedings: Tensions arise in the sector between the two nations, in what some activists describe as the authorities’ failure to grab the bigger picture.
- Sri Lanka secure the runner-up position in the 2024 Asian Netball Championship, narrowly defeated by Singapore in a close final, 67-64: Despite the loss, Sri Lanka demonstrated competitive strength throughout the tournament, adding to their impressive record, which includes six previous championship titles.
