- Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, former CEO of Axiata Group, has been appointed Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy in Sri Lanka: This role supports the nation’s shift to a digital economy, with a focus on building digital infrastructure and inclusivity: Wijayasuriya will step down from Axiata on 15 January 2025 after a 30-year tenure, transitioning into his advisory role: The appointment has been made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
- SJB Leader and former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticises President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over what he described as showing “signs of media repression” by urging certain channels to practice “democratic journalism”: emphasises the President does not need to tell the journalists how to do their job, asserting that media is one of the core pillars of democracy: blames Dissanayake for maintaining double standards about his views on the media, which, according to Premadasa, are contradictory pre and post-presidential election.
- The Presidential Secretariat denies reports that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security detail has been reduced, affirming his entitlements per the Presidents’ Entitlements Act of 1986: Rajapaksa receives a pension, official residence, and vehicle allowance, with security provided by seven army officers, 56 army personnel, and 180 police officers: A Cabinet sub-committee will review former presidents’ privileges for future adjustments.
- Sri Lanka’s Palali–Achchuveli main road in the Northern Province was reopened after 30 years, following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s directive: Closed during the civil war and for 15 years post-war, its reopening comes after public requests and security clearance by the Defence Ministry, fulfilling a longstanding demand from the Northern Province’s residents.
- The Department of Immigration and Emigration is introducing an online appointment system for passport applications, set to launch soon: Currently, 50,000 blank passports are available, with an additional 100,000 expected in November and 150,000 in December, aiming to streamline the application process and meet demand effectively.
- Sri Lanka’s external debt reaches US$ 37.5 billion by June 2024, with US$ 503 million in debt service payments being made during the 1H’24, covering both principal and interest: Since April 2022, a debt standstill policy has paused payments to bilateral and commercial creditors, accruing US$ 5.67 billion in principal and US$ 2.53 billion in interest.
- US-based Transdigm Group has invested US$ 8.5 million in Sri Lanka to establish SHIELD, a facility by subsidiary AmSafe BirdPort in the Wathupitiwala Export Processing Zone: Relocating from China, SHIELD aims to provide aviation engineering solutions and produce safety accessories for global clients, creating 500 jobs: The investment highlights US interest in diversifying supply chains and expanding trade with Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka’s Department of Animal Production and Health has urged pig farm owners to register at local veterinary offices following the first reported cases of African swine fever in the country: Outbreaks have been confirmed in the Western, Uva, Northern, and North Western provinces, according to K.K. Sarath, Director of the Western Province Animal Production and Health Department.
- Lithuania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced stricter residence permit regulations from December 01 2024, with applications limited to family reunification, academic, highly skilled employment, and investment roles: Seasonal work and secondments are excluded: Sri Lankan applicants must apply in neighbouring countries due to local office closures, as Lithuania tightens security measures amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Sri Lankan athletes face a busy 2025 with 11 major international events, including the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from 13–21 September: Key events include the South Asian Senior Championship in April, World Indoor and Relay Championships in China, and the Asian Youth Games in Tashkent: Sri Lanka Athletics is preparing athletes through trials and national events, including the 103rd National Athletic Championship.
