- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pledges imminent developments regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, emphasising an end to politically-facilitated murders: highlights unresolved cases, including the deaths of Thajudeen, Lasantha, and Eknaligoda, vowing to pursue justice and ensure citizens’ safety: promises the public “good news” soon on the Easter attacks investigation.
- SJB former MP (Dr.) Harsha De Silva says the President can increase the threshold of the pay as you earn (PAYE) tax from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 200,000 without parliamentary approval: acknowledges such a move can be passed into law in Parliament after the election, but asserts the PAYE tax can be increased at the moment without any parliamentary power: confirms that funds have already been allocated in this regard as claimed by ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe, asserting that Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa has already inked his signature for the move.
- The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) urges President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to investigate state-sanctioned crimes from the 1988-89 period, honouring JVP figures, including Rohana Wijeweera, ahead of the JVP’s 35th commemoration: urges a comprehensive probe into kidnappings, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, demanding transparency and accountability, and pledges support, including evidence, to help achieve justice.
- The Ministry of Health warns the public and health staff about scammers impersonating senior health officials to solicit funds: No authorised health official will request money through calls or messages: urges people not to transfer funds and has begun legal action against those involved in this fraud.
- The Defence Ministry announces legal action will be enforced against civilians who fail to return firearms by the 21 November deadline: Firearms not returned or appealed for will be deemed illegal: A senior official stated that the ministry holds records of all issued firearms and will impose strict penalties for non-compliance.
- Sri Lanka’s bid to join BRICS will be reviewed in due course alongside other applications, under Russia’s chairmanship: The Russian Embassy clarifies that reports of Sri Lanka’s rejection are inaccurate: Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath requested BRICS support for Sri Lanka’s membership, aligning with BRICS’s goal of strengthening ties with the Global South and promoting a multipolar global order.
- Indian Navy submarine INS Vela arrives in Colombo for a formal visit, welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy with traditional honours: Commanded by Commander Kapil Kumar, the 67.5m-long submarine with a 53-member crew will allow its personnel to explore Sri Lanka’s tourist spots: INS Vela is set to depart on 13 November.
- The Election Commission reports a rise in complaints related to the 2024 Parliamentary Poll, with 232 new grievances on 9 November, bringing the total to 2,580 since September 26: Of these, 1,999 have been resolved: The Commission is addressing remaining complaints as the General Election approaches on November 14.
- The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) will launch a special unit on 12 November to manage potential disaster situations around the parliamentary election period: Coordinating with the Election Commission, this unit will oversee disaster readiness and response from two days before to two days after election day, ensuring safety and preparedness throughout the election process.
- An IMF delegation, led by senior mission chief Peter Brewer, will visit Sri Lanka next week for the third review of the country’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme: This assessment will address Sri Lanka’s economic policies and reforms: Upon successful review, the IMF will release the next loan installment, as the government reaffirms its commitment to the IMF agreement.
