- A group of unemployed graduates gathered at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (29), hoping to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: Unable to meet him, they plan to submit a letter outlining their concerns: The Presidential Secretariat assured them of an upcoming appointment: The graduates expressed frustration, noting promises made by the president before his election remain unfulfilled.
- Colombo High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka acquitted former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and State Pharmaceutical Corporation Chairman Mohammad Tasim Mohammad Rumi of charges related to inciting false statements during a 2019 press conference: The allegations, involving claims of abductions and killings linked to Gotabaya Rajapaksa, were deemed unproven, as the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence.
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath addressed the High-Level Segment of the IOM Council, emphasising the importance of safe, orderly, and rights-based migration: He highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting regular migration pathways and protecting migrant rights through national, regional, and international efforts: Sri Lanka also expressed interest in becoming a Global Compact for Migration Champion Country.
- Applications are now being accepted to fill vacancies for members in the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), as per the provisions of the Office on Missing Persons Act, No. 14 of 2016: Interested candidates should submit their applications, following the guidelines on the Parliament website, to the Secretary-General of the Constitutional Council by December 9, 2024, via registered post or email.
- Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha announced that farmers affected by adverse weather will receive assistance to revive their crops and restore damaged irrigation facilities: Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne stated that compensation, up to Rs. 40,000 per acre, will be provided for crops like paddy, maize, and onions: Additionally, free seed paddy for damaged seedlings and relief for vegetable and fruit farmers will be considered.
- Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera clarified the process for granting official residences to MPs, stating those living more than 40 km from Parliament can request housing at the Madiwela Housing Complex: Currently, 35 MPs have applied, with 25-30 houses undergoing renovations: The complex has 108 residences, divided between ruling party and opposition MPs: Rohanadeera confirmed no significant changes to MPs’ privileges.
- The Attorney General’s Department informed the Supreme Court that it will no longer represent former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne and former Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne in a fundamental rights petition filed by former CID Director Shani Abeysekera: Abeysekera challenges his suspension following his transfer after the 2019 Presidential Election: The court adjourned the case to February 3, advising the respondents to seek private legal counsel.
- The Department of Meteorology announced that the impact of the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal on Sri Lanka’s weather is expected to lessen starting November 29: The adverse weather has claimed 15 lives and affected 463,569 people: Landslide warnings remain, but the “Red evacuation” warnings have been lifted: The depression may intensify into a cyclonic storm heading toward Tamil Nadu, India.
- Sri Lanka is experiencing unhealthy air quality levels, with regions such as Jaffna, Colombo, Kandy, and Galle facing significant pollution: People, especially those with respiratory issues, are advised to take precautions like wearing masks and staying indoors: Some areas, including Batticaloa and Moneragala, show moderate pollution, posing minimal risk: Nuwara Eliya and Diyathalawa have acceptable air quality.
- Wiaan Mulder will miss the remainder of South Africa’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to a fractured right middle finger sustained while batting: Matthew Breetzke, who made his Test debut last month, replaces Mulder for the second Test, scheduled for 5-9 December: South Africa leads the first Test after Sri Lanka was dismissed for just 42.
