- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake highlighted the critical challenge of transforming Sri Lanka’s public service into an efficient state mechanism. He pointed out that the newly appointed committee tasked with reviewing state institutions would make decisions without being influenced by political pressures.
- The Government has not held any discussions nor have entered into any agreements with India regarding the proposed Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent state visit to India. Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said this during the special media conference.
- Lanka Sathosa has begun distributing imported rice stocks through its outlets from yesterday. Lanka Sathosa Chairman Dr.Samitha Perera said 1,500 metric tonnes of rice was purchased for this purpose.
- A Gazette notification has been issued establishing an 18 member Presidential Task Force to plan and implement the “Clean Sri Lanka” Programme, a key feature in President’s policy statement. They have been tasked with preparing a plan, guide, implement, review the progress, and complete the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme within a given time frame aiming to achieve the objectives of elevating society to a more advanced status through a social, environmental and ethical awakening.
- SLPP Member of Parliament D.V. Chanaka has been appointed as the National Convenor of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that the Local Government Elections will be held next year before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
- The Panadura Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to notorious underworld figure and drug kingpin Salindu Malshitha Gunaratne, also known as ‘Kudu Salindu’, on three sureties of Rs. 01 million each.
- Sri Lanka will soon formulate a national policy on allowing visits by foreign research vessels, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said here on Friday, amidst frequent docking requests from Chinese surveillance ships which raised concerns in India. Herath’s comments came days after Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India.
- The Panadura Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to notorious underworld figure and drug kingpin Salindu Malshitha Gunaratne, also known as ‘Kudu Salindu’, on three sureties of Rs. 01 million each.
- Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced significant amendments to its Constitution following an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on Friday (December 20), including a substantial reduction in the total number of voting members from 147 to 60. The amendments reaffirm SLC’s commitment to fostering good governance, transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in its management structure, the SLC said in a statement.
