- President Ranil Wickremesinghe says Sri Lanka has turned into a regional “punching bag”: asserts that Sri Lanka will not join any big power as it wants to avoid conflict in the Indian Ocean.
- Elections Commission Chairman Nimal Punchihewa says Sri Lanka’s electoral system is corrupt: also says the Commission cannot monitor or regulate expenditure of candidates.
- China and Russia slam Western double standards at the Human Rights Council: demands that the HRC desists from deviating from the standards of non-selectivity, objectivity and impartiality.
- GDP Growth rate for the 2Q 2022 estimated as 8.4% (negative) against 2Q 2021: Agriculture (-8.4%), Industries (-10.0%) & Services (-2.2%): 1Q 2022 was 1.6% (negative).
- JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva says burdens are being heaped on people according to the dictates of the IMF.
- India says it does not plan to provide fresh financial support to Sri Lanka on top of the nearly USD 4 billion it has extended this year: awaits IMF programme implementation.
- Sri Lanka Amadyapa Maha Sabha says nearly 40,000 people die yearly due to tobacco and alcohol.
- Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population has increased to 7,000 says the Ministry of Wildlife.
- Hundreds throng to see the newly opened Lotus Tower.
- CSE’s ASPI exceeds 10000: Bank shares up on hopes of domestic government debt not being subject to restructuring.