- Sri Lanka marks four years since the Easter Sunday bombings, a massacre that took place in several tourist hotels and Catholic churches, taking away more than 270 lives: The masterminds behind the genocide are believed to be still at large: Archbishop of Colombo HE Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith invites all Sri Lankans to join a human chain protest (Jana Paura) today, supporting the Church’s quest for truth and justice over the attacks.
- The Inland Revenue Department says those with an annual income of over Rs. 1,200,000 are required to pay income tax in Sri Lanka; adds this includes business owners, income from rental or interest-related investments, or employment with the specified annual income; urges the public to settle their accurate income tax payments on time.
- The CBSL says investigations are underway into the Rs. 05 million that was reported missing from a safe: A statement by the CBSL reads that it is taking “necessary measures to thoroughly investigate the incident and strengthen the internal controls, processes, etc”; adds it will also continue assisting the Police to carry out its investigations.
- The Committee on Parliamentary Business to take up the Resolution for the implementation of the arrangement under the EFF of the IMF for Sri Lanka in to debate on April 26, 27 and 28: The decision made at a Committee meeting held under Chairman (Dep. Speaker) Ajith Rajapakse.
- The HRCSL holds a meeting with representatives of the LGBTIQ community, to discuss the well-being of LGBTIQ people and address pressing issues: The representatives present a requested letter to the HRCSL Chief, Justice Rohini Marasinghe, highlighting the issues faced by LGBTIQ people that need to be resolved: The Commission expresses its support to promoting and protecting the rights of LGBTIQ individuals, including advocating for legal reforms, raising awareness, addressing social stigma, and fostering inclusivity.
- The Health Ministry informs all hospital directors to immediately suspend the use of Prednisolone eye drops imported from India with immediate effect, following complications being reported after use: The Ministry’s MSD says the delivery of Prednisolone eye drops to hospitals also suspended.
- US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung expresses concerns over the GOSL’s proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill (ATA) falling outside of international standards; meets with Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe on the matter; says it is important that “all voices – including civil society, academia, and lawmakers – are considered to ensure the legislation servers as an effective tool for combatting terrorism without restricting freedom of expression or assembly.”
- Ex President of BASL Geoffrey Alagaratnam PC warns new laws are not going to help Sri Lanka if they are only going to be used against certain targeted persons who are perceived as opponents of the government; says the proposed ATA should be considered a dangerous legislation.
- Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says the highest energy demand in Sri Lanka in recent times was recorded Wednesday; adds a net generation of 49.53 GWh was required for power generation on Wednesday; reveals the actual demand recorded Thursday morning forecasts an estimated energy demand exceeding 50 GWh; asserts all CEB thermal plants, including the recently established Hambantota Diesel Powered generators, will be utilised for power generation.
- Another consignment of one million eggs imported from India arrives in SL: Chairman of the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation Asiri Walisundara says the samples will be tested by the Animal Products and Health Department; adds a report on the samples of the egg stock that reached the island on April 15 expected to be released in four days.
