- The Consumer Affairs Authority takes a significant stride in protecting consumer rights by issuing a special gazette notification that aims to regulate the activities of online sellers and sellers operating on digital platforms: CAA Chief Shantha Niriella says the decision taken to ensure consumer protection throughout various stages of an online transaction.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructs authorities to deliver a comprehensive report on expediting the country’s transition towards a digital economy within a month; stresses the importance of avoiding any delays in the digitalisation process and highlights the potential benefits that can be achieved through a faster implementation.
- Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara announces two units of the Uma Oya Hydro Power Plant will be operationalised for power generation this year; adds once completed, these units will contribute “a significant 120 MW of hydropower to the national grid”: The availability of Unit 01 scheduled for August, followed by Unit 02 in September.
- The hearing of the writ filed by SDIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon seeking an order against a private plaint pertaining to a large sum of money found by the ‘Aragalaya’ protesters at the President’s House in Colombo adjourned until May 22, 2023.
- The National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony takes place at the Battaramulla War Heroes Memorial, under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena: The year marks the 14th anniversary of the victory of LTTE terrorism that lasted for three decades.
- Chairman of the National Elections Commission Nimal Punchihewa says the Commission is exploring the possibility of establishing mobile voting centres for people with mobility challenges; adds the vote of such individuals will be collected upon visiting their residence and that current election laws must be amended in order to implement such measures.
- The five-year rollout plan by the Colombo Port City envisages US$5.6 billion in FDI to Sri Lanka expecting a fast-tracking of the nation’s economic recovery: CHEC Port City Deputy MD Thulci Aluwihare says this will help in positioning both Port City and Sri Lanka as “a leading player in the service export industry”; adds it is also expected “to reach its highest level of activity as the region’s first multi-currency, service export Special Economic Zone.”
- The Foreign Affairs Ministry says it unreservedly rejects the statement issued by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau containing “outrageous claims of genocide relating to the past conflict in Sri Lanka”; adds such “irresponsible and polarising pronouncements by the leader of a nation breed disharmony and hatred in both countries, instead of promoting peace and reconciliation.”
- Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara submits a Cabinet paper requesting permits to import electric vehicles to individuals based in Sri Lanka receiving USD payments through businesses with foreign-based clients.
- Sri Lanka Test Cricket Captain Dimuth Karunaratne added to the preliminary squad named for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers: Karunaratne added as cover for openers Kusal Janith Perera and Pathum Nissanka who have injury concerns: Critics add Karunaratne has “vast experience as a top-order batter and his availability at this stage is very important for SL team.”
