- Budget 2024 passed in Parliament with a majority of 41 votes: 122 vote for, and 81 against: President Ranil Wickremesinghe says he will ensure 100% security in banking and finance by the infusion of USD150mn (Rs.50 bn) from World Bank for “Deposit insurance”: analysts say SL’s banking & finance sector now exceeds Rs.12,000 bn.
- Secretary to the Buddha Sasana Ministry Somaratne Vidanapathirana says the Ministry has no connection with the parties who signed the joint “Himalaya Declaration”, namely, the Global Tamil Forum and certain high-profile Buddhist monks advocating a “pluralistic” country: also says the Ministry is yet to receive the detailed declaration and therefore no action can be taken regarding the implementation of the Declaration.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says his Party will re-open negotiations on the agreement with the IMF under a future SJB Govt, so that additional burdens are not imposed on the public: previously, SJB’s “Economic Guru” and MP Harsha Silva had been one of the strongest advocates for the IMF programme, Debt re-structuring, flexible currency, higher taxes, and “cost-reflective” prices for all public utilities.
- President Ranil Wickremesinge warns that deviating from the current IMF path could lead to another economic collapse: urges caution against the allure of “political fairy tales”: highlights the success achieved through the IMF programme.
- Fort Magistrate’s Court further remands Pastor Jerome Fernando till 27th Dec’23.
- Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon orders the Computer Crime Investigation Division to set up a specialised unit to receive and investigate complaints relating to religious offences committed through social media networks.
- Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne says the 18% VAT will affect the private bus industry and will probably lead to a bus fare hike.
- SL Under-19 Cricket team loses to Bangladesh by 6 wickets: exits the semi-finals in the Asia Cup Under-19 Cricket Tournament in Dubai.
- Sports Minister Harin Fernando turns down request by Institute of Sports Medicine to send Asian Games Gold Medallist Tharushi Karunaratne to Ireland for medical treatment.
- Sports Minister Harin Fernando informs Appeal Court that he has revoked the appointment of the SL Cricket Interim Committee & it is now dissolved: Appeal Court’s decision on whether or not to take up the SLC President’s petition will be announced on 15th December.
