- Public Security Minister Tiran Alles says special operations will be carried out from now onwards to combat organised crimes & narcotics drugs.
- Govt’s move to hike the VAT from 15% to 18% and to impose the 18% VAT on a host of items that had previously been exempted from the tax generates anger among Opposition MPs and most of the people: critics say SLPP had voted in support of the VAT (Amendment) Bill to ensure its passage through Parliament.
- Former CB Governor and State Finance Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal says the unbearable VAT and other tax increases is a part of the “IMF package”: asserts the floating of the currency, lifting of import controls, very high interest rates, 200-300% increase in utility prices, desperate efforts to sell SOEs, acute trimming of public service, etc are also part of the IMF deal: warns the living conditions of the SL people would become a lot worse next year.
- Major General Harendra Pieris of the Gajaba Regiment appointed Chief of Staff of the SL Army.
- State Trading Corpn says a ship carrying a consignment of 15 mn imported eggs is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka today: also says the Corpn has made arrangements to distribute 10mn eggs, which have been already-imported & quality-assured, to Sathosa outlets from tomorrow.
- Met Dept warns the prevailing showery conditions will increase over most of the island due to a low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of SL associated with easterly waves: also issues an Advisory for heavy rains in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Northwestern, and Eastern Provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya and Polonnaruwa districts.
- Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon says underworld activities are prevalent in 43 police domains within 2 provinces: emphasises that despite claims that there is a rapid increase in the operation of underworld activities and drug rackets throughout Sri Lanka, this is not so.
- SJB MP Eran Wickremaratne says a future SJB Govt would continue the IMF programme: also says the VAT increase has posed many problems for the public: asserts that direct tax collection should be streamlined to increase Govt revenue without resorting to indirect taxes such as VAT.
- Finance Ministry earmarks distillery companies to raise next year’s excise revenue target by Rs.50 bn through the introduction of revenue collection measures: under the new directive to be issued by the Excise Dept, hotels, restaurants, liquor shops, bars & supermarkets will be given only a 7-day credit period by the manufacturer.
- Newly appointed Cricket Selection Committee led by Upul Tharanga, reportedly decides to change the leadership roles for the Sri Lanka Test, ODI and T20 teams: Test team – Dhananjaya de Silva (captain) and Kusal Mendis (vice-captain): ODI team – Kusal Mendis (captain) and Charith Asalanka (vice-captain): T20 team – Wanindu Hasaranga (captain) Charith Asalanka (vice-captain).
