- Trade Minister Nalin Fernando pledges a staggering 75% reduction in the cost of living by the end of the 1st Quarter of 2024: says this outcome will be achieved via the Govt’s reforms, particularly in the area of tax: admonishes those who argue against levying taxes: asserts such statements are counterproductive to economic growth.
- President makes all services related to the provision of electricity, petroleum products, provision of fuel or supply, and services at ports and airports as “Essential Services”: Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says instructions given to the CEB management to take disciplinary action against any employee who acts in violation of CEB management guidelines.
- Inland Revenue Dept says everyone above 18 years who fails to obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number would be liable to a fine of Rs.50,000: also says anyone earning an income of more than Rs.1,200,000 a year, must register for Income Tax.
- SJB MP and it’s leading “Economic Guru” Dr Harsha de Silva says his Party’s economic agenda will offer some respite to people, whilst staying close to the deep reforms needed to revive the SL economy: acknowledges however that the increase in VAT will impose further burdens on the suffering public: analysts point out that Silva has been an ardent advocate of higher taxes, higher interest rates, tight IMF programme, flexible Rupee and Debt Re-structuring.
- Sepalika Chandrasekara appointed as Commissioner General of the Inland Revenue Dept: she has previously served as the Deputy Commissioner General – Tax Administration (Medium Corporate, Corporate Small Entities and Non-Corporate Sector, Regional Offices and Risk Management).
- President Ranil Wickremasinghe asserts that despite challenges, the country’s economy can experience “swift strengthening by persisting on the current trajectory”.
- Fort Magistrate’s Court grants bail to Pastor Jerome Fernando: however, he has been barred from travelling abroad.
- Foreign Minister Ali Sabry seeks intervention of the Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar U Than Swe for the release of 56 SL nationals who are being illegally held in Myawaddy area as victims of human trafficking for cybercrimes.
- Chairman of Selectors of SL Cricket announces that Dhananjaya de Silva has been appointed Captain and Kusal Mendis as Vice-Captain of the Test format: SL Cricket also announces the 17-member squad for the ODI series with Zimbabwe, with Kusal Mendis as Captain and Charith Asalanka as Vice-Captain.
- SL Women’s Cricket Captain Chamari Athapaththu among those shortlisted for the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2023 Award.
