- IMF officials led by Mission Chief Peter Breuer tour the Jaffna District: meet Provincial Governor P M S Charles and discuss economic growth in the Province, de-mining, resettlement of conflict-displaced individuals & compensation for conflict victims: also discuss educational matters related to the Jaffna University, post-Covid operations, and effects of climate change in the region.
- Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera reveals that over one million electricity disconnections occurred in 2023, marking the highest number in history: says that out of nearly 7 million users, defaulted payments led to 1,064,400 disconnections: CEB was responsible for 965,566 disconnections and LECO for 98,834 disconnections.
- Consumers experience profound misery as the relentless surge in the cost of living reaches new & distressing heights: vegetables at staggering prices: Carrots Rs.2,200 per kg, broccoli Rs.7,000, Beans Rs.1,400, Beetroot Rs.1,200, Green chillies Rs.1,400: Central Bank says Inflation has moderated to less than 5%, and IMF praises the outcome.
- Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena says the 4th Session of the 9th Parliament will be ended on 24th January ’24: the termination date to be confirmed through a gazette issued by the President.
- Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader & MP Udaya Gammanpila says the process of insulting Buddhism in the country is now a highly organized process and colossal amounts of money is invested by certain foreign countries for this purpose: also says those who insult Buddhism receive massive sums of money.
- Govt. seeks 3 weeks to respond to the health sector non-medical employees’ unions’ who are demanding the “Disturbance, Availability and Transport” allowance of Rs.35,000 as provided to doctors.
- Elections Commission Chairman R M A L Rathnayake says the Commission had already initiated work related to the Presidential Election: also says he hopes the necessary funds for the preliminary work will be received by the end of June’24.
- Recent Govt audit report reveals that the Prisons capacity has exceeded by 232%.
- Met Dept says polluted air from India has caused haze in Bandarawela & Badulla: explains that the wind flow from New Delhi comes in a circular motion where it travels from Delhi towards Bay of Bengal, and that this wind flow curves from Bay of Bengal thereby entering SL from the East.
- Zimbabwe wins the 2nd Cricket T20I against SL, by 4 wickets: SL – 173/6 in 20 overs: Charith Asalanka 69, Angelo Mathews 66*: Zimbabwe 178/6 in 19.5 overs.
