- Inbound Tour Operators raise concerns with Tourism and Finance Ministries on the sudden imposition of VAT from 0% to 18% on Destination Management Companies; IMF said to be considering the request: many analysts have regularly pointed out that many fiscal and monetary decisions are now taken by the IMF, and not by the Finance Ministry or the Central Bank.
- Public Security Minister Tiran Alles says Police have been tasked with completely eradicating the underworld and narcotic drugs in the country by 30th June’24: asserts the “Yukthiya” operation to do so will not be stopped under any circumstances.
- ITAK leadership change expected to pose challenges for the polity in the South: also expected to raise concerns in the international community: greater bias towards Federalism anticipated.
- SL film director Jagath Manuwarna wins award of Best Director in the Asian Competition Section of the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival for his feature film “Rahas Kiyana Kandu”: the film premiered at the 2023 International Film Festival in Rotterdam where it won the NETPAC Awards for the best Asian feature film.
- SL Navy seeks the assistance of the Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Forces engaged in counter-terrorism, to obtain the release of SL trawler ‘Lorenzo Putha 4’ with its 6 crew members hijacked by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea.
- SL Railways “parcel” charges increased with effect from 1st February’24.
- Passenger ferry service between India’s Nagapattinam and SL’s Kankesanthurai to be initiated on 15th February.
- Nutritionist and Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner Dr Raaidah Wahab says the SL rice & curry is one of the most nutritious and balanced meals: warns however the quantities being consumed needs to change.
- Finance State Minister Ranjith Siambalapitiya says the issue of Taxpayer Identification Numbers has not been interrupted or stopped, but necessary steps are being taken to prevent the obstacles and provide necessary facilities to the Inland Revenue Department.
- International Cricket Council lifts ban imposed on SL with immediate effect.
