- President Director General (Community Affairs) Rajith Keerthi Thennakoon announces the initiation of an “Odapana” loan scheme: asserts the scheme, implemented in response to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s directives, aims to address the financial challenges encountered by small and medium-scale rice mill owners, rice storekeepers and rice hoarders, particularly exacerbated by the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa declares an agreement to tackle infrastructure sector challenges, including economic, social, and political issues for upland and lowland estate communities: pledges to protect their rights, formalising the commitment by signing a social contract with various political parties and estate representatives.
- Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga refuted claims of endorsing any candidate ahead of the upcoming presidential election: asserts she has not made any endorsements thus far: dismisses rumours suggesting her acceptance of a leadership role within the Podu Jana Eksath Peramuna council.
- Prof. Jayantha Jayawardena who was previously ousted from the Sri Lanka Medical Council under ex Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella’s tenure has been reinstated as an SLMC member: The reinstatement was made by current Minister Ramesh Pathirana: The reappointment ensures Jayawardena’s tenure for five years as per the ordinance, unless voluntarily resigned or removed.
- A fundamental rights petition reaches the Supreme Court requesting an order to direct the Constitutional Council to approve the President’s recommendation to appoint the current President of the Court of Appeal, Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, as a Supreme Court judge: Petitioner Sarith Maheeputhra Pathirathne argues that the Council’s rejection of the President’s recommendation is arbitrary and unreasonable: The Council cited inability to verify Justice Karunaratne’s suitability due to allegations against him: Faiszer Musthapha PC will support the petition.
- The Committee on Public Finances questions the Director-General of Fiscal Policy about the delay in establishing a gaming regulator, crucial for attracting investment and recovering lost revenue: emphasises the urgency of creating this legislation due to significant revenue losses: grants a two-week extension to provide details on casinos and a plan to recover outstanding taxes, expecting legislation completion by March 31st.
- The second phase of the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefits scheme commences today, aiming to select 400,000 more beneficiaries: Applications can be submitted online or through Divisional Secretariats within a month: The government plans to increase the beneficiary base to 2.4 million individuals, allocating Rs. 205 billion.
- Education Minister Premajayantha confirmed that the 2025 school term will start in January as usual: asserts the Advanced Level exam, postponed to January 2024, is being adjusted to take place earlier: adds results for the 2023 A/L exam are expected between May and June, preceding the Ordinary Level exam later this year: The 2024 A/L exam is rescheduled for 2025, with the new school term of 2024 starting on February 19.
- The weighted average yield rates (WAYR) of treasury bills with a maturity period of both, 91 days and 182 days, come down to single-digits at the treasury bill auction: CBSL asserts that this happened for the first time since 04 March 2022.
- Sri Lanka completes a commanding 3-0 series win defeating Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the third and final ODI at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: Chasing a target of 266, SL comfortably reached the mark in 35.2 overs, with seven wickets in hand.
