- Israel’s Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. Miri Regev has called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe. According to the PMD, the meeting delved into crucial matters concerning the safe return of Israeli hostages, with President Wickremesinghe affirming Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to advocating for their safety.
- Two more members of the SLFP have crossed over to the main opposition, SJB party led by MP Sajith Premadasa. According to the SJB, former SLFP provincial council members Gamini Thilakasiri and Gamini Silva met MP Premadasa today and expressed their support for the SJB.
- Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he will support abolishing the executive presidency. Rajapaksa said he realized that this was also the demand of the people.
- The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has secured detentions orders against criminal gang member Piyum Hasthika alias “Piyuma”, who was repatriated to Sri Lanka from Dubai, UAE. “Piyuma” is reportedly the main accomplice of the notorious underworld figure and drug trafficker Salindu Malshika Gunaratne alias “Kudu Salindu,” who is also currently in the custody of the CID.
- The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Excise Department to exchange information related to investigations and prosecutions of money laundering, terrorist financing and other related crimes.
- The National Physical Planning Department has designated 11 temples of significant archaeological, historical, and sacred importance as Sacred Sites in the Government Gazette: the total count of sanctuaries recognized as sacred places of worship in Sri Lanka has now risen to 142.
- Sri Lanka Police are seeking public assistance to arrest three suspects wanted over the mass shooting in Beliatta in which five people, including the leader of “Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya” (Our Power of People Party or OPPP) Saman Perera, were killed. The mass shooting took place on January 23 near the Beliatta interchange of the Southern Expressway.
- Sri Lanka, in the spotlight ahead of upcoming elections, is facing external influence, notably from China, amid perceived instability, according to former President Maithripala Sirisena. Added that Sri Lanka has become entangled in great power politics between Washington and Beijing.
- Sri Lanka’s annual economic growth is expected to remain positive in 2024 and gradually reach its potential over the medium term, the Central Bank said in its latest monetary policy report.
- Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the dates for the 5th edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024. Thereby, Sri Lanka’s much-awaited T20 franchise cricket tournament is scheduled to be held from July 01 – 21 this year.
