- President Ranil Wickremesinghe says an initiative to expand Scout Movement for citizen development will be introduced: announces plans for collaboration with the Ministry of Technology and emphasises the scouts’ role in national development: urges politicians to fulfil their responsibilities and calls for collective efforts to ensure a prosperous future.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the current regime bankrupted and destroyed the country, provided tax concessions to billionaires, and reduced the state income as a percentage of the GDP from 12% to 8%: laments the 113 ruling party MPs stood up for the minister who executed the deal of importing substandard medicines: asserts a SJB government will implement a new national programme to eradicate poverty, protect the banking system whilst temporarily abolishing parate execution and saving the business community, introduce the ‘One Stop Shop’ concept to encourage FDIs, and introduce a permanent independent anti-corruption policy.
- The Supreme Court sets March 4, 2024, to hear a motion challenging the legality of the National People’s Power (NPP) registration, filed by lawyer Nagananda Kodithuwakku: The anti-JVP activist argues that the NPP’s registration, which includes the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), violates legal statutes.
- Public Security Minister Tiran Alles reaffirms commitment to anti-drug, anti-underworld, and anti-violence efforts despite pressure: reveals drug seizures worth Rs. 7.8 billion during the ‘Yukthiya’ operation.
- CEB plans to propose electricity tariff reduction to PUCSL today: The state-owned provider aims to pass on profits to consumers: Minister Wijesekera asserts reductions will match last year’s increases: 18% for domestic users, 12% for industries, and 24% for government entities.
- The Central Bank shifts focus to medium-term inflation for better decision-making, aiming to address transmission lag: Officials foresee short-term inflation upticks due to tax changes and supply disruptions but anticipate stabilisation later: Near-term inflation risks are skewed upwards due to supply-side factors, while medium-term projections remain balanced.
- Sri Lanka’s inflation rose by 6.5% Y-o-Y in January due to VAT hikes and supply chain disruptions: Monthly figures show a 3.0% increase, the highest in over a year: Core prices excluding food, energy, and transport rose by 2.2%: Food prices surged by 4.1%, while non-food inflation increased by 8.5%, driven by higher housing rent and petrol prices: Rising education costs and recreational spending also contributed to the inflationary pressure.
- MEPA detects and addresses unauthorised oil release using its satellite surveillance system, developed with French support: The incident involved the Global Crest tanker near Colombo on February 4, detected through satellite imagery: MEPA fined the vessel nearly $50,000, leading to its release after payment: The system, tested since September 2023, aims to deter pollution incidents and safeguard Sri Lanka’s strategic shipping routes.
- Veteran Sri Lankan musician Priya Suriyasena (79) receives once-in-a-lifetime award ‘UW Sumathipala Award’ at the Sumathi Awards Ceremony: The event saw multiple emotions from every corner as the singing excellence received the award.
- Sri Lanka (206/6) loses a thrilling T20 match to Afghanistan (209/5) by three runs: Despite a valiant effort, SL fell short in the final over: Kamindu Mendis impressed with an unbeaten 65: Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 70 powered them to a high total of 209: Despite Pathum Nissanka’s solid start, SL couldn’t chase down the target: Afghanistan clinched their first win of the series.
