- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and commended Sri Lanka’s efforts to revive its economy. President Wickremesinghe briefed Verma on debt restructuring progress and highlighted key economic reforms, including an agriculture modernization program. The discussions underscored mutual appreciation for the Sri Lankan government’s economic initiatives.
- Former Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Major General Sathyapriya Liyanage has extended his support to the main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by MP Sajith Premadasa.
- In response to criticism over the substantial salary increase for Central Bank employees, a leading parliamentary committee has requested a report from the Central Bank. The committee, chaired by MP Gamini Waleboda, is seeking information on the legal basis for the salary increment without parliamentary approval. This inquiry arose during a committee meeting where Central Bank officials were present, addressing concerns about the salary hike amid the economic crisis.
- The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has raised concerns over reports of people posing as doctors to treat patients in various parts of Sri Lanka. GMOA revealed that over 40,000 individuals are found to be posing as doctors, treating patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, kidney and heart ailments.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Myanmar, is actively working to rescue and repatriate Sri Lankan nationals who fell victim to human trafficking in Myanmar. The individuals were deceived through online scams, particularly within the Myawaddy area, where they were falsely promised legitimate IT job opportunities. Efforts are underway to address this situation and bring back the affected Sri Lankan citizens.
- The Health Trade Union Alliance said trade union representatives will meet representatives of the Ministry of Health on Tuesday (27) to discuss their demands. Co-convener of the Alliance Chanaka Dharmawickrama said a report is due to be prepared to calculate the cost for the proposed allowance and the ability to pay.
- Nearly 1 million electricity connections were disconnected within 2023, the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis was informed.
- The government is set to replace the University Grants Commission with the establishment of the National Higher Education Development Commission, as announced by State Minister of Higher Education Dr. Suren Raghavan.
- Land Valuation Indicator (LVI) for Colombo District indicated a slowdown on a year-on-year basis, recording a growth rate of 7.1 per cent during the second half of 2023. This slowdown could be observed in all sub-indicators of LVI, namely Residential, Commercial and Industrial LVIs which recorded annual increases of 8.8 per cent, 6.7 per cent and 5.9 per cent, respectively.
- A ‘white-only’ themed party planned for February 24 at a Russian-run cafe in the south has been canceled by organizers following public outcry. The event, labeled as an ‘Opening White Party,’ faced backlash for its discriminatory nature. The controversial face control policy, restricting entry based on factors like white skin, wealth, style, or demeanor, stirred significant controversy before its cancellation.
