- President Ranil Wickremesinghe launches the “Presidential Academic Scholarship Programme 2024/2025” to support Sri Lankan students from Grade 01 to Grade 11 across all schools nationwide: The initiative, funded by the President’s Fund with Rs. 3,600 million, aims to aid 100,000 students annually and ensure uninterrupted education for those facing financial challenges.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says he will never accept an invitation by an administration that protects thieves to build the country together: asserts the country needs good policies rather than public figures: stresses had he pledged allegiance to the current regime upon invitation, he too would have to raise hand in favour of the former Health Minister who executed the importation of sub-standard medicines.
- NPP MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya invites all women to join hands for a change in era: says the NPP has no individual expectations but a collective effort: adds every person is important to play a role in building the country: stresses the context of ‘servant-and-master’ should be replaced with equal citizens who are fighting for their rights: asserts diversity among the communities should be the strength of the people.
- Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe emphasises the need for collective agreements among BIMSTEC countries: highlights the importance of progressing a free trade agreement within the group, aiming to strengthen trade relations and enhance regional security: also addresses the challenge of increasing financing amidst global interest rate hikes and stresses opportunities for investment and trade in the energy sector, particularly in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power: affirms Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote regional investment in power generation and engage in global forums to address climate change.
- The Army grants public access to seven Hindu temples (Kovils) located within the high-security zone in Jaffna: Civilians can now participate in weekly poojas and rituals at these temples, following appeals from temple trustees and civil organisations: Previously, permissions were limited to monthly and special poojas.
- The Central Bank requests a forum with MPs to explain the recent salary adjustments for CBSL personnel: Governor Weerasinghe conveyed the request to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, emphasising transparency and accountability: says the salary recalibration was endorsed by the Governing Board within the triennial Collective Agreement negotiated with Trade Unions: expresses readiness to provide clarifications upon receiving the requested platform or relevant inquiries from authorities.
- Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry says for the first time in history, tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka may surpass 2.5 million in 2024: asserts considering the tourist arrivals in the months of January and February this year compared to last year, it is clear that the relevant target can be easily achieved.
- Fishermen in Tamil Nadu’s Thangachimadam and Rameswaram regions, along with their families, commence a hunger strike protesting against ongoing arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy: Recent imprisonment of five fishermen prompted the strike: demand unconditional release of detained fishermen and assurance against future arrests: Leaders vow to continue strike until demands are met and call for Central government intervention to secure release of fishermen and their boats.
- The Russian Embassy issues a statement condemning racial discrimination and nationalism amidst controversy over a planned evening gathering in Unawatuna with a “dress-code: white” theme: While the event’s promoters and the bar owners were reportedly Russian citizens, the Embassy asserts these claims were unverified: Following concerns and confusion over entry requirements, the organisers apologised and cancelled the event: The Embassy reaffirms Russia’s stance against injustice and advises Russian nationals in Sri Lanka to obey local laws and customs.
- Former Sri Lankan cricket star Tillakaratne Dilshan granted Australian citizenship, confirms Australian MP Jason Wood: Wood highlights Dilshan’s cricketing achievements, including leading Sri Lanka to victories in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2014 ICC World Twenty20: welcomes Dilshan as a new citizen and expressed hope for his involvement in local cricket.
