- Pathfinder Foundation is hosting the third phase of its Indian Ocean Security Conference, promoting dialogue among regional nations. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, and Japanese Deputy Assistant Minister Hayashi Makoto are among the notable speakers discussing complex topics impacting global security and supply chain resilience.
- Uddika Premarathne of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has resigned as a Member of Parliament. The Anuradhapura District parliamentarian has handed over the letter of resignation to the Deputy General Secretary of Parliament Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, yesterday (Feb.27).
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa claims that the Constitutional Council (CC) did not approve the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) and charged that the country’s Constitution is being blatantly violated for the second time.
- The Jathika Jana Balavegaya has joined the opposition in supporting a No Confidence Motion against Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. The motion, initiated by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya on Monday, cites reasons such as the Speaker’s failure to properly present Supreme Court amendments for the Online Safety Bill before its passage. The motion is part of the ongoing parliamentary developments.
- Cabinet approval has been granted to implement a project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide credit facilities at concessional interest rates to existing micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in Sri Lanka for further expansion and recovery of their businesses.
- Ministry of Education officials stated that arrangements have been made to launch new educational publications compiled to provide education on sexuality from the pre-childhood development stage to the adult community, on the 7th of March 2024.
- Police dispersed protesting students near the University of Sri Jayewardenepura using tear gas and water cannons. The demonstration, organized by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences students’ union, sought solutions for concerns like hostel problems, cafeteria issues, and delays in ‘Mahapola’ scholarship payments.
- Cabinet approved the proposal by President Wickremesinghe to create a “Children of Gaza Fund” in aid of Gaza violence victims. The President’s Media Division said that all Ministries & Government Institutions are directed to forego Ifthar celebrations & contribute to this fund.
- The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) Asia Pacific Regional Director, Pio Smith is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from February 28 to March 01, 2024.
- Sports Minister Harin Fernando has met Sri Lanka national cricketers to discuss issues faced by them.The Captains of all three formats including senior cricketers, Cricket Consultant Sanath Jayasuriya, and Chief Selector Upul Tharanga participated in the meeting.
