- President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscores the pressing need to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector, affirming a commitment to prioritise the concerns of farmers in the nation’s rebuilding efforts: Emphasising the imperative of fostering a competitive agricultural industry geared towards crop exportation, the President announced plans for the imminent launch of the country’s most extensive agricultural modernisation initiative.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the Sri Lankan school children must be taught the Constitution which details the three main pillars of democracy, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, how power is divided, the checks and balances, and fundamental rights: adds the 22 million population of the country should also be made aware of the above.
- Former JVP activist Dr. Lionel Bopage responds to a statement by Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, denouncing it as potentially misleading to younger generations: criticises the historical falsehoods perpetuated by politicians, citing the ‘Black July Riots’ of 1983 as an example: recounts personal experiences during the riots, witnessing atrocities against Tamils and detailing the complicity of government figures: adds the need for accountability and urges SL to confront its past for a more just and unified future: Previously, Ranatunga accused the JVP of inciting the Black July Riots.
- All-Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association (ACROA) increases prices due to rising food production costs: Plain tea up by Rs. 5, milk tea by Rs. 10. Rice and curry packets up by Rs. 25, while Kottu and Fried Rice rise by Rs. 50: ACROA promises adjustments with future price changes.
- Additional Secretary to the Health Ministry Dr. Saman Rathnayake, who was arrested and remanded in the medicine procurement scandal, intends to provide a confidential statement in court: Rathnayake’s arrest followed a seven-hour interrogation by the CID: Despite being remanded until March 14, he will deliver his statement on March 4.
- The Western Province Education Department suspended ongoing government school term test examinations due to reports of leaked Mathematics and English question papers: This action was taken following confirmation of the leak, and the department has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department for investigation.
- Russian missile cruiser Varyag docks in Colombo port, greeted with naval courtesies: The 187m vessel, with 529 crew members, led by Flag Officer Velichko Anatoly Vasicievich and Commanding Officer Glushakov Roman Nikolaevich, visits Sri Lanka: Planned meetings with Rear Admiral Saman Perera and local exploration programmes are scheduled: The cruiser will restock essential supplies during its stay until March 4, before continuing its mission.
- Sri Lanka expresses deep concern over loss of life in Gaza, urges thorough investigation: Calls for ending Gaza blockade to provide vital aid to civilians: Initiates “Children of Gaza Fund” to aid victims, pledges USD one million through UN agencies: Supports sustainable political resolution for an independent State of Palestine while emphasising Israel’s security.
- Prominent contributors to ‘Ravaya’ newspaper initiate legal action over printing cessation: Plaintiffs, including notable Sri Lankan figures, allege breach of trust by the newspaper’s officials: Legal recourse sought to protect the rights of contributors during 2013/2014 period.
- Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says the dollar has surged against the rupee, prompting efforts by farmers and foreign employers to stabilise it: highlights the record rice harvest and the empowerment of farmers in setting prices, particularly in Keeri Samba cultivation.
