- President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the principles of the United National Party (UNP) do not exist in the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): asserts only the UNP had a plan to build the country: invites the SJB to rejoin the UNP to save the country from debt and build a safe country for future generations: publicly humiliates the National Peoples Power (NPP) by displaying a slide featuring photographs of JVP Leader Anura Dissanayake and one of their previous manifestos, and questioning whether the NPP has any plan.
- The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) accepts President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s invitation for opposition parties to meet with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF): TNA leader R. Sampanthan will participate, while other major opposition parties like the Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB) and the National People’s Power (NPP) have opted out.
- JVP/NPP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to visit Canada, based on an invitation extended by the Canadian branch of the NPP: The NPP Leader will visit Canada on March 23 and 24: Public gatherings are scheduled to take place in Toronto on 23 and Vancouver on 24.
- Sabaragamuwa Province Governor Navin Dissanayake expressed disappointment after being excluded from the speakers list at the United National Party (UNP) rally in Kuliyapitiya: questions the decision-making process within the party: Minister Harin Fernando was also absent from the rally, which was attended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance Minister authorises the import and re-export of several spices, such as pepper, ginger, nutmeg, and turmeric, through a gazette notification: Importers must ensure a minimum local value addition of 35% before re-exporting the spices, with approval from the Controller General of Imports and Exports.
- Employees at the Central Mail Exchange in Colombo initiated a 24-hour token strike due to a year-long malfunction of the building’s elevator, causing difficulties for nearly 40% of women workers: The United Postal Trade Unions Front (UPTUF) announced the strike, emphasising the need for elevator repairs, with a warning of continued action if the issue remains unaddressed after a month.
- The government returns 109.56 acres of land in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, previously held by the military, to the lawful owners: This marks the 24th consecutive release of such properties: Only 0.5% of land remains under military control for security purposes.
- The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) faces challenges in maintaining consistent water distribution due to dry weather, leading to reduced pressure or restrictions in some areas: launches a hotline, 1939, to address the issue, aiming for proactive management.
- Sri Lanka’s official foreign currency reserves in February slightly increased to US$ 4,517 million, with the Central Bank maintaining efforts to bolster reserves by accumulating foreign currency from banks: The subdued demand for foreign currency, along with debt repayments, has allowed for reserve accumulation: Despite signs of economic recovery, import demand remains modest, but there are indications of a potential uptick fuelled by upcoming festivities and improving lending rates.
- Right-arm paceman Nuwan Thushara shone in the recent T-20 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, securing a 28-run victory for Sri Lanka and a 2-1 series win: Thushara’s exceptional bowling performance of 5 for 20, including a hat trick with his first three balls, earned him the man of the final award: Chasing a target of 174, he achieved the hat trick in the fourth over of the innings: This was his 8th T-20 international appearance, showcasing his remarkable talent despite being initially benched for the series.
