- President Wickremesinghe highlights the importance of holistic education, advocating for a curriculum that includes nutritional support and integrates modern technologies like AI: aims a “2024 School Meal Programme” at providing nutritious meals to all grade 1-5 students nationwide: intends to improve attendance, academic performance, and healthy habits among students: With a budget of Rs. 16.6 billion and support from organisations like the WFP and USDA, the programme benefits 1.6 million students across over 9,000 government schools.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the government should serve justice for the people who lost their lives in the Easter Sunday massacre: urges those who make claims about the attack to stop playing with the lives of the people, referring to the recent controversial remarks made by ex-President Maithripala Sirisena: further urges the government to reveal the responsible parties’ names, and by doing so to take legal action.
- Member of NPP’s Economic Council, JVP former MP Sunil Handunnetti says the current debt restructuring programme with the IMF will be reviewed again under an NPP government, asserting that they have the right to review each debt agreement in repayment of the loans: adds they may have to go through a new debt restructuring programme with all relevant stakeholders.
- COPA instructs the Finance Ministry to refer the case of 102 containers of spoiled fish imported into Sri Lanka to the CID, suspecting criminal activity: Despite customs regulations, the fish were unloaded in Sri Lanka. Concerns arose over discrepancies in import procedures and invoice dates: The Import and Export Control General says the fish were imported for organic fertiliser, with some destroyed, used for fertiliser, or re-exported: The delay in investigating and allegations of customs favoritism were criticised during the COPA session.
- The Teachers’ Principals’ Trade Union Alliance (TPTUA) warns the Finance Ministry Secretary of impending trade union actions if their demands regarding salary anomalies remain unmet: Despite a written request submitted earlier, they received no response, prompting them to visit the Ministry premises and issue a media release detailing their grievances: stresses the importance of resolving the issues without disrupting the education system but cautioned of future actions if their concerns are not addressed.
- Sri Lanka has implements crucial tax measures to stabilise its economy, backed by the IMF: IMF Senior Mission Chief Peter Breuer emphasises maintaining current tax levels to fund essential services, urging proportional contributions from all citizens: Sri Lanka faces economic challenges with a significant drop in GDP and revenue collection levels: The IMF stresses the need for continued fiscal reforms, including property tax introduction and revenue mobilisation efforts beyond 2025, to mitigate fiscal risks.
- The Coconut Development Authority says Sri Lanka’s coconut water exports surged in February 2024, fetching Rs. 3,439 million, up from Rs. 2,705 million in the corresponding period in 2023: CDA Chief Prof. Roshan Perera highlights a substantial Rs. 734 million increase in export income during the same period: Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera discusses these figures, noting potential for further growth by addressing Rs. 300 million annual losses from wildlife-related damages to coconut trees, benefiting growers’ income.
- Veteran Sri Lankan singer Chandra Kumara Kandanarachchi passes away aged 76: His popular songs includes: ‘Ege Sinahawa Thahanam’, ‘Pem Benda Sith Benda’, ‘Ganga Nadee Theeraye’, and ‘Hithe Sathuta Jiwithe.’
- The Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Board lowers the SDFR and SLFR by 50 basis points each to 8.50% and 9.50%, aiming to maintain inflation at 5% and foster economic growth: Factors considered include subdued demand, stable inflation expectations, and manageable external pressures: urges financial institutions to swiftly reduce lending rates to aid economic recovery: Additionally, restrictions on the Central Bank’s Standing Deposit Facility will be lifted from April 1 to enhance policy transmission.
- Sri Lanka clinched a dominant 328-run victory against Bangladesh in the first test match at Sylhet, securing a 1-0 series lead: Kasun Rajitha’s 5-wicket haul, supported by Vishwa Fernando (3/36) and Lahiru Kumara (2/39), paved the way for victory as Bangladesh were bowled out for 182 in their second innings: Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis starred with back-to-back centuries, setting up SL’s commanding position: Bangladesh struggled against SL’s seamers, with Mominul Haque’s fighting knock of 87 not enough to prevent defeat: Rajitha, with 8 wickets in the match, was named Man of the Match. The second test begins on March 30 in Chattogram.
