- President Ranil Wickremesinghe affirms the government’s commitment to boosting agriculture at the “Dilmah Cinnamon” launch: praised Dilmah’s entry into cinnamon production, emphasising its historical significance: The event, attended by notable figures, marks a milestone in Sri Lanka’s cinnamon industry.
- ACMC Leader MP Rishard Bathiudeen meets with Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jah to express gratitude for India’s support during economic challenges: highlights Indian aid for conflict-affected housing and sought assistance for fishermen affected by coastal erosion: Discussions also covered plans for the Thalaimannar-Rameshwaram ferry service and regional development in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka.
- Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena says many MPs have requested his help to import duty-free vehicles: asserts he plans to forward their request to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, noting MPs haven’t been allowed to import vehicles for a decade: further highlights that many MPs use vehicles over 12 years old.
- Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa warns against unauthorised use of drone cameras at May Day rallies, citing safety and privacy concerns: adds six thousand officers will be deployed in Colombo, with an additional four thousand in other regions, and military support may be sought if needed.
- A new gazette notification outlines three methods for income tax payments: cash deposits, pay orders or bank drafts, and the Online Tax Payment Platform (OTPP): Cheque payments are no longer accepted for income tax payments, as per the April 4 gazette: This applies to taxes under the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017, excluding other taxes like VAT, Stamp Duty, etc.
- The Central Bank highlights a gap between financial knowledge and behaviour among Sri Lankans, urging policymakers to address this issue: adds despite satisfactory financial knowledge levels, there’s room for improvement in financial behaviour, influenced by attitudes, biases, and socio-economic factors: laments poor financial behaviour can worsen economic vulnerability and inequality: advocates for gender-sensitive approaches and introduces a Financial Literacy Roadmap, involving 48 actions over five years.
- Secretary of the Sri Lanka Automobile Association Devapriya Hettiarachchi says due to concerns about beggars at traffic lights in Colombo, Sri Lanka will not host the SMMT International Automotive Summit 2025: The decision came after a bid was submitted, but delegates at a meeting in Rwanda were deterred by the presence of beggars, citing traffic disruptions and unpleasant experiences: adds plans were made to address the issue, urging the public not to provide assistance to beggars at traffic lights in Colombo.
- PAFFREL stresses the need for political parties in Sri Lanka to release their election manifestos well in advance of any electoral contest to promote a responsible and informed political culture: laments currently, manifestos are often unveiled only a month before elections, limiting public engagement and scrutiny: stresses the importance of timely and transparent dissemination of manifestos, suggesting they be issued at least six months before elections.
- Four individuals were arrested in Kollupitiya for posing as officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and extorting Rs. 10 million: The arrests came after a complaint from a Dehiwala resident: The suspects are set to appear before the Colombo Chief Magistrates Court today.
- Over 500 overseas players, including stars like Tamim Iqbal and Tim Southee, sign up for the 5th edition of the Lanka Premier League 2024: Players from 24 countries, including all ICC full members, are eager to join one of the five teams: The tournament, set for July 1st to 21st, promises an exciting auction to select players.
