- President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his message commemorating Labour Day extends an invitation to all political parties to unite in shaping a prosperous future for the nation: set to attend two May Day rallies: Firstly, in the Ceylon Workers’ Congress rally at 10 am in Kotagala Public Grounds; then, in the afternoon, the United National Party’s rally starting near Maligawatta Police in Colombo.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa laments Sri Lanka, which has been deceived once by a lie, has become bankrupt, and is currently in debt of more than US$ 100 billion both domestically and internationally: adds to overcome this, information technology education and knowledge-based education should be fostered: asserts the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is the only political party that has done work in its role as the Opposition in Sri Lanka’s 76-year history and no other opposition has done such work for the people of the country.
- K.D. Lalkantha, a member of JVP’s polit-bureau and NPP’s executive committee, says the JVP is no longer socialist: advocates for ‘economic democracy’ and a ‘multi-party system,’ different from ‘traditional socialist’ ideologies: asserts their model focuses on ensuring every citizen contributes to and benefits from the economy, rejecting both socialism and capitalism: proposes economic involvement for all, including small-scale entrepreneurs, but not government control over industries: stresses their approach differs from the SJB’s ideology, emphasising economic democracy and limited government intervention in the economy.
- The Wages Board raises the minimum daily wage for tea estate workers to Rs. 1,700, addressing concerns about wage levels and living standards in the industry: The decision, announced through a gazette notification by Commissioner General of Labour H.K.K.A. Jayasundara, signifies a development in the labour landscape of the tea sector.
- State Minister Indika Anuruddha Herath addresses concerns about the Uma Oya Project, denying reports of major issues since its public ownership: warns against misleading information, highlighting the project’s significant delays and financial losses: asserts a team of geologists will assess reported concerns, and the government aims to increase renewable energy sources to prevent future crises: Initiatives to expedite solar and wind power projects are underway, alongside efforts to boost rooftop solar panel output.
- The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) rises to 1.5% in April 2024 from 0.9% in March: Food inflation decreases to 2.9%, while non-food inflation rises to 0.9%: Price increases in transport, education, and other categories contributed to the rise, while housing and health see decreases compared to April 2023.
- CEYPETCO announces fuel price reductions effective April 30: Lanka Petrol 92: Reduced by Rs. 3 to Rs. 368/litre; Lanka Petrol 95: Reduced by Rs. 20 to Rs. 420/litre; Lanka Auto Diesel: Reduced by Rs. 30 to Rs. 333/litre; Lanka Super Diesel 4 Star: Reduced by Rs. 9 to Rs. 377/litre; Lanka Kerosene: Reduced by Rs. 30 to Rs. 215/litre.
- Tourism Minister Harin Fernando aims to resolve technical issues with the new visa system by May 7th, responding to concerns over potential losses in tourism: The system transitioned to IVS-GBS and VFS Global, offering a multiple-entry visa at $75 with a maximum 60-day stay, removing the single-entry option: expresses disappointment, assuring efforts to address the issue and maintain the 30-day single-entry visa: Despite the $18.5 service fee, the Minister pledges to resolve technical challenges before the global promotion campaign in May.
- Four individuals arrested in Kollupitiya for impersonating CID officers and extorting Rs. 10 million have been remanded until May 14 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court: They were apprehended by Bribery Commission officers following a complaint filed by a Dehiwala resident.
- A study conducted by SDIG Priyantha Weerasuriya reveals 7.2% of HQIs, OICs, and Sectional OICs permanently reside within the police divisions they serve, posing potential biases: This phenomenon, particularly notable in Mannar, Anuradhapura, and Matara, may impact crime prevention efforts: Recommendations to address housing challenges and biases have been proposed, with the Police Headquarters pledging action.
