- President Ranil Wickremesinghe says he appeals to all of us to work collectively towards building a robust economy over the next two or three years, ensuring a bright future for our youth.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa donates a fully-equipped smart classroom worth Rs. 01 million to the children of Kesbewa Makuludoowa New Model School, Colombo: This comes as the 173rd smart classroom donated via the ‘Sakwala’ programme initiated by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): On this occasion, a donation of one hundred thousand rupees was also made to help the school acquire necessary attire for the school’s dance team.
- The government is set to grant vehicle import licences with tariff concessions to senior civil servants and senior judicial officers who retired after turning 60 years old due to changes in retirement age policies: The decision, made during a cabinet meeting on March 11, aims to provide duty relief to retirees affected by shifts in retirement age regulations: The circular pertaining to this decision was issued by Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs Pradeep Yasaratne.
- The Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry service, initiated by India’s SCI in October 2023, will resume on May 13, 2024, with IndSri Ferry Services operating it: India will cover Nagapattinam port costs, while Sri Lanka reduces passenger charges: India provided USD 63.65 million for KKS Harbour rehab: Strengthening maritime ties aligns with both countries’ economic partnership vision: Future plans include enhanced connectivity through electricity grids, pipelines, and economic corridors.
- Grama Niladhari officers across Sri Lanka are staging a two-day sick leave protest starting today (06) to demand action on various grievances: The All-Island Grama Niladhari Officers’ Association announced the nationwide action, supported by all Grama Niladhari officer unions: warns of further measures if their concerns are not addressed in the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
- Tourist arrivals dip below 200,000 for the first time in 2024, reaching 148,867 in April, a decline from March’s 209,181: Despite a 41% increase compared to the previous year, this drop is attributed to factors like a new visa system introduced mid-month: SLTDA notes changes in arrival categories, with India, Russia, and the UK topping tourist source markets: Further clarity on arrival data is awaited from immigration authorities.
- The annulment of the Surgery Long and Short Cases components of the ERPM Part B Examination at Eastern University sparks allegations of nepotism against the President of the SLMC: Approximately 40 candidates have expressed discontent, claiming the decision unfairly impacts their marks and future prospects: Allegations suggest the President favoured a candidate, allegedly his associate’s daughter, prompting the annulment: Candidates urge the SLMC to reconsider the decision and release their results.
- Sri Lanka Banks’ Association, LankaPay, and FinCSIRT issue a joint notice warning about financial fraud, particularly through mobile devices: add scammers use enticing online offers to trick users into downloading malicious apps, granting them access to bank/payment apps on the device: urge the public to stay vigilant, as fraudsters often operate through social media and online messaging platforms: stress that it’s crucial to note that reported fraud cases stem from compromised mobile devices and not from security vulnerabilities in banking/payment apps, which comply with international security standards.
- The 2023 G.C.E. Ordinary Level exam starts today across 3,527 centres in Sri Lanka: Over 452,979 candidates are expected to sit for the exam: Candidates are reminded to arrive on time with their admission cards and valid IDs.
- Sri Lanka secures ICC Women’s T20 World Cup spot, beating UAE by 15 runs in a tense semi-final: Gunaratne and Athapaththu shine as Sri Lanka defends 149 runs, advancing to the final against Scotland in October.
