- President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlines plans for Sri Lanka’s economic growth and government reforms, aiming for a 3% growth rate by 2025: announces measures to raise government employee salaries and introduce key laws for economic development, including granting autonomy to the Central Bank: emphasises the importance of investment in education and healthcare.
- CoPF Chief Dr. Harsha De Silva reveals the Office of International Trade (OIT) highlighted its staffing challenges to the Committee: adds the Chief Negotiator, A.G. Weerasinghe, revealed that the OIT lacks personnel for feasibility studies on pending FTAs with China and Thailand: proposes discussing the future of the Department of Commerce, suggesting either its continuation or closure, with a potential transfer of officers to the OIT if the Commerce Department ceases operations.
- Ex President Mahinda Rajapaksa calls for the government to postpone plans to privatise national assets and state-owned enterprises until after a new government is elected: cites concerns over unrest among trade unions, political groups, and citizens, arguing that selling state-owned assets during the current interim period might not benefit the nation: Opposition MPs and former SLPP member MP Charitha Herath respond, urging the SLPP to oppose the government’s actions in Parliament and questioning the implications for President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s position.
- State Minister Dilum Amunugama announces Sri Lanka’s ambitious goal to triple its investment target for 2024, aiming to attract over US$ 3 bn in investments: expresses confidence in the country’s improved investment landscape, citing a remarkable 200% improvement compared to two years ago: adds efforts to promote investment abroad have begun, with representatives appointed to the investment board and notable successes achieved in countries like Britain, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany.
- To combat the entry of unsafe medicines, the NMRA plans to introduce security stickers on pharmaceutical registration certificates after recent scandals involving fraudulent certificates: Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama announced this move to ensure the authenticity of certificates, with implementation expected within a month pending receipt of the new stickers.
- The IORA Business Conclave hosted by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will focus on key sectors like Agriculture, ICT, Logistics, and Tourism: With participation from various countries, including Australia, India, and Malaysia, the event aims to foster strategic alliances and explore emerging trends: Featuring plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and B-2-B meetings, the Conclave offers insights into disruptive technologies and sustainable practices across the Indian Ocean Rim: Strategic Partners include the Australian Government and the Asian Development Bank, among others.
- The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai faces a delay, pushed from May 13 to May 17 due to vessel arrival and regulatory requirements: Reservations for May 13-16 will be rescheduled for May 17.
- Public Security Minister Tiran Alles vows strict action against police misconduct in the “Yukthiya” Operation, addressing concerns of human rights abuses and collusion with criminals: refutes claims of wrongful detentions under the operation, emphasising its focus on apprehending drug traffickers: While acknowledging issues within certain police stations, Alles pledges to uphold law enforcement integrity and combat drug-related crimes.
- Sri Lankan author Kumar Hewage releases new book, “Beyond Myth, Rama, Ravana & the Secret of Star Gate”: The book follows the deciphering of the past involving the symbolism of Ramayanaya, legend of Ravana and Sigiriya, a lost scholar’s legacy, and the power of meditation: The journey leads them through the timeless epic of Ramayana, exploring hidden corners of India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia: The book is now available on Kindle.
- Sri Lanka ‘A’ team displays a strong performance on day two against Afghanistan ‘A’ at P. Sara Oval Stadium, scoring 435 runs in their first innings: Sonal Dinusha (145) and Wanuja Sahan (75) shone, with Dinusha almost reaching 150 before being stumped: Afghanistan ‘A’ lost one wicket and scored 18 runs by the close of play: Zia-ur-Rehman took 6 wickets for Afghanistan, while Milan Ratnayake dismissed Afghanistan’s opener for a duck: The match will resume at 9:45 a.m. on the third day.
