- President Ranil Wickremesinghe says none of the current presidential candidates plan to abolish executive powers: emphasises the importance of these powers in economic development and conflict resolution: discusses the disconnect between the Executive President and the government during his tenure: stresses the need to strengthen parliament’s role while reaffirming the commitment to holding the presidential election.
- Sources suggest seven opposition members would join the government on May 31, but recent developments indicate the defections may occur during a parliamentary session: Two scenarios are proposed: either three MPs will defect on June 4 or individually on June 3, 4, and 5: A senior politician is expected to switch allegiance: Given past shifts, certainty is elusive until the last moment: Nonetheless, government sources express confidence in the impending defections, leaving the media to observe the situation unfold.
- The Appeal Court issues a notice against former President Maithripala Sirisena over contempt of court allegations: The notice follows a petition by an SLFP member claiming Sirisena violated a court order by acting as SLFP Chairman: The court ordered the petitioner to serve notice to Sirisena to confirm the facts.
- Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya discloses five companies illegally imported gold into Sri Lanka this year, resulting in fines totaling Rs. 1,243 mn: One company faces a penalty of Rs. 179 mn: warns licenced importers to cease such activities immediately: Efforts to stabilise state income are ongoing, addressing revenue loss loopholes: The government remains resolute despite mafia pressure, progressing to the second phase of combating illegal imports, following a special gazette notification issued in March last year.
- Sri Lanka’s Trade Minister and the Iraqi envoy met to plan the upcoming economic forum: discuss enhancing bilateral ties, Sri Lanka’s economic situation, and potential business opportunities in Iraq: Talks also included reopening a Sri Lankan Embassy in Iraq and improving trade routes.
- Thailand’s cabinet approves visa-free entry for Sri Lankan tourists for up to 60 days starting June 1, 2024: The move aims to boost tourism and was proposed by the Foreign Ministry to attract more international visitors.
- A Kotelawala Defence University lecturer, Dr. Punsara Amarasinghe, was arrested by the TID for allegedly making irresponsible statements about national security and community issues: He claimed in a televised interview that four Sri Lankans arrested in India for ISIS links were on a list of extremists from the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, criticised law enforcement for inadequate monitoring, and made several inaccurate statements about religious extremists and legal cases: He was later granted bail by the Fort Magistrate’s Court.
- A group of Presidents’ Counsels and members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka demand accountability for alleged misconduct related to a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project: insist on suspending implicated individuals pending inquiry by a five-member committee: The letter stresses impartial investigation and adherence to professional ethics to maintain credibility and trust.
- Sri Lankan filmmaker Isuru Gunathilake has been honoured with the award for ‘Best Dance Film’ at the World Film Festival in Cannes for his film “Sheysha“: The film, directed by Gunathilake and written by Samantha Kumara Gamage, explores Sri Lanka’s traditional dance and the intricate relationship between a father and son.
- Sports Minister Harin Fernando suspends several national sports federations – Sri Lanka Cycling Federation, the Sri Lanka Rugby Federation, the Sri Lanka Automobile Federation, and the Sri Lanka Netball Federation – and appointed Professor (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando to oversee their elections: The Gazette notification cites Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law for the temporary suspension: No interim committees will be appointed, ensuring proper governance until new office bearers are elected.
