- President Ranil Wickremesinghe appoints Committee of Inquiry to investigate pre-Easter Sunday terror attack intelligence handling: Led by retired Judge De Alwis, it aims for impartiality and accountability: Deadline set for September 15, 2024, for findings presentation.
- SLPP National Organiser MP Namal Rajapaksa says contradictory sentiments have been made about the holding of an election by the UNP Leader and its Secretary: asserts the SLPP is against the idea of postponing the election: warns parties that had catered to the postponement of elections throughout history were decimated from existence: assures the SLPP already has a candidate for the upcoming Presidential Polls, but will not be revealed until the arrival of the appropriate time.
- NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake says in light of establishing national unity, the Tamil people of Sri Lanka should be given the right-to-decision making about their community in a political landscape beyond the proposed Provincial Council System: asserts such establishment should include constitutional changes, whilst ensuring that provisions which have already been constituted for unity are implemented: laments such provisions have confined themselves into mere laws, proposing that they should be brought into a practical reality.
- Eminent economists caution that IMF-led economic reforms disproportionately harm Sri Lanka’s citizens, especially women and SMEs: Prof. Jayati Ghosh advocates for alternative approaches, urging resistance against IMF influence and fair debt restructuring: Other experts, including Prof. Martín Guzmán and Charles Abugre, echo calls for national agendas in IMF engagement.
- Health Ministry and NMRA address concerns over unregulated beauty products in Sri Lanka, prompted by GMOA’s appeal: Efforts include legal framework strengthening and collaboration: GMOA stresses adherence to scientific guidelines: Despite existing regulations, influx of unregistered cosmetics persists: Health Ministry engages stakeholders to safeguard public health.
- IMF approves second review of Sri Lanka’s EFF programme, unlocking US$330 mn in third tranche: Foreign Minister Sabry lauds commitment to economic reforms: State Minister Semasinghe sees pivotal moment for economy: CBSL anticipates IMF announcement on third tranche release: Total IMF support reaches US$1 billion: Despite recovery signs, reform efforts imperative.
- UPTUF launched a 24-hour strike seeking government action on postal staffing shortages: Postmaster General cancels leave, pledges service continuity amidst disapproval of the strike: Assurances made to ensure uninterrupted postal services during the strike period.
- Former MP Ranjan Ramanayake acquitted of Rs. 1 million fraud and marriage promise allegations by Kandy Chief Magistrate: Case filed by Special Crimes Investigation Division based on a teacher’s complaint: Ramanayake claims innocence, cites political motives: accuses Cabinet Minister and lawyer of orchestrating scheme against him.
- Saudi Arabia donates 300 tonnes of dates to aid Sri Lankan children, especially affected by economic challenges: The contribution, facilitated by KSrelief, supports the national school meal programme: UN’s WFP appreciates the gesture, enhancing nutrition for vulnerable children amidst the crisis.
- The Sri Lanka-Nepal T-20 World Cup match in Florida was abandoned due to heavy rain, with no balls bowled: Sri Lanka’s chances of reaching the Super Eight stage were further complicated by the washout: They must win their final game against the Netherlands, with outcomes of other matches also crucial for their qualification.
