- President Ranil Wickremesinghe says he will announce a decision regarding his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election at the ‘appropriate time’, despite Minister Prasanna Ranatunga’s urgent call: emphasises the need for a national agenda and opposition cooperation to transform Sri Lanka into a developed nation: also mentions successful creditor agreements and urged the main opposition to support national revival efforts.
- The Colombo High Court orders the release of former MP and SJB member Hirunika Premachandra on bail: The decision was issued by High Court Judge Amal Ranaraja today (22), following the consideration of an appeal filed by her legal representatives.
- NPP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake pledges that he will disclose details of his foreign trip expenses upon returning from Japan: This statement followed accusations by ruling MP Premnath Dolawatta that Dissanayake spent over Rs. 70 million on political meetings abroad: Dissanayake insists no government funds were used and calls for transparency on expenses related to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, and Minister Manusha Nanayakkara’s foreign trips.
- The People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) urges the government to avoid introducing amendments requiring a referendum, citing the current economic crisis: Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi highlights that a referendum would cost Rs. 10 bn, stressing that it’s imprudent while Local Government elections are postponed due to financial constraints: accuses the government of prioritising power retention over urgent national issues.
- The Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry announces Poland plans to recruit Sri Lankan workers through a government-to-government agreement, with simplified visa procedures: The announcement, made after Sabry’s visit to Poland, follows a proposal from Polish counterpart Radosław Sikorski: Sabry’s visit, which also included Romania, aimed to strengthen bilateral relations.
- UNICEF donates nine refrigerated trucks to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health to improve vaccine distribution for children, funded by the Japanese Government: Presented by Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki and UNICEF’s Ms. Begoña Arellano, the trucks are part of a USD 3 million aid package from Japan, including cold chain equipment: This support will enhance vaccine transport and storage nationwide.
- The Medical Research Institute (MRI) faces criticism for allegedly neglecting 50% of its testing duties, with several specific tests not being performed: Trade unions raise concerns, but MRI Director Dr. Suranga Dolamulla counters that the figure is outdated and now stands at 20%: attributes improvements to better systems and efficient resource use, despite funding challenges.
- The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council condemns successive governments for inconsistent policies and widespread corruption harming industries: Chairman Sean Van Dort criticises inadequate responses to corruption within Sri Lanka Customs and the Inland Revenue Department: highlights issues like unsanitary warehouses, outdated equipment, and private sector corruption: calls for improved governance and service, rejecting government handouts in favour of effective operational support.
- The Acting Magistrate of Nuwara Eliya orders Police to arrest and bring Ceylon Workers’ Congress General Secretary, Minister Jeevan Thondaman, to court: Thondaman is accused of unlawfully intervening, threatening law enforcement, and exhibiting unruly conduct at a Nuwara Eliya tea estate: The police were instructed to apprehend Thondaman and others who failed to attend court.
- The Jaffna Kings won their fourth LPL title by defeating the Galle Marvels by nine wickets with 26 balls to spare: Rilee Rossouw scored an unbeaten 106 and Kusal Mendis 72 in a record 185-run partnership: Galle Marvels, batting first, set a target of 185 with Bhanuka Rajapaksa scoring 82. Jaffna chased the target in 15.4 overs.
