- President Ranil Wickremesinghe reaffirms his commitment to Buddhist education: The “Presidential Scholarship Programme” 2024 awarded 3,000 scholarships to student monks, Seela Mathas, and lay students, with an initial Rs. 9,000 deposited and monthly Rs. 3,000 instalments: Successful students advancing in their studies will receive Rs. 6,000 monthly: The programme, funded by nearly Rs. 300 million annually, aims to support and enhance Buddhist education amidst economic challenges.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa calls for accountability and compensation regarding Sri Lanka’s mandatory cremation policy enforced during the Covid pandemic: criticises ex-President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s cabinet for supporting the policy, which he claims violated Muslim religious and cultural rights, inciting racism and religious zeal: demands transparency on the decision-making process and argues that a mere apology alone is insufficient.
- Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa confirms he will contest the upcoming Presidential Election: Previously, it was confirmed that Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka will also be contesting the Polls as a candidate.
- State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe announces in Parliament that The Finance Company PLC (TFC) has been issued a liquidation letter: The government aims to expedite the process and ensure swift compensation for insured depositors: Liquidation, deemed necessary after failed restructuring efforts, is expected to maximise depositor compensation and prevent further losses.
- The Supreme Court issues an injunction barring Deshabandu Tennakoon from serving as Inspector General of Police (IGP): The Cabinet, in response, holds an emergency meeting to discuss the ruling: The government plans to provide a detailed response to the court’s decision within two days after reviewing the legal implications.
- CB Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe says Sri Lanka’s economy grew by 5.3% y-o-y in Q124’, marking the third consecutive quarter of expansion: The growth is supported by relaxed monetary policy, improved supply conditions, and a rebound in tourism: The merchandise trade deficit widened, but a current account surplus was recorded: Inflation is expected to remain below target, and the Sri Lankan rupee has appreciated by over 6.5% against the US dollar this year.
- Three Supreme Court petitions challenge the new visa processing system at the BIA Airport by VFS Global, involving Minister Tiran Alles and the government: Opposition MPs Patali Champika Ranawaka, M.A. Sumanthiran, and Rauff Hakeem seek to halt the procedure, citing national security concerns and alleging a scam: A Parliamentary probe revealed potential issues with the selection process and cost.
- The Court of Appeal orders the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court to grant bail to Dr. Kapila Wickramanayake, former Director of the Medical Supplies Division, who was held over alleged importation of substandard IVIG vials: The court directs his release following a writ petition challenging his remand: Dr. Wickramanayake and three officials were detained by the CID in connection with the human immunoglobulin scandal in November 2023.
- Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne, leader of the Nawa Sama Samaja Pakshaya (NSSP), passes away at 81: Known for his dedication to socialist ideals and social justice, Karunaratne was a prominent Marxist critic of capitalism: His leadership in the NSSP and advocacy for workers’ rights, anti-imperialism, and social equity left a significant mark on Sri Lankan politics.
- Sri Lanka Cricket appoints Charith Asalanka as the new T20 captain after Wanindu Hasaranga’s resignation: The squad, now training ahead of the India series, will feature a mix of LPL standout performers and new talent, including 21-year-old all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe: Interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya emphasises improved batting and overall team performance: Paceman Dushmantha Chameera is out due to injury.
