- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appoints former Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne as Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha as Secretary of Defence: Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayaka is appointed Secretary to the President, while Ananda Wijepala becomes the President’s Private Secretary: Thuyacontha, a decorated Air Force veteran, logged over 7,000 flying hours in major operations.
- The Election Commission dismisses allegations from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) regarding improper conduct during the counting of preferential votes in the recent presidential election: Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake says the claims were unfounded, emphasising the importance of consistent oversight from party representatives throughout the process: clarifies that the Commission followed all protocols and addressed SJB’s legal concerns about the counting procedure.
- National People’s Power (NPP) member Sunil Handunnetti says dismantling the Executive Presidency will be a key objective under newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: declares Dissanayake the “last executive president” of Sri Lanka, advocating for increased democracy and parliamentary governance: also promises to reduce political privileges, emphasising a commitment to more accountable leadership and fulfilling campaign promises.
- The United National Party (UNP) announces plans to form a common alliance with opposition parties to tackle upcoming electoral challenges: This decision, proposed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a leadership council meeting, aims to unite parties like the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for greater strength against ruling parties: Discussions on policy frameworks and leadership roles within the alliance are set to begin soon.
- Former Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara resigns, citing significant improvements in Sri Lanka’s energy sector during his tenure: highlights achievements such as stabilising fuel and coal supplies, enhancing hydroelectric capacity, and ensuring all institutions are financially sound: expresses gratitude to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and stakeholders for their support in restoring the country’s energy infrastructure.
- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange surges by 130.3 points, closing at 11,096.81: This significant rise reflects renewed investor confidence, driven by recent economic developments in Sri Lanka: Market turnover reached Rs. 994 million, with gains across various sectors, including banking and telecommunications, linked to financial sector stabilisation and positive economic indicators.
- Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake confirms Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, who was the second highest vote gainer of the National Peoples Power (NPP) during the 2020 Parliamentary Election, will be appointed as a Member of Parliament to fill the vacancy left by Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election the President of Sri Lanka.
- International economic watchdog Bloomberg warns Sri Lanka’s dollar bonds dropped significantly following the victory of leftist candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the presidential election, raising concerns over the country’s IMF bailout and debt restructuring deals: claims bonds maturing in 2029 fell by 3.1 cents, while the stock market saw a rise: adds Dissanayake’s pledge to renegotiate IMF terms may cause uncertainty around the nation’s economic future.
- Veteran Sri Lankan dancer, choreographer, and teacher Deshamanya Dr. Vajira Chitrasena passes away at 92: Renowned for her contributions to traditional dance and her close ties with India, Vajira made her debut in 1952 and received the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021: Her legacy is marked by her dedication as a teacher, performer, and choreographer.
- Sri Lanka secure a 63-run victory over New Zealand in the opening Test in Galle, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series: Chasing 275 runs, New Zealand was bowled out for 211, with Rachin Ravindra top-scoring with 92: Sri Lankan spinners Prabath Jayasuriya (5-68) and Ramesh Mendis (3-83) excelled, and the second Test starts Thursday.
