- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attends the “Colombo International Book Fair” on 28 September, celebrating its 25th anniversary: During the event, a draft of the National Policy on Children’s Books was presented to him by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association: The fair, featuring 400 stalls, saw a large turnout, and the President toured booths, engaging with the public.
- Former MP Angajan Ramanathan urges President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to reopen key roads in Jaffna, particularly in the Vali North High Security Zone, to promote harmony and regional development: His request follows the President’s recent order to reopen major roads in Colombo, including Sir Baron Jayathilake Mawatha and Janadhipathi Mawatha, for public access.
- Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake announces postal voting applications for the upcoming parliamentary elections will be accepted from October 1 to 8: Postal voters must certify their applications through their institution heads and submit them to the district returning officer: This election will use the 2024 voter list, following guidelines from the Parliamentary Elections Act.
- The Ministry of Education forms a seven-member committee to determine whether this year’s Grade 5 Scholarship Examination should be re-conducted, following allegations of a question paper leak: The decision, advised by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, will be based on ongoing investigations by the Examinations Department and Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
- The National Audit Office reveals thousands of government-owned vehicles are missing or misplaced, particularly from state institutions like the Ministry of Health: Auditor General W.P.C. Wickramaratne announces an investigation, in collaboration with the Department of Motor Traffic, to prepare a comprehensive report: Recently, many vehicles used by former officials were also parked at Galle Face Grounds.
- The Inland Revenue Department reminds taxpayers to make their final income tax payments for the 2023/2024 Year of Assessment by 30 September 2024 to avoid penalties and interest charges: Additionally, outstanding default taxes must be cleared by 30 October 2024, after which the Department will enforce strict collection measures, including legal action, for unpaid taxes.
- Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasises the government’s priority on restoring trust in Sri Lanka’s education system, acknowledging its current lack of public confidence: stresses the need for equitable education, eliminating disparities between elite and less popular schools: calls for reforms to rebuild the system’s former global reputation and urged collaboration in this effort.
- The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) appoints Anura Maddegoda, PC, as BASL President and Razik Zarook, PC, as Deputy President: These appointments fill vacancies left by the resignations of former BASL President Kaushalya Nawaratne, PC, and former Deputy President Nalinda Indatissa, PC, according to BASL Secretary Chathura Galhena.
- The President’s Media Division (PMD) announces the Gazette Extraordinary outlining the division of institutions and responsibilities under Sri Lanka’s new ministries has been published: Issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake under Article 44(1) of the Constitution, this follows the recent appointment of the short-term Cabinet in the new government.
- Sri Lanka dominates New Zealand on Day 3 of the second Test in Galle, bowling them out for 88 after posting 602 runs: Prabath Jayasuriya took six wickets, and Sri Lanka enforced a follow-on with a massive 514-run lead: New Zealand lost Tom Latham early in their second innings, and now face a challenging battle to avoid a 2-0 series defeat.
