- A high-level IMF delegation, led by Asia Pacific Director Krishna Srinivasan, will visit Colombo from October 2-4 to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka’s new economic team: The visit aims to discuss recent economic developments and reforms under the IMF-supported economic programme: The delegation will issue a statement at the end of the visit.
- Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Legal Secretary Farman Cassim submits a Right to Information (RTI) request for details about privileges allegedly requested by Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Security Head on behalf of the former President: SJB’s Weligama Organiser Rehan Jayawickrama confirms that his party filed the application and is awaiting a response from the former President’s office regarding the purported letter.
- Former MP Wimal Weerawansa says the distinction between the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the National People’s Power (NPP) is now clear, with the latter in power: expresses hope that the NPP will improve the country but noted that every new government, like Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s, goes through a honeymoon phase before revealing its true nature.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Sri Lankan nationals not to travel to Lebanon and Syria due to regional instability: Sri Lankans in these countries are urged to remain vigilant, limit movements, and stay in regular contact with local embassies: Emergency contacts and emails have been provided: This follows intensified conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, with airstrikes targeting Lebanon.
- The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announces a fuel price revision effective from midnight on 30 September: Petrol 92 Octane is reduced by Rs. 21 to Rs. 311 per litre, Auto Diesel by Rs. 24 to Rs. 283, Super Diesel by Rs. 33 to Rs. 319, and Kerosene by Rs. 19 to Rs. 183: Petrol 95 remains unchanged at Rs. 377: LIOC and Sinopec have matched these prices.
- Sri Lanka’s inflation, measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), fell to -0.5% in September 2024 from 0.5% in August: Food inflation also dropped to -0.3%, while non-food inflation declined to -0.5%: The overall CCPI decreased to 190.9 from 191.1 in August: Despite these declines, the core inflation index slightly rose to 177.6 in September.
- Former MPs have been instructed to return firearms issued to them, following the dissolution of Parliament: Other MP privileges, including allowances, fuel provisions, and staff support, have been revoked: However, former MPs may continue using official residences at the Madiwela Housing Complex until the upcoming election: Unsuccessful candidates must vacate these homes immediately after the election.
- As of September 30, only independent candidate M. Premasiri Manage has declared his campaign finances for the 2024 Presidential Poll, adhering to the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act: No major party or other candidate has submitted their financial reports, despite the legal deadline of October 12: Candidates must declare both campaign income and expenses to avoid legal action.
- Examinations Commissioner General Amit Jayasundara confirms the decision not to re-conduct the Grade Five scholarship exam remains unchanged: adds free marks will be awarded for the three leaked questions to ensure fairness: stresses examination of answer scripts will begin soon, with results expected before the new school term starts.
- Despite a drop in egg prices, several traders have not yet lowered the prices of egg-based food items, despite requests from canteen and restaurant owners: While the All Island Canteen and Restaurant Owners’ Association plans to reduce prices, the bakery sector says reductions depend on wheat flour costs: Rising prices of other ingredients like margarine and vegetables remain unaddressed.
