- Sri Lanka has stated that Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit was part of a tradition to strengthen diplomatic ties following the appointment of a new President. According to Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Vijitha Herath, both countries exchanged invitations for their leaders to visit, focusing on further enhancing friendly relations. Minister Herath also clarified that no discussions occurred regarding the controversial Adani project during the visit.
- The Election Commission of Sri Lanka today announced that the deadline for accepting applications for postal voting in the 2024 General Election has been extended until midnight on 10 October 2024. The Elections Commissioner General said that this decision was made in consideration of the possible postal delays and several requests made by the public to the commission.
- More than 40,000 dengue cases have been reported so far this year in Sri Lanka, according to the latest statistics released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) on Tuesday. The western province recorded the highest number of cases accounting for 42.3 per cent of the total.
- The Constitutional Council has approved the appointment of Senior DIG Priyantha Weerasooriya as the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP). The Constitutional Council convened a meeting at the parliamentary complex under the chairmanship of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to take a final decision on approving the appointment of the Acting IGP.
- Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath says that the fertilizer subsidy of Rs. 25,000 for paddy farmers will commence from Ampara District next Monday (Oct. 14).
- Sri Lanka’s new government said it will review a wind power deal with the Adani Group, throwing a fresh hurdle for the Indian conglomerate as it seeks to expand abroad. The previous administration’s approval of electricity prices for Adani Green Energy Ltd.’s projects “was a problem,” Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet ministers. The new government would give the deal a fresh look after parliamentary elections are held Nov. 14, he said.
- Senior former Opposition MP Lakshman Kiriella (76) has announced that he will not contest the upcoming parliamentary election, marking the end of his 36-year career in parliament. Speaking to the media, Kiriella said he plans to rest after decades of political service.
- The Democratic Left Front (Prajathanthravadi Vamanshika Peramuna) has officially announced its support for the National People’s Power (NPP) in the forthcoming parliamentary elections. The party’s leader, former Member of Parliament Vasudeva Nanayakkara, confirmed this decision during a press conference.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa emphasized that Sri Lanka’s economic and political stability is essential to meet the 2028 debt repayment obligations. Speaking at a meeting with Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) activists in Moratuwa, Premadasa stated that attracting direct foreign investments is critical for economic growth. He highlighted the need for reforms to eliminate corruption and streamline regulations to boost investor confidence.
- The International Masters League (IML) is set to feature legendary cricketers from six cricketing giants India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, South Africa, and West Indies in an exciting T20 franchise tournament. The inaugural edition will take place from November 17, 2024, to December 8, 2024.
