- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announces the 2025 Budget proposal will be presented in February or March 2025, focusing on increasing state sector salaries, schoolchildren allowances, and support for underprivileged and differently-abled communities: Additionally, a Vote on Account will be presented by the new government in December 2024 to manage interim expenses.
- Former Deputy Minister Vincent Dias criticises former MP Harin Fernando for neglecting the Badulla district for five years and expresses disappointment with his political choices: claims Harin’s alliance with the UNP and leader Ranil Wickremesinghe undermined SJB leader Sajith Premadasa and will cost Harin politically in the upcoming election.
- The ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance, led by entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera, launches its election campaign in Anuradhapura: seeks blessings at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanweli Maha Saya: emphasises self-funded politics and highlighted the upcoming election as a significant opportunity, suggesting its outcome could be surprising.
- The Central Bank mandates banks to establish business revival units to aid customers in reviving failed businesses: These units will offer services like financial grants, reduced loan interest, and extended repayment periods: CBSL has previously lowered policy interest rates, encouraging banks to pass on benefits to customers: The Bank of Ceylon has already launched 12 such centres across the country.
- EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno meets Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to reaffirm strong ties between the EU and Sri Lanka, with discussions focusing on the GSP+ trade scheme and attracting foreign investment: The Prime Minister also met with Asian Development Bank representatives, expressing gratitude for their support in Sri Lanka’s development projects and seeking continued collaboration for future goals.
- The People’s Action For Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) recommends that general election candidates appoint an individual to manage their expense and income reports: Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi highlights that failing to do so could lead to difficulties, as seen in the last presidential election: Appointing someone promptly after the election could minimise financial reporting challenges, ensuring smoother compliance with regulations.
- Indian Navy ship INS Kalpeni arrives in Colombo on 19 October, warmly welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy: The visit, part of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, aims to enhance naval cooperation: The ship, specialising in coastal surveillance and anti-smuggling, brought technical support tools for the Sri Lanka Navy: The crew will engage in local visits during their stay until 21 October.
- The Government Information Department clarifies former Presidents’ privileges have not been withdrawn, contrary to media reports: Only additional vehicles provided to them have been returned: Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned 8 of 16 vehicles, while former President Ranil Wickremesinghe retains 11 vehicles: The statement reaffirms that ex-Presidents still hold their privileges.
- An emergency was declared at Bandaranaike International Airport after a bomb hoax on a Vistara flight from Mumbai, minutes before landing: The captain received a non-specific threat, triggering a protocol response: All 96 passengers and eight crew members landed safely and were evacuated as authorities conducted a thorough search of the aircraft, ensuring safety.
- Pathum Nissanka is expected to be rested for the first ODI in Pallekele today due to an injury from the recent T20I series: Kusal Mendis is likely to open with Avishka Fernando, while Kamindu Mendis will bat at No. 3: Star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga returns from injury to bolster Sri Lanka’s spin attack, joining Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage.
