- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announces the government plans to hold Provincial Council and Local Government elections next year: emphasises the need for a comprehensive political mechanism, including the Presidency, Cabinet, Parliament, Provincial Councils, and Local Government bodies, to effectively govern and revitalise the country.
- Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader and General Election candidate Sajith Premadasa vows that the taxes faced by the people of Sri Lanka will be reduced if his party is granted Parliamentary majority in the upcoming Parliamentary Election: stresses that only the SJB has the proper programme formulated for the development of the country.
- Chanu Nimesha, Secretary of Women’s Affairs for the Sri Lanka Socialist Party, makes history by becoming the first transgender person to contest an election in Sri Lanka: She will be representing the Kegalle District: expresses gratitude to the party for this groundbreaking opportunity, marking a significant step toward inclusion and representation in Sri Lankan politics.
- The National People’s Power (NPP), led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, wins the Elpitiya Local Council election with 17,295 votes, securing 15 seats: Samagi Jana Balawegaya followed with 7,924 votes and 6 seats, while Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna gained 3,597 votes for 3 seats: People’s Alliance also won 2 seats with 2,612 votes.
- The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has proposed a 6% electricity tariff increase for December, currently under review by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL): This marks the third adjustment this year, following a 21.9% increase in March and a 22.5% reduction in July: Public consultations will precede the final decision, with potential feedback due Monday.
- The Central Bank reports Sri Lanka’s worker remittances rose significantly in September 2024, with US$ 555.6 million received compared to US$ 482.4 million in September 2023: Total remittances from January to September 2024 reached US$ 4,843.8 million, reflecting an 11.5% increase over the same period in 2023.
- McDonald’s Corporation and International Restaurant Systems (Pvt) Ltd mutually end their franchise partnership in Sri Lanka through an amicable legal settlement: thank the public for their support and urged people to ignore past media speculation about their relationship.
- Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens clarifies that Australia’s updated travel advisory for Sri Lanka is based solely on credible risk assessments, not political or commercial factors: Issued alongside advisories from the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan, the update aims to help Australians make informed travel decisions without discouraging tourism, acknowledging potential impacts on both foreigners and Sri Lankans.
- The Human Rights Commission (HRC) will decide on October 30 regarding the alleged leak of Grade 5 Scholarship Exam questions: HRC Commissioner Nimal Punchihewa stated that the Commission has received the CID’s investigation report and complaints from parents and others, prompting the HRC to launch its own investigation into the matter.
- Sri Lanka defeat Hong Kong 71-47 in the first semifinal of the 13th Asian Netball Championships 2024, securing their place in the final: The tournament is taking place at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru, India.
