- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake calls on media institutions to adopt ethical and democratic journalism, urging truthful and accurate reporting: criticises a prominent TV channel for broadcasting misleading economic news, which was subsequently amended: emphasises the need for media to move away from unethical practices towards responsible coverage of national issues: His response centres on a misleading news about ‘money-printing’ aired by a prominent news channel.
- Matale District SJB Group Leader former MP Rohini Kaviratne, in retaliation to the government’s clarification of ‘money-printing,’ claims that the Central Bank has injected currency into the economy via term and overnight auctions, amounting to Rs. 106.16 billion last week: Emphasising the role of these methods in increasing inflation to meet IMF targets, Kaviratne argues that rising prices are a direct impact of the Central Bank’s liquidity actions: contends that “money creation” today extends beyond currency printing to include digital and economic mechanisms, challenging the Central Bank and government’s fiscal policies and the impact on the public.
- Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe criticises Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, questioning her constitutional knowledge after she claimed that cabinet decisions on public servant salary hikes need official approval: offers to educate her on constitutional matters and questioned the absence of NPP-led trade unions in advocating for public servant rights recently.
- Tamil Medium government schools in the Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Uva Provinces will observe a holiday on Friday, November 1 2024, for the Deepavali Festival: Provincial Education Secretaries confirmed the decision, adding that missed academic activities will be rescheduled for Saturday, November 9.
- SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe reveals a former minister unlawfully signed the E-8 visa agreement with South Korea without Cabinet approval: clarifies that no Sri Lankan agencies are authorised to send workers under this system: urges job seekers to rely on the approved E-9 visa for stable employment and income in Korea.
- Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila questions whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake or the World Bank is truthful about a US$ 200 million loan, disputing Cabinet Minister Vijitha Herath’s claim that no loans were taken: urges the public to verify loan records on the World Bank’s site, highlighting that the government has raised Rs. 958.75 billion through Treasury Bills and bonds within a month, adding Rs. 43,600 per person to the national debt: claims that despite denials, the Central Bank has printed money to maintain market stability.
- Sri Lanka and China hold discussions to enhance bilateral relations, focusing on investment and collaboration to promote economic growth: The meeting, attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, highlighted China’s support for Sri Lanka’s flood relief efforts: PM Amarasuriya expressed gratitude for China’s timely assistance during this critical time, reinforcing the nations’ longstanding partnership.
- Former Minister Johnston Fernando, arrested over an unregistered luxury vehicle allegedly linked to him, has been granted bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court, released on five surety bails of Rs. 5 million each: Two other suspects also surrendered and were granted bail: Fernando was initially remanded after his arrest by the CID on October 23 regarding the unregistered vehicle.
- The Court of Appeal has issued an interim order suspending the decision to revoke Jayantha Malcom Thirimanna’s liquor license for his shop in Mannar: This order, effective until December 17, follows Thirimanna’s writ petition against the Commissioner General of Excise and the Divisional Secretary of Mannar: The court found a prima facie case of unlawfulness and directed the inquiry into the suspension to be concluded.
- Kandy Zone teams performed impressively in the 2024 Under-15 Provincial Youth League Central and Eastern Cricket tournament: Kandy Zone III defeated Ampara by eight wickets, Zone I triumphed over Nuwara Eliya, also by eight wickets, and Zone II won against Batticaloa by 37 runs, showcasing strong batting and bowling performances across the matches.
