- A meeting on the digitalisation of social welfare benefit programmes was held at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: The discussion highlighted the need to digitise the paddy storage system to stabilise rice prices and enhance long-term solutions for rice shortages: Plans for digitising the “Aswesuma” programme and relief distribution for low-income families were also addressed.
- Former MP Udaya Gammanpila claims the government has a “deal” with the Ilangai Thamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) to appoint M.A. Sumanthiran as Foreign Minister after the general election, subject to two conditions: adopting a federal constitution and accepting the 2015 UNHRC resolution: criticises this as favouring separatist agendas and announces plans for a petition to remove Public Security Secretary Ravi Seneviratne.
- Former Education Minister Susil Premajayantha says the reception of the fourth tranche of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) External Fund Facility (EFF) is uncertain: backs his claim by asserting that the IMF only agreed to act on the disbursement of the fourth tranche based on the budget put forward by the current regime: challenges President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to disclose reasons for not reaching a final agreement with the IMF regarding the disbursement of the fourth tranche: Earlier, the IMF had set course to release US$ 337 million as the fourth tranche of the EFF at the end of the year.
- The Ministry of Public Administration reports delays in reclaiming government quarters from five former ministers due to ongoing issues with the properties: urges former ministers to address these matters promptly: Inspections will begin if quarters are not returned by next week, and legal action will follow if any former minister or relatives are still occupying the properties.
- Sunil Jayarathne has been appointed as Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka: With over 37 years of Customs experience, he previously served as Additional Director General and Media Spokesman: His expertise includes chairing committees on trade facilitation, customs valuation, and implementing key policies: Jayarathne is an internationally recognised expert in trade and customs, with extensive experience in international trade and border management.
- The Consumer Affairs Authority begins a survey on paddy and rice stocks across ten districts, with reports from four districts already submitted to the ministry: Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon says the survey follows ministry instructions to assess stock levels, aiming to provide comprehensive data on paddy and rice availability in these regions.
- The Postal Department designates 3 November as a special day for distributing official notices for the 2024 general election: Senior Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe says 2,090 distribution offices and 8,000 staff are engaged in delivering election notices from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, continuing until November 07: The general election is scheduled for November 14, 2024.
- The Health Ministry reports 23% of Sri Lanka’s urban population has diabetes, with 30% showing pre-diabetic symptoms: Diabetes cases nationwide have risen to 14%: Dr. Shanti Gunawardena highlights the severe impact, noting that one person in Sri Lanka loses a leg every hour due to diabetes complications.
- The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issues early landslide warnings for eight districts due to ongoing heavy rain, effective from 5 pm November 02 to 5 pm November 03: Level 02 warnings cover areas in Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, and Ratnapura, while Level 01 warnings are in effect for locations in Badulla, Galle, and Kurunegala.
- Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath announces the arrest of six individuals, including a foreign national, suspected of posing a threat to national security and tourist safety: The arrests followed intelligence reports of potential attacks in Arugam Bay and suspicious photography of financial sites in Colombo: Investigations are ongoing, and the National Security Council has convened to address the issue.
