- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasises the National People’s Power (NPP) must consolidate its political authority to drive meaningful change: highlights the NPP’s inclusive approach, uniting all communities, and outlined plans for reforms, including a systematic cabinet structure, diplomatic recalls, and salary increases: adds the upcoming parliamentary polls would be pivotal for these transformations.
- SJB Leader and former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the energy given to him by the people of Sri Lanka will be attributed to an era ending sorrows befallen the country: emphasises the SJB has a strong team that has the capacity to rebuild the nation.
- Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe urges the election of experienced leaders to Parliament, warning that Sri Lanka could relapse into crisis without seasoned governance: stresses veteran leadership is essential to sustain stability, cautioning against potential risks if Parliament lacks knowledgeable members: compares the necessity for stability to the recent fatal KDU bus accident.
- Police are investigating whether the recent fatal bus accident in Badulla was due to a technical fault or driver error: The incident, involving Kotelawala Defence University students, resulted in two fatalities and 40 injuries: Preliminary findings suggest excessive speed on a steep road might have caused the bus to skid: Dash cam footage also indicates the bus was speeding.
- Sri Lanka is on track to surpass its 2024 target of 2.3 mn tourists, with 1.62 mn arrivals by October, reflecting strong tourism growth: October saw 135,907 visitors, up from 122,140 in September, with India leading tourist numbers at 322,973, followed by the UK: Significant arrivals were also noted from Russia, Germany, China, and France, highlighting diverse international interest.
- Jetwing Travels’ Chairperson Shiromal Cooray criticises the government’s management of a tourism fund contributed by private entities, suggesting it could be better used for global promotion and information management: highlights the need for improved utilisation, while urging SMEs to develop strong business and financial plans to withstand industry crises.
- Police clarifies that no decision has been taken to withdraw security personnel stationed at religious sites, countering reports suggesting such a move due to special requirements.
- The Foreign Affairs Ministry decides to recall Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 15 countries, specifically those not part of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service: Notable diplomats affected include former Chief Justice Mohan Peiris (UN), Rohitha Bogollagama (UK), and former Air Force and Navy Chiefs holding positions in Malaysia, Nepal, Cuba, and Pakistan: intends to replace them with qualified Foreign Service officials, based on recommendations from Minister Vijitha Herath.
- Professor Chandima Wijebandara, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, passes away: He was highly regarded for his impactful contributions to academia and his leadership at the university, leaving a lasting legacy in Sri Lankan education.
- Sri Lanka’s top golfer Kaya Daluwatte maintains her lead on Day Two of the Thai Singha World Junior Golf Championship in Bangkok, scoring a total even-par 144, one stroke ahead of Vietnam’s Chuc An Le: Thailand’s N. Sichapthiran led the Boys’ division, while Sri Lanka’s Jacob Norton and Reshan Algama improved their standings, aiming for top 10 positions.
