- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announces plans to reduce electricity tariffs by over 30% soon: promises a major transformation in the electricity sector within one to one-and-a-half years, and also pledged to lower fuel prices, requesting the public’s patience to achieve these changes.
- SJB Colombo District candidate Eran Wickramaratne says with a Parliamentary majority, the SJB would support the president’s positive initiatives, especially on anti-corruption, in exchange for backing their economic policies: emphasises the SJB’s economic expertise is key to driving Sri Lanka forward: also reiterates his commitment to positive change, integrity, and reform in the upcoming General Election.
- The Election Commission has received 2,348 complaints regarding the upcoming 2024 Parliamentary Poll, with 160 new complaints reported on November 8: Of these, 1,861 have been resolved so far: The Election Commission is actively addressing issues as the General Election, set for November 14, approaches.
- NPP member Bimal Rathnayake declares an NPP-led government will not include ministers from past Rajapaksa or Wickremesinghe administrations, holding them accountable for Sri Lanka’s decline: criticises ex-minister Douglas Devananda for allegedly misleading the public about presidential endorsement and vowed that NPP ministers would only be appointed from within the party’s ranks.
- The Election Commission has instructed State and Private sector banks and financial institutions to provide voting leave for employees on 14 November, the day of the parliamentary election, without loss of pay: This reminder follows reports of non-compliance: Citing Section 122 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, the Commission emphasises employers’ responsibility to ensure staff can vote at their assigned polling stations.
- SriLankan Airlines has cancelled several flights recently due to technical issues impacting its fleet: prioritises passenger safety and is working to resolve the disruptions, apologising for the inconvenience: Affected passengers have received meals and hotel accommodations as SriLankan Airlines strives to minimise delays and restore normal operations.
- The government has dismissed reports about the closure of Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited (SLTL) as false: The Finance Ministry clarifies there are no plans to liquidate the company and assured that the Triposha programme for children and pregnant mothers will continue, with efforts to make it more effective.
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced the closure of all state universities in Sri Lanka on 13 and 14 November for the 2024 General Election: The measure ensures voting access for students and staff, with private universities also urged to grant election leave: The decision was conveyed by UGC Vice-Chairman Senior Professor K.L. Wasantha Kumara.
- The US Justice Department reveals an alleged plot by IRGC asset Farhad Shakeri to target Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka and orchestrate a mass shooting in Arugam Bay: Shakeri, along with two associates in New York, also planned attacks on U.S. citizens critical of the Iranian government, including a high-profile assassination plot against President-elect Donald Trump.
- Sri Lanka chased down New Zealand’s modest total of 135 to win, with a crucial 38-run partnership between Asalanka (35*) and Hasaranga (22) guiding them home: Despite struggles against New Zealand’s second-string team, Sri Lanka secured victory with Dunith Wellalage’s six to finish the match: New Zealand’s poor total was influenced by absentees and tough conditions, with Foulkes top-scoring with 27.
