- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejects US accusations linking Tehran to a plot to harm former President Donald Trump and attack Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka: dismisses the allegations as a fabricated attempt to create distrust between the two nations: emphasises Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and rejected any interest in nuclear weapons, calling for mutual confidence-building efforts.
- The Supreme Court grants Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle’s request for time to determine President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s stance on appointing Deshabandu Tennakoon as Inspector General of Police (IGP): This request was made during a petition hearing by eight parties, including Archbishop of Colombo, HE Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, challenging the appointment: The next hearing is scheduled for February 24-25, 2025.
- The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) warns the public about a rise in Sri Lankans being trafficked to cyber scam centres in Myanmar, particularly those in the UAE: Traffickers lure IT professionals with promises of high-paying jobs, only to coerce them into working illegally under harsh conditions: advises against illegal migration and encourages reporting suspicious activities to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
- Campaigning for the 2024 General Elections ended at midnight on November 11, initiating a 48-hour “silent period”: The National Election Commission instructs media to adhere to guidelines, allowing election-related coverage only on November 12 but banning it on November 13 and 14: The election is set for Thursday, November 14.
- The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initiates an investigation into claims from a ‘Channel 4’ documentary on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, following a complaint to the Ministry of Public Security: Former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan is set to give a statement on November 12.
- The government holds discussions to explore relief measures for struggling SMEs before the Parate law’s debt recovery suspension expires on December 15: Led by the Senior Additional Secretary for Finance, officials from the Finance Ministry, Central Bank, and Banks’ Association discussed SME loan challenges: A report on SME loans will inform future support measures, with banks evaluating further debt recovery suspensions.
- The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court directs authorities to record statements from 18 former Cabinet Ministers over alleged importation and distribution of substandard drugs to government hospitals: The inquiry centres on claims that the drugs failed to meet safety and quality standards, implicating ministers who approved their procurement and distribution during their tenure.
- The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces changes to its trading hours for November 14 2024, the day of the Parliamentary Election: The market will close early, with trading scheduled from 09.30 am to 12.30 pm: Regular trading hours will resume on Monday, November 18, 2024.
- During a visit to Katunayake Airport, Civil Aviation Minister Vijitha Herath addresses issues affecting staff and services: Key actions included restoring a Rs. 50,000 allowance for employees, creating a 24/7 unit for real-time flight delay updates, and improving uniform quality for security staff: engages with employees, committing to work with authorities for effective solutions.
- The Intermediate Weightlifting Championship 2024, held at the National Sports Complex in Torrington from 08 to 10 November, saw the SLAF Women’s Team crowned champions and the Men’s Team securing runner-up: Aircraftman Sandeepa GAC and Aircraftwoman Chathurani MHD were named ‘Best Lifter’ in their respective categories: The event featured weightlifting clubs across Sri Lanka, including tri-forces teams, competing for top honours.
