- President Anura Dissanayake will present the Government Policy Statement at 11:30 am on November 21, during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament: In line with constitutional provisions, the statement will outline the government’s vision and upcoming initiatives, marking the ceremonial commencement of Parliament’s new session, which begins at 10:00 am.
- SJB Chairman Imthiaz Bakeer Markar expresses confidence in the party’s resilience despite potential challenges following its election defeat, comparing it to the UNP’s recovery in 1970: rules out leadership changes, citing historical examples like the JVP’s eventual success: affirms the SJB’s ability to overcome setbacks, rectify shortcomings, and reclaim political ground in the future.
- The National People’s Power (NPP) announces the names nominated to fill the 18 National List MP seats won by the party in the 2024 parliamentary election: Bimal Niroshan Rathnayake; Dr. Anura Karunathilake; Prof. Upali Pannilage; Eranga Udesh Weerarathna; Aruna Jayasekara; Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma; Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku; Punya Sri Kumara Jayakody; Ramalingam Chandrasekar; Dr. Najith Indika; Sugath Thilakaratne; Lakmali Kanchana Hemachandra; Sunil Kumara Gamage; Gamini Rathnayake; Prof. Ruwan Chaminda Ranasinghe; Sugath Wasantha de Silva; Abubakar Adambawa (Digamadulla District); Ranthnayake Hettige Upali Samarasinghe (Vanni District).
- All GCE A-Level preparatory activities, including lectures and classes, will be prohibited from midnight on November 19, with legal action against violators: Enhanced supervision addresses past issues as 333,185 candidates, including 253,390 school students and 79,795 private applicants, prepare for the exams, scheduled from November 25 to December 20.
- Iranian Ambassador Alireza Delkhosh congratulates Sri Lanka on its successful parliamentary election, lauding its democratic strength: expresses hope for enhanced political, economic, and cultural ties under the new government, emphasising Iran’s commitment to bilateral cooperation, inter-parliamentary exchanges, and supporting Sri Lanka’s economic growth: highlights the longstanding relationship between the two nations and prospects for deeper collaboration.
- Sri Lanka’s 2024 parliamentary election ushered in unprecedented change, with 146 of 196 elected MPs being first-time representatives: The National People’s Power (NPP) dominated, securing 141 seats, including 130 newcomers: Other parties, including the SJB and ITAK, also introduced fresh faces: With national list appointees pending, Parliament is expected to see over 150 new MPs in total.
- An IMF team, led by Senior Mission Chief Peter Breuer, arrives in Sri Lanka for a third review of the country’s reform programme under the $2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility: If successful, the review will release the next bailout tranche: The IMF has disbursed over $1 billion to support Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recovery.
- Three SriLankan Airlines planes at Bandaranaike International Airport were grounded for technical maintenance, causing flight cancellations and delays: Affected flights included services to and from Chennai, New Delhi, and Melbourne: Passengers were informed, and alternative flights arranged: The airline emphasised that post-flight technical checks are essential and time-consuming, ensuring safety and reliability for operations.
- Police arrest four suspects in Mattakkuliya for involvement in an abduction linked to the notorious ‘Ava Group’ criminal gang: Two suspects, connected to the gang, were lured and assaulted by individuals allegedly acting on instructions from Dubai: The incident followed threats issued via TikTok, with videos of the assault shared as retaliation. Investigations are ongoing.
- Sri Lanka’s new Cabinet and Deputy Ministers will be sworn in today (18) at 10 am before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: The 10th Parliament, with over 175 new MPs, will convene on 21 November: A special counter will collect MPs’ details on 19–20 November, according to Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera.
