- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government expresses readiness to collaborate with the IMF to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery: Dissanayake emphasises the importance of rebuilding public trust, prioritising social spending, and addressing corruption: The discussions between the IMF delegation and the government focused on ensuring efficient resource allocation, transparency, and long-term stability, marking a positive step in the IMF partnership.
- Fort Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali orders a reminder to the Government Analyst’s Department as the court has not received the report on former MP Sujeewa Senasinghe’s luxury vehicle, suspected to be illegally assembled: The case will be revisited on November 25, and Senasinghe’s defense lawyer requested the release of the vehicle, currently in CID custody, as the related court case has concluded.
- The Election Commission of Sri Lanka confirms Ravi Karunanayake’s election as a Member of Parliament through the National List of the New Democratic Front (NDF), which secured two National List seats in the 2024 General Election: However, ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe criticised the nomination as arbitrary, as it lacked consensus within the alliance: NDF representatives are set to meet today to finalise the decision.
- The Attorney General informs the Supreme Court that the Office for Reparations has received Rs. 311 million in compensation for victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks, as ordered by the court: The court instructed the Additional Solicitor General to report on the disbursement process by the next hearing, scheduled for February 27, 2025, when the related Fundamental Rights petitions will be revisited.
- The Education Ministry decides to grant the first holiday of the first phase of the third school term on Friday (22): The decision was made in light of the GCE Advanced Level Examination: The next school term will commence on January 02, 2025.
- All academic and non-academic trade unions affiliated with the University of Ruhuna announce a continuous strike commencing from today (19), demanding the immediate removal of the University’s Vice Chancellor: emphasise their strike action will be in effect until their single demand to immediate remove the VC is met: The Ruhuna University Science Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna Agriculture Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna Engineering Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna Management and Finance Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna University Fisheries Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna University Faculty of Technology Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna University Humanities and Social Sciences Teachers’ Union, CUTTA, Inter University Service, UTTUSL, UIOU, Library Podu Sewaka Sangamaya, Sri Lanka Nidhahas Sewaka Sangamaya, SLUTOU, Jathika Sewaka Sangamaya, Widhyagara Sahayaka Sangamaya and the Samagi Sewaka Sangamaya endorse this action.
- Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera says a rise in fever cases among children has been observed in viral infections and a growing number of dengue cases: reveals that viral fever symptoms, including cough, cold, body aches and occasional vomiting, are commonly observed among children: advises parents to closely monitor their children’s symptoms and seek medical attention, particularly if a fever persist for more than three days.
- The Supreme Court dismisses a fundamental rights petition filed by Ravi Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, challenging his arrest and remand in connection with a road accident: Seneviratne argued that his rights were violated by being placed in remand despite eligibility for bail: The Court accepted a preliminary objection, ruling the petition inadmissible.
- Sri Lankan social media influencers Anushki and Kanushki Premachandra take legal action after an AI-generated video linked to them began circulating on social media: file a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), stating the video had been shared repeatedly by a particular group, causing severe harassment: The CID is investigating and taking action against those responsible.
- Sri Lanka secured a thrilling 3-wicket win over New Zealand in the second ODI, sealing a 2-0 series victory with one match to spare: Kusal Mendis top-scored with an unbeaten 74, supported by Maheesh Theekshana’s 27, as Sri Lanka chased down New Zealand’s rain-reduced total of 209 with one over to spare: Mendis was named Player of the Match for his gutsy innings, which ensured Sri Lanka’s first series win against New Zealand in 12 years.
