- Delivering the new government’s policy statement, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the importance of public accountability, highlighting that the Parliament is no longer a concealed institution to the general public. “The Parliament is not a hidden cave anymore. Daily proceedings are open to public scrutiny. As representatives of the people, everything we do—how we speak, how we behave—is under their watchful eye.” He said.
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed confidence that the staff-level agreement on the third review of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement for Sri Lanka could be finalized and signed by November 23. Highlighting the critical role of economic stability, the President underscored the importance of adhering to existing agreements.
- The first phase of the third term for the year 2024 of Sinhala and Tamil medium government and government-approved schools will end today (22), according to the Ministry of Education.Accordingly, the school term holidays will commence from tomorrow.
- The Deputy Ministers of the new National People’s Power (NPP) government have been sworn in at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. Accordingly, a total of 29 Deputy Ministers were sworn in before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
- Delivering the government’s policy statement in Parliament, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed key economic strategies aimed at driving development and fostering growth in Sri Lanka. He announced that the 2025 Budget will be presented to Parliament in February 2025, with an interim Vote on Account scheduled in the beginning of December 2024.
- The Colombo Magistrate’s Court issued an arrest warrant against former Minister Douglas Devananda after he failed to appear before the court to testify in an ongoing case. The case pertaining to a complaint lodged by Devananda with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 2016, accusing Wellawatta-based businessman Subramaniam Manoharan of issuing two fraudulent cheques, each valued at Rs. 10 million, was taken up before the court today.
- The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), has decreased to -0.7% in October 2024 from -0.2% in September 2024, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics. Meanwhile, food inflation also decreased to -0.16% in October, down from 0.5% in September 2024.
- Chairman of the United National Party Wajira Abeywardana has denied the claim that Ravi Karunanayake’s name was submitted to the Election Commission for a New Democratic Front national list seat after informing former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Wajira Abeywardana made this clarification in an official statement.
- Singapore-based low-cost airline Jetstar Asia (3K) celebrated the launch of its direct flights between Singapore and Colombo today, as the Singapore carrier becomes the only low-cost airline to operate the route. Departing from Singapore’s Changi Airport, the inaugural flight Flight 3K333 touched down in Colombo heralding the start of more affordable and convenient options for travellers wanting to explore Sri Lanka’s vibrant and captivating capital.
- The New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Under 85kg national team is set to make history in May 2025 with a landmark tour to Sri Lanka. This tour, featuring two matches scheduled for May 4 in Kandy and May 10 in Colombo, promises to highlight the growing importance of weight-grade rugby and foster a cultural exchange between the rugby communities of New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
