- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasises reinforcing institutional frameworks alone is inadequate for effective disaster management: stresses the importance of creating grassroots-level solutions and empowering local governments to prevent disasters in vulnerable areas: also highlights the need for effective implementation of disaster management laws and reducing financial burdens through enforcement, while supporting officials who perform their duties with integrity.
- Fort Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali orders the CID to release former MP Sujeewa Senasinghe’s luxury SUV after confirming it was lawfully imported: The CID had raised doubts about signatures on forms related to the vehicle’s importation, but no formal complaints were made: The vehicle, valued at Rs 100 million, was released on a Rs 100 million bond, with the case postponed to February 2025.
- Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan apologises for unintentionally sitting in the Leader of the Opposition’s seat during the Tenth Parliament’s inaugural session: Explaining his actions at a workshop for newly elected MPs, he clarifies he was unaware of seating protocols, having been told to sit anywhere: expresses regret for the misunderstanding and apologises for any confusion caused by the incident, which gained media attention.
- The Public Day of the Industries Ministry, re-launched by subject Minister Sunil Handunnetti after four years, will now be held every Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: During this time, the public can meet the Minister, Ministry Secretary, and officials to address concerns: The event saw participation from various industrialists and entrepreneurs, with immediate solutions provided for some issues, and others referred for further action.
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approves a $200 million loan to enhance Sri Lanka’s power sector, focusing on improving transmission and distribution networks, and integrating renewable energy: The project aims to reduce power interruptions, minimise transmission losses, and support Sri Lanka’s goal of generating 70% of electricity from renewables by 2030: It includes infrastructure upgrades, battery storage, and digitalisation solutions to boost energy efficiency and climate resilience.
- The Mount Lavinia Hotel responds to social media criticism regarding top NPP members attending an ABBA tribute show, clarifying that the dignitaries, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, were invited guests: The hotel emphasised their roles in supporting tourism and expressed pride in hosting the event to promote Sri Lanka’s appeal to both local and international visitors: The “Music of ABBA” show demonstrated songs originally performed by Swedish pop royals ABBA, covered by tribute band “ARRIVAL” from Sweden.
- Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry announces the rescue of 32 nationals, victims of human trafficking, from Myanmar: The individuals were lured into cybercrime operations before being trafficked: The government coordinated with Myanmar, Thailand, and the IOM for their repatriation: The Ministry urged Sri Lankans to follow authorised procedures for overseas employment to avoid such exploitation.
- The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is still conducting due diligence on a $553 million loan for a Sri Lankan port project backed by the Adani Group, following bribery allegations against its founder Gautam Adani: The loan decision has not been finalised, as the DFC ensures the project meets its standards: The allegations have already impacted other Adani Group contracts in Kenya and Australia.
- Newly appointed Deputy Minister of Industry Chathuranga Abeysinghe announces plans to increase the country’s exports from $12 billion in industry and $5 billion in services to $35 billion by 2030: emphasises the importance of revitalising the industrial sector for economic stability and targeted a 6.5% GDP growth through strategic interventions.
- The Sri Lanka Army Inter-Regiment Novice Kabaddi Championship 2024 was held on November 21-22 at the Panagoda Indoor Stadium, with 108 players from 12 regiments: The Corps of Engineer Services triumphed as champions after a thrilling final against the Sri Lanka Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who finished as runners-up: Major General A.M.K.G. Priyantha Satya Kumara Abeysinghe awarded the prizes.
