- The proposal to allow the import of rice without import control permits until 20 December, 2024 has been approved. Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the Cabinet considered the advisability of temporarily lifting the existing restrictions on the import of rice, in view of the current shortages of rice, including Nadu and other rice varieties in the domestic market as well as the damage caused to paddy cultivation due to the recent adverse weather conditions.
- Amendments made to the “Aswesuma” welfare benefits program while increasing the welfare benefit payments and extending the period of payments for certain vulnerable groups. It has also been identified that the amount currently provided under the welfare benefits program is not sufficient considering the current cost of living, Dr. Jayatissa added.
- Over 300 locally manufactured medicines and medical supplies are set to be procured following Cabinet approval for a one-year period. Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that this decision, initially approved on 14 October 2024, aims to source medical supplies from identified local manufacturers.
- The Litro Gas Company says that the prices of its domestic LP Gas cylinders will remain unchanged for the month of December 2024. The Chairman of the Litro Gas Company, Channa Gunawardena stated that the company decided to keep the prices of LP gas cylinders unchanged despite the price hike in the global market, in order to provide relief to the consumers.
- The Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the report of the committee headed by former Supreme Court Justice K.T. Chitrasiri, which was appointed to review the allowances, perks and privileges provided to Members of Parliament, Ministers and former Presidents, is currently being studied. .
- The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to amend the Local Government Act to allow fresh nominations to be called for the Local Government Election. Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told the media today that cabinet approval was granted to cancel the nominations for the Local Government Election that was scheduled to be held in 2023.
- Bharat Subcontinental Agri Foundation (BSAF) is scheduled to organise South Asia Agri Forum – an event discussing the evolving scenario of pulses, grains, dry fruits, and spices in South Asia – from 15-16 January 2025 in Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- The Ministry of Health says that five cardiac catheterization units will be set up at hospitals promptly, under Japanese loan assistance. Minister of Health, Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, mentioned that the establishment of these units will be completed within a year.
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) K.B. Manathunga has been appointed as the new Police Media Spokesman and the Director of the Police Media Division. SSP Manathunga earlier served as the SSP in charge of the Kantale Division.
- Sri Lanka Under 19s fought back to record a thrilling 7-run win over Bangladesh Under 19s in their Asia Cup cricket fixture played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium yesterday. Sri Lanka’s number four batter, Vimath Dinsara, who a fighting 106 off 132 balls with 10 fours, while skipper Vihas Thewmika, the off-spinner, led from the front with the ball, taking 3 for 37 in his ten-over spell.
