- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) Parliamentarians at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo: The MPs highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by people in the Northern and Eastern regions: Attendees included Sivagnanam Shritharan, Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, Shanmugam Kugathasan, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, and others: The meeting focused on regional concerns.
- A contempt of court application against former MP Hirunika Premachandra was dismissed by the Court of Appeal after she withdrew her alleged contemptuous statement about proceedings in the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court: She also gave an undertaking not to make further statements on the case: The application was filed by Hisham Jamaldeen, who claimed Premachandra had commented on the case.
- Only 23% of candidates from the General Elections have submitted their income and expenditure reports to the Election Commission, with just 1,985 out of 8,361 candidates complying: Only 57 of 527 national list members have submitted theirs: The Commission has set a deadline of December 6, warning that failure to comply will result in legal consequences: Reports must be submitted to respective District Returning Officers.
- Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala addressed recent arrests in Parliament, emphasising the government’s commitment to anti-racism values: He clarified that while citizens have the right to commemorate their loved ones, displays of LTTE symbols are unacceptable: He also highlighted a misinterpretation of his statement in Galgamuwa, ongoing investigations into LTTE-related ceremonies, and the involvement of political figures in protests.
- The resolution on the Government Policy statement presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on November 21 was passed unanimously in Parliament on December 4 without a vote: The two-day debate on the policy statement took place on December 3 and 4, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, respectively.
- The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) reached an all-time high of 13,511.73 points in the All Share Price Index (ASPI), marking a rise of 171.69 points: The S&P SL20 stood at 4,016.60 points: The CSE reported a trading turnover of Rs. 5.2 billion at the close of the session.
- The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) announced that revised electricity tariffs will be imposed within 6-8 weeks of receiving the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) proposal: The CEB will submit its revised proposal tomorrow, incorporating PUCSL’s requests: Initially, the CEB proposed a 6-11% tariff reduction for the last quarter of 2024, but the PUCSL rejected it, requesting a revision for the first half of 2025.
- SJB MP Mujibur Rahman alleged that the CEO of Dialog, Hans Wijesuriya, who had previously refused to provide phone data related to the Thajudeen murder case, was appointed as a Presidential advisor: In response, Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that the necessary data had been obtained and investigations into Thajudeen’s death would continue, with court cases to follow: Dr. Wijesuriya is serving voluntarily.
- The Excise Department will suspend the liquor manufacturing license of W.M. Mendis & Co. Limited from December 5 due to their failure to pay Rs. 5.7 billion in excise taxes and surcharges: The company’s manufacturing process will be halted, and if the tax arrears remain unpaid, other licenses will not be renewed from December 31 onwards.
- Sri Lanka Under 19s defeated Bangladesh Under 19s by 7 runs in a thrilling Asia Cup match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Sri Lanka, after struggling at 36 for 3, were rescued by Vimath Dinsara’s 106: Bangladesh, chasing 229, were bowled out for 221, with Kalam Allen scoring 95: Sri Lanka’s Vihas Thewmika took 3 wickets and led the fielding with 4 run outs.
