- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed interest in joining the BRICS group through a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as confirmed by Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Moscow, Pakir Amza: The letter, sent in October 2024, requests support from BRICS members to join as a partner country: Sri Lanka views this as an opportunity for enhanced multilateral cooperation and development.
- The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party has formed a special unit to investigate arbitrary transfers of government officials at state and provincial council levels: The SJB criticised these transfers as unjust and politically motivated, especially ahead of local government and cooperative society elections: They urged the government to suspend these actions, emphasising that such practices undermine the independence of the public service.
- Arjuna Aloysius, owner of Mendis Company and son-in-law of former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, was presented before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday (26): Aloysius, who is serving a prison sentence for VAT non-payment and on bail in the 2015 Treasury Bonds case, appeared to address deficiencies in his case file: The Magistrate identified irregularities in his bail signing related to an ongoing Money Laundering Act investigation: Aloysius was brought from prison to submit the necessary documents to correct these issues, with his father, Arjun Aloysius, also present in court.
- Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala accused some police officers of receiving regular payments from underworld and drug trafficking activities: During an interview, he revealed that intelligence reports led to the transfer of police officers in Ruwanwella and Avissawella due to their involvement in criminal networks: Watagala emphasised that measures to combat these issues are in place but cannot be fully disclosed, and urged officers to honour their duty: He also mentioned that the current leader of the underworld is operating in Mathugama.
- The government is creating a mechanism to provide relief to depositors earning less than Rs. 150,000 in monthly interest, who are currently being charged a 10% withholding tax: Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha announced that the Inland Revenue Department will soon outline how to address the concerns of affected depositors, including potential tax exemptions and refunds.
- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange reached a new all-time high, gaining 232.13 points to close at 15,400.53 points, up 1.53% from the previous close: The S&P SL20 also rose by 67.15 points, closing at 4,602.40 points, a 1.48% increase: The day’s turnover exceeded Rs. 7 billion, with over 534 million shares traded.
- Sri Lanka welcomed its 2 millionth tourist of the year at Bandaranaike International Airport, marking a historic achievement after a five-year gap: This is the fourth time annual tourist arrivals have exceeded 2 million, following 2016, 2017, and 2018: Despite challenges like the 2019 Easter attacks and the pandemic, the tourism sector is rebounding, supported by government initiatives, including free visas for citizens from 39 countries.
- The 2024 edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise, SLINEX 24, took place from December 17 to 20 at Visakhapatnam, organised by the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command: The exercise included a Harbour Phase with professional exchanges and a Sea Phase featuring joint drills, gun firings, and special forces operations: SLINEX, initiated in 2005, strengthened maritime cooperation, promoting a secure, rule-based maritime domain in line with India’s SAGAR vision.
- Sri Lanka Customs announced that the clearance of imported rice, which was briefly halted resumed yesterday (26): This follows the government’s decision to allow private-sector rice imports between December 4 and 20, during which 67,000 metric tons were brought in: The rice import deadline has been extended to January 10, 2025: Additionally, the first government-imported rice shipment of 780 metric tons is expected to arrive at Colombo Port: Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Namal Karunaratne, assured immediate distribution to the market.
- Sri Lanka’s rugby team is set for a crucial playoff match against Malaysia on April 19, 2025, at Johor Rugby Stadium: The winner will secure promotion to the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship (AREMC) and stay in contention for the 2027 Rugby World Cup: Sri Lanka, ranked 39th, earned the opportunity after winning Division 1 in the 2024 Asia Rugby competition: A victory would mark a historic achievement, elevating Sri Lanka to the Premier Division: Additionally, Sri Lanka will host New Zealand’s Under-85kg national team for two historic matches in May 2025.
