Misconduct results in suspension of seven MPs from Parliament in 2023

In a situation where public notion is created against the conduct of Parliamentarians, Parliamentary services of seven Members of Parliament in the ninth Parliament were suspended due to their misconduct within the year 2023.

Colombo welcomes Cinnamon Life

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, the highly anticipated luxury development by John Keells Group (JKH), opens its doors today for a soft launch, marking a historic moment in Colombo’s evolving skyline.

Restructuring of all state enterprises on hold till election is over

The government has put on hold key policy decisions on restructuring state owned enterprises including SriLankan Airlines and the transfer of the Mattala international airport until the general election is over, a top source said.

Public Security Ministry orders Police to expedite investigations into seven key cases

The Ministry of Public Security has directed the Acting Inspector General of Police to expedite investigations into seven high-profile cases, including the controversial 2015 bond deal and the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

Only 11 out of 31 houses assigned to former ministers handed over

Only 11 out of 31 politicians who held ministerial responsibilities in the previous government and lived in the government houses have vacated them, according to the Public Administration Ministry.

Prompt return of Ministerial quarters a legal obligation, not political revenge

Do not consider handing over Ministerial quarters as political revenge. It is necessary to return the Ministerial quarters promptly after the abolition of a Ministry. Official residences should be handed back without delay. Reminders should be sent to those who have not yet vacated their apartments, and if there is no response, legal action should be enforced, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.

More key politicians back out from contesting General Election

More key political figures have backed out from contesting the November 14 General Election, marking an end to their parliamentary careers and paving way for the new Parliament to have new faces representing the political parties.

Sri Lanka’s economy stabilises with growth expected to reach 4.4 % in 2024: WB

The Sri Lankan economy has stabilised with growth expected to reach 4.4 percent in 2024, surpassing earlier forecasts, the World Bank (WB) said today.

Adani project: New Govt. slides from cancellation to review?

National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in the run up to the September 21 presidential election vowed to cancel Indian conglomerate Adani’s 450 MW wind power project in Sri Lanka if elected.

Political risks to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring agreement recede: Fitch

The Sri Lankan authorities’ confirmation that they endorse the targets set under the country’s IMF programme, and intend to implement debt restructuring based on the terms agreed with international sovereign bondholders in September, reduces risks to the debt treatment process associated with the outcome of the presidential election on 21 September, said Fitch Ratings.

Education Ministry seeks clarification from CIS

Following a 15-year-old girl jumping to death from the Lotus Tower, the Education Ministry has decided to seek a clarification from Colombo International School (CIS) where she studied, an official said yesterday.

Dozens of MPs to quit parliamentary politics

Dozens of MPs who were in the ninth Parliament which is now dissolved have decided to quit politics due to reasons ranging from old age, ill health to unfavourable political realities for them, Daily Mirror learns.

Inland Revenue exceeds 70% of annual tax target

The Inland Revenue Department has collected Rs. 1,417 billion in taxes by September 30, 2024, surpassing 70% of its annual goal of Rs. 2,024 billion.

Over 120 independent groups place deposits for General Elections

A total of 122 independent groups have placed their cash deposits for the upcoming general elections scheduled for November 14, 2024, the Election Commission stated.

Numerous MPs to quit politics

Numerous MPs who were in the currently dissolved Parliament have decided to opt out of politics without contesting the upcoming general election.

Government recalls firearms issued to civilians

The government has announced the temporary recall of all firearms issued to civilians by the Ministry of Defence.

President AKD to visit New Delhi as his first overseas visit

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will likely undertake his first official overseas visit to New Delhi for discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he accepts an invitation which will be extended today by visiting Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Daily Mirror learns.

16 new MPs appointed in 9th Parliament

The Ninth Parliament of Sri Lanka, which convened on August 20, 2020, and was dissolved at midnight on September 24, 2024, saw 19 parliamentary vacancies filled during its term.

UNP-SJB electoral pact now a non-event

An electoral alliance between the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) is now going to be a non-event, with each of them planning for different strategies to contest the upcoming General Elections, Daily Mirror learns.

Future SJS government will cooperate with AKD

A future Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) government will cooperate with incumbent President Anura Kmara Dissanayake in the event it secures a majority in Parliament at the General elections, its leaders said today.

Porsche vehicle given to me originally imported ten years ago: Rosy

The Porsche vehicle, which was given to her during her tenure as Presidential Advisor, was originally imported ten years ago, Rosy Senanayake, Adviser to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

President appoints two senior economic advisors on honorary basis

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed the Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Duminda Hulangamuwa and Prof. Anil Fernando of the Sri Jayawardenapura University as Senior Advisors for Economic Affairs and Finance on honorary basis.

Only one independent candidate declared expenses thus far, No major party stated yet: EC

Only a single independent candidate of the Presidential Poll 2024 has declared his campaign finances, whereas no major party had stated their election expenses by the end of September, having nine of 21 days of the grace period to declare expenses had lapsed by yesterday, the Daily Mirror learns.

Planned cuts to former presidents’ perks face legal hurdles

The government has initiated action to review the benefits of former Presidents to be pruned according to a criterion since some curtailments require legal amendments to be enacted by the next Parliament, a top source said.

Police officers assigned to former MPs recalled

All police security personnel assigned to former Parliamentarians and Ministers have been recalled, police said.

Japan to resume 11 stalled projects in Sri Lanka

The Japanese government has pledged to resume the construction of 11 stalled projects in Sri Lanka and has promised full support for the new government’s development programme, the President Media Division (PMD) said.

World Bank pledges support to President Anura Dissanayake

The World Bank Group has expressed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and development.

Confident ties with B’desh, Sri Lanka will endure: Jaishankar

India does not seek to control every political move of neighbours, and does not expect that the political dynamics within neighbouring countries will adhere to what India may think is desirable, but Delhi is confident that fundamental realities of interdependence will ensure that relationships with neighbours remains constructive and positive, external affairs minister S Jaishankar has said.

EC seeks Rs. 11 billion for general election

The sudden declaration of the general election has prompted the Election Commission to put off of the conduct of the local authorities’ election further.

UNP, SJB Talks ongoing despite obstacles

Despite SJB leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday saying that his party will not enter into an alliance with the UNP to contest the General Election, Daily Mirror learns that the talks are still ongoing to make a final decision.