- Education Minister Dr Susil Premajayantha says even during dark days when power transformers were destroyed and people were not allowed to switch on their lights at homes, the children of this country sat examinations successfully.
- Reports emerge that holders of Sri Lanka’s foreign bonds are seeking greater clarity on the nation’s local-currency debt before they sit down for formal restructuring talks: creditors concerned that managing Sri Lanka’s local debt pile will prove costly.
- CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe says country will hold “detailed talks on domestic debt treatment” after the IMF loan approval: previously, Weerasinghe had solemnly pledged local obligations will be serviced and only foreign debt will not be serviced: last month, Fitch cut the rating on local-currency debt to just 2 levels above “default”: however, data shows CB-managed EPF is still investing heavily in Govt securities, greatly risking people’s savings.
- Police say a 7-hour joint operation has been carried out by the STF, Police, Army, and Air Force in the Western & Southern provinces against drugs: also say 285 suspects were arrested including 60 drug operatives and a cache of narcotics seized, including 1kg heroin & 1kg cannabis.
- Constitutional Council approves appointing Justice NBPDS Karunarathne as the President of the Appeal Court and appointing the present President of the Appeal Court Justice KP Fernando as a Supreme Court Judge.
- PM Dinesh Gunawardena says the tourism industry can give the biggest boost to the economy: calls on stakeholders to take “innovative” steps towards its further growth: stresses need to build a network of Honorary Consuls and representatives abroad to introduce and promote tourism.
- Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says 11,219 premises including educational, religious and Govt buildings will be equipped with roof top solar panels under the Credit Line of USD 100 million from the Indian Government for Renewable Energy.
- Case filed against former UNP MP Hirunika Premachandra for alleged involvement in the abduction of a youth, fixed for trial on February 28 by the Colombo High Court.
- Human Rights Commission says a case has been filed before the Supreme Court against CEB, CPC & Power Ministry for failing to abide by the settlement to provide uninterrupted electricity for A/L students during their exam period.
- Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe says new regulations are to be introduced soon for appointing members to selection committees of all sports, including Cricket.
