- President Ranil Wickremesinghe said it is necessary to maintain law and order in the country, while highlighting the crucial steps taken to safeguard state properties, including the parliament, the prime minister’s office and the president’s office from “violence orchestrated under the guise of a struggle”. Despite criticisms labelling these actions as human rights violations, the President asserted that such measures were imperative for preventing economic instability.
- The Samagi Jana Balawegaya-led government will provide meals to all school children, said party leader MP Sajith Premadasa, slamming the incumbent government’s current meal distribution programme. He pointed out that the government has commenced providing meals only for elementary school children, which was a shameful policy.
- The Colombo High Court on Tuesday (March 26) dismissed preliminary objections raised by Keheliya Rambukwella and another accused in a misappropriation case, stating that the lawsuit filed by the Bribery Commission could not be maintained.
- A five-member Supreme Court bench has been appointed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya to consider the fundamental rights (FR) petitions filed challenging the passing of the Online Safety Act in the parliament. The petitions have been fixed for July 24 for confirmation of facts.
- The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has received an order to conduct a comprehensive investigation into a letter from an informant claiming that plans were underway to assassinate the Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage using a T81 grenade launcher. The informant has also claimed that an individual had requested this firearm over the phone to kill the Magistrate. Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has ordered an immediate probe into the alleged assassination attempt.
- The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved an increase in the national minimum salary. As per the provisions of the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act (No. 03 of 2016), the minimum national salary used to stands at Rs. 12,500/-. A tertiary subcommittee, consisting of representatives from trade unions and employers in small and medium-level enterprises, which was appointed under the guidance of the National Labour Consultancy Board has recommended raising the minimum salary to Rs. 17,500/-.
- The Ministry of Public Security has announced the implementation of a special security program across Christian churches during the upcoming Easter Sunday services. With Good Friday falling on the 29th and Easter Sunday on the 31st, authorities said they are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of worshippers.
8. The Governor of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, asserted that he would not resign over the controversy surrounding the salary increase. He commented that the Central Bank’s duty towards the country includes implementation of the monetary policy, and maintaining the stability of the banking system under the CBSL Act.
- Singapore-flagged container ship ‘Dali’ has collided with a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore resulting in the collapse of the entire structure. According to the BBC, shipping company Synergy Marine Group had confirmed that all crew members, including the two pilots who were aboard, have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.The vessel is 300m long and was on its way to Colombo in Sri Lanka.
- The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from July 19th to July 28th, 2024. This edition of the tournament will feature eight teams, one more than the previous edition in 2022, indicating the growing interest and participation in women’s cricket across Asia.
