1. Joint Opposition says Government is making an attempt to delay the Local Government elections yet again: 6 petitioners file action seeking the cancellation of the Minister’s gazette and thereby delay the elections
2. Twelve persons slashed by swords in two days in four incidents in Jaffna; ‘Ava’ group suspected
3. UNP Working Committee passes resolution to expedite cases involving corruption and fraud during the previous rule; appoints a committee to track progress of the cases
4. More opposition to the budget from within: Shipping Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe opposes the liberalisation of the shipping industry; Irrigation Minister opposes return of Sevanagala Sugar factory
5. Cabinet spokesman Dayasiri Jayasekara says Cabinet has yet not given any consideration to Lord Naseby’s statement that the number of casualties in the last stages of the war was only 7000
6. MP Douglas Devananda says Malaria mosquitoes detected in Jaffna have come from India
7. National Freedom Front Leader Wimal Weerawansa says current Government has borrowed Rs.4.7 Trillion in 3 years, whereas the previous Government borrowed only Rs.5.2 Trillion in 9 years
8. International Rating Agency Fitch says Sri Lankan beer makers will regain market share after tax changes
9. Beleaguered former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake who was associated with the Monarch Residencies apartment scandal, says imposing VAT on residential apartments can cause social issues; also says Central Bank and CID are a hindrance to the country’s progress
10. Minister Dilan Perera says the UNP can fly over and build nests on President Sirisena’s head, but they must not defeacate on his head
Have a head-strong Thursday
