The Supreme Court five-judge-bench headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya today ordered the Election Commission to make the necessary arrangements to hold the Local Government elections at the earliest possible date.

The Supreme Court further held that the Fundamental Rights of the petitioners and the citizens of the country have been violated by the authorities including Minister of Finance, the Election Commission and the Attorney General by not holding the Local Government elections that were scheduled for March 9 last year.

The Supreme Court five-judge-bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Vijith Malalgoda, Murdu Fernando, Gamini Amarasekara and Yasantha Kodagoda delivered this judgment pertaining to four Fundamental Rights petitions filed seeking an order directing the authorities to hold a free and fair Local Government elections.

These petitions had been filed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, National People's Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Harini Amarasuriya, the Centre for Policy Alternatives and the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL).

The petitioners filed these petitions naming Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, the Attorney General, the Election Commission and several others as respondents.

President's Counsel Upul Jayasuriya appeared for SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, while Nigel Hatch PC appeared for Harini Amarasuriya. Viran Corea PC appeared for the Centre for Policy Alternatives, Senior Counsel Asthika Devendra appeared for PAFFRAL, Saliya Pieris PC appeared for the Election Commission and Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle appeared for the Attorney General.

The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) mandated the implementation of mosquito control programmes at all examination centres for the 2024 GCE Advanced Level examination. Accordingly, candidates have been instructed to bring mosquito repellent to the exam centres.

Health officials have issued a warning on the spread of a viral fever in the community. Common symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat and cough. They urge individuals to seek prompt medical attention if these symptoms last for longer than three days.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing the Ministry of Finance staff after assuming duties as Minister, emphasized the importance of meeting public expectations to restore hope for a prosperous future. He lauded the Ministry’s role in overcoming the economic crisis and urged officials to focus on accountability and self-discipline.

Thirty-five new MPs have asked for housing facilities at the Madiwela Housing Complex, according to an informed source. The source said that these MPs had submitted their applications at the moment. Housing facilities in this complex are provided for those living outside the 40-kilometre radius of Colombo. In the complex, there are facilities to provide housing for 110 MPs.

A complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against controversial statements made by first time Jaffna District MP Dr. Archchuna Ramanathan. Civil activist Gunarathne Adikari speaking to media after filing the complaint said that the statements and behaviour of the new MP were unacceptable.

The Government of China contributed Rs. 1.5 billion in aid to Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern Provinces in 2024, according to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, the government is to establish a mechanism to supervise and advice ministries in the implementation of policies, a source said.

A tense situation was reported at the UNP party headquarters in Sirikotha when a group of UNP supporters arrived to hand over a document on reviving the party.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva said today that an NPP MP has told him that the Parliament canteen will not be closed but the government will see that no one will abuse the facility.

Two fishermen were seriously injured and hospitalised after a parcel floating on the sea exploded while they were checking it off the coast of Mannar.