A Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) government will implement a special two-year programme to eliminate poverty in the country, SJB leader Sajith Premadasa said.

Speaking at a rally in Sammanthurai, he said an allowance of Rs. 20,000 will be provided to the low income families during the two-year period. He said the new programme will encompass positives of all the previous programmes such as the Janasawiya, Samurdhi, Gemidiriya and Aswesuma.

"We will launch a new programme to eliminate poverty. This prorgamme will include all the positives in the Janasawiya, Samurdhi, Gemidiriya and Aswesuma programmes. I know our people never like to be subsidiary recipients for life time. Therefore, we will implement a special two-year programme to eliminate poverty and provide an allowance of Rs. 20,000 for the two-years until they come out of poverty," he said.

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.