Resentment brews within the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) over the decision by the party’s Central Committee to back Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa in the absence of some its leaders such as former MP Mavai Senathirajah and S. Sridharan.

The Central Committee that met in Vavuniya on Sunday decided to back Mr. Premadasa while a section of the party insists on supporting common Tamil candidate P. Ariyanethran who is a former MP from the Batticaloa District.

Party’s spokesman M.A. Sumanthiran announced the decision to the media. He said the decision was taken after deliberation of five years. However, Mr. Senathirajah who is the ITAK President, said that the decision was taken even without consulting him.

“On that day, I had a chest pain. Therefore, I had to rush to see a doctor. That is why I couldn’t attend the meeting. Still, the party had taken this decision. There is a dispute now,” he said. He said the decision to back Mr. Premadasa without any understanding with him for the resolution of the ethnic conflict could not be accepted.

The Tamil parties that stand by the common Tamil candidate argue that rejection of him would weaken Tamils’ demand for Federalism.

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.