Claiming that some Presidential candidates have sought her support, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga said today that she has decided to remain neutral at the 2024 Presidential election.

Kumaratunga said several media had reported that she was supporting various candidates at the ongoing Presidential election campaign but that she will not extend her support to any of the candidates at the 2024 Presidential election.

She said all voters must reflect seriously when deciding to cast their vote and take into consideration not the individual, but the programmes of action presented by each candidate, the manner, procedures and systems they will employ to implement the programmes, as well as the people who will be in charge of their implementation.

"Priority should be given to the abolition of the Executive Presidency and to policies for the sectors of Education, Health, Agriculture (especially small farmers), Small/Medium Scale Industries and Enterprises, diversification of major Industries and exports, as well as the Plantation Sector, International Trade and Tourism. The voters have an inalienable right to demand an assurance from the candidate of their choice, good and honest governance and the elimination of corruption in government and proper implementation of the promised policies. Most importantly, this would mean the appointment of persons of high integrity, merit and qualifications to the Legislation, the Executive and Judiciary, and to all high posts of government," she 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.