The government in a meeting with US embassy officials in Colombo on Wednesday has reportedly ruled out any links between the recent incident in Arugam Bay and ‘extremism’, categorizing it instead as an incident of ‘organized crime’.

A senior defence official confirmed to the Daily Mirror that a delegation, including Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha and representatives from the Presidential Secretariat, briefed US embassy officials in Colombo regarding the investigation into the arrests of six individuals connected to the incident.

The government officials reportedly informed the United States of their findings, emphasizing that the situation was the result of actions by a group of individuals rather than any extremist activity.

Sources revealed that US embassy officials responded positively to the findings. The government delegation also raised concerns about a travel advisory issued by the US last week, inquiring its necessity given that the incident was unrelated to extremism. The delegation formally requested the lifting of the advisory, citing the absence of any major incidents.

So far, six suspects have been arrested, including a Maldivian national and two former LTTE cadres. One of the former LTTE cadres is also accused of being involved in the assassination of former Cabinet Minister Jeyaraj Fernandpulle and is currently in custody.

Initial investigations have revealed that an Iranian national had contacted these suspects with the intention of inciting unrest, allegedly offering financial support. However, prior to any incidents, the US had alerted the government about potential threats. Following thorough investigations, the police apprehended the suspects involved.

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.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the Examinations Department have initiated a joint programme to mitigate potential disasters during the 2024 Advanced Level examinations.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka today. Following are 11 key points from the President’s Government Policy Statement;

Speaker Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala informed Parliament that nomination of Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has been accepted as the Opposition Leader of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Jaffna District Independent MP Archuuna Ramanathan refused to move away after he sat on the Opposition Leader's seat inside the chambers despite requests by Parliament staff to move.

National People's Power (NPP) Gampaha MP Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala was elected as the Speaker of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka a short while ago. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya proposed his name, and the nomination was confirmed by Vijitha Herath.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake adjourned the Sri Lankan Parliament until 9:30 a.m. on December 3. The adjournment followed the President’s delivery of the government’s policy statement during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament earlier today.