EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY

Your Thursday morning brief

1. Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) noted that the controversy on the source of funds surrounding the proposed US$ 3.85 billion oil refinery in Mirijjawila, Hambantota, could have a negative impact on Sri Lanka’s efforts to remove itself from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF), ‘Grey List’ of countries vulnerable to money laundering and terrorism financing.
2. Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaking at a "Bala Mandala" meeting said that Ranil Wickremesinghe is the mastermind and the orchestrator of the bond scam.
3. President Maithripala Sirisena noted that he does not accept the fact that the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka was co-sponsored and signed by the Sri Lankan Ambassador.
4. The High Commission of India in Colombo organized a joint celebration of Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Day in Colombo yesterday.
5. A special event; “Celebrating Sri Lankan Women Changemakers” was held at the Parliament yesterday to celebrate 12 prominent Sri Lankan women in recognition of their extraordinary achievements.
6. Singer Amal Perera’s son Nadeemal Perera and Prisons Officer Lalith Kumara who were recently arrested in Dubai together with the notorious underworld leader Makandure Madush were deported from Dubai yesterday.
7.  The Daily Mirror reported that Sri Lanka has planned to hold ministerial-level Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with China next month.
8. Two more police officers surrender to the court through their attorneys over the abduction and assassination of two Rathgama businessmen.
9. Former director of Litro Gas, Neil Bandara Hapuhinna was acquitted and released by the Permanent High Court Trial at Bar in the case filed under 24 indictments including, criminal breach of confidence and misappropriation of Rs.500mn from Litro Gas.
10. The cabinet had given the green light to procure 37 luxury buses for the Sri Lanka Transport Board.

Thursday is one day closer to my expectation that everything I have done through the week culminates in progress.