The PAFFREL organization has emphasized the importance of adhering to the Election Commission’s recommendations when preparing nominations for the upcoming elections. 

Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi stated that special attention should be given to ensuring proper youth and women’s representation in line with the required percentages during the nomination process.  

Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi, further noted that the date of the election is expected to be announced within a few days following the acceptance of nominations.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, stated that more than 26,000 expatriates have submitted applications for new passports through Sri Lankan embassies and high commissions abroad.

The applications have been received by Sri Lankan embassies and high commissions abroad and have been pending for almost two years.

The Deputy Minister further stated that some individuals are also facing numerous problems due to the expiration of their passports.

The Deputy Minister further stated that some individuals are facing various issues due to the expiration of their foreign passports. 

It has been reported that this issue has caused difficulties for expatriate workers and students studying overseas in carrying out their future activities.

A discussion has been held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment and the Department of Immigration and Emigration to find an immediate solution to the issue.

However, the Deputy Minister mentioned that efforts will be made to resolve the problem as much as possible before the end of this month and emphasized that the current government is not responsible for creating this crisis.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra also requested the public not to seek assistance from intermediaries when preparing foreign passports or obtaining information related to foreign employment.

It has been reported that Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramarathne has instructed Serjeant-at-Arms of the Parliament – Mr. Kushan Jayaratne to remove dogs roaming the Parliament premises.

This was subsequent to a dog passing quite close to him during a recent inspection of the buildings, reports say. 

According to the ‘Lankadeepa’ newspaper, the Speaker had responded by saying, “Are dogs being raised here?”  
Sources indicate that nearly ten dogs currently reside within the Parliament grounds.