Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday defended the Government’s debt management policy, insisting that they removed elements that caused weakening of the fiscal system, with the introduction of a farsighted mechanism to strengthen the sources of public revenue and loan management.

President Maithripala Sirisena signed the special gazette notification declaring the railway service as an essential service, the Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry said.

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court today requesting to issue a writ order declaring the gazette notification to call for the presidential election was illegal.

Minister of Transport Arjuna Ranatunga says steps will be taken to rename the Palali Airport as the Jaffna International Airport.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today ordered 80 financial institutions and banks to table reports on bank accounts held by Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara, who has been sent on compulsory leave, and former Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Hemasiri Fernando.

The Permanent High Court at Bar has granted permission to former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa to travel overseas for a medical checkup from 9th to 12th of October.

Former Chairman of Lanka Sathosa, Kiran Atapattu stressed that he was pressured by Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and his Public Relations Officer, Abdullah to make an illegal payment of Rs 549 million to Liverpool Navigation (Private) Limited in July 2015.

“I do not prioritise issues pertaining to the rival candidates and instead, focus my fullest attention on the policy programme and the vision that I have annunciated,” United National Front presidential candidate, Minister Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.

Deputy Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, on behalf of Attorney General Dappula de Livera, yesterday, informed the Court of Appeal that the signature placed on the citizenship certificate of Gotabaya Rajapaksa by Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the President, was legitimate.

State Minister of Transport Ashoka Abeysinghe says that railway employees who had failed to report to work without giving prior notice will be considered as having vacated their respective positions.

United National Party Presidential Candidate Minister Sajith Premadasa held a discussion with President Maithripala Sirisena last night (October 1) at the President’s official residence.

The Railway service is to be made a ‘closed service’ as distinct from the rest of the public service, according to a Cabinet decision taken yesterday.

Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms, Thalatha Atukorale said action will be initiated against former Solicitor General, Suhada Gamlath if he did not step down from his position as Chairman of the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses in the next two days.

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, issuing a warning to the nation on the debt crisis created by the yahapalana government, says it has now reached a critical stage.

The special commodity levy on one kilo of imported big onions would be reduced by Rs.39 with effect from midnight today, the Agriculture Ministry announced.

The Supreme Court today extended the stay order issued on the hearing of the DA Rajapaksa Museum case filed against Former Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa and six others at the Permanent High Court-at-Bar, until the 14th of October.