Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals dropped by 22.5% in October, representing a seventh straight month of decline, despite the government launching several worldwide "aggressive" tourism campaigns.

Both Sri Lanka’s leading candidates in upcoming presidential polls have emphasised their commitment to “national security” and strengthening the controversial military, as canvassing heats up this week.

Sri Lanka’s president declared open a new military complex this morning, speaking at a grand opening ceremony alongside accused war criminal Shavendra Silva.

Sajith Premadasa, the UNP’s presidential candidate, has stated that once elected he would appoint a new Prime Minister who could command the confidence of parliament.

He told reporters;

An Indian airline will commence commercial flights between Jaffna and Chennai from Monday it announced, with plans to step up connections between the two regions.

Flights are due to start on Monday 11th of November, with a one-way fare reportedly costing in the region of USD $45 plus taxes.

Sri Lanka’s health minister Rajitha Senaratne claimed that each Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian would receive “Rs. 300 mn each to spend on their electorates”, according to a report in The Island on Wednesday.

Senaratne reportedly held a series of meetings in Jaffna, where he canvassed support for Sajith Premadasa in this month’s Sri Lankan presidential elections.

Leaders of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) released a statement endorsing Sajith Premadasa in this month’s Sri Lankan presidential elections, despite his refusal to engage with demands put forward by the parties.

“Mr. Sajith Premadasa is a leader with clean hands,” claimed the TNA statement on Wednesday. “In whatever capacity he has functioned, it is accepted that he has done his best.”