- Jaffna International Airport receives daily international flights since June 16 via Alliance Air from Chennai: creates aviation history by becoming the 2nd Int’l Airport in Sri Lanka to have daily int’l flights after the Bandaranaike Int’l Airport: Mattala Rajapaksa Int’l Airport has 3 flights per week from Red Wings Russia while Sri Lanka’s first int’l airport Ratmalana airport does not operate scheduled international flights.
- PM Dinesh Gunawardane informs Chongqing Municipal Committee Secretary & member of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee Dr. Yuan Jiajun that China and Sri Lanka can cooperate in “space” science as Southern Sri Lanka has been identified as an area with the lowest gravity in the world and the Southern Ocean is most suitable for the landing of spacecraft.
- Professor Aminda Methsila Perera, Head of the Department of Accountancy at Wayamba University warns of another possible economic crisis in September 2023: explains a 2nd phase of the crisis is likely, owing to the delay in the implementation of the conditions and agreements made with the IMF.
- Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Ali Sabri says there is possibility of adopting the Indian Rupee as a “valid currency” in Sri Lanka, with anticipated arrangements to facilitate seamless business transactions for Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka.
- CB Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe urges licensed banks to take immediate measures to adequately reduce the lending rates, in view of the CBSL’s reduction of policy interest rates: warns that inadequate and delayed reduction of lending rates “may compel administrative measures” by the Central Bank.
- Head of the State-Owned Enterprise Restructuring Unit of the Ministry of Finance and former Lion Brewery CEO Suresh Shah says steps are being taken to split the Life and General Insurance businesses of SL Insurance Corporation into 2 separate entities prior to the divestment of the Govt’s controlling stake in SLIC.
- State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says an import tax of Rs.25 per litre will be imposed on imported coconut oil from next week.
- Announcement made that the 1st phase of the 2nd School Term for 2023 will start on July 24 & end on August 17, with holidays from August 18-27: 2nd phase of the 2nd Term will be from August 28 to October 27: 1st phase of the 3rd Term will be from Oct 30 to Nov 24, with holidays from Nov 25 to Dec 31 due to A/L examinations: 2nd phase of the 3rd Term will be held from Jan 1, 2024 to Feb 16, 2024.
- Trade Minister Nalin Fernando says approval has been received to sell eggs imported from India to consumers via supermarkets and Sathosa stores: eggs imported from India are currently being sold at a price of Rs.35 to bakeries and hotels.
- Left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka is in contention to make his Test debut on Monday as SL has decided to bring in both Madushanka and Asitha Fernando for the must-win 2nd Test against Pakistan.
