- The Sri Lankan government will provide extensive support for the upcoming Bora community spiritual conference and annual convention, scheduled from July 7th to 16th: Directed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Senior Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka, preparations focus on enhancing infrastructure at venues like the Bambalapitiya Bora Mosque and Sri Lanka Convention and Exhibition Centre: The event anticipates 15,000 attendees from various countries, reflecting the government’s commitment to its success.
- The Colombo District Court extends an injunction preventing Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe from serving as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and as a party member: SLFP Treasurer Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna lodged the complaint, and today (25) the court allowed respondents to file objections: The court further extended the injunction until the complaint is revisited on July 9, 2024.
- Retired Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda advocating for the National Peoples Power (NPP) says the rulers of this country led Sri Lanka into crisis long before independence: alleges the country had been ruled for 76 years by ‘the corrupt’, a regime far more sinister than ‘the inferiors’ suggested by Plato (misquoting Socrates) in his famous quote about politics, “One of the penalties of refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors”.
- International economic news agency Bloomberg reports Sri Lanka and international investors are in talks to finalise restructuring $12 bn in defaulted bonds, aiming for a swift resolution before upcoming elections: adds bondholders are under trading restrictions during negotiations: The restructuring is crucial for IMF financing and involves discussions with both bondholders and bilateral lenders: stresses progress is reported, indicating potential agreements in the coming months.
- Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena says the Cabinet has approved debt restructuring agreements: President Ranil Wickremesinghe briefed the Cabinet, allowing authorities to finalise deals with bilateral creditors: Gunawardane adds details will be presented to Parliament by the President following this approval.
- The Disaster Management Centre reports 946 individuals across 432 families in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province are affected by drought in Karachchi, Kilinochchi district: No casualties reported: DMC is distributing drinking water to ease hardships and ensure essential supplies: Authorities are closely monitoring and prepared to implement additional support measures for affected communities.
- The Sri Lanka Administrative Services Association (SASA) pauses planned trade union action after talks with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, securing an allowance increase effective June 1st: However, Government Executive Officers proceed with sick leave strikes over unresolved demands: Education non-academic staff are on strike awaiting responses, while teacher-principal unions plan a nationwide strike: University non-academic staff continue their strike pending resolution discussions with the National Pay Commission.
- Reports indicate several private medical institutions in Sri Lanka are operating without 2024 licences from the Ministry of Health, causing concern: Despite completing required procedures, licences have not been issued, affecting hospitals and labs: The delay, attributed to an internal crisis in the Private Health Services Regulatory Council, jeopardises service standards and the sector’s reputation: Authorities have provided vague explanations, prompting inquiries and public apprehension about healthcare quality.
- The World Bank approves $150 mn to improve primary healthcare in Sri Lanka, focusing on quality enhancement and increased utilisation of facilities: The project aims to address underutilisation of primary healthcare, improve service quality, and expand coverage to over 1,000 facilities: It targets non-communicable diseases and ageing population needs, while enhancing pandemic preparedness and overall healthcare system resilience.
- In the first T-20 of their series, Sri Lanka women, led by Chamari Athapaththu’s career-best 4 for 29 bowling, secures a four-wicket victory over West Indies women: Chasing 135, Sri Lanka reached 137/6 with Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama contributing 35 each: Earlier, West Indies managed 134/8 in 20 overs: The teams will play their second T-20 at Hambantota tomorrow.
