- President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the government is placing special focus on integrating economic and technical sectors through advancements in computer and information technology. He highlighted the vision to transform Colombo Port City into a financial zone facilitating offshore activities and attracting investments in Sri Lanka, with a strong emphasis on the development of enterprises and the utilization of digital technology by both local and foreign investors.
- Opposition Parliamentarians Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and Patali Champika Ranawaka have refuted reports claiming they are set to join the government. MP Fonseka also shot down reports of him supporting the presidential candidacy of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, stating that it is completely untrue and baseless. MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said that reports on local media about him joining the government “are baseless and unfound.”
- National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Dr. Harini Amarasuriya states that their party will support the private member’s bill tabled by SLPP MP Premnath C. Dolawaththa to decriminalize same-sex relationships under the penal code.
- The Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has informed all the Members of Parliament in writing to attend a special parliamentary sitting on July 2, 2024 at 9.30 a.m., the Parliamentary Communications Department said. The special parliamentary sitting has been called in pursuance of Standing Order No. 16 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament, as per a request made by the Prime Minister.
- The Court of Appeal has decided for the writ petition filed by former Sri Lanka Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda over the alleged abduction of 11 youths in 2008 and 2009, to be taken up for hearing before a five-member judge bench. The petitioner’s attorney has alleged through this petition that despite the investigations into the case stretching out for 10 years and statements being recorded from over 150 persons, the police had failed to uncover evidence to prove his client guilty of abducting and killing the 11 youths.
- The Ministry of Health has assured that Sri Lanka is equipped to deal with a bird flu outbreak and has already taken necessary preventive measures in this regard. Issuing a statement, the Health Ministry said that the World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any special public health announcement in this regard yet.
- The Ministry of Education has announced that the sub-committee’s recommendation has been received to increase the allowances provided for the teachers engaged in answer sheet evaluation activities of G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Grade 5 Scholarship examinations.
- The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the development of Higurakgoda Airport as a full-fledged airport in accordance with international civil aviation standards.
- Employees across various public service sectors are engaging in union action today over issues such as wages. The Joint Committee of Government Executive Officers and non-academic staff are participating, with executive officers reporting sick leave and school principals seeking parental support to maintain school activities.
- One of the world’s oldest inter-club golf tournaments, the 121st Burdett Trophy, and the 87th Puffin Cup, will take place on July 6 at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.
