News

Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 04/07

1191

  1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe supports a five-year presidential term and backs the Election Commission’s 2024 election decision: An entrepreneur filed a fundamental rights petition to delay the Presidential Election date pending a Supreme Court interpretation: Wickremesinghe expresses surprise, stating he and his legal team were unaware of the petition before its submission.
  2. TPA Leader MP Mano Ganeshan alleges that the government postponed a parliamentary debate on recent debt agreements due to issues with private bondholders, not because of the demise of R. Sampanthan: cites difficulties in providing Memorandum of Understanding copies to Parliament: criticises pressures on the opposition, highlighting efforts to signal support for debt restructuring to bilateral creditors.
  3. NPP MP Vijitha Herath says the late TNA former Leader R. Sampanthan was a “fearless leader” who spent his entire life raising voice for the rights of the people of the North and East: asserts Sampanthan valued democracy in his fight for justice for the people of the North and East, both on and off Parliament: adds he set a precedent for the people of Sri Lanka in reclaiming rights in a democratic manner, and his departure is a great loss to the nation.
  4. Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera introduces a revised payment system for new rooftop solar panels and other renewable energy projects starting from July 1: Projects initiated before this date retain their current payment methods: The updated tariff offers Rs.27.06 per unit for rooftop solar installations up to 500 kW and Rs.23.18 for larger ones, with ground-mounted solar panels at Rs.25.48 per unit over 20 years: Small hydro, wind, and biomass projects receive Rs.30.53, Rs.29.86, and Rs.52.77 per unit respectively: The changes reflect adjustments based on economic conditions and stakeholder input from the CEB.
  5. Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva confirms SriLankan Airlines will undergo restructuring, not sale, citing regulations allowing up to 49% share transfer without a suitable investor: says President Wickremesinghe’s address on debt restructuring was hailed despite opposition scepticism, aiming for national recovery: adds IMF involvement ensures adherence to legal frameworks: Budget provisions include social benefits, independent of elections: reiterates focus on restructuring SriLankan Airlines amidst limited international interest, highlighting ongoing developments in infrastructure projects with Japan and India.
  6. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) encourages Sri Lanka to ramp up growth efforts amidst climate change challenges, highlighting green bonds as a crucial tool to meet financial needs: ADB Country Director Takafumi Kadono stresses the importance of private finance mobilisation through sustainable bonds, underscoring their potential to attract investment in climate mitigation and adaptation: praises Sri Lanka’s initiatives but urged further development of the sustainable capital market, asserting that green bonds can drive economic recovery, resilience, and inclusive growth.
  7. The Police announce the ongoing ‘Yukthiya’ nationwide operation to eradicate illegal activities will be reinvigorated from today (07): Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa announces the operation will also enlist the support of the Sri Lanka Army: further indicates that the operation, already active in several regions around Colombo, will soon be extended to cover the entire island.
  8. Sri Lankan health officials express alarm over a surge in kidney disease cases linked to the widespread use of skin whitening creams, surpassing cancer rates: Dr. Indira Kahawita, a Consultant Dermatologist, highlighted the issue during a Health Promotion Bureau briefing, citing mercury in these creams as a major concern: notes immediate health impacts like kidney failure and observed rising cases of skin discolouration and other symptoms among patients, underscoring urgent health risks associated with these products.
  9. Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Ministry reports Rs. 700 mn in damages to local fishing gear caused by Indian bottom trawlers, escalating bilateral tensions: Indian trawlers illegally fish in biodiverse areas like the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, affecting marine species crucial to Sri Lanka’s economy: Over 1,000 trawlers from Tamil Nadu frequently cross into Sri Lankan waters, using heavy metal panels that damage seabeds and discourage local fishermen: Sri Lanka seeks dialogue to resolve ongoing fishing disputes.
  10. In a thrilling LPL cricket match, Jaffna Kings secures a dramatic last-ball victory over Dambulla Sixes, chasing down 192 runs with Skipper Charith Asalanka (50) and Avishka Fernando (80) leading the charge with a crucial 134-run partnership: Despite Kusal Janith Perera’s impressive century for Dambulla, Jaffna’s strong batting display stood out, with Fernando awarded Man of the Match for his explosive innings.
Previous article
Former MP Hirunika Premachandra’s bail hearing postponed
Next article
Concerns mount over quality of popular mango variety

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

Landowner Arrested Over Deaths of Two Elephants in Rambewa

CN -
A landowner has been arrested in connection with the deaths of two wild elephants that were electrocuted by an illegal electric fence in Rambewa, the Ministry of Environment has announced. The two elephants were found dead in Aluthgama village, within the Pilinigama Grama Niladhari Division No. 90, following information received by a Wildlife Range Assistant. Post-mortem examinations conducted on Tuesday (27) by Pandulagama Wildlife Veterinary Officer Dr. Maduwanthi confirmed that the elephants had died after coming into contact with an unauthorised electric wire, according to the ministry. Officers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation arrested the owner of the land where the incident occurred on Tuesday evening. The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Medawachchiya Magistrate’s Court yesterday (28), the ministry said.

US Ambassador and PM Harini Discuss Strengthening Sri Lanka–US Relations

CN -
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer has held discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries. In a post on X, Ambassador Meyer said the talks focused on building upon the existing partnership through educational exchanges, commercial opportunities, disaster preparedness and innovation. The discussions covered ways to strengthen the bilateral Fulbright Commission, identify new business opportunities and expand the Peace Corps programme in Sri Lanka. Both sides also explored opportunities to improve disaster preparedness and encourage innovation through academic exchanges, emphasising the role of education and knowledge-sharing in deepening cooperation. Ambassador Meyer said he looked forward to building on the progress made during the discussions and further advancing the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka.

Cabinet Approves Rs. 5 Million Compensation for Prison Officers Killed or Disabled in Negombo Prison Clashes

CN -
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved special compensation and financial relief for prison officers who were killed or injured while on duty during clashes at Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6, 2026, Cabinet Spokesman and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing, the minister said the Cabinet had decided on August 3, 2026, to appoint a committee headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration to make recommendations on compensation for the affected officers. The committee has since submitted its report, and the Cabinet has approved the implementation of its recommendations. Under the approved proposal, the special payments will be made in addition to the compensation available under Public Administration Circular No. 22/93. Accordingly, Rs. 5 million will be paid for each officer killed in the clashes, while an officer who suffered total disability will also receive Rs. 5 million. Officers who sustained partial disability resulting in a 100% loss of maximum earning capacity will be entitled to Rs. 4 million, while those who suffered temporary partial disability will receive Rs. 3 million. The Cabinet has also approved amendments to the Prisons Ordinance to establish a formal legal framework for the Prisons Tactical Force. Measures will be taken to strengthen the force by recruiting an adequate number of qualified personnel, providing specialised training in relevant fields and equipping officers with modern equipment. Plans are also in place to establish a dedicated headquarters for the force at a suitable location, the minister said.

38 Reservoirs Spill Across Sri Lanka as Flooding Continues in Low-Lying Areas

CN -
A total of 38 medium and large-scale reservoirs under the Department of Irrigation are currently spilling, while elevated water levels continue to affect several rivers and low-lying areas across Sri Lanka, an irrigation official said. Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) L.S. Sooriyabandara said reservoirs such as Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya, Inginimitiya, Yan Oya and Usgala Siyambalangamuwa were recording comparatively high spill levels. Although no immediate threat of major flooding had been identified under the prevailing conditions, water levels in several reservoirs and rivers remained high, he said. Rainfall eased yesterday, with some areas in the upper catchments of the Kalu and Kelani rivers recording around 60 millimetres. Certain locations in the upper Kelani River catchment received approximately 40 millimetres, according to the Irrigation Department. Water levels in the upper reaches of most rivers are gradually receding. However, minor flooding persists in low-lying areas along the Nilwala, Gin, Kalu and Kelani rivers. Sooriyabandara said water levels along the Nilwala River remained around minor flood thresholds downstream of Akuressa, particularly in Thalgahagoda and areas near Matara. Similar conditions were reported in Baddegama along the Gin River. Elevated water levels were also observed at Millakanda, Putupawula and Ellagawa along the Kalu River. He cautioned that further rises could affect low-lying areas of the Kalutara District if additional rainfall occurs. Meanwhile, water levels in the upper reaches of the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are gradually declining. Nevertheless, floodwater may continue to affect low-lying areas in the Gampaha District, including Katana and Ja-Ela. The Irrigation Department has forecast moderate rainfall today and warned that river levels and water levels in flood-prone areas could rise again if further precipitation occurs. The public has been advised to refrain from bathing, engaging in water sports and undertaking other potentially dangerous activities in areas where floodwaters remain.