- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
