- Starting from 12th July 2024, the President’s Fund launches a new scholarship initiative to aid students from low-income families in grades 1 to 11 and G.C.E. (A/L): Managed by district secretaries with zonal education offices and school principals, the program will award 6,000 scholarships across educational zones: Each recipient will receive Rs. 6,000 per month for 24 months, with initial grants of Rs. 30,000 and ongoing support until G.C.E. (A/L) exams.
- SLPP Secretary General Sagara Kariyawasam says the SLPP ‘does not agree’ with the economic policy of President Ranil Wickremesinghe whatsoever: asserts there is no discussion within the party about Wickremesinghe’s name being nominated for the upcoming presidential election: reiterates Wickremesinghe never informed the SLPP, nor any other political party, that he will contest the polls, despite comments backing Wickremesinghe being made by certain Ministers of the SLPP: Previously, SLPP Founder and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa asserted that Wickremesinghe will have the support of the SLPP for the election.
- NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake criticises government for burdening citizens whilst implementing IMF programs and restructuring debt: acknowledges debt postponement but accuses the administration of celebrating temporary fixes to ‘self-inflicted’ issues: questions the government’s debt management strategies, emphasising the need for sustainable fiscal policies amid economic challenges.
- Sri Lanka progresses in debt restructuring with key steps completed, including agreements with creditors and bondholders: Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe aims for a potential rating upgrade, emphasising the need to create a conducive environment for rating agencies: Despite challenges, including current default statuses, efforts continue to resolve these issues and achieve improved credit ratings.
- Over 200 public sector trade unions, including Grama Niladhari officers and surveyors, are commencing a two-day strike starting today, citing demands for a salary increase: The strike, supported by postal workers since yesterday, aims to protest government policies: Healthcare services remain unaffected as medical unions have chosen not to participate, though public service disruptions are expected.
- Sri Lanka’s construction industry anticipates a robust recovery with the restructuring of external debt, according to Access Engineering PLC’s C. Joshua: Debt restructuring, particularly with bilateral partners, is set to inject $2.5 bn, potentially boosting GDP by 3%: The sector expects revived infrastructure projects, including successful condominium ventures in Colombo: Challenges like skilled labour shortages and election impacts remain pivotal for sustained growth.
- Sri Lanka’s bid to extend its continental shelf beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone faces hurdles from overlapping claims by India: Talks between both nations aim to resolve the issue, sparked by Sri Lanka’s 2009 submission to the UN on its continental shelf limits: Despite progress in delineation, final approval is pending: India’s interest in a cobalt-rich seabed area further complicates matters amid global energy transition concerns.
- Lionel Fernando, former Chairman of ANCL and distinguished public servant, passes away: His career spanned roles including Government Agent for Jaffna, Governor of North Eastern Provinces, and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Malaysia: He also served as Ambassador to the Netherlands and France, Foreign Secretary, and held key corporate positions: Funeral arrangements include respects at Jayaratne Respect Home and burial at Borella Cemetery today.
- A shooting incident in Oruwala, Athurugiriya, has resulted in the death of one person and injuries to at least three others: Police confirm that the injured individuals, including popular singer K. Sujeewa, have been admitted to Homagama Hospital for treatment: The deceased has been identified as Surendra Wasantha Perera alias ‘Club Wasantha‘.
- Sri Lanka faces challenges in extending its continental shelf due to overlapping claims with India, prompting bilateral talks: Despite delineating its shelf edge to UN satisfaction, final approval is pending: India’s actions, including seeking seabed exploration approval, complicate matters: Both nations aim to resolve disputes over the cobalt-rich Afanasy Nikitin Seamount through bilateral dialogue amid global green energy interests.
