- SJB MP Niroshan Padukka exposes a major Bond Scam that has been allegedly carried out by the Central Bank top management from 31st May 2023 to 2nd June 2023: reveals the modus operandi of the scam: says the loss to the Govt is several billions of Rupees: analysts call for immediate independent CID probe.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe says concerns about issuing broadcasting licences have been puzzling: also says the new media laws do not seek to limit media freedom: alleges “Electronic media” set fire to his house in which about 3,000 books were destroyed: asks whether breadcasting licences are to be granted to carry out acts of arson: charges the media has been manipulating the public to propagate dangerous views.
- Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar says “Foreign hostile elements” want Pakistan to default on its debt just like Sri Lanka and then enter negotiations: stresses Pakistan would meet its obligations with or without the IMF bailout package: asserts Pakistan is a sovereign country and can’t accept everything the IMF demands.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe leaves for an official visit to the UK and France: State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe appointed Acting Finance Minister and State Defence Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon appointed Acting Defence Minister.
- Kankesanturai Harbour renovated to be suitable to operate the passenger ferry service between India and Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka’s largest automotive company, David Pieris Motor Company launches “e-drive”, a model electric 3-wheeler (tuk-tuk) taxi service for public transportation for the first time in Sri Lanka.
- LKR in a roller-coaster ride: suddenly appreciates against the USD after a week’s fall, as per the opaque reports of CBSL: analysts puzzled as to why the LKR has been appreciated by the CBSL by nearly Rs.10 per USD on Friday 16th June, even while “hot-money” investors flee with about USD 29 mn during the week: several analysts call for probe into these “hot-money” transactions and ad-hoc LKR fluctuations.
- Communiqué issued by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization & National Policies to announce the liquidation of 2 state departments, Internal Trade Dept and Telecommunications Dept.
- All Island Jewellers Association Treasurer R. Balasubramaniam calls on Govt to lift the ban on gold imports to ease upward pressure on prices and ensure industry’s viability: Colombo’s Sea Street is renowned for its gold trade, and the prices set in this area serve as a benchmark.
- Consultant Cardiologist at the National Hospital of Colombo Dr Anidu Pathirana says air pollution has increased the risk of heart disease in SL like elsewhere in the world: asserts its impact on human health is now coming to the forefront with new research.
