1. Reliable sources reveal that 6 out of the 11 Paediatric Cardiologists have migrated, sparking grave concerns over the management of Paediatric Cardiology services in the country: sources also reveal that the standard number of fully qualified Pediatric Cardiologists should be 20.
2. Epidemiology Unit reveals that, as of July 19, a total of 60,136 cases of Dengue have been reported so far in 2023: highest number of cases from the Colombo district of 12,886: the Unit has also identified 43 high-risk MOH areas where dengue breeding places have been found in abundance: total of 38 fatalities reported since January 2023.
3. Paddy Marketing Board states the Govt has spent Rs.13 bn on paddy purchasing last year: also says steps have been taken to convert the purchased paddy stocks into rice and distribute to 2.9 mn low-income families across the island, free of charge: laments it is facing a boycott from farmers who have refused to sell their crops to the Board.
4. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles makes a sudden observation visit to the BIA to inspect the eased security protocols initiated last week to enhance passenger convenience during peak hours: discusses the ground plan of the BIA with the Airport and Aviation Services Chairman General G A Chandrasiri.
5. Tense situation arises when a group led by TNPF leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam enters the Kurundi temple and conducts a Pongal Pooja; Police say the situation was brought under control.
6. Sources reveal that though Sri Lanka had received fuel from Iran in exchange for tea during the early part of last year to tide over its dollar and economic crisis, the Govt has so far failed to honour its promise to Tehran.
7. President of the Hotel Workers’ Center, Janaka Adhikari alleges that the proposed labour law amendments are inhumane: laments the Govt has provided the opportunity for hotels to hire part-time employees under the proposed labor law amendment.
8. Ranjan Marasinghe, Acting Director General of the Dept of Wildlife Conservation says the Dept is awaiting a decision from the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Reserve to temporarily shut down the wildlife parks affected by the drought.
9. Former Sri Lanka bowler Lasith Malinga appointed as the Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach for the IPL 2024 season, replacing Shane Bond: Malinga has won 5 IPL titles with Mumbai Indians before moving on to the Rajasthan Royals on a coaching stint after retirement in 2021.
10. St. Peter’s College wins the Schools Rugby Championship, beating Isipathana College 28-17: with this victory, St. Peter’s secures their first Schools Rugby League title since 2010.
