- Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha expresses optimism about the prompt resumption of the Nagapattinam – Kankesanthurai (KKS) ferry service and aims to revive ferry services between Talaimannar and Rameswaram: emphasises enhancing bilateral connectivity and strengthening cultural ties: reiterates India’s commitment to Northern Province’s development, engaging with various stakeholders to explore further collaboration.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa distinguishes his approach from others, asserting a commitment to practical solutions over false promises: emphasizes the importance of generating revenue through export-focused development to address the country’s significant debt, which amounts to US$ 90 billion.
- Finance State Minister responds to criticism involving the Central Bank’s conduct of increasing the institutional heads’ salaries in extraordinary amounts, stating that according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, the Central Bank ‘independently determines’ its employees’ salaries: asserts the importance of attracting and retaining exceptional talent for the critical role of the Central Bank.
- Sri Lanka aims to finalise negotiations on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India in the coming months, following the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Thailand.
- US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu praises Sri Lanka’s recent progress from crisis to stability in a recent address: highlights the nation’s improved economy, stable food and fuel prices, and successful debt restructuring: appreciates international cooperation.
- The Port Access Elevated Highway (PAEH) Project, linking Colombo Harbour, Colombo Port City, and Katunayake Airport, nears completion, with over 85% of the work finished: Expected to open in October 2024.
- Tamil Nadu Police arrest three individuals from Nagapattinam district for attempting to smuggle over 364 kg of ganja to Sri Lanka: The suspects were caught planning to transport the contraband via sea route using a seized fiberglass boat: A case has been filed against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act by Vettaikaraniruppu Police.
- A Verité Research report exposes critical weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s procurement system, citing the absence of provisions to blacklist contractors engaged in corrupt activities: highlights non-compliance with regulations, such as failing to blacklist defaulting contractors.
- The Central Bank calls for legal reforms to streamline credit recovery processes, particularly for the MSME sector: Governor Weerasinghe highlights the need for expedited credit recovery cycles, advocating for a 3-6 month period for economic efficiency and SME support: Despite SME pressures, the Central Bank remains firm on maintaining banks’ Parate execution rights.
- CR and FC claim victory in the Nippon Paint Super Round League Rugby Tournament final after 26 years, defeating defending champions Kandy Sports Club 33-25: Despite trailing 6-13 at halftime, CR and FC staged a remarkable comeback: Mursheed Doray and Gemunu Chethiya played pivotal roles in the win.
