- Iran and Sri Lanka bolster ties with the signing of five MoUs covering film, media, tourism, cooperatives, libraries, and cultural, scientific, technical, and sports cooperation: President Raisi visited Sri Lanka, witnessing the agreements’ signing and participating in ceremonial events, including the inauguration of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says professional lecturers should become part of the great revolution in education in Sri Lanka: stresses everyone, including the professional scholars, must come together and bring about a massive positive transformation of the quality of education, as a powerful collective that creates the intellectual force of Sri Lanka: adds parallel to the strengthening of free education, value should be added to the education system.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe holds a meeting with SLPP’s Basil Rajapaksa and other party representatives to discuss political alliance plans ahead of the upcoming presidential election: Despite separate May Day rallies, they aim to merge post-election: The President is expected to run as a common candidate under a new alliance symbol: Launch of the campaign is anticipated after securing the IMF tranche in June: Discussions will include other political groups like those led by MPs Weerawansa, Alahapperuma, and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya.
- Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Nanayakkara instructs SLBFE officials to crack down on fraudulent schemes promising overseas jobs: emphasises lodging complaints and urged proactive measures against illicit activities: Recent incidents, including involvement of a police sergeant and a monk, highlight the need for thorough investigations: reiterates only licensed agencies can receive payments for job placements.
- The government plans to seize 112 vehicles illegally imported into Sri Lanka, valued at Rs. 7 billion: Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya reveals steps would be taken to confiscate these vehicles identified by the Fraud and Corruption Investigation Commission between 2015 and 2022: Buyers are reminded of their responsibility to ensure vehicles are legally imported.
- Varun Beverages Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. is launching “Clean Green Sri Lanka,” urging people to responsibly collect waste PET plastic bottles: aims to educate the public on proper disposal and recycling of PET plastic: introduces electric bicycles for efficient and eco-friendly waste collection, empowering marginalised communities and promoting sustainability: The initiative pioneers the use of electric bikes for recycling in Sri Lanka, aiming to change perceptions and promote environmental stewardship.
- Sri Lanka will host the 34th ISO Technical Committee meeting for tea on July 24th, gathering delegates from over 45 countries to discuss global tea industry standards: Led by Sri Lanka’s Tea Research Institute and Standards Institution, the meeting will focus on key aspects of tea production and adherence to standards: This marks the first physical meeting since the pandemic, signifying a crucial moment for global tea industry collaboration.
- The GMOA urges the government to halt the recent Cabinet decision allowing local students into the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University’s medical programme: cites concerns over transparency and consultation: plans to seek clarification from the President’s Office and calls for suspending the decision until further details are provided.
- A 32-year-old man who went missing after jumping over a safety fence near Adam’s Peak has been found alive: He was located in Nallatanniya after days of searching: Identified as Dinesha Hemantha, he sustained minor injuries and was admitted to Dik Oya Hospital for treatment: His motives for jumping remain unclear.
- The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers begin in Abu Dhabi today: Sri Lanka will face Thailand in Group A, while Ireland will face the UAE in Group B: Matches start at 4:30 pm local time: Group A includes Sri Lanka, Thailand, Scotland, Uganda, and the USA, while Group B comprises Ireland, Zimbabwe, Netherlands, UAE, and Vanuatu: The main tournament is scheduled to be hosted in Bangladesh between September and October 2024.
