- President Ranil Wickremesinghe today inaugurated the Clinical Training and Research Block at the Jaffna University’s Faculty of Medicine. Built at a cost of Rs. 942 million, this is the first new construction at the university in 46 years, according to the PMD.
- The National People’s Power (NPP) has decided to challenge the Economic Transformation Bill recently tabled in Parliament by the government, before the Supreme Court. On May 22, the Economic Transformation Bill and the Public Financial Management Bill were presented to the Parliament for the first reading. The government says the two significant bills are aimed at bolstering the country’s economy.
- The Joint Committee of Democratic Unions of Sri Lanka confirmed its support for Cuba’s declaration demanding its fair elimination from the list of states sponsors of terrorism created by the United States. The organization confirmed in a statement that adding Cuba to the arbitrary list has political purposes and causes serious economic problems for the Cuban people, despite which Cuba resists and is an example for the people who fight against imperialism.
- The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) states that in order to implement the actions under its ‘Financial Literacy Roadmap’ for the country, it plans to use the current network systems of government offices to create and deliver financial-related content to targeted audience, which are the youth and women. The regulator said that before implementing the programme, the current network will be analysed and modified to be effective in delivering financial literacy.
- The High Commission of India in Colombo has organized a special exhibition titled ‘Buddham Sharanam Gacchami,’ which showcases works on the life of Lord Buddha by iconic masters of modern Indian art. This exhibition is part of the Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival held at Seemamalakaya, Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.
- One thousand two hundred and eighty nine (1289) naval personnel, who were absent without leave (AWOL), were legally discharged during the General Amnesty period declared from 20th April to 20th May 2024. This General Amnesty was applicable only for sailors (except all Artificers, Professional Medical and Professional Dental sailors) who have been absent without leave, to obtain official discharge.
- The Sri Lanka High Commission in Malaysia has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 1,608 Sri Lankan people who have migrated in an unlawful (or illegal) manner. This operation, conducted in coordination with the Malaysian Government’s Migrant Repatriation Programme over a two-month period from 01 March 2024 to 30 April 2024, the Sri Lanka High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia said.
- State Defence Minister Pramith Bandara Tennakoon yesterday said six deaths and 11 injuries have been reported as a result of tree from May 19 and the adverse weather condition has affected 34,880 people of 9,616 families in 18 districts. He said the number of tree falls has been increased recently and special focus will be laid on the existing risk of falling trees.
- One person who allegedly maintained connections with the four Sri Lankans arrested in India on suspicion of having links with ISIS was arrested in Maligawatta. The Criminal Investigation Department says the suspect named Amir, was arrested in Colombo.
- Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis and bowler Asitha Fernando have joined the Sri Lankan T20 team currently in the U.S. to take part in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The two Sri Lankan cricketers were unable to leave the country with the team initially, as their US visas had not been approved in time. They were requested for more information related to an issue, according to Sri Cricket (SLC) officials.
