- Cabinet approves a plan to aid victims of adverse weather, including rebuilding homes, funded by the government and supported by Tri-Forces: President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal received approval: Immediate aid will be provided without delays, and financial support will be increased: Funds earmarked for World Environment Day will be directed to weather relief: State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura confirmed the cancellation of national Environment Day celebrations.
- Eight suspects including former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department over the alleged involvement of the importation of substandard human immunoglobulin further remanded till June 14: The 4th suspect to the case was released with two sureties of Rs. 500,000 and a cash bail of Rs. 100,000: The ex-Health Minister was arrested by the CID on February 02, 2024.
- Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announces the Supreme Court deems the Electricity Amendment Bill inconsistent with the Constitution: Opposition calls for debate postponement, ruling party pushes for scheduled discussion with promised amendments: Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera assures compliance with the Court’s ruling: MP Harsha de Silva proposes extending debate to two days.
- Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera reveals progress in discussions with the CEB’s tariff division to finalise electricity tariff revisions: asserts the government aims to implement a cost-reflective tariff system, with quarterly revisions: adds the tariff proposal for July will be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission this week.
- State Minister Dilum Amunugama announces Sri Lanka attracted over US$ 1 bn in FDIs in Q124, fulfilling the quarterly target: However, concerns arose regarding the realisation of these investments, especially with delays in the Adani Solar project: The progress review meeting aimed to address project issues and provide support: The dissolution of th BOI aligns with the Economic Transformation Act, establishing the New Economic Commission to oversee economic activities and trade zones: Amunugama assures the BOI’s role will remain intact, focusing on global marketing and preserving employee rights.
- Litro Gas Chairman, Muditha Peiris, declares a price reduction for domestic LP gas cylinders starting midnight today (04): The 12.5 kg cylinder will decrease by Rs. 150 to Rs. 3,790, the 05 kg cylinder by Rs. 60 to Rs. 1,522, and the 2.3 kg cylinder by Rs. 28 to Rs. 712.
- UGC Chief Prof. Sampath Amaratunge urges the public against sharing 2023 (2024) GCE Advanced Level Exam results on social media to prevent misuse of personal data and safeguard university placements: warns that unauthorised use of index and NIC numbers could cause delays for genuine applicants: With 173,444 candidates qualifying for university admission out of 269,613, caution is urged in disseminating results online.
- The University Trade Union Joint Committee (UTUJC) highlights today’s importance for potential trade union actions by university non-academic staff: Following discussions with the Minister of State for Higher Education, UTUJC Co-Chairman, Dhammika S. Priyantha, emphasised addressing staff demands and professional concerns: Next steps involve deliberations with union representatives to discuss outcomes and future strategies. UTUJC plans to update on decisions and actions by the end of the day.
- During the recent National Mosquito Control Week, alarming reports surfaced regarding mosquito breeding in private institutions: Over 1,200 establishments were flagged for breeding grounds, prompting legal action against many: Nationwide inspections reveal thousands of premises with mosquito larvae, emphasising the urgency of stringent control measures amidst rising Dengue cases: Authorities urge public vigilance.
- South Africa secures a comfortable six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup match held at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York: Anrich Nortje shone with career-best figures of 4 for 7: Despite some early setbacks, South Africa reached the target of 78 in 16.2 overs, with Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen guiding them to victory: Sri Lanka’s batting struggled, managing only 77 runs, with Nortje’s stellar performance earning him the Player of the Match award.
