- President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscores the Hajj celebration as a catalyst for fostering sentiments of equality and fraternity among all individuals, imparting a profound message for global peace: In his address marking the Hajj festival, the President extends his sincere wishes to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and across the globe, encouraging a meaningful observance where collective efforts converge to realise the universal aspirations of humanity.
- SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne says the economy of Sri Lanka cannot be developed, should the country fail to build a united nation at the social and political level: asserts the economy cannot develop if there is no political stability: reveals the people and political leaders of the North asked Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to reactivate the Office of Missing Persons and the Office established to compensate for the losses in the North: assures these requirements will be fulfilled under a SJB-rule.
- Ruling Party MP S.B. Dissanayake says both President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will fail if the SLPP does not back Wickremesinghe in the upcoming Presidential Polls: suggests that the two parties, therefore, should reach a consensus, and Wickremesinghe, accordingly, too has to provide the necessary initiative for such agreement.
- Foreign Minister Ali Sabry announces Japan plans to resume paused development projects in Sri Lanka upon the country’s debt repayment commencement: discloses plans for negotiations during his upcoming visit to Japan in July, aiming to finalise project restarts: Assurances were received that all Japanese-supported initiatives would resume post-agreement with bilateral creditors.
- Education Minister Susil Premajayantha announces Grade 5 exam changes: 30% based on 4th and 5th-grade classroom work: emphasises need for comprehensive evaluation, proposes teacher-conducted assessments: reveals reforms at Naththandiya event; plans 2,500 smart board distribution to top schools from August.
- The management of Colombo Lotus Tower (Private) Limited announces plans to illuminate the iconic structure in vibrant shades of green and white today (17), marking the occasion of the Eid al-Adha Hajj Festival: The initiative seeks to celebrate and honour the significant cultural and religious event within the community.
- The Export Development Board (EDB) launches Sri Lanka’s ‘Creative Sri Lanka 2030’ export brand at London’s ‘Sourced Sri Lanka Textile & Apparel Roadshow’, promoting sustainability and national identity.
- The National Water Supply and Drainage Board announces an interruption in water supply to several areas: Godagama, Homagama, Pannipitiya, Pelanwatta, Rukmalgama, and Mattegoda: The disruption is due to damage sustained by the transmission pipeline originating from the Kalatuwawa Treatment Plant: Reports indicate that the pipeline ruptured at Godagama near the High-Level Road following a vehicular accident earlier today, resulting in significant damage to the infrastructure.
- Authorities urge verification of plainclothes officers’ IDs after Maradana robbery by imposters posing as police: assert the public is entitled to verify plainclothes officers’ IDs: Victims assaulted, belongings worth Rs. 200,000 stolen: Police arrest suspect linked to robbery after seizing heroin; hunt ongoing for second suspect.
- Sri Lanka, despite being eliminated, beat the Netherlands by 83 runs in the T20 World Cup Group D match at Daren Sammy Stadium: Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka scored 46 each, setting a record 201-run total: Netherlands faltered to 118 all out, with Nuwan Thushara taking 3 wickets.
