- President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to deliver a national address on Wednesday (26): During his speech, the President will outline the current economic situation and update the public on the progress of foreign debt restructuring: Ravi Karunanayake, the national secretary of the United National Party (UNP), suggests that the President’s address will offer significant relief to the citizens.
- MP Gamini Waleboda announces that a Sri Lankan delegation, including Defence Secretary and Foreign Ministry officials, will depart for Russia today (24) to arrange the repatriation of Sri Lankan ex-military personnel involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict: They will hold official meetings in Moscow on Wednesday (26) with Russian Deputy Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs: The visit aims to facilitate diplomatic discussions and coordination on the matter.
- SLPP MP Sathasivam Viyalendiran sworn in as the State Minister of Trade and Environment: The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Presidential Secretariat, where President Ranil Wickremesinghe administered the oath of office.
- Education Minister Susil Premajayantha highlights the need for modernising Sri Lanka’s education system due to outdated state university curricula: stresses integrating research and development from schools to universities: Education Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara notes the success of initiatives to boost entrepreneurship, aiming to increase the workforce rate from 2.8% to 10% by 2030.
- The Department of Animal Production and Health imposes a ban on importing animals and animal products from countries with bird flu outbreaks, aiming to prevent the entry of Avian Influenza A(H5N1) virus: Director General Dr. Hemali Kothalawala highlights the necessity of these measures for national protection, confirming no imports from affected regions: assures the public of strengthened disease controls and advised against undue concern.
- The Central Bank appoints A. A. M. Thassim and J. P. R. Karunaratne as Deputy Governors, effective June 20 and June 24, respectively: With over three decades of experience each, their appointments were recommended by the CBSL Governing Board and approved by the Minister of Finance, in line with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act.
- The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) announces teachers, principals, teacher instructors, and Piriven educators will hold a one-day sick leave protest on Wednesday (26) to address unresolved salary discrepancies: Despite a Cabinet sub-committee addressing one-third of the issues, the remaining anomalies persist: The protest will include a demonstration outside Fort Railway Station to demand comprehensive solutions.
- Sri Lankan consumer confidence remains largely unchanged in May, just below March’s peak, with a slight rise towards month’s end, reports the Institute for Health Policy (IHP): The Index of Consumer Sentiment fell by one point to 29, while the Index of Current Conditions dropped two points to 24: The Index of Consumer Expectations increased by one point to 33, indicating persistent overall pessimism.
- The non-academic staff of government schools are on a two-day sick leave protest starting today (24) and tomorrow (25): This action, led by the Education Non-Academic Employees’ Union, affects North Central, North Western provinces, and Kandy District today: General Secretary Ajith K. Thilakarathne cites several demands, including a national policy for non-academic staff: Meanwhile, the Principal Service Union plans a nationwide strike on June 26, despite the Ministry of Education’s affirmation of normal school operations from today.
- Sri Lanka’s boxing team excels at the Seychelles Constitutional Day Boxing Tournament, winning six medals: secures two gold, two silver, and two bronze medals across various weight classes: PS Fernando and CD Udayakumara claimed gold medals in their respective categories: The team, supported by officials including Udayaweera Kumaratunga and IR Balasooriya, competed against boxers from Seychelles, Mauritius, Kenya, and Reunion, with strong backing from the Sri Lankan community in Seychelles.
