- The President stated that Theravada Buddhism is currently in high demand globally. Plans are underway to establish a center for studying Theravada Buddhism in Anuradhapura for both local and international enthusiasts. Additionally, the President mentioned a Buddhist institute in California focused on Mahayana Buddhism and emphasized the need for a similar center here.
- Sri Lanka’s main Opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) says it has formulated policies and plans to address the issues faced by teachers and principals under a future SJB- government. Issuing a statement, the SJB urged the teachers and principal trade unions to support its policies devoid of political preferences, in the future.
- The National Peoples Power (NPP) has called on the government to resolve the issues of teachers and principals who are striking over salary anomalies, pointing out the severe impact on the education of school students. Addressing a Teachers Summit, NPP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the importance of the education sector, stating that the main responsibility assigned to teachers is to create a good human resource for the country.
- Former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella and 07 others have been further remanded until 12 July by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court over the import of substandard human Immunoglobulin vials.
- The overall rate of inflation as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) on Year-on-Year basis has increased to 1.7% in June 2024, compared to 0.9% in May 2024, according to the Department of Census and Statistics. Meanwhile food inflation has increased to 1.4% in June 2024, compared to 0.0% in May 2024 while non-food inflation has climbed to 1.8% in June 2024, compared to 1.3% the previous month.
- A decision has been taken to reduce bus fares by 5% with effect from July 01. Meanwhile, the minimum fare has been reduced by Rs. 2 to Rs. 28.
- The Committee on Parliamentary Business has decided to debate the Resolution for the Implementation of External Debt Restructuring Agreements on July 2nd and 3rd, according to the Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament.
- The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has announced the implementation of the Banking (Amendment) Act, No. 24 of 2024, effective from 15 June 2024. According to the CBSL, these amendments were formulated with a view to further strengthening the legal and regulatory framework applicable for licensed commercial banks and licensed specialised banks (licensed banks) to enhance the resilience of the banking sector of Sri Lanka.
- China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong called on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Beijing. Recalling President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Sri Lanka during Presidency of Mahinda Rajapksa in 2014, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs called him an old friend of China.
- West Indies women secured a thrilling last-over victory by 6 wickets against Sri Lanka women in the third and final T20 game, clinching the series 2-1 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. Led by Hayley Matthews, West Indies chased down a target of 142 with one ball to spare. Matthews (49 off 40 balls) and Stafanie Taylor (33 off 30 balls) set a strong foundation with a 60-run opening partnership.
