- President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasises the need for long-term economic stability over short-term solutions at the inauguration of a swimming pool at Anuradhapura Central College: highlights past crises, the importance of sustainable development, and the necessity of export-driven economic transformation: The event also included recognising student achievements and announcing future plans for educational infrastructure and agricultural modernisation.
- The assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump is widely being condemned by world leaders, including Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe: Wickremesinghe highlights Sri Lanka’s own history with political violence, calling for adherence to democratic laws.
- SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne urges the government to ensure the safety of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, drawing parallels to the recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump: condemns political violence and stresses the importance of democratic processes: emphasises the need for timely elections and accuses some parties of creating unrest to delay the polls.
- The European Union is supporting Sri Lanka’s new Department of Cinnamon Development through the Export Agriculture in Sri Lanka project: The EU, with the International Finance Corporation’s help, aims to boost Ceylon cinnamon exports by improving quality, enhancing field officer and farmer capacities, and providing advanced technology: President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the department, awarding Geographical Indications certificates to top cinnamon entrepreneurs.
- A three-member judicial panel will review a petition seeking to halt the Presidential Election due to alleged improper passage of the 19th Amendment: Filed by lawyer Aruna Laksiri, the petition claims the amendment, which limits the President’s power to dissolve Parliament, was not enacted properly: The Supreme Court’s Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and Justices Arjuna Obeysekara and Priyantha Fernando will consider the case on Monday.
- From July 15, Thailand will allow visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries, including Sri Lanka, extending stays from 30 to 60 days: Travellers must show proof of funds, accommodation, and return tickets: Additionally, the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads permits 180-day stays and is valid for five years.
- SLPP MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage says twelve members of the Parliament Committee on Public Finance (COPF) rejected a report on online visa issuance presented by Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva, citing conflicting statistics and a rushed submission: COPF Chief noted the report exposed that VFS Global was chosen without a bidding process, causing the Department of Immigration and Emigration to miss competitive rates.
- The Vehicular Emission Test Trust Fund (VET) announces excessively smoky vehicles will be blacklisted: Complaints can be reported via WhatsApp at 070 3500 525: VET Director Dasun Gamage urges drivers to avoid fraudulent means for obtaining smoke certificates: Rigorous inspections are ongoing, and vehicles emitting excessive smoke will receive maintenance orders or prohibition orders if issues persist.
- The upcoming wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant has garnered much attention, featuring a guest list of global celebrities, including former Sri Lankan cricket captain Mahela Jayawardene and MP Namal Rajapaksa: The celebrations began on Saturday with a blessing ceremony at a 16,000-capacity convention centre in Mumbai, followed by a star-studded party.
- Sports Minister Harin Fernando presents comprehensive insurance covers to Rugby players from Isipathana College and Trinity College: This first-of-its-kind insurance scheme will extend to all Rugby-playing schools in Sri Lanka for under-19 and under-16 age groups: Additionally, Rs. 3 million was allocated to the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Referees Union, and Henry Pediris Park was handed over to Isipathana College.
