- President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasises peaceful progress over violence, citing the “Urumaya” programme’s role in granting 47 freehold land deeds to 4,012 individuals in Anuradhapura: praises regional development efforts, education enhancements, and infrastructure projects like Tambuttegama College: calls for national unity, highlighting economic recovery initiatives and the transformative impact of the “Urumaya” programme aiming to grant land rights to 2 million people for sustainable development.
- The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) files an intervening petition seeking the dismissal of Attorney-at-Law Aruna Laksiri’s petition challenging the presidential election: SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna filed the petition before the court today, as Laksiri’s Fundamental Rights petition, questioning the legality of the election due to procedural issues with the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, is set for hearing.
- The National Trade Union Coordination Centre, through its Convenor Wasantha Samarasinghe, declares at an NPP rally in Dambulla that it will refrain from initiating or backing strikes until Anura Kumara Dissanayake ascending to presidency: criticises the government’s handling of state sector salary issues and affirms readiness to challenge and replace the current administration.
- In preparation for the upcoming presidential elections, the government plans to limit bilateral engagements, postponing visits from UAE and Maldives leaders: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit is still anticipated before elections, pending confirmation of dates: President Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to announce the election schedule around July 30 or 31, with polling scheduled between September 17 and October 17.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s initiative aims to distribute 116,000 scholarships in 2024, totalling Rs. 5 billion across various educational programmes: This includes Rs. 824 million for 6,000 G.C.E. (A/L) students and Rs. 3600 million for 100,000 grades 1-11 students: Additional funding supports student monks and telecommunications students: Detailed allocations by district emphasise equitable distribution managed by the President’s Fund, urging prompt school applications.
- State Minister Arvind Kumar announces plans to elevate 19 National Colleges of Education to universities and increase Zonal Education Offices to 120: Emphasising educational reforms, he highlights teacher recruitment for languages like Korean and German, aiming to enhance job prospects: The initiative expects to expand student enrolment and produce 7,500 teachers annually: addresses issues of school funding, teacher welfare, and upcoming elections, urging public support for ongoing presidential initiatives.
- University executive-grade non-academic staff resum work today (15) following discussions with University Grants Commission Chairman, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge: In contrast, the Railway Station Masters’ Union issues an ultimatum, threatening an indefinite strike if their demands are not presented for Cabinet approval and resolved by tomorrow (16).
- Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara suggests the perpetrators of the recent ‘Club Wasantha’ murder may have military or police backgrounds due to their skilled use of firearms: Emphasising a thorough investigation, he aims to apprehend the shooters and uncover those behind the crime: further discusses recent successes in capturing suspects linked to another murder, involving weapons allegedly used in the crime.
- Sena Yaddehige, Chairman of Richard Pieris Group, faces imminent arrest upon returning to Sri Lanka over allegations of sexually assaulting a woman business analyst: The Kollupitiya Police obtained a travel ban against him following a complaint from the woman, alleging assault at a Kollupitiya hotel in May: Yaddehige reportedly left the country on the day of the incident and has not returned, with police awaiting his arrival to enforce the ban.
- Galle Marvels secures a thrilling super over victory against Dambulla Sixes in their LPL match at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium: After both teams tied with 148 runs, Maheesh Theekshana’s crucial bowling and a decisive super over by Alex Hales guided Galle Marvels to victory: Reeza Hendricks starred with 72 runs for Dambulla Sixes, but couldn’t prevent their defeat in the tournament’s first super over game on Pink Day for breast cancer awareness.
