1. LKR crashes by a massive Rs.21.08 or 7.07% in just one week from Rs.297.94 on 06.06.2023 to Rs.319.00 by 14.06.2023: business persons lament that it’s impossible to carry on business under such volatile conditions: analysts point out that the “hot-money” inflows may have started to reverse.
   
2. Venerable Omalpe Sobhitha Thera claims the CEB has disconnected electricity supply to many temples where the payment of electricity bills has been delayed: also laments that the Govt has not provided any form of subsidy including solar panels to religious places as a solution to the recent increase in electricity tariffs.
   
3. President Emmanuel Macron of France extends invitation to President Ranil Wickremesinghe to address a high-level panel discussion at the Global Leaders Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, to take place in Paris on June 22nd and 23rd, 2023.
   
4. Opposition MP Mano Ganesan tweets that President Ranil Wickremesinghe publicly recognising “Tamil Buddhism” as a historical fact is the “key to many deadlocks”.
   
5. Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga says there is no conflict between the ruling party SLPP and the President: also says some people are trying to claim that there is such a conflict: further says the people have strong faith that the economy of the country will recover according to the program currently implemented by the Govt led by the President.
   
6. Parliamentary Committee COPA reveals that the congestion in prisons has increased up to 259%: 26,791 inmates occupy the prisons at present whereas all prisons in the country could accommodate only 11,762 inmates: in some prisons, the congestion has gone up to 300 to 400%.
   
7. Govt extends Forex capital controls by a further 6 months to “continue to re-build the country’s foreign exchange reserves”: Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena says foreign exchange reserves have risen from “near-zero” to over USD 3.5 bn, “driven by remittances and tourism inflows”: CBSL data shows however that the Minister’s statement is erroneous as the current Reserves mainly consist of Bi-lateral SWAPs of USD 2.0 bn, IMF loan of USD 0.35 bn, and sudden “Hot-money” inflows of 0.65 bn: CBSL data also shows the Reserves were USD 1.9 bn at end March 2022.
   
8. Avissawella Magistrate’s Court remands Ravindu Sanka de Silva alias ‘Booru Muna’, who was prevented from going overseas & allowed to leave the Katunayake Airport by the Airport Police on 25 February, until 19th June.
   
9. Plantations Minister Ramesh Pathirana says the Palm oil ban will persist till the report by the Ministry of Plantation Industries jointly with relevant ministries on palm oil plant cultivation, suggests otherwise; adds the study will look into the possibilities of growing palm in Mahaweli lands, as well.
   
10. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha says new appointments will be given on June 16 to 7,500 teachers from Colleges of Education and 5,500 graduate teachers in all three mediums of language: also says graduate teachers who are below 35 years, will be appointed for subjects such as science, mathematics, technology, language, geography and commerce.

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed a petition in the Supreme Court yesterday (June 12), seeking to intervene in the ongoing Fundamental Rights case (SC/FR/Application No.168/2021) filed by the Center for Environmental Justice (CEJ) and three more petitioners, highlighting the serious allegations of bribery and corruption surrounding the X-Press Pearl disaster.

The intervention petition is filed in the public interest. It refers to serious allegations of irregularity, mishandling, sabotage, bribery and corruption surrounding the claim for compensation arising from the X-Press Pearl disaster.  

Several key points have been raised in the intervention petition:

1. The grave allegations of interference and extraneous pressure surrounding the claim for compensation arising from the X-Press Pearl disaster.
2. The statement by the Justice Minister in Parliament on April 25, 2023, that one Chamara Gunasekara alias Manjusiri Nissanka had received a payment of USD 250 million into a private bank account in connection with the X-Press Pearl disaster.
3. The media statements of Chinthaka Waragoda, who reportedly invented a machine to remove debris which washed ashore after the shipwreck, alleging that he was offered payment to discontinue the use of his machine, to avoid exposing the full extent of the damage caused by the disaster.
4. Questions surrounding the quantum of compensation due to Sri Lanka for the damages caused by MV X-Press Pearl.

The freight ship ‘MV X-Press Pearl’ caught fire off the coast of Colombo on 20th May, 2021. It sank a few days later, releasing its cargo of plastic pellets and tons of toxic chemicals into the ocean, causing Sri Lanka’s worst maritime disaster to date. It is alleged that Sri Lankan authorities obtained the assistance of the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF), a representative of the insurer of the Shipowner, in the post-disaster activities, despite the grave conflict of interest arising from it. 

TISL has urged that the private parties involved in the X-Press Pearl incident be held accountable, and be made to pay optimal compensation for the damage and pollution caused to the marine and coastal ecology of Sri Lanka, and the payment of compensation for the loss caused to the fishing communities and those engaged in tourism, as well as obtaining compensation under the Marine Pollution Prevention Act.

TISL has also highlighted the need to hold anyone guilty of wrongdoing fully accountable. 

The petition for intervention is to be mentioned for Support in the Supreme Court on Thursday (June 15).

Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena travels 7th time for the past six months!

Colombo (LNW): According to Health Ministry sources it is not very clear if he is the DG of battered by Dengue and bankrupt Sri Lanka or DG of United Nations.

Health Minister has sanctioned all his trips overseas.

Health hierarchy is at a loss to understand what reports has he submitted to His Excellency on what improvements should adopt in Sri Lanka after he visited those countries. It appears to be they were leisure trips for him otherwise.

Sri Lanka has declared Bankruptcy since 2022 June but not for these type of high ranked officers to merry go round.

Appointed as DGHS in 2021 based on political affiliation to “viathmaga” by heavily corrupted marching scheme prepared under the instruction of ex health minister Pavithra vanniarachchi over looking more senior candidates to parachute from Kalubowila hospital to current place. Health ministry seniors were all disregarded.

During the tenure as health minister Dr Rajitha senarathne after observing such self serving practices of overseas travel banned officers of travelling more than thrice per year. He also appointed a fellowship committee where participation for training and conferences must get sanction by a committee headed by Secretary, Additional Secretaries DGHS and deputy DGHSS.

Health Minister Keheliya has given the spoon to sole DG who would decide who and for what get selected to go for.

As a result ministry higher officials are storming heavens for Rajitha’s come back.

A concerned citizen

The Police have successfully apprehended the suspect wanted in connection with the murder of a 24-year-old youth in front of an apparel factory in Panadura in May. The arrest took place at the Kataragama Bus Depot last night (June 13).

The suspect, a 24-year-old resident of the Kirana area in Panadura, has been taken into custody following a thorough investigation into the incident. Earlier, a school student was also apprehended for his involvement in the murder. It was discovered that the schoolboy had accompanied the main suspect in a three-wheeler to assist in carrying out the attack.

The chief suspect, armed with a sword, had launched the attack on the victim in front of the apparel factory on the night of May 31, 2023. Despite the victim’s attempt to seek refuge inside the factory premises, the assailant pursued him and continued the assault, ultimately leading to the victim’s tragic death. The entire incident was captured on the factory’s CCTV cameras.

The victim, a resident of an apartment complex in Modarawila, suffered severe head injuries and succumbed to them at the scene. The Police revealed that the attack stemmed from a longstanding dispute between the two parties, which had escalated over time.

Director of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo, Dr. G. Wijesuriya, has voiced alarm over the recent surge in dengue cases among children. Currently, the hospital is treating 35 children with dengue, including seven with hemophilia. Additionally, there are three to four new dengue patients admitted daily.

Dr. Wijesuriya emphasized that dengue remains a significant threat across the country, and there are no signs of its decline. With continued rainy conditions, the virus is likely to persist. He urged the public to remain vigilant and pay attention to their surroundings, especially around schools, offices, and residential areas.

The Health Entomology Officers’ Association has issued a warning that Sri Lanka may witness its highest number of dengue cases in history if the virus is not effectively controlled. Nijith Sumanasena, the association’s chairman, highlighted that there has been no decrease in reported dengue cases. Furthermore, approximately 2% of housing units in Sri Lanka have been identified as breeding sites for dengue mosquitoes.

In 2017, Sri Lanka recorded the highest number of dengue cases, with 186,101 patients and 440 deaths reported. In the first half of 2023 alone, the country has already witnessed 43,346 dengue cases, a number that is expected to rise due to ongoing inclement weather conditions.

Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has announced the upcoming launch of a new online passport application system. The system is set to be inaugurated tomorrow, June 15, under the auspices of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with the participation of Minister Tiran Alles at the Homagama Divisional Secretariat.

The Minister emphasized that the implementation of this program aims to provide the public with a more convenient and accessible method of obtaining passports. Through the new system, individuals will have the opportunity to have their new passports delivered to their residences within a remarkable three-day timeframe.

However, it is important to note that the one-day service for issuing passports at the Immigration and Emigration Department will continue to operate as usual, ensuring that urgent passport needs can be promptly addressed.

The introduction of the new online passport application system reflects the government’s commitment to streamlining administrative processes and leveraging technology to enhance public service delivery. This initiative is poised to simplify the passport application process, making it more efficient and user-friendly for the citizens of Sri Lanka.

In a significant move, French President Emmanuel Macron has extended an invitation to President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka to address a high-level panel discussion during the Global Leaders’ Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in Paris.

Scheduled to take place on June 22 and 23, the summit aims to foster a fresh consensus on an inclusive international financial system that addresses inequalities, supports climate transition, and propels countries closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event will witness the participation of Heads of State and Government, leaders of international organizations, and representatives from civil society, foundations, funds, and the private sector. It serves as a platform for diverse stakeholders to engage in discussions and shape a more equitable and sustainable global financial landscape.

President Macron’s invitation to President Wickremesinghe recognizes his leadership and expertise, and highlights Sri Lanka’s role in contributing to the deliberations on forging a new financial pact.

1. Former Minister Navin Dissanayake takes oath as the Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
2. Sri Lanka to re-enter the US$15 billion Chinese seafood market, following the signing of a MOU with China’s General Administration of Customs: expects to unlock Chinese market with new quality and quarantine protocols to gain clearance for the export of seafood: The deal will allow 38 Sri Lankan companies to more easily export 33 local products including 29 aquatic products to China.
3. Sri Lanka enters the Guinness Book of World Records by removing the world’s largest and heaviest kidney stone (calculus) through a major surgery at the Colombo Army Hospital: The stone is 13.372cm long and weighs 801g: Consultant Urologist, Lt. Col. (Dr) K. Sutharshan, Head of Genito Urinary Unit at the Colombo Army Hospital led the surgery together with Capt. (Dr) W.P.S.C Pathirathna and Dr Thamasha Premathilaka: Col. (Dr) U.A.L.D Perera and Col. (Dr) C.S Abeysinghe also contributed as Consultant Anaesthetists.
4. The Presidential Secretariat strongly refutes media allegations of widespread food insecurity in Sri Lanka: asserts the Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) report issued by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) indicate an improvement in food security across all provinces of Sri Lanka.
5. Sri Lanka Customs raises concerns about reaching their targeted revenue, following the imposition of import restrictions on several items, including vehicles: laments they will not be able to achieve their targeted revenue for as long as the said import restrictions are in place; adds nearly 20% of their revenue is obtained through taxes collected from vehicle imports.
6. President Ranil Wickremesinghe to head to the UK and France next week to meet with the Paris Club: SL’s estimated external debt amounts to around US$ 42 billion: Paris Club is one of the key partners of SL’s debt restructuring programme.
7. Turkey’s flag career Turkish Airlines to launch direct flights between Istanbul and Colombo, starting from October 2023: The move will allow passengers from the island nation to easily travel to 129 countries from the Turkish capital via short-haul flights and short connection time.
8. Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella says measures will be taken to conduct a review and then reduce the prices of medicine every three months: adds Medicine prices to be reduced by 16% from June 15: asserts it will be possible to complete tasks including minimising the medicine shortage and reducing prices, by around 90%, over the next two months.
9. CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe invited to share his thoughts on the economy and its impact on the Insurance Industry at the Executive Committee of Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) at JAIC Hilton: Session steered by the Executive Committee of IASL headed by its President Chandana L. Aluthgama.
10. Sri Lanka emerges triumphant, defeating the Netherlands by 3 wickets while chasing a target of 215 runs, in a gripping warm-up match for the ICC Qualifiers: SL bowlers restrict the NL’s batting lineup to 214 runs: SL batsmen chase the target in 38 overs securing a thrilling victory losing 7 wickets.

June 1, 2023: In a remarkable medical feat, Sri Lanka Army doctors successfully performed a major surgery to remove the world’s largest and heaviest kidney stone (calculus), earning a coveted place in the Guinness World Records.

Led by Consultant Urologist Lieutenant Colonel Dr. K. Sutharshan, Head of the Genito Urinary Unit at the Colombo Army Hospital, the surgical team, including Captain (Dr) W.P.S.C Pathirathna and Dr. Thamasha Premathilaka, undertook the complex procedure. Consultant Anaesthetists Colonel Dr. U.A.L.D Perera and Colonel Dr. C.S Abeysinghe also made significant contributions during the surgery.

The colossal kidney stone, measuring 13.372cm in length and weighing 801g, was successfully removed during the procedure conducted at the Colombo Army Hospital on Thursday.

Shortly after the surgery, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, the Commander of the Army, was shown the extracted stone (calculus) at the Army Headquarters by Major General P.A.C Fernando USP, the Director General of Army Health Services, and Lieutenant Colonel Dr. K. Sutharshan, the Head of the Genito Urinary Unit at the Colombo Army Hospital, who led the surgical team.

The Guinness World Records recognition comes as the previous largest kidney stone, discovered in India in 2004, measured 13cm, while the heaviest kidney stone found in Pakistan in 2008 weighed 620g, according to existing records.

June 14, 2023: The Cabinet of Ministers convened this week and made seven significant decisions aimed at driving economic revival and improving governance in the country.

One of the key decisions centers around the promotion of the tourism industry as a means to bolster the economy. The government is focusing on implementing strategies and policies that will attract tourists and stimulate growth in this vital sector.

In addition, the Cabinet discussed and approved the Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, which seeks to address specific provisions pertaining to elections in the country, ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process.

Another decision made by the Cabinet was the issuance of an order under the Foreign Exchange Act 2017. This move aims to streamline foreign exchange regulations and facilitate smoother transactions, ultimately supporting economic activities and encouraging foreign investments.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the revocation of the Bread Ordinance 1864. This decision signifies the government’s commitment to modernizing regulations and adapting to the evolving needs of the bread industry, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s food supply.