In a recent parliamentary session, Samagi Jana Balwegaya MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar brought to light a distressing issue plaguing the University of Peradeniya. Five incidents of suicide have been reported within the institution this year, prompting concerns about the well-being of its students. MP Markar disclosed that two students, who had made suicide attempts, are presently undergoing counseling.

MP Markar emphasized the deteriorating state of university students, stating that university authorities have reported cases of malnourishment and financial constraints preventing regular meals. “Some students survive on just one meal per day, as their parents are unable to provide financial support. This dire situation hinders their ability to focus during lectures, with some even fainting in class,” he expressed.

Highlighting the exacerbating circumstances, MP Markar noted that delays in receiving the Mahapola allowance have further contributed to the students’ plight. He stressed the need for immediate action, as the youth represent the nation’s future, and requested the relevant authorities to take necessary measures to assist the struggling university students.

Responding to MP Markar’s concerns, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha acknowledged that the majority of students have received their Mahapola Scholarship allowance. However, he acknowledged that delays had occurred for some due to issues related to incorrect information, which are being rectified. Minister Premajayantha also assured that efforts were underway to secure funds from the Treasury, ensuring that the Mahapola Scholarship allowance would be provided promptly and without delays.

In a dramatic turn of events, a wanted gunman met his demise in a fierce shootout with personnel from the Police Special Task Force (STF) during a raid in the Welikadayaya area of Embilipitiya. The encounter unfolded in the early hours of the morning (June 24) as the STF attempted to apprehend the suspect.

In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the 22-year-old suspect opened fire on the STF personnel, who swiftly retaliated with gunfire of their own. Tragically, the shootout resulted in the death of the wanted individual, who had been sought by the police in connection with multiple incidents of gun violence.

Reports suggest that the deceased was a former army soldier and had been implicated in two recent shootings in Minuwangoda and Ambalangoda, which left three individuals injured, including a deputy school principal.

The Embilipitiya Police have initiated further investigations into the incident to gather more details surrounding the encounter. This development serves as a testament to the dedication and bravery displayed by the Police Special Task Force in their ongoing efforts to maintain law and order and protect the public from individuals involved in criminal activities.

In a significant diplomatic encounter, President Ranil Wickremesinghe had a productive meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron during the Head of State session on the second day of the Conference for a New Global Financial Agreement in Paris. The two leaders engaged in a cordial conversation, discussing matters of mutual interest and reinforcing bilateral relations.

President Wickremesinghe’s presence at the conference is in response to an invitation extended by President Macron himself, highlighting the importance of Sri Lanka’s participation in shaping global financial agreements.

In a significant development, the National Constitutional Council has given its approval to the appointment of Professor Manjula Fernando as the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL). Taking over from former Chairman Janaka Ratanayake, Professor Fernando assumed his new role on June 23.

The decision to replace Janaka Ratanayake was made following a parliamentary motion that was debated and passed in May, in accordance with Section 7 of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act. The motion was prompted by several disagreements between Ratanayake and the Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera. These disagreements spanned various issues, including revisions to electricity tariffs and the duration of power cuts.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.

Fairly strong winds about (40-45) kmph can be expected at times in Western slopes of the central hills, North-central province and in Puttalam, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershower.

1. Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Janet Yellen says Sri Lanka’s creditors should deliver on debt restructuring in a timely manner. Her remarks came during a meeting with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday (June 22), which took place on the sidelines of the Summit in Paris for a New Global Financial Pact.
2. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says the government’s plans to purchase paddy at a favorable rate of Rs. 90 to 95 per kilo during the upcoming Yala season: confirmed that the Treasury has already assured the availability of funds to facilitate the paddy purchasing program.
3. Date fixed for X-Press Pearl petition hearing. A petition filed seeking compensation for the affected parties of the X-Press Pearl disaster, which took place in May 2021, is due to be heard on 26 July. Order was issued by the Commercial High Court in Colombo on Friday (23 June), when the petition filed by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and other parties was taken up.
4. The latest data on tea exports reveals a positive trend for the month of May 2023. Total tea exports reached 20.55 million kilograms (M/Kgs), indicating a gain of 0.83 M/Kgs compared to May 2022’s figure of 19.72 M/Kgs.
5. President calls for urgent debt restructuring, comprehensive approach to support middle-income nations. He was attending a high-level panel discussion at the Global Leaders’ Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, in Paris. Added that Sri Lanka faced limited access to financing and took ownership of its debt and economic restructuring program.

6. Prof. Manjula Fernando has been appointed the new chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).
7. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has assured the UN’s strong commitment to assisting Sri Lanka in its economic recovery and debt sustainability endeavours.
8. President Ranil Wickramasinghe meets French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting took place during the Head of State session on the second day of the Conference for a New Global Financial Agreement underway in Paris, where the two heads of state engaged in a cordial conversation.
9. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka says that Treasury Bill auctions are conducted according to a transparent and well-established procedure. It said that any postponement of raising funds for the government, in anticipation of any change in policy interest rates, is not feasible given the large cashflow requirement of the government and its commitment to phasing out monetary financing by the Central Bank.
10. Wanindu Hasaranga made it two five-wicket hauls in as many matches as Sri Lanka claimed their second win of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023, with Scotland matching them. The leg-spinner took six wickets in the opening win over the United Arab Emirates, and was at it again with five for 13 in a ten-wicket success against Oman.

Highlighting the pressing issue of wildlife damage to agriculture and crops, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera emphasized the need for a permanent and expeditious solution. The extent of damage caused by wild animals to the agricultural sector is substantial, with last year alone witnessing the destruction of three million coconuts by toque macaques and monkeys. Surprisingly, environmentalists, who are vocal on various conservation matters, have not engaged in discussions or proposed viable solutions in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry to address this growing concern.

In addition to toque macaques and monkeys, several other wild animals, including wild boars, peacocks, and giant squirrels, contribute to the damage inflicted on crops.

Expressing his disappointment, Minister Amaraweera highlighted the failure of environmentalists to submit even a single proposal for controlling this damage. In many countries, wildlife populations are managed by culling them when their numbers exceed sustainable levels. However, such a method is not feasible in Sri Lanka. Consequently, the minister stressed the importance of open dialogue and collaborative efforts to swiftly devise an effective solution.

Finding a balance between wildlife conservation and safeguarding agricultural interests is paramount. Minister Amaraweera urged all stakeholders to come together and explore innovative approaches that would mitigate crop damage caused by wild animals. By pooling their expertise and perspectives, a comprehensive strategy can be formulated to address the issue at hand.

The latest data on tea exports reveals a positive trend for the month of May 2023. Total tea exports reached 20.55 million kilograms (M/Kgs), indicating a gain of 0.83 M/Kgs compared to May 2022’s figure of 19.72 M/Kgs. While tea in bulk and tea bags experienced a slight growth, tea packets recorded a marginal decline in comparison to the corresponding month of the previous year.

The Free on Board (FOB) value for May 2023 was recorded at Rs. 1,755.58, representing an increase of Rs. 50.44 year-on-year (YoY) compared to May 2022’s Rs. 1,705.14. Forbes & Walker Research reported positive variances in all main categories when measured in USD terms.

Looking at the cumulative exports from January to May 2023, the total stood at 90.80 M/Kgs, reflecting a decrease of 10.92 M/Kgs compared to the corresponding period in 2022 (101.72 M/Kgs). Tea in bulk and packeted tea displayed negative variances, while the remaining product categories exhibited a marginal increase. The FOB value for this period amounted to Rs. 1,941.81, signifying a significant increase of Rs. 739.75 compared to January-May 2022’s Rs. 1,202.06.

In USD terms, all categories demonstrated gains when compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

Türkiye continued to hold its position as the leading importer of Ceylon Tea, experiencing an 84% YoY increase in January-May 2023. Iraq, on the other hand, slipped to the second position with 10.43 M/Kgs, reflecting a 46% decrease in imports. Russia secured the third position with a 20% increase in exports YoY.

In a significant announcement, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera revealed the government’s plans to purchase paddy at a favorable rate of Rs. 90 to 95 per kilo during the upcoming Yala season. The minister emphasized that the procurement process would commence with the beginning of the harvest. Additionally, he confirmed that the Treasury has already assured the availability of funds to facilitate the paddy purchasing program.

Under the visionary leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Agriculture Ministry is actively incorporating technology into the agricultural sector. This strategic initiative aims to enhance productivity and yield per hectare, ultimately promoting a sustainable and progressive agricultural industry.

Minister Amaraweera expressed satisfaction with the increased harvest achieved through the provision of agricultural concessions this year. The ministry is continually introducing cutting-edge technology required to maximize yields, ensuring an ample supply of agricultural products for consumption.

The government has also prioritized the welfare of farmers by providing them with fertilizers and necessary concessions, encouraging their active participation in national production. As part of the President’s agriculture modernization program, the ministry plans to further increase yields per hectare in the future, utilizing advanced technology in vegetable and fruit crop cultivation.

Minister Amaraweera outlined the government’s comprehensive approach, stating, “We are committed to fulfilling the food requirements of all citizens. Following that, we will implement an efficient program to generate foreign exchange through agricultural products. Moreover, we will extend concessions to the poultry industry.”

In a recent statement, Examination Commissioner General Amith Jayasundara revealed the systematic approach to evaluating the answer scripts of the GCE (General Certificate of Education) Advanced Level Exam followed by the GCE Ordinary Level Exam. The Commissioner General confirmed that once the evaluation of the Advanced Level Exam is completed, the assessment of the Ordinary Level Exam scripts will commence.

According to Jayasundara, the evaluation of the GCE Ordinary Level answer scripts is anticipated to commence towards the end of July. He further emphasized the Examinations Department’s commitment to expeditiously releasing the exam results to the students. The department will take proactive measures to ensure a swift outcome for the benefit of the children awaiting their results.

At present, the evaluation process for the GCE Advanced Level exam is underway at 37 designated schools. The Examination Commissioner General’s announcement sheds light on the organizational efforts being made to ensure a smooth and efficient assessment process for both exams.