The Department of Examinations has announced that comprehensive arrangements have been put in place to effectively handle emergency disasters during ongoing examinations. Commissioner General of Examinations, Amit Jayasundara, reported yesterday that floods were observed in various areas. However, he assured that the Disaster Management Center, in coordination with other teams, successfully transported candidates to their examination centers using boats.

Despite the challenges posed by the inclement weather, Commissioner General Jayasundara expressed his expectation that the situation would improve by Monday, allowing examinations to proceed without further disruptions.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department has issued a warning regarding a minor flood situation near the Kudaa River, in the vicinity of the Bulathsinghala Divisional Secretariat. Residents living in low-lying areas near the Maguru River are also advised to exercise caution. Moreover, the department highlighted that the water level of the Gin River is rising due to the persistent heavy rains, urging residents of Baddegama to remain vigilant.

In addition, the Irrigation Department has alerted people residing in low-lying areas about the potential rise in the water level of the Nilwala River. It is crucial for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the protection of their property.

Furthermore, the early warning issued for landslides in several divisional secretariats across the Matara, Ratnapura, Galle, and Kalutara districts remains in effect. Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of residents remaining alert and following safety guidelines provided by local authorities.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe reiterates a Climate Change University will be established in Sri Lanka next year: also says prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT have expressed interest to collaborate with it.
2. Several environmental organizations backed by the Socialist Youth Union stage protest outside the Ministry of Justice: demand the Govt to file charges against the X-Press Pearl ship tragedy at a Sri Lankan Court instead of Singapore: also ask that the Govt seeks compensation for the environmental damage.
3. Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says instructions have been given to CPC & CPSTL to continue fuel deliveries on Saturday & Sunday this week to supply sufficient stocks to all fuel stations: long fuel queues continue.
4. State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says import restrictions on 300 to 400 items will be relaxed from next week.
5. SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna says inflation had dropped as a consequence of reduced consumption: asserts the reduction of inflation is not a sign of economic stability: meanwhile, the severe contraction of the economy continues with 2022 growth being -7.8% and 2023 expected to be -4.2%: thousands of SMEs have already closed and over 500,000 persons added to the unemployed category.
6. Research findings of blind graduate of Uni of Sri J’pura specialising in philosophy and psychology shows that Govt has stopped hiring graduates during the past 3 years and 75 blind graduates who graduated in the year before are severely affected by the prevailing economic crisis and unemployment.
7. CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe says the USD 200 mn loans obtained from Bangladesh Bank will have to be paid back in September 2023: USD 2,150 mn out of current CB external reserves consist of SWAPs with other Central Banks (China USD 1550mn, India USD 400mn & Bangladesh USD 200mn), secured by former Governors Cabraal and Lakshman.
8. Tourism data shows the industry has rebound with earnings of USD 828mn in the first 5 months of 2023: reflects a 30% increase from the corresponding period of last year: earnings from Tourism was USD 4,500 mn in 2018.
9. SLPP Rebel MP and FPC Leader Dullas Alahapperuma responds to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent address to the nation: asks “who ruined the country”?
10. SL lose to Afghanistan by 6 wickets in the 1st Cricket ODI at Hambantota: SL 268 (50) – Charith Asalanka 91, Dhananjaya de Silva 51, Pathum Nissanka 38, Fareed Ahmad 43/2): Afghanistan 269/4 (46.5) – Ibrahim Zadran 98, Kasun Rajitha 49/2.

In a significant development aimed at addressing the challenges of climate change, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has revealed that efforts are underway to establish the Climate Change University next year. The president made this announcement during a briefing held on climate change and green growth at the Presidential Secretariat on June 2.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized that the Climate Change University will be a specialized post-graduate institution solely dedicated to research in the field of climate change. It will not offer undergraduate courses, ensuring a laser focus on advanced studies and cutting-edge research. The university will welcome contributions from countries and organizations interested in climate change and will grant them membership on the Board of Governance. Notably, the Korean Exim Bank has expressed its interest in partnering with the university, underscoring the international support for this initiative.

Highlighting the significance of the International Climate Change University, President Wickremesinghe urged that all future research endeavors in the field of climate change should be conducted at this institution. He further revealed that esteemed institutions like Harvard and MIT have shown interest in collaborating with the university, indicating the high regard it is garnering globally.

Recognizing the importance of capacity building, President Wickremesinghe also proposed the consideration of short-term courses tailored for government officials. By equipping public servants with the necessary knowledge and skills, the government aims to strengthen its efforts in combating climate change and pursuing sustainable practices.

During the briefing, the discussions revolved around five thematic areas identified in a previous meeting with President Wickremesinghe. These areas include the establishment of a Climate Change Office, facilitation of Green Finance, the establishment of the International Climate Change University, promoting Nature Positive Green Growth, and providing Innovative Management Support. Special attention was given to regions that lag behind in these areas, such as marine pollution and the adoption of electric car mobility.

President Wickremesinghe instructed the authorities to address these concerns promptly, emphasizing the need for active involvement from the private sector and international organizations. By fostering collaboration and engagement, the government aims to drive sustainable practices, protect the environment, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

In a recent announcement, the Meteorology Department has indicated that the southwest monsoon is set to gradually establish across the entire island over the next few days. As a result, the department forecasts the likelihood of showers or thundershowers at intermittent intervals in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Southern Provinces.

Specifically, the department has highlighted the possibility of heavy rainfall, reaching approximately 100 mm, in select areas of the Sabaragamuwa Province, as well as the Galle, Matara, and Kalutara districts. In addition, several spells of showers are expected in the Northwestern Province, while the Uva and Eastern Provinces may experience showers or thundershowers during the evening or night.

Furthermore, the Meteorology Department has issued a warning regarding strong winds, estimating speeds of about 40-45 kmph intermittently over the entire island. Given these conditions, the general public is strongly advised to exercise caution and take adequate precautions to minimize potential damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

As the southwest monsoon makes its presence felt, the Meteorology Department continues to closely monitor weather patterns across the country. They urge citizens to stay updated with the latest forecasts and adhere to any safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

Sri Lanka and France are joyously marking their 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2023, culminating in the grand celebration of the French Spring Festival. Organized by the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and Maldives and the network of Alliances Françaises, the 11th edition of the festival will be held from June 24 to July 13.

This momentous event aims to showcase the artistic collaborations and cultural exchanges between the two nations, highlighting the rich diversity of Sri Lankan and French creativity.

The French Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Jean François Pactet, announced that entry to the festival events would be free of charge, enabling everyone to partake in the festivities.

Kicking off the festival on June 24, the Fête de la Musique/International Music Day will feature a lively open mic session at the Alliance française in the afternoon, followed by an enchanting evening concert at the Sri Lankan Foundation Institute. The concert will showcase talented Sri Lankan bands and a special guest performer, French singer Léa PACI.

On July 5, the Alliance Française of Kotte in Colombo will host the Celebrate! photographic exhibition. The exhibition will feature the works of the winners of a photography contest, offering their unique perspectives on the chosen theme. Following its presentation in Colombo, the exhibition will travel to the Alliances françaises of Matara and Kandy, allowing a wider audience to enjoy the captivating photographs.

Film enthusiasts can look forward to the French Film Festival at the National Film Corporation from July 6 to 9. The festival will present a selection of six French movies spanning various genres, including comedy, thriller, documentary, and animation. Among the highlights is Cédric Klapish’s acclaimed film “En Corps” (Rise), released in March 2022. This heartwarming and inspiring movie tells a tale of resilience and healing, captivating audiences with its powerful storytelling.

In light of the Poson Full Moon Poya, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has made the decision to grant a special state pardon to a number of prison inmates. The Prisons Department has clarified that this pardon is being issued under specific terms and conditions, in accordance with the constitutional powers vested in the Head of State.

Under this special pardon, inmates who have served one year or less in prison as of June 3 will be eligible for a 14-day pardon. Additionally, inmates who are currently incarcerated due to non-payment of fines will have the remainder of their prison sentences commuted.

The Prisons Department has further outlined that inmates who have received sentences of 40 years or more for non-payment of fines or other offenses, and have completed 20 years of their sentence, will also be granted this special pardon.

The granting of a special state pardon on the occasion of the Poson Full Moon Poya reflects the President’s compassion and desire to provide an opportunity for eligible inmates to reintegrate into society. This gesture aims to alleviate overcrowding in prisons and promote rehabilitation.

The Prisons Department will be responsible for implementing the necessary procedures to ensure the smooth execution of this special pardon. The details of the eligibility criteria and the specific terms and conditions will be communicated to the relevant inmates.