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.

June 14, 2023: The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued landslide early warnings to three districts in Sri Lanka, namely Colombo, Kegalle, and Ratnapura. These warnings will remain in effect until 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday.

In light of this, residents residing in the Deraniyagala and Dehiowita Divisional Secretariat divisions of Kegalle district, where a Level 3 (Red) warning has been issued, are strongly advised to evacuate to safe locations if the rainfall persists.

Additionally, a Level 2 (Amber) warning is in effect for the following areas:

• Yatiyanthota Divisional Secretariat division in Kegalle district
• Elapatha, Nivithigala, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, and Ratnapura Divisional Secretariat divisions in Ratnapura district

People residing in these specified regions are urged to remain vigilant regarding the potential risks of landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures, and ground subsidence.

Furthermore, a Level 1 (Yellow) warning has been issued for the following areas:

• Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat division in Colombo district
• Kiriella, Ayagama, Kuruwita, and Pelmadulla Divisional Secretariat divisions in Ratnapura district

Residents in these areas are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the possibility of adverse weather conditions and associated hazards.

The NBRO’s issuance of these landslide early warnings underscores the importance of prioritizing public safety in the face of potential natural disasters. The organization aims to ensure that communities in vulnerable regions are well-prepared and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks and protect lives and property.

In a recent development, former Minister Navin Dissanayake has been appointed as the new Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province. The swearing-in ceremony took place before President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as reported by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Expressing his views on this new appointment, Dissanayake expressed his determination to leverage his extensive 20 years of experience to enhance public service delivery systems within the province. He also pledged to initiate crucial reforms in the education sector during his tenure as governor.

The PMD further stated that Dissanayake has affirmed his commitment to actively contribute to the realization of President Wickremesinghe’s development projects and government policies, which are aimed at fostering progress in the country.

Acknowledging the challenging circumstances the nation has encountered in the past, Dissanayake emphasized the positive transformation taking place today, attributing it to the effective initiatives undertaken by President Wickremesinghe.

In his new role, the provincial governor emphasized his dedication to elevating the standard of children’s education in Sabaragamuwa Province. He also underscored his intention to collaborate with political party leaders, seeking their valuable insights and recommendations to ensure the successful implementation of government programs.

Dissanayake’s appointment follows the resignation of Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, who served as the Sabaragamuwa provincial governor since November 2019. Kobbekaduwa’s resignation from the post took effect on June 10, 2023.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.Several spells of showers will occur in the North-Western province.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.

Strong winds about (40-45) kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, Northern and North-Central provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.