1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe meets India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi: Discussions centred on resuming stalled projects and bilateral relations: Jaishankar pledges support for Sri Lanka’s economic reforms and announced plans for an industrial zone: Wickremesinghe outlines decentralisation measures and a forthcoming reconciliation bill: They also address agricultural modernisation and fishermen issues: Wickremesinghe extends an invitation to the Indian Prime Minister.
   
2. The SJB lodges a complaint with the CID concerning a ‘fabricated letter’ claiming that party leader Sajith Premadasa agreed to participate in a debate hosted by ITN: The SJB’s legal counsel emphasises the need for a fair investigation, noting a similar complaint filed on April 26: The ‘fraudulent document’ circulated on social media purported Premadasa’s involvement in a debate with NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, despite only Dissanayake participating in the broadcast, as the SJB clarified that Premadasa never accepted an invitation for the programme.
   
3. A group comprised of both local and foreign economic experts holds a meeting with the NPP at the JVP HQ in Pelawatta: Argentina’s former Finance Minister and Columbia University Professor Martin Guzman, Massachusetts University’s former Regional Director Professor Jayati Gosh, senior lecturer of the UN’s Millennium Project Charles Abugre, and senior lecturer of Jaffna University Dr. Ahilan Kadiragamar attended the meeting: The meeting involved a lengthy discussion about the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the barriers imposed by the IMF and the government’s economic policies.
   
4. The Constitutional Council delays extending Attorney General Rajaratnam’s tenure, awaiting further discussion: The President proposed a six-month extension, but approval is pending: The Council plans to reconvene on the 18th to reach a decision.
   
5. As floodwaters recede, a surge in fly numbers raises concerns for health authorities, posing risks of diarrhoea outbreaks and viral fevers: Dr. Deepal Perera warns flooded areas accelerate fly breeding, leading to contamination of food and water sources: Flies carry pathogens causing diseases like diarrhoea and fevers: Urgent measures include sealing garbage and ensuring clean water sources.
   
6. The upcoming IMF Board meeting on June 12 will evaluate Sri Lanka’s economic policies and reform progress, focusing on the Article IV consultation and second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF): Following a recent second review by the IMF team, the Executive Board will discuss releasing the third tranche of the approximately US$ 3 bn facility for Sri Lanka: Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe emphasises Sri Lanka’s need for continued international support to unlock the third tranche, which is anticipated to enhance economic stability, growth, and reform efforts in the country.
   
7. Census and Statistics Department reveals computer literacy in Sri Lanka surged to 39% in 2023, with digital literacy slightly higher at 63.5%: Urban areas show better proficiency: Household computer ownership is at 20.2%, with 34% in urban, 18.1% in rural, and 4.6% in estate areas: The Western Province has the highest computer availability at 33.5%: Computer literacy rose by 4.7 percentage points since 2021: Males (40.9%) show higher computer literacy than females (37.2%): Education and English proficiency positively correlate with computer literacy: Digital literacy is higher at 63.5%, with internet usage highest among 20-24-year-olds.
   
8. The Urban Development and Housing Ministry takes immediate steps to dismantle unauthorised constructions aggravating flooding in Colombo: plans to issue directives to all government bodies within two weeks to address the issue: Preserving Colombo’s wetlands is crucial, as obstruction of water channels worsens floods: Collaborating with various agencies, including the UDA and Irrigation Department, initiatives for flood mitigation are underway: The strategy involves short, medium, and long-term projects like water supply enhancements, landscaping, pumping stations, and drainage improvements.
   
9. The Sri Lanka Navy, with DFCC Bank, plants mangroves in Waikkala Lagoon, coinciding with World Environment Day, as part of its conservation efforts: These projects sustain biodiversity, prevent coastal erosion, and mitigate global warming: The initiative involves planting 400 mangrove saplings and included officials from various organisations.
   
10. The Boxing Association of Sri Lanka chooses four senior and two junior boxers to compete in the Seychelles Constitution Day Boxing Tournament on June 21-22: Selected from the Sri Lanka Army, Air Force, and Police, the boxers earned their spots after a selection tournament on June 8: Among the senior team are HWGP Rathnasiri (Police), KG Pathmasiri (Army), DG Udayakumara (Air Force), and PSSP Fernando (Army): The junior team comprises JMT Deshan and Malith Bandara. Pathmasiri and Fernando secured their places with victories over Navy boxers, while Udayakumara reversed last year’s result against Chandrabandara.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara engaged in a significant meeting with Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), during the Annual International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.

Joined by key officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry and the ILO, Minister Nanayakkara discussed various crucial initiatives aimed at improving labour standards and employment conditions in Sri Lanka.

The discussion covered several key points, including progress towards ratifying important ILO conventions such as the Work in Fishing Convention (C188), as well as provisions within the new Employment Act focused on combatting discrimination and workplace violence.

Plans to ratify additional conventions, including those addressing occupational safety and health and the protection of domestic workers, were also outlined.

Additionally, the meeting addressed Sri Lanka’s social security policy, focusing on unemployment benefits, maternity benefits, and employment injury insurance, with Nanayakkara highlighting the need for ILO support in strengthening this framework.

Updates were provided on the development of the National Labour Market Information System (NLMIS), aimed at addressing gaps in the labour market by providing comprehensive data.

Furthermore, Minister Nanayakkara discussed the Labour Market Recovery and Transformation Strategy (LMRTS), launched with ILO’s assistance, which focuses on job creation, skills enhancement, and institutional reforms.

Houngbo commended Sri Lanka’s efforts, particularly on the government’s recent move of increasing the daily wage of plantation sector workers and the adherence to social dialogue principles.

The meeting also touched upon an upcoming collaboration with the ILO and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to train care workers, aiming to enhance women workforce participation and ensure decent working conditions for women in Sri Lanka.

Overall, the discussions highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to labour reforms and international cooperation in improving workforce employment standards and social protection.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with DFCC Bank, initiated a mangrove planting project in the Waikkala Lagoon of Negombo on June 07, coinciding with World Environment Day.

This endeavour forms a part of the Navy’s continual efforts towards coastal and marine ecosystem conservation.

With a dedicated focus on preserving mangrove ecosystems, the Sri Lanka Navy actively engages in environmental conservation initiatives.

These endeavours play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity and safeguarding the coastal environment.

Mangroves offer various ecological advantages, such as coastal erosion prevention, efficient carbon dioxide absorption, air purification, and mitigation of global warming.

Additionally, they act as essential natural breeding grounds for fish. To ensure the long-term protection of mangrove ecosystems, the Sri Lanka Navy has initiated a mangrove conservation project, involving the plantation of mangroves along rivers, estuaries, and lagoons.

The latest phase of this project was carried out by SLNS Kelani of the Western Naval Command, in collaboration with DFCC Bank.

The initiative involved the planting of 400 mangrove saplings in the Waikkala Lagoon.

Present at the event were Captain Tharanga Jayasuriya, Commanding Officer of SLNS Kelani, staff members from DFCC Bank, lecturers from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, university students, representatives from the Department of Coast Conservation, officers from Wennappuwa Police Station, as well as officers and sailors from SLNS Kelani.

By: Isuru Parakrama

June 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka applauded the reappointment of Nirmala Sitharaman for being re-appointed as the Minister of Finance in India.

Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe congratulated Sitharaman on being reappointed for a second term in Office, emphasising that this occasion provides an enhanced opportunity to strengthen the ties between the two nations.

India’s Premier Narendra Modi has maintained continuity in key ministerial positions within his cabinet, demonstrating a commitment to policy stability in India’s rapidly advancing economy.

On Monday (10), the Indian government announced the reappointment of Nirmala Sitharaman as India’s Finance Minister, a role she has held since 2019.

Additionally, Amit Shah remains the Minister of Home Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar continues as the Minister of External Affairs, Piyush Goyal retains his position as Commerce Minister, and Nitin Gadkari stays on as the Minister of Transport.

It is also noteworthy that Sitharaman maintains the acclamation as the first woman Finance Minister of India.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): The upcoming IMF Board meeting scheduled for June 12 will feature discussions on the Article IV consultation and second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Sri Lanka.

The session aims to assess Sri Lanka’s economic policies and the progress of reforms.

Notably, a team from the IMF recently concluded the second review of the programme for Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, the IMF Executive Board will deliberate on the staff review to facilitate the disbursement of the third tranche of the approximately US$ 3 billion facility allocated to the island nation.

State Minister Shehan Semasinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s anticipation for continued support from all countries to ensure a successful review and unlock the third tranche.

This disbursement is expected to further bolster economic stability, growth, and reform efforts in the country.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): The General Workers’ Association of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has cautioned the public regarding the purchase of chicken amidst recent floods, citing an increased risk of contamination, a report by Daily Mirror reveals.

Ajith Jayasundara, General Secretary of the Association, denoted the submergence of numerous poultry farms, leading to the deaths of many birds, according to report.

Floodwater may carry various viruses, such as rat fever, posing a threat to these birds. Moreover, the spread of bacteria in floodwaters could further compromise their health, he explained.

Jayasundara further told Daily Mirror that the CAA had conducted inspections on chicken-selling stalls post-floods, uncovering deceased birds.

“Typically, prepared chicken exhibits a white skin tone with removed heads and drained blood. However, a reddish hue in the skin may indicate exposure to floodwaters,” he emphasised.

The Association has observed such discoloured chicken in select supermarkets and retail outlets situated in flood-affected regions.

Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the processing of various animals into meat products like meatballs and sausages.

The Association urged the CAA to swiftly investigate meat stalls.