Dengue Crisis Deepens, Monsoon Intensifies, and Political Tensions Rise Over Economic Reforms and Justice

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has intensified his criticism of the government, calling for a national program to protect Sri Lanka’s cinema and arts sector and urging the preservation of 200 garment factories at risk of relocation, while also alleging economic mismanagement

. Meanwhile, the wife of former Intelligence Director Suresh Saley, Manori Bandusena Saley, has filed a complaint alleging monitoring, intimidation, and threats, with relatives appealing to Pope Leo for intervention as Saley remains under CID custody and treatment

. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the need for deep structural reforms in education to tackle inequality and the impact of AI, advocating for holistic child development

. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a 15-member commission, chaired by Telge Ashoka Peris, to address public sector salary and pension issues, aiming to resolve disparities and enhance professionalism in line with the 2026 Budget

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The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 24-hour water cut for Padukka, Homagama, Kottawa, Pannipiti, and Pelanwatta from June 24th to 25th, due to essential maintenance, though Maharagama will receive supply

. Concurrently, the Southwest Monsoon continues to intensify across Sri Lanka, with new advisories for sea areas predicting wind speeds of 50-60 km/h and urging caution for fishermen and naval communities

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Sri Lanka is grappling with an escalating dengue epidemic, with 331 high-risk MOH divisions and 538 Grama Niladhari divisions identified. A total of 47,530 dengue cases and 29 deaths have been reported this year, with hospitals reportedly overwhelmed, prompting a planned three-day dengue control program

. This special operation, organized by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, is scheduled for June 24th, 25th, and 26th, with a media briefing stressing the importance of public participation

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Customs officials at BIA recently apprehended a Chinese national attempting to smuggle Rs. 13.2 million worth of foreign cigarettes, part of over Rs. 90 million in contraband seized in recent weeks

. In a significant policy shift, Sri Lanka has enacted sweeping VAT reforms effective July 1, 2026, which include consolidating financial sector taxes into a 20.5% VAT rate, reducing the annual registration threshold to Rs. 36 million, and introducing VAT on digital services provided by foreign entities

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has issued a dual warning regarding sophisticated WhatsApp scams, including explicit video call extortion schemes, some reportedly originating from India, and impersonation tactics using official-sounding messages from the Department for Registration of Persons

. Separately, the Colombo High Court has upheld a nine-month prison sentence and Rs. 1500 fine against Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero for making remarks deemed insulting to Islam and the Quran, affirming that statements undermining religious harmony are illegal

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The Meteorology Department has extended its forecast to June 23, 2026, predicting continued intermittent rain or thundershowers in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts. Moderate strong winds of 30-40 km/h are also expected across several regions, with the public advised to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning

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The Sri Lankan Cabinet of Ministers has approved new circular instructions for student admissions to government schools, introducing revised procedures for Grades 2 to 11 (excluding Grades 5 and 6) effective from 2026. A separate circular will govern admissions to Grade 1, commencing in 2027, aiming to ensure equal and fair access, enhance transparency, and minimize irregularities in the admission process

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