The Coconut Cultivation Board has announced the launch of a special program titled ‘Pol Desathiya’ (Coconut Fortnight) as an immediate measure to combat pests including whiteflies, which pose a significant threat to coconut cultivation.

The first phase of the program is scheduled to commence on July 14, with initial operations focusing on the Jaffna district, according to the Chairman of the Coconut Cultivation Board – Dr. Sunimal Jayakody.

“We have decided to declare a Coconut Fortnight across all districts and implement it as an urgent response to the whitefly infestation,” 

Dr. Jayakody further states that the programme will be conducted in all districts.

“We will start from Jaffna. As a solution to the whitefly issue, all the coconut trees in the Jaffna district will be sprayed with water and washed. This is a large-scale operation, but we are currently preparing the necessary manpower and machinery for it,” he added.

A shooting incident was reported early this morning (June 23) in Akmeemana, Galle.
Two persons on a motorcycle have opened fire at a residence on Dissanayake Mawatha in the Wewegodawatte area around 5.00am.

The shooting had been carried out using a 9mm pistol, and the suspects reportedly fled the scene afterward. 

According to reports, no injuries have been reported.

The owner of the house is employed as an executive at a factory in the Midigama area and was dismissed from his job a few days ago due to an issue with another employee. The police also stated that the employee in question had previously threatened him over the phone.

Accordingly, the police suspect that this individual may have carried out the shooting.

Further investigations are underway.

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) will introduce a new regulation from July 01, 2025, for Sri Lankans seeking overseas employment through self-directed means, SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe announced.

Under the new rule, those applying must have their foreign employment agreement certified by producing necessary documents to the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the respective country before registering with the SLBFE.

This process will involve a fee of USD 60.

According to the SLBFE Chairman, the rule will apply to only non-professional categories which are listed on the website of the bureau.

Under the first phase, it will apply to only 15 categories that are provided diplomatic services in 13 countries where labour units of the SLBFE are underway.

The SLBFE says that this move is aimed at safeguarding the rights of migrant workers by ensuring contract authenticity and transparency, prior to departure.

Exemptions will be granted to those who can present passports indicating their profession or relevant documentation proving their professional status abroad.