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Khawaja stands tall as Australia stretch lead past 200
On a day dominated by the bowlers, with helpful conditions throughout, Usman Khawaja’s unbeaten half-century stood out as Australia stretched their lead to 221 before rain forced an early close on Friday (June 30). Having bowled England out for 325 to gain a 91-run lead, Australia kept the home team pacers at an arm’s length for more than 45 overs, thanks mainly to Khawaja’s 58 not out, as they ended the rain-hit Day 3 at 130/2.
James Anderson and Stuart Broad were a bit wayward with their lines at the start of the third session, with boundaries coming via extras as well as off the bat. Khawaja helped himself to a four off a full-toss from Broad, bringing up his fifty in the process. Labuschagne played his shots but wasn’t in full control when executing a few of them, and was even lucky when England decided not to review a leg-before shout off Broad – replays revealing it would have crashed onto the stumps. But he couldn’t capitalise as he hit a short ball straight to point to depart for 30, ending a stand worth 60.
Steve Smith had a jittery start as he edged an Anderson delivery for a boundary, was beaten outside off and also missed a flick off Broad. Taking a cue from the Australian bowlers, England too tried the short ball multiple times and even had Khawaja and Smith in uncomfortable positions. It got quite dark into the session and rain arrived, forcing the players off the field. The umpires later decided to call off the day’s play with 25-plus overs still remaining to be played.
Earlier, England lost six wickets for the addition of only 47 runs on an overcast morning as they were bowled out for 325. Ben Stokes fell in the opening over as he got a leading edge to Cameron Green at wide gully off Mitchell Starc. Harry Brook, who got to fifty, was troubled by short deliveries from the Australian pacers and eventually fell to one from Starc. Jonny Bairstow showed better application but his attempt to go over the top off Josh Hazlewood brought about his downfall. With Travis Head bagging a couple of wickets and Cummins pocketing one, England’s innings came to an early close as Australia picked up a 91-run lead. Khawaja and Warner then survived a challenging six-over period before Lunch.
With the cloud cover still helping the bowlers, Australia’s openers endured further challenge from the England pacers after Lunch. Warner survived a leg-before shout by Anderson and England ended up losing a review. Khawaja was finding the boundaries but a couple of them were streaky, and he scored most of the runs with Warner being cautious at the other end. Ollie Pope, meanwhile, landed awkwardly again while fielding and was off the field. It wasn’t a fluent innings from Warner who, after contributing only 17 in a 63-run opening stand, was out lbw to Josh Tongue. Labuschagne got a lbw decision overturned in Tongue’s next over and was unbeaten at Tea along with Khawaja, who collected two successive fours off Broad.
Brief scores:
Australia 416 & 130/2 (Usman Khawaja 58*; Josh Tongue 1-21) lead England 325 (Ben Duckett 98, Harry Brook 50; Mitchell Starc 3-88, Travis Head 2-17) by 221 runs.
It has been reported that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pilleyan’ has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
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Maintaining public trust is a fundamental responsibility of the Police Department – President
Attending the passing out parade of the 82nd batch of the Special Task Force (STF) at the Katukurunda STF Training Camp in Kalutara on Monday (07), President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the need for a progressive transformation within the Sri Lanka Police to ensure the rule of law, order and authority.
The President noted that the public places its trust in the Sri Lanka Police to uphold the supremacy of the law and maintaining that trust is a fundamental responsibility of the Police Department.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, President Disanayake stated that how one serves and respects their profession is reflected in their career and urged the officers to embrace their professional duty in a way that contributes meaningfully to the transformative change the country requires.
Highlighting the current state of institutional breakdown in many sectors, the President pointed out that the people have already initiated change by altering the political authority, but reiterated that political transformation alone is insufficient. Instead, a comprehensive and positive transformation across all sectors is necessary for national progress.
The President further emphasized that new police officers carry the responsibility of meeting public expectations. He called on them to ensure public safety and security and to prevent the nation from falling prey to organized crime and drug-related issues.
He also stated that the younger generation must take responsibility for the motherland, bearing that duty on their shoulders and should strive to steer both their personal future and the future of the country in a positive direction.
President Disanayake concluded by saying that joining the regular service of the Sri Lanka Police today should be remembered by all as a significant and powerful step forward.
The President further noted that the service rendered by the Special Task Force (STF) on behalf of the public during times of emergency and disaster is highly commendable.
A total of 118 newly recruited Sub-Inspectors and 231 Probationary Police Constables who successfully completed their basic training graduated during the ceremony.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake awarded certificates and honours to officers who demonstrated exceptional performance during the training programme.
A commemorative token was also presented to President Disanayake, who attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
An operational demonstration by STF officers on a simulated battlefield was presented as part of the event.
Established in 1983 under the theme “Victory is Certain”, the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force is currently recognized as a prestigious unit deployed for VIP protection, crime and organized crime suppression and narcotics control efforts aimed at building a drug-free nation.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, STF Commanding Officer Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Samantha de Silva, along with other senior police officers, the parents of graduating officers and other invitees.
[PMD]
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National minimum monthly salary for private sector employees raised to Rs. 27,000/-, minimum daily wage to Rs. 1080/-
Parallel to salary hike of public sector officers by the budget proposals 2025, it has been proposed to increase the salaries of private sector employees as well.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Labour to revise the national minimum monthly salary and national minimum daily wage and follow other legal actions as follows:
• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 9,500/- from rupees 17,500/- to rupees 27,000/- with effect from 01.04.2025
• To raise the minimum national daily salary by rupees 380/- from rupees 700/- to rupees 1,080/- with effect from 01.04.2025
• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 3,000/- from rupees 27,000/- to rupees 30,000/- with effect from 01.01.2026
• To raise the minimum national daily salary by rupees 120/- from rupees 1,080 /- to rupees 1,200/- with effect from 01.01.2026
“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President
Former state minister arrested by CID
President meets with senior officials of SriLankan Airlines
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