- President Ranil Wickremesinghe assures the matter concerning the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) will be settled within a week through discussions with the Speaker and the Chief Justice: confirms the presidential election on 21 September will proceed without delay, highlighting the fundamental role of elections in upholding people’s sovereignty.
- Sri Lanka Muslim Congress’ (SLMC) National Organiser, MP M.S. Thowfeek says his party will support Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election: adds a final decision on which candidate should his party extend support to has not yet been reached by the SLMC’s supreme council, but expresses confidence that the ongoing discussions may end up in supporting Premadasa.
- Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe resigns from his positions overseeing Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms to focus on his presidential candidacy for Sri Lanka’s 2024 election: announces his resignation on 29 July, citing the need to dedicate his efforts to his campaign and discussed the implications of multiple Cabinet members running for the presidency: expresses confidence in the National Election Commission and support from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
- The Committee on Public Accounts (CoPA) identifies major issues with the Department of Buildings, which employs 79 engineers but has underperformed despite an annual salary cost of Rs. 260 mn: State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, who chaired the meeting, warns that if performance does not improve, the department could face closure: It is currently the lowest-performing state institution.
- Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says the Election Commission requests approximately Rs. 8 bn from the Treasury for the upcoming Presidential Polls: assures additional funds would be allocated if costs exceed this budget: The previous election budget was Rs. 10 bn, with careful financial management to ensure readiness for urgent needs like printing and security: The Treasury is prepared to cover any additional expenses.
- Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe announces vehicle import permissions will begin in August, starting with approvals for business and transportation vehicles: Whilst many import restrictions have been lifted previously, vehicle imports remained limited: The phased removal of these restrictions will start in August, with private vehicle import permissions expected in early 2025.
- The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) raises concerns about the Government’s response to the Supreme Court’s interim order, which bars Deshabandu Thennakoon from serving as Inspector General of Police (IGP): fears this reaction could lead to a constitutional crisis and urges the President to uphold constitutional principles and election integrity, especially with the Presidential Election on 21 September 2024.
- Sri Lanka’s Election Commission announces that applications for postal voting must be submitted to District Returning Officers no later than 5 August.
- In preparation for the presidential election, Election Operation Rooms will be established at all police stations and divisional police areas to handle complaints of election violence and law violations: These rooms, overseen by divisional police officers and senior DIGs, will work under the coordination of SDIG Asanga Karavita and other senior officers: Despite the lack of an IGP, the Election Commission can issue police directives.
- Sri Lanka win their first Women’s Asia Cup title on Sunday, defeating India in the final with a strong run-chase: This was only the second time India failed to win the cup in nine finals, with their previous loss in 2018 to Bangladesh: Chamari Athapaththu was named Player of the Tournament, while Samarawickrama was the Player of the Match: President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Athapaththu in an emotional call.
