- President Ranil Wickremesinghe thanks MPs for their support on social media, acknowledging those who backed him from the start, joined midway, or are considering future support: highlights their role in overcoming the country’s crises and urged unity beyond party politics to build a prosperous Sri Lanka: welcomes new supporters and expresses gratitude for their dedication and commitment to the nation’s future.
- The Court of Appeal will deliver its decision on August 09 regarding Keheliya Rambukwella’s petition to overturn the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court’s order remanding him over the alleged import of substandard medicine: His bail application will also be addressed: Rambukwella was arrested on February 02 for his alleged role in procuring substandard IVIG vials, following pressure from civil society and health sector trade unionists.
- Despite the SLPP politburo deciding to field their own candidate for the upcoming Presidential election, several SLPP MPs and Ministers, including State Ministers Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon and Shehan Semasinghe, declare their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe: commend his leadership during crises and aim to continue supporting his vision: A group of ministers met with Wickremesinghe, opposing the politburo’s decision, and confirmed their backing for his re-election.
- Foreign Affairs State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya calls for strong measures against cybercrime and employment scams in ASEAN regions during the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum in Laos: emphasises tackling security issues related to new technologies, promoting regional cooperation, and addressing climate challenges: highlights Sri Lanka’s historical ties with ASEAN and its active role, urging for climate justice programmes and stronger disaster response mechanisms.
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries doubles the tea fertiliser subsidy to Rs. 4,000 to boost production from 260 million to 300 million metric tonnes: The previous Rs. 2,000 subsidy was insufficient: Minister Mahinda Amaraweera directed this increase, effective from the Maha season, funded by Rs. 2 bn from the Ceylon Tea Board: The State Fertiliser Company will adjust prices accordingly.
- The Election Commission has allows the 2025 annual transfer procedure to proceed if it doesn’t disrupt the presidential election: The Ministry of Public Administration announces transfers for Combined Services officers, and Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe arranged for 8,000 officers to distribute ballot papers: Despite a ‘work-to-rule’ campaign, Grama Niladhari officers will support election activities.
- Separate operations by the Navy and Coast Guard near Koneshwaram and Chapel Point, Trincomalee on 27 July resulted in the arrest of 27 individuals for illegal fishing: Five dinghies and unauthorised gear were seized: The Eastern Naval Command detained 17 individuals, while SLNS Mahaweli and the Coast Guard apprehended 10 more: The arrested individuals and confiscated equipment were handed over for legal action.
- The Ministry of Health lauded the Sri Lanka Navy for its support to people living with thalassaemia: The Navy, instrumental in developing affordable infusion systems for chelation therapy, supplies 3,166 units since 2011: 375 new systems were handed over, with Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera attending, highlighting the Navy’s healthcare commitment.
- The Cabinet approves drafting legislation to address issues within Sri Lanka Cricket based on the K.T. Chitrasiri report: A revised constitution has been prepared, and the Cabinet endorses a joint proposal from the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Power and Energy, Labour and Foreign Employment, and Public Security: The Legal Draftsman will now prepare a bill to implement the new constitution.
- Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) awards the National Women’s Cricket Team US$ 500,000 for their Asia Cup T20 tournament victory: SLC praised the team’s dedication and teamwork on social media, celebrating their first Asia Cup title after defeating defending champions India by 8 wickets: This historic win marks a significant milestone for women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.
