- The President’s Secretary instructs the Public Security Ministry to ensure adequate police personnel for the upcoming Presidential Election following a request from the Election Commission: Concerns arose after a Supreme Court order restrained Deshabandu Tennakoon from acting as IGP: The ministry assured the Election Commission of necessary security measures after discussions with Senior DIG Asanka Karawita.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raises concerns that the government may be attempting to disrupt the upcoming elections by withholding allowances from Grama Niladhari officers: commends their essential grassroots work and criticises the lack of progress in addressing their pay and service issues: Despite a planned pay increase by the Election Commission for their service at elections, Premadasa doubts its implementation, fearing it could be a tactic to undermine the election process.
- The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) declares its support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election: During a meeting on July 31, the SLFP’s Politburo and Central Committee resolved to back Wickremesinghe, with MP Duminda Dissanayake stating that Wickremesinghe was the only candidate to formally request their support: Additionally, 92 MPs, including Ministers and State Ministers, have recently pledged their backing for Wickremesinghe, despite the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) deciding to field their own candidate.
- The Election Commission urges presidential candidates to make their cash deposits promptly for the upcoming election: By August 01, six candidates, including Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sarath Keerthirathne, Oshala Herath, ASP Liyanage, Sajith Premadasa and Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe had made their deposits: Nominations close on August 15, with the election scheduled for September 21.
- Shantha Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Industries, submits the “National Industry Policy” and 2023-2027 strategic plan to boost Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector: The plan targets increasing the sector’s GDP contribution from 16% to 20% by 2030, enhancing entrepreneurship, and industrial exports: Initiatives include regulatory amendments, online registration, and financial support for SMEs: Revitalised state enterprises and a growing gem and jewellery sector are also key highlights.
- In Q124’, Sri Lanka’s insurance sector reported a 7.39% increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP) to Rs. 78,589 mn: Long-Term Insurance GWP grew by 19.26% to Rs. 40,230 mn, whilst General Insurance GWP declined by 2.75% to Rs. 38,358 mn: The sector’s total assets rose by 10.88% to Rs. 1,098,988 mn, with significant growth in PBT by 35.06% to Rs. 12,332 mn.
- Controversy sparks as President Ranil Wickremesinghe appoints U.D. Chandana Jayalal as the new Chairman of the Central Environment Authority (CEA), effective 30th July, replacing Venura Fernando without explanation: CEA unions oppose Fernando’s removal, praising his integrity and questioning the timing amidst elections: The matter has been reported to the Election Commission and PAFFREL amidst concerns of political motives.
- Public Security Minister Tiran Alles says passport issuance in Sri Lanka will be limited over the next two months as the country prepares to roll out its first e-passports: This adjustment is due to various technical and logistical challenges that need to be addressed before the arrival of e-passports in mid-October: During this period, the immigration department will continue to issue passports for urgent travel needs, maintaining a daily issuance of 1,000 passports: Alles notes historically, only 30% of passports issued were used for travel, with the rest obtained for safekeeping: adds if the e-passport system is not ready by mid-October, the issuance of regular passports will continue.
- The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) announces the monthly fuel price revision will not take place in August, and the prices of fuel, therefore, will remain unchanged for the month of August.
- Sri Lanka Cricket captain Charith Asalanka expresses disappointment in the team’s batting performance after their 3-0 T20I series defeat to India: Despite strong starts from the openers, the middle order faltered, leading to a series sweep by India: criticises poor shot selection and late-order struggles, though he praised the bowlers: hopes for improvement in the upcoming ODIs and stressed the need for better mental and physical preparation.
