- President Ranil Wickremesinghe today acknowledged that postponing the Local Government elections is a violation of citizens’ basic rights. However, he stated that he does not regret this decision, as the time was dedicated to ensuring the people’s right to live and maintaining their safety. Emphasizing his respect for both the right to vote and the right to live, the President also noted that every hour was crucial in the effort to stabilize the country’s economy.
- The Presidential Candidate of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Namal Rajapaksa asserts that police and land powers will not be devolved to the Provincial Councils under his governance. Addressing his maiden rally in Anuradhapura, Rajapaksa stated that he believes their government was toppled by a conspiracy and that however, they did not let the state collapse.
- The Chairman of the expert committee on public service salary disparities, Mr. Udaya Seneviratna, announced that the Cabinet has approved a basic salary increase for all public servants from January 2025. He stated that the salary increase ranges from 24% for lower grades and 24% to 50%+ for higher positions, based on qualifications, experience, and current roles
- In the latest update from the National Election Commission, 771 complaints have been lodged concerning the ongoing presidential election. Within the past 24 hours alone, 54 complaints have been reported.
- The merchandise export performance in July 2024 has amounted to USD 1,087.6 million, recording an increase of 6.58% compared to July 2023, according to the latest report from the Export Development Board (EDB).
- Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate from the National People’s Power (NPP), issued a call for systemic change in Sri Lanka’s governance. Addressing the public, Dissanayake highlighted the long-standing issues that have plagued the country, emphasizing the need for a government that serves the people rather than the rulers.
- The presidential candidate of the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance, entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera has voiced his strong disapproval to the government’s plan to sell shares of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), calling it a ‘significant mistake’.
- Cabinet approval has been granted to issue free tourist visas to visitors from 35 countries in an effort to boost the country’s tourism industry. Accordingly, tourists will be given 30-day visas under a six-month pilot programme that will start from October 1, Cabinet Spokesman and Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said.
- The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to initiate a pilot programme as an initiative to launch “Artificial Intelligence related Student Societies” in 100 schools.
- Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) newly appointed president Faruque Ahmed reiterated his stance that Chandika Hathurusingha should not continue as head coach. Faruque Ahmed stated that he will make the final decision on Chandika Hathurusingha’s future after discussing it with his colleagues in the BCB.
