- 92 MPs, including Ministers and State Ministers, pledge their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the forthcoming presidential polls, despite the SLPP politburo’s decision to field their own candidate: SLPP MPs and Ministers have declared their support, emphasising Wickremesinghe’s role in stabilising the country and progress under his leadership.
- Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara places the deposit on behalf of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to contest the 2024 Presidential Polls: Premadasa becomes the sixth candidate to place deposits for the Presidency.
- NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake says many MPs seeking to ally with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on August 8 were previously rejected by the National People’s Power (NPP): criticises these MPs for their negative political history and involvement in the country’s destruction: emphasises the NPP will not accept individuals who have supported harmful decisions and contributed to the country’s problems: Dissanayake makes these comments in the backdrop where one ex-military personnel accused of leading a battalion responsible for sexual exploitation of children during a peace mission in Haiti in 2005 is leading his tri-forces collective, and an academic whose claim of being a senior lecturer at Reading University in the UK was proven to be false is a member of his Party’s economic council.
- Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena says the National Agency for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) will collaborate with international organisations to create and manage PPP programmes: adds legal validation is needed to enhance the agency’s effectiveness and establish a legal framework for partnership agreements: confirms the Cabinet has approved a proposal by the President to instruct the legal Draftsman to prepare a Bill for these initiatives.
- New Zealand agrees to support the development of Sri Lanka’s dairy industry following discussions with Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera: High Commissioner David Pine announces assistance in dairy farming, avocados, pineapples, and mangoes cultivation: With 60% of milk imported, boosting local production requires new technology and advanced techniques: New Zealand will also explore importing Sri Lankan pineapples and mangoes.
- Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi says Sri Lanka anticipates a significant rise in tourists to eco-friendly destinations managed by the Department of Forest Conservation: The first half of 2024 saw 364,521 tourists, with 40% being foreigners: Initiatives to boost eco-tourism include new attractions, improved facilities, and online ticket reservations: Efforts to increase forest cover and mangrove restoration are underway: The Department of National Zoological Gardens and the State Timber Corporation have shown financial growth despite the economic crisis: Measures to control the elephant menace and combat wildlife crimes have also been implemented.
- The Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) launches its website, with Secretary to the President, Mr. Saman Ekanayake, as the guest of honour: The ISTRM aims to address post-conflict grievances, promote reconciliation, and prevent future conflicts: It will implement recommendations from past commissions, such as the LLRC, and build legal frameworks for reconciliation: Nationwide consultations are ongoing to engage communities, and the website launch aims to enhance transparent communication and public involvement in the reconciliation process.
- Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) files a fundamental rights petition with the Supreme Court against officials over alleged violations in procuring private entities to manage the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system: argues this breaches citizens’ rights to equality and information and could cause financial losses: The petition names several respondents, including the Minister of Public Security and the Attorney General, and highlights Mobitel’s efficient, cost-effective service since 2012.
- The Colombo High Court sentences four individuals to death for the 2013 murder of a man attacked with clubs and stones: Judge Aditya Patabandige delivers the sentence on 30 July, targeting the accused from Orugodawatta: Of the original six defendants, one died during the trial, and another was acquitted: The prosecution proved their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee announces a 16-member squad for the ODI series against India, with Charith Asalanka continuing as captain: The squad includes Chamika Karunaratne and has been approved by Sports Minister Harin Fernando: The ODIs are set for 2nd, 4th, and 7th August 2024 at RPICS in Colombo: The squad comprises Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, and Asitha Fernando.
