- Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe announces President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with IMF Mission Chief Peter Breuer to discuss completing the third review necessary for disbursing the fourth tranche: The discussions focused on areas needing attention for the review’s success: The IMF praised Wickremesinghe’s leadership and economic progress, while debt restructuring efforts and future prosperity were also addressed.
- Rebel SLPP MP (Prof.) G.L. Peiris now serving under the ‘Nidahasa Janatha Sabha’ says the SLPP symbolises former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa only, regardless of the Party’s MPs who chose to back current President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming polls: asserts SLPPers are devoted to Rajapaksa and not anyone else: accuses the SLPP MPs who are currently backing Wickremesinghe of expecting privileges by doing so.
- MP Dhammika Perera is expected to be announced as the SLPP’s Presidential candidate on August 7, according to party sources: This confirmation aligns with LNW’s December 2023 prediction: Perera, a leading investor and entrepreneur, is recognised for his extensive business expertise, setting him apart as the party’s top choice for the upcoming presidential polls.
- Foreign Minister Ali Sabry advises Sri Lankans to avoid travel to Lebanon unless absolutely necessary due to rising tensions after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination: With about 6,000 Sri Lankans in Lebanon, the government has a plan to repatriate workers if needed: Two committees have been formed to monitor the situation and ensure protection, and Sabry warned against using visit visas for foreign employment.
- Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya announces an extra Rs. 3,000 allowance for public service pensioners, raising their total interim allowance to Rs. 5,500 starting in September: Following presidential directives, an expert committee was formed to address salary disparities: This interim allowance, in effect until a new salary structure in 2025, will cost the government Rs. 8.4 billion in 2024.
- HSBC Sri Lanka launches the HSBC Live+ Credit Card, offering 15% dining discounts and up to 10% cashback on dining, shopping, and entertainment: In partnership with Visa, the card provides rewards for lifestyle spending and is among the first in the HSBC Group to introduce such benefits globally: The card aims to enhance dining experiences and offer substantial cashback on everyday expenses.
- The Supreme Court schedules a hearing on August 9 to address Shani Abeysekera’s petition for enhanced protection due to life threats: Notices have been issued to respondents, including former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon and Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne: Abeysekera’s counsel, Upul Jayasuriya, cited a conspiracy to assassinate his client, prompting the court to order respondents to present their case on the specified date.
- The ‘Atlas Angel’ joint military exercise by the Montana National Guard, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, Sri Lanka Air Force, and Maldives National Defence Force aims to boost disaster response readiness from August 5-9: Over 70 U.S. personnel and two C-130 Hercules aircraft will participate: The exercise includes urban and medical search and rescue, airfield repair, and a crisis management drill, highlighting international cooperation in disaster management.
- The Chief Incumbent of Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thero, popularly known as “Podi Hamuduruwo”, passes away aged 81: The Thero was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.
- Sri Lanka’s Tharushi Karunaratne will compete in her first heats of the women’s 800m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics today (02) at midnight (IST): Amongst four Asian representatives, she will race against athletes from Lithuania, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, the US, Jamaica, and Kenya. Karunaratne, 19, is the Asian record holder and 2023 Asian Games Gold Medalist.
