- Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe says President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s first public rally for his Presidential Election campaign is set for August 17 at Salgado Stadium, Anuradhapura: praises Wickremesinghe’s leadership in overcoming the socio-economic crisis and urges SLPP support to continue this progress: The announcement was made at a meeting with Anuradhapura’s local government representatives.
- Former Sri Lankan cricketer Hashan Thilakaratne joins the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to support Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming Presidential Election: Thilakaratne, currently the Head Coach of Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team, previously led Sri Lanka’s women’s team: His wife, Apsari Thilakaratne, also joined the SJB and serves as the Convenor of Women’s Cricket in Sri Lanka.
- NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake reveals state intelligence services have flagged significant contributions by overseas Sri Lankans and the Retired Tri-Forces Forum to the NPP’s recent successes: notes the intelligence report suggested the government investigate these influences, highlighting the pivotal role of retired military personnel in the NPP’s achievements.
- Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena clarifies he never accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of involvement in the Central Bank bond scam: asserts Wickremesinghe should not be held accountable for the actions of individuals he appointed: emphasises his support for Wickremesinghe’s national policy: This contrasts with Gunawardena’s earlier criticisms of Wickremesinghe in 2015 and 2018.
- The National Election Commission rejects claims that voters can cast their ballots at any polling station for the upcoming Presidential Election: clarifies voters must vote at their assigned polling stations within their registered divisional areas, according to the electoral register: emphasises reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate and misleading.
- The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been honoured as ‘Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for ESG’ at the 2024 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, recognising its strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance practices: The award reflects the Bank’s efforts in sustainability, including reforestation, carbon neutrality, and community initiatives. The accolade highlights the Bank’s leadership in integrating ESG principles into its operations and long-term strategy.
- Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of PAFFREL, reports approximately 60 election law breach complaints ahead of the Presidential election: The majority involve misuse of state resources and power, including improper distribution of goods, controversial appointments, and dismissals of officials: Although reported as isolated incidents, these breaches have significant societal impacts.
- The Human Rights Commission stresses the importance of impartial legal protection by police and state officials as per Article 12 of the Constitution: It will now accept complaints about election law breaches by police and government personnel during the Presidential Election, with dedicated contact options and new guidelines to ensure electoral integrity and address human rights violations effectively.
- The Kandy Esala Perahera festival begins today (05) with the traditional ‘Kap’ planting ceremony at the Devalayas of Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini at 4:10 a.m.: The festival will feature the first Kumbal Perahera on August 10, followed by the Randoli Perahera on August 15, and conclude with the grand Randoli Maha Perahera on August 19.
- Sri Lanka defeats India by 32 runs in the second ODI at R. Premadasa International Stadium: Jeffrey Vandersay excelled with 6 wickets for 33 runs, supported by Charith Asalanka’s 3 wickets for 20 runs, dismissing India for 208: Despite a strong start from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Sri Lanka’s total of 240 was defended successfully, with Vandersay earning the man of the match award.
