- Venerable Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Nayaka Thero praises President Ranil Wickremesinghe for preserving the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and historic Maha Vihara in Anuradhapura during a sermon on 17 August: highlights Wickremesinghe’s role in constructing a second golden fence around the Bodhi in 2001 and commends his broader efforts to protect Buddhist heritage, expressing hope for further positive outcomes.
- Chanchala Gunawardena, niece of the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera, joins the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to support Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election: She has been appointed as the Matara District Organiser: Additionally, SLPP Matara District MP Karunadasa Kodithuwakku has also pledged his support to Premadasa, joining SJB’s rally in Akuressa, Matara.
- National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake meets with Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith at the Archbishop’s residence in Borella: The Archbishop, Assistant Bishop Maxwell Silva, Father Anthony, and Father Cyril Gamini discussed various topics with Dissanayake and offered their blessings for his presidential bid: NPP MP Vijitha Herath also attended the meeting.
- Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, will visit Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives from 17 to 31 August: In Sri Lanka, from 19 to 21 August, she will engage with officials and review U.S.-backed conservation projects: In India (21-28 August), she will meet with various stakeholders on space, wildlife, and green technology, and discuss river restoration: Her visit concludes in the Maldives (28-30 August) with discussions on marine conservation and climate strategies: The trip aims to bolster regional cooperation in environmental and scientific fields.
- Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry met with the Canadian High Commissioner to protest the foundation stone laying for a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton on 14 August: condemns the monument as promoting a “false narrative” and undermining reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka: criticises Brampton City Council’s decision, urging Canada to reconsider to avoid straining diplomatic relations and to foster constructive dialogue.
- Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), projects over one million tourist arrivals in the last five months of 2024 to meet the annual target of 2.3 million: notes recent tourism campaigns have been effective and expresses optimism about achieving the target: A soft launch of the Sri Lanka Tourism mobile app is set for October, and digital promotions for five key markets will begin in September, according to SLTPB Managing Director Nalin Perera.
- The European Union will deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka for the September 21 Presidential Election, following an invitation from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka: This marks the EU’s seventh mission to Sri Lanka, with the last one in 2019: Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, affirms the EU’s commitment to supporting transparent and democratic elections: Nacho Sánchez Amor, MEP, will lead the mission, emphasising the election’s significance in advancing Sri Lanka’s democratic and reformative processes post-crisis.
- The National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) issues a Level-3 (Red) landslide evacuation alert for Kalutara and Ratnapura districts due to ongoing heavy rainfall: Areas affected include Ingirya and Bulathsinhala in Kalutara, and Elapatha, Eheliyagoda, and Kalawana in Ratnapura: With over 150mm of rain recorded in 24 hours, residents are urged to evacuate to mitigate risks of landslides, rock falls, and ground subsidence: Immediate action is advised if heavy rains persist.
- Nandana Ranasinghe, co-chairman of the Grama Niladhari Professional Association, announces the Grama Niladhari officers’ work-to-rule action and black protest week will end at midnight: adds they will resume normal services until the presidential election is completed: As election officers, they will focus on their duties while remaining neutral: plans to discuss professional issues with the new president, warning that unresolved matters might lead to renewed actions.
- Former Sri Lanka captain Aravinda de Silva reminisces about the unique identity Sri Lankan cricket once had, shaped by legends like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara: Despite a recent ODI series win against India, he highlighted current challenges, particularly in Test cricket: urges adopting England’s attacking approach: Former coach Mickey Arthur discusses difficulties in rebuilding post-golden era, stressing the need for stability and nurturing talent while preserving traditional flair, especially in Test cricket.
