- President Ranil Wickremesinghe warns economic recovery could be undone if essential reforms are not completed, urging voters to prioritise long-term stability over short-term gains in the upcoming election: Running as an Independent with the ‘Gas Cylinder’ symbol, Wickremesinghe emphasised the need for global economic integration and reforms in public administration and anti-corruption efforts, while addressing challenges like AI regulation and resource utilisation.
- The Election Commission will soon issue a Gazette notification setting a Rs. 109 per voter spending cap for candidates in the upcoming presidential election: This measure is part of broader campaign finance reforms to ensure fairness: The new regulations, discussed with stakeholders, aim to regulate spending for all future elections, promoting transparency and aligning with global standards.
- The Election Commission has received 631 complaints about the presidential election from 31 July to 18 August, with 65 lodged on 18 August alone: Most complaints involve legal violations, with only one report of violence: The surge in concerns underscores the need for stringent monitoring to ensure a fair process, with authorities urging public vigilance and reporting of irregularities.
- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Joseph Ponnaiah of Batticaloa and appointed Rt. Rev. Dr. Anton Ranjith, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, as the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese: This change, following standard Church practice, ensures continuity and stability while a permanent successor is sought: Bishop Ranjith’s appointment reflects the Vatican’s response to evolving needs within Sri Lanka’s Catholic community.
- Former Minister Harin Fernando has been appointed Presidential Advisor on Sports, Lands, and Tourism by President Ranil Wickremesinghe under Article 41/1 of the Constitution: Originally an MP from the SJB, Fernando aligned with the Government, leading to his ministerial role in Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs: His shift in allegiance resulted in his expulsion from the SJB and the loss of his parliamentary seat: Despite these political challenges, Fernando’s new role allows him to utilise his expertise in key sectors: This appointment underscores President Wickremesinghe’s strategy to leverage Fernando’s experience amidst ongoing political tensions.
- The Central Bank’s 2024 Monetary Policy Report forecasts continued short-term growth driven by supportive policies and large-scale infrastructure projects: A quicker recovery in tourism could further bolster economic momentum: Energy price reductions have helped lower headline inflation, expected to remain under target until early 2025, with a temporary rise anticipated later in 2025 before stabilising around 5%: Risks include wage demands, global food and energy price fluctuations, adverse weather, and rupee depreciation: The Central Bank has reduced key policy rates by 75 basis points this year, following a 650 basis point cut in 2023, to support growth: The report also addresses challenges like brain drain and political instability.
- The committee overseeing candidate security for the upcoming Presidential election has granted police protection to 22 of the 39 contenders, with ongoing evaluations to adjust security levels as needed: Led by Viyani Gunathilaka, the committee aims to align protection with individual risks, extending additional security to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa due to election sensitivity: This reflects heightened concerns over candidate safety amid a politically charged environment.
- The luxury shuttle service connecting Bandaranaike International Airport with Colombo Fort Railway Station and Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre was suspended on 19 August, just four days after its launch: Resistance from transport unions, particularly a strike by the Airport-Fort Bus Employees’ Union, and support from taxi associations led to the suspension: Plans are underway to replace the shuttles with ten union-operated buses, highlighting the challenges of new transport initiatives amid existing industry resistance.
- The revived passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai, operated by IndSri Ferry Services, has received substantial financial support from both India and Sri Lanka: The Indian government is providing over LKR 25 million monthly for operational costs, while Sri Lanka has reduced passenger taxes: The service, crucial for enhancing connectivity and bilateral ties, had faced previous disruptions but aims to strengthen regional cooperation as outlined in the July 2023 economic partnership agreement.
- The Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024, powered by Dialog Axiata PLC, successfully concluded with a landmark celebration of sports: Over three days, the event showcased 3,000 athletes across seven sports disciplines, including cricket, rugby, and volleyball: Highlights included the send-off of Sri Lanka’s Paralympic team for Paris 2024 and various tournaments like the Air Force Commander’s Cup and Dialog President’s Gold Cup.
