- President Ranil Wickremesinghe holds discussions with Bishop Harold Anthony Perera and Catholic leaders at the President’s House on key national issues: addresses educational reforms, the Easter Sunday attack investigation, environmental concerns, and the Church’s societal role: The constructive dialogue focused on collaboration, with the President reaffirming commitment to justice, sustainability, and economic resilience amidst ongoing challenges.
- Opposition Leader and SJB Presidential Candidate Sajith Premadasa says under a SJB-rule a special commission will be appointed to revise the salaries entitled to public servants to match the cost of living and its recommendations will be implemented: asserts the basic salary of the public service will be increased by 24% from January, 2025: adds the minimum wage entitled to public servants, which is Rs. 17,800, will be increased to Rs. 25,000, thereby increasing the minimum salary of a public servant up to Rs. 57,500.
- NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake announces an NPP government would bring in a foreign investor to manage Sri Lanka Telecom, though it opposes selling the company: cites the need for specialised management due to the sector’s rapid technological changes and plans to send 200 students abroad annually to enhance local expertise.
- Minister Mahinda Amaraweera praises President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership, crediting him for economic recovery and stable governance amid challenges: notes Wickremesinghe’s growing public approval, predicting broad cross-party support in upcoming elections: also emphasises crucial economic measures like salary hikes and retirement benefits, viewing them as indicators of future growth under the President’s leadership.
- As of 21 August, the Election Commission of Sri Lanka has received 901 complaints regarding the upcoming Presidential election: These reports primarily address violations of electoral laws, with concerns escalating in recent weeks: The complaints include incidents ranging from alleged irregularities in campaigning to acts of intimidation: The commission’s efforts focus on ensuring a transparent election amidst heightened public scrutiny.
- The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) flags a fraudulent website imitating the National Election Commission’s platform, falsely promoting job offers for the 2024 Presidential Election: The phishing site, detected on 9 August and taken down by 12 August, sought to collect personal data: Although removed, authorities warn the public to verify information and remain cautious against similar scams.
- The National Election Commission invites election observers from 12 countries, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Maldives, as well as Commonwealth and Asian Election Observation Network representatives, to oversee Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election: EU observers are already in place: Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake emphasised these observers will ensure transparency and democratic integrity throughout the electoral process.
- This week, NPP Presidential Candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake will unveil his election manifesto on Monday at 10:00 AM at the Monarch Imperial Hotel in Colombo: SJB Contender Sajith Premadasa will reveal his manifesto on Wednesday, with details forthcoming: Additionally, the UNP will hold a meeting on 25 August at 2:00 PM to endorse Ranil Wickremesinghe as ‘an independent’ candidate for the 2024 Presidential Election.
- The Postal Department will receive a vital shipment of registered postal vote ballot papers tomorrow (26) for the 2024 presidential election: Distribution of official polling cards begins on 3 September, with 8 September set as a special delivery day: Staff leave is cancelled until the election concludes, ensuring smooth operations: Over 712,000 postal vote applications have been approved, with voting scheduled for early September.
- Kamindu Mendis scored his third Test century, guiding Sri Lanka to 291-6 and a 169-run lead over England by lunch on Day 4 of the first Test at Old Trafford: Mendis (101) and Dinesh Chandimal (62) formed an unbeaten 101-run partnership, taking control despite a rain delay: England struggled, missing injured pacer Mark Wood.
