- President Ranil Wickremesinghe announces Sri Lanka’s Government and the IMF have agreed to revise the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) tax: The revision aims to address concerns and align the tax structure with international standards: asserts both parties are finalising proposals, and expects to announce specific details once a consensus is reached: The changes are intended to balance fiscal responsibility with taxpayer relief.
- SJB presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa pledges to take legal action against those responsible for enforcing forced cremations during the Covid-19 pandemic, which distressed many families due to cultural and religious beliefs: promises an SJB government would seek justice and compensation for affected families, addressing a controversial issue from the previous administration.
- NPP presidential candidate MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake vows to combat drug and organised crime in Sri Lanka, highlighting the links between local politicians and criminal networks: condemns the rise of organised crime, including murders orchestrated from abroad and drug operations managed from prisons: promises his administration would take strong action to dismantle these networks and restore justice.
- The Elections Commission officially announces the appointment of Karunarathna Paranawithana as a Member of Parliament, following the resignation of Thalatha Athukorala: This appointment fills the vacancy left by Athukorala, who recently stepped down from her parliamentary duties: Paranawithana previously served as a Deputy Minister in the 2015 government.
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry warns renegotiating Sri Lanka’s IMF agreement could jeopardise the December tranche disbursement and further funding from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank: highlights the risk of losing between USD 1.2 billion and 1.3 billion, potentially worsening the country’s economic instability: also emphasises the Ministry’s efforts to restore global confidence and stabilise the economy.
- The Supreme Court dismisses a fundamental rights petition demanding the President appoint an Acting IGP and disqualify him from the upcoming Presidential Election due to alleged Constitutional violations: Filed by Attorney R.S.P. Ranasuriya, the petition was rejected for lack of merit, with the court imposing a Rs. 50,000 fee on the petitioner: The decision highlights the court’s cautious stance on political matters and executive appointments.
- The Sri Lanka Rubber Research Institute (SLRRI) makes significant strides in managing circular leaf spot disease, affecting rubber plantations: Dr. Sarojani Fernando announces 80% of their chemical research has been effective in controlling the disease, which reduces latex yield: The promising treatment will soon be available to growers, with the Agriculture Minister endorsing the progress and committing additional funding for research.
- Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES), criticises the transparency and organisation of the presidential election process: highlights of the 39 candidates who initially registered, many are unaccounted for, with several lacking public engagement, correct contact information, and social media presence: also expresses concern over the absence of a replacement for a deceased candidate, calling it a failure in election planning and transparency.
- The Finance Ministry announces over 1.85 million Sri Lankan families are eligible for the Aswesuma welfare benefit programme: Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe reveals beneficiaries can now voluntarily donate part of their benefits to government welfare projects: This new directive, communicated to banks, allows for more flexible use of funds while supporting broader welfare initiatives.
- The Paris 2024 Paralympics kicked off on August 28 with around 4,400 para-athletes from 184 delegations: The opening ceremony took place at the Place de la Concorde, not in a stadium, and featured Jackie Chan carrying the torch: The Sri Lankan team, sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC, includes eight athletes: Flag bearer Samitha Dulan and swimmer Naveed Raheem are set to compete today, with other events scheduled for later in the week: This is Sri Lanka’s largest Paralympic team to date, aiming to surpass their Tokyo 2020 success.
