- President Ranil Wickremesinghe announces his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, seeking a five-year term to solidify Sri Lanka’s recent economic progress: emphasises his efforts to stabilise the economy, contrasting his approach with those of his opponents: highlights his achievements in reducing inflation, boosting GDP, and improving public services, urging voters to support his vision for continued economic stability.
- Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya-led alliance’s presidential candidate, pledges to address Sri Lanka’s unemployment crisis through a comprehensive plan focusing on youth and unemployed graduates: promises a 24% salary increase for state employees, reduced tax rates, affordable fertiliser, and the construction of seven manufacturing factories in Anuradhapura district.
- Presidential Candidate of the National Peoples Power MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the public’s presence and support for the 2024 presidential election will steer Sri Lanka towards a new renaissance and a vision of a thriving nation, a beautiful life: asserts regardless of the political opponents’ attempts of tearing down the stronghold made around the NPP by the people, their victory will be absolute and will rectify injustice people had suffered for decades.
- ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ Presidential Candidate Dilith Jayaweera emphasises the party’s national strategic plan is based on scientifically and logically achievable goals within a set timeline, rather than mere promises: highlights key aspects of the plan, including boosting household incomes, facilitating vehicle purchases for youth, and empowering Sri Lankan women through entrepreneurship.
- The Postal Department reports 95% of postal ballot papers for the presidential election have been distributed, with only a few remaining for military bases: These are to be dispatched today: A total of 712,318 state sector employees are eligible for postal voting from 4-6 September 2024, with the Kurunegala district having the highest number of eligible voters.
- The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) addresses concerns about a perceived decline in transshipment volumes at the Port of Colombo, attributing it to global supply and demand dynamics rather than competition from regional Indian ports: Despite temporary fluctuations, Colombo Port saw a 9.6% growth in 2024, handling 5.02 million TEU, with SLPA emphasising collaboration and industry resilience.
- The Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association announces bus fares will not change despite recent fuel price reductions: Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne explains the Rs. 10 fuel price cut is too small to affect fares, which are set by a specific price formula: Adds a minimum Rs. 25 reduction in fuel prices is required to consider lowering bus fares.
- IndiGo commences daily non-stop flights between Chennai and Jaffna, with the inaugural flight arriving at Jaffna International Airport yesterday at 3:05 p.m: The aircraft, carrying 52 passengers, was welcomed with a water cannon salute and traditional performances: IndiGo’s service aims to strengthen connectivity between India and Sri Lanka, with tickets available through their website and mobile app.
- A Sri Lankan passenger was caught at the BIA Airport attempting to smuggle foreign cigarettes worth over Rs. 3 million, disguised as cosmetics from Doha: Police Narcotic Bureau officials found 20,000 prohibited cigarette sticks in the suspect’s baggage: The suspect was released on bail and must appear before the Negombo Magistrate on 3 September.
- England secures a 190-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test at Lord’s, taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series: Chasing a record 483 runs, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 292 after tea on the fourth day, marking their seventh consecutive defeat against England.
