- President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing rally in Dambadeniya shares how a woman from Killinochchi gave him a cap as thanks for his aid during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis: reflects on his decision to take responsibility when the country lacked essential supplies and criticised political rivals for retreating: emphasises his priority was ensuring people’s survival before holding elections.
- Former Minister and SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar says many Leftist countries have abandoned outdated policies to meet current needs, and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa will similarly focus on addressing contemporary issues: emphasises Premadasa’s capability to develop the nation and curb emigration, especially of youth and professionals, by implementing proper economic development plans.
- The National People’s Power (NPP) expresses concerns that opposition forces might stage violent incidents after September 18, once election campaigning ends, blaming the NPP: JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva suggests security forces should investigate politicians predicting violence, implying they might orchestrate such acts: also links this potential conspiracy to past incidents, like the Easter attack, which brought Gotabaya Rajapaksa to power.
- Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana endorses the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Bill, which passed Parliament without amendments or a vote on September 3: The Bill, now recognised as the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Act No. 48 of 2024, amends the 2016 National Minimum Wage Act and was endorsed under Article 79 of the Constitution.
- Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and two others allegedly involved in importing substandard human immunoglobulin vials have been granted bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court: Rambukwella was released on personal bail of Rs. 10 million and a cash bond of Rs. 100,000, with travel restrictions: The case involves 12 suspects, most of whom have been released on bail, except for one still in custody.
- The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will launch an islandwide strike on 18 September, protesting a disciplinary inquiry against Assistant Secretary Dr. Palitha Rajapaksa without a formal complaint: Black flags will be displayed in hospitals for seven days: demands the suspension of the inquiry, claiming Dr. Rajapaksa advocated for the public regarding shortages at Badulla Hospital.
- Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe announces over 10 million official polling cards for the 2024 presidential election have been distributed: The remaining cards will be delivered by 14 September: Voters who haven’t received theirs can collect them from local post offices with their National Identity Cards: There are 17.44 million registered voters for the election.
- Election monitors raise concerns over the involvement of children in political campaigns, urging parties to stop using minors for canvassing: Manjula Gajanayake of the Institute for Democratic Reforms highlights circulating videos of such incidents: The Elections Commission also receives complaints, with Commissioner Saman Sri Ratnayake stressing the National Child Protection Authority’s role in addressing this issue: Concerns began to mount after a video circulating on Social Media revealing Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara allegedly questioning a minor on stage about the country’s situation at a public rally.
- The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating a former Sri Lankan Army Major for allegedly making threats towards members of other political parties in a video posted online: The probe was initiated after complaints from an MP and several organisations: The National People’s Power claims the video was manipulated: Authorities are verifying the video and voice authenticity through forensic analysis, and further investigations are ongoing.
- Anton Roux, Sri Lanka’s men’s cricket team fielding coach, steps down from his role, with his last week concluding in August 2024: Roux, who joined in March 2022, reflected on Sri Lanka’s achievements during his tenure, including winning the 2022 Asia T20 Cup: He expressed gratitude for his time in Sri Lanka and praised the resilience of the national teams.
