July 29, Colombo (LNW): Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has announced his resignation from his roles overseeing Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, as he prepares to run in Sri Lanka’s upcoming Presidential Election.
In a media briefing today (29), Rajapakshe explained his decision to resign to focus on his presidential bid.
He noted that his resignation follows discussions with the President about the implications of two Cabinet members running for the presidency, despite representing different parties.
Rajapakshe officially declared his candidacy for the 2024 Presidential Election last week, promising to address key issues and drive development if elected.
He also expressed confidence in the National Election Commission’s impartiality and mentioned that he has garnered substantial support from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
July 29, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has submitted a preliminary budget of approximately Rs. 08 billion to the Treasury for the upcoming Presidential Election, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya disclosed.
He assured that if the costs exceed this amount, additional funding will be provided as needed.
The Minister also noted that the previous budget allocated Rs. 10 billion for election-related expenses, with financial arrangements carefully managed to avoid any cash flow issues.
The Treasury stands ready to release funds for urgent needs such as printing, security, and ballot box preparation.
Should the number of candidates increase and the costs rise, there are sufficient resources available to cover the additional expenses.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission will convene with District Returning Officers this week to discuss matters related to the forthcoming Presidential Election.
Following the event, Secretaries from all participating political parties will be summoned for a discussion.
This marks the first instance of such a meeting since the Presidential Election was announced.
The Commission plans to issue a special circular outlining how government bodies and institutions should operate during the election period.
Election Commission Chief R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said the circular, currently being drafted and soon to be officially gazetted, will include directives for government officials and media organisations alike.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Election Commission has announced that applications for postal voting must be submitted to District Returning Officers no later than 5 August.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) indicates appreciation against the US Dollar today (29) in comparison to last week, as per leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 297.63, and the selling price to Rs. 308.31.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 297.17, and the selling price to Rs. 307.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 298.50, and the selling price to Rs. 307.50.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation and Irrigation Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi has announced the commencement of the country’s first elephant population survey in 13 years, set to begin in the next two months.
This initiative aims to address the ongoing human-elephant conflict, with over 4,700 workers hired to maintain 5,390 km of electric fencing.
Speaking at the “Two Years of Progress and Way Forward” press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre, Wanniarachchi highlighted significant increases in tourist numbers.
In 2022, 289,405 tourists visited, rising to 444,053 in 2023, and reaching 364,521 in the first half of 2024 alone.
The proportion of foreign tourists also grew from 19.8% in 2022 to 40% in 2024.
To boost the eco-tourism sector and strengthen the economy, regulations have been approved by Parliament.
The Gal Oya National Park opened as a new tourist destination in 2023, along with the Kudava Dorana Ela information centre in Sinharaja Forest.
This year saw the inauguration of the Manigala Forest Lodge in Knuckles Forest Reserve, a bicycle path in Udawattakele, Kandy, and the Bandarawela Falls Lodge and Galwila Ecological Park in Puttalam.
Sanitary facilities for foreign tourists have been established at popular destinations, and an online ticket reservation system, “Day Visitor E-Permits,” is now available for several national parks.
Efforts to increase forest cover to 32% by 2030 are underway, including acquiring 144,000 hectares of new forest land and encouraging tree planting outside forests.
Mangrove restoration has received international acclaim, with 326 hectares planted in the past two years, earning Sri Lanka the United Nations Flagship Award.
Despite economic challenges, the Department of National Zoological Gardens reported significant revenue growth, reaching Rs. 728.60 million by June 2024.
The State Timber Corporation is also expected to record a net profit, with revenue reaching Rs. 2,000 million in 2024.
The press briefing was attended by key officials including Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry, M.G.C. Sooriyabandara, Director General of Wildlife, E.A.P.N. Edirisinghe, Conservator General of Forests, Anoma Priyadarshani, Director of National Zoological Gardens, and the Deputy General Manager (Marketing) of the State Timber Corporation.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): The Committee on Public Accounts (CoPA) has highlighted significant shortcomings in the Department of Buildings, despite employing 79 engineers.
During a recent meeting chaired by State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, it was revealed that the department’s service delivery is inadequate.
The institution incurs an annual salary expense of Rs.260 million, yet fails to meet performance expectations.
Alagiyawanna warned that if improvements are not made, a recommendation to close the department will be issued.
The Department of Buildings has the lowest performance among evaluated state institutions, he emphasised.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka clinched their first Women’s Asia Cup title on Sunday, triumphing over India with a decisive run-chase before home fans.
This marked only the second occasion in nine final appearances that India did not secure the Women’s Asia Cup, the previous instance being in 2018 when Bangladesh defeated India by three wickets.
Samarawickrama was named Player of the Match in the final, while Chamari Athapaththu earned Player of the Tournament honours for her impressive 304 runs and three wickets during the competition.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Athapaththu over the phone, in what observers described as an emotional reception to the Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket team.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has assured that the matter concerning the appointment of the Inspector General of Police will be settled within a week through discussions with the Speaker and the Chief Justice.
Speaking at the ‘Jayagamu Sri Lanka’ Colombo District programme at Homagama bus stand, the President confirmed the presidential election on 21 September will proceed without delay, highlighting the fundamental role of elections in upholding people’s sovereignty.
The President emphasised the Election Commission’s authority under Article 106 of the Constitution to conduct an independent and fair election, urging everyone to support this process.
He addressed the controversy around the Inspector General of Police, noting the Supreme Court’s interim ruling against the appointment and Parliament’s subsequent assertion of its legality.
The President stressed the necessity of resolving this dispute promptly to ensure the election’s smooth conduct.
Consultations with religious leaders, the Chairman of the Election Commission, and other key figures have underscored the importance of resolving the issue to prevent disruption to the electoral process.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to holding the election as scheduled, calling for immediate cooperation between Parliament and the Supreme Court.
In closing, the President assured that the situation will be resolved swiftly to facilitate the Election Commission’s preparations, underscoring the critical role of the police and other security forces in maintaining order during the election period.
July 29, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the upcoming presidential election, Election Operation Rooms will be established at all police stations and divisional police areas, a report by Daily Mirror disclosed.
These rooms will be overseen by the respective divisional police officers and the senior DIG in each area.
The operation rooms will be responsible for handling complaints related to election violence and violations of election laws.
Additionally, a dedicated police unit has been set up at Police Headquarters, already operational under the supervision of an SSP.
SDIG Asanga Karavita, along with another DIG and a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), has been assigned to oversee election-related duties.
SDIG Karavita is coordinating with the Election Commission regarding the upcoming poll.
A Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) will coordinate activities at the district level.
Despite the absence of an Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Election Commission is authorised by the Constitution to issue directives to the police once an election is declared.
