September 12, Colombo (LNW): The final day of postal voting for Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election is today (12), bringing an end to the extended voting period.
Government employees who were unable to cast their postal votes during the initial phase, which took place on the 4th, 5th, and 6th of September, were granted an additional opportunity to do so yesterday and today, ensuring no eligible voter was left behind.
The extended period was introduced to accommodate those with conflicting work schedules or other unforeseen circumstances, demonstrating the government’s commitment to an inclusive and accessible voting process.
This year’s postal voting covered a wide array of public sector workers, whose participation is crucial given the size and influence of this voter base.
As the postal voting comes to a close, the Election Commission is now preparing for the next stages of the electoral process, leading up to the main election day.
September 12, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has voiced significant concerns over several recent decisions by the Cabinet of Ministers, which are being interpreted by some as endorsements of a particular candidate in the upcoming presidential election.
Speaking to the media, Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake revealed that, while the Commission lacks the authority to intervene directly in Cabinet decisions, it has nonetheless expressed its unease regarding the timing of certain policies.
One such policy is the approval of a special Rs. 3,000 monthly allowance for pensioners, set to begin in September. The Commission recommended deferring the implementation of this benefit until after October, to avoid any perception of bias or electioneering.
Criticism has been mounting against the Cabinet for its perceived alignment with proposals advanced by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Many political observers and election watchdogs argue that these decisions appear to disproportionately benefit one candidate, thus potentially compromising the impartiality of the electoral process.
Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES), has been particularly vocal in condemning the recent Cabinet actions.
He argued that by approving these measures in the lead-up to the election, the government may be undermining the democratic process and creating an unfair advantage for certain candidates.
The Election Commission’s warnings, along with growing criticism from civil society, highlight concerns about maintaining a level playing field during this crucial election period.
There are increasing calls for the government to be more cautious and transparent in its decisions, ensuring that public policy is not used as a tool for political gain.
September 12, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe officially launched the Times School of Higher Education (TSHE), a cutting-edge educational institution developed in partnership with three international universities.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the iconic Galle Face Hotel, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s higher education landscape.
The Times School of Higher Education offers a wide range of academic programmes, including Certificates, Diplomas, Higher Diplomas, Bachelor’s Degrees, and Postgraduate Degrees.
Many of these courses are conducted in collaboration with foreign universities, providing students with globally recognised qualifications.
The institution aims to meet the growing demand for diverse educational pathways, with an emphasis on both local and international standards.
In addition to academic degrees, TSHE also offers vocational training opportunities through programmes endorsed by Sri Lanka’s Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) and TQUK, a leading British awarding organisation.
This dual focus ensures students can pursue both academic and practical qualifications, catering to a wide range of professional aspirations.
As part of its forward-thinking approach, TSHE’s Digital Academy continues to prioritise online education, particularly in the realm of Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
By partnering with established online educational platforms, the Digital Academy offers flexible learning options for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in an increasingly digital world.
During his address, President Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of international collaboration in education, highlighting how partnerships with foreign institutions can contribute to Sri Lanka’s development by producing a globally competitive workforce.
He also stressed the need for adaptable learning models, particularly in light of the technological advancements shaping the future of education.
September 12, Colombo (LNW): Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has firmly dismissed rumours that government ministers are securing visas to leave Sri Lanka following the upcoming Presidential election.
Addressing the media during his visit to the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy yesterday (11), Alles revealed that he already holds a visa allowing him to reside in any country for up to ten years, making it unnecessary for him to obtain any additional visas after the election.
Responding to media questions about reports suggesting that 80 ministers had obtained visas to flee the country after the election, Alles downplayed the claims, noting that they were likely baseless remarks made during the heat of an election campaign.
He pointed out that it is common for various unverified statements to surface during such periods, especially from opposition members.
The minister further expressed confidence that no one would have any reason to leave the country post-election.
Alles’ statement comes at a time when political tensions are running high, with public discourse often fuelled by speculation and misinformation.
September 12, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development has expressed its approval following the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) decision to grant Sri Lanka a US$ 100 million policy-based loan.
The loan is set to drive transformative reforms in the country’s water supply and sanitation sector, aimed at improving sustainability, climate resilience, and operational efficiency.
This initiative builds on ongoing efforts by the Ministry to ensure equitable access to clean water while modernising infrastructure to meet the challenges posed by climate change.
With growing concerns over water scarcity and environmental degradation, this programme is seen as a crucial step towards addressing these issues on a national scale.
The ADB’s Water Supply and Sanitation Reform Programme is structured into two main sub-programmes.
These will focus on establishing comprehensive national-level policies and strategies while ensuring their effective implementation through the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), the primary agency responsible for managing water distribution in Sri Lanka.
The reforms seek to resolve pressing issues, including the fragmented management of water resources, insufficient adaptation to climate change, and governance inefficiencies that have hindered progress in the sector.
Amongst the core elements of the reform package are the development of a Climate Change Resilience Roadmap, frameworks for climate-resilient project appraisals, and business efficiency action plans.
Additionally, the programme will encourage private sector participation and implement water safety plans to ensure long-term water quality and safety.
A key aspect of the project is its emphasis on gender-sensitive service delivery and the equitable allocation of water resources, ensuring that marginalised communities are not left behind.
The NWSDB will play a central role in these reforms, tasked with improving its operational performance, reducing water wastage, and promoting sustainable water usage practices across the country.
By supporting these reforms, the ADB loan is expected to strengthen the resilience of Sri Lanka’s water supply system, ensuring it can meet future challenges and serve the growing needs of the population amidst the increasing threat of climate change.
September 12, Colombo (LNW): Just days before Sri Lanka’s presidential election, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has signed off on a bill that raises the national minimum wage by 12.5 per cent.
The bill, titled the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Bill, was formally endorsed on Wednesday, following its swift passage through Parliament.
The bill, which underwent a second reading in Parliament on September 3, was passed without any amendments or the need for a vote. The legislation, amending the National Minimum Wage Act of 2016, is now set to elevate the monthly minimum wage to 12,500 Sri Lankan rupees, up from the previous 10,000 rupees.
Similarly, the daily minimum wage will increase from 400 rupees to 500 rupees.
This wage increase is expected to benefit employees primarily within the private sector, giving a financial boost to low-wage workers who have long advocated for better compensation in a struggling economy.
Given the proximity of the wage hike to the upcoming presidential election, some analysts have speculated about its potential impact on the election’s outcome, as economic issues remain a central concern for voters.
Announcing the bill, the Speaker’s office emphasised that it had been approved in accordance with Article 79 of the Constitution, marking a significant legislative achievement.
The timing of the bill’s passage, however, is noteworthy, as it follows various economic reforms aimed at addressing the rising cost of living and unemployment across the island.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has faced mounting economic challenges, including high inflation, currency devaluation, and rising prices for essential goods, placing significant pressure on low-income workers.
September 12, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (12).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.
Strong winds about (40-50)kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota, Monaragala and Trincomalee districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly in direction and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota and from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar. Wind speed can increase up to about 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai and from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota and from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar will be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai and from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
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.
September 11, Colombo (LNW): Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana has warned that the 2025 budget could be at risk if SJB Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa or NPP Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake come into power. He made these remarks at an election meeting held at the Handapangoda junction, which was attended by Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickremenayake yesterday.
Minister Gunawardhana criticized the opposition candidates, stating, “Presidential candidates Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who have no experience in governing a country, have announced that they will dissolve parliament on the same day if they win the presidential election.”
He further warned that if the budget is not passed within 100 days from September 21, senior citizens may not receive their allowances by January 10, 2025. “The poor people who are struggling for a living will not be able to receive their Aswesuma or Samurdhi benefits if the budget is not passed,” he added.
The Minister also emphasized that government employees might not receive their salaries on January 25 if the budget fails to pass in Parliament. “Whoever comes into power, the 2025 budget needs to be passed in Parliament, and payments should be approved by Parliament,” he said, underscoring that the President does not have the authority to make any payments without parliamentary approval.
September 11, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of an IT Strategic Plan for the Inland Revenue Department, as announced by Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana. The decision was disclosed at a press conference held at the Government Information Department yesterday (10).
Minister Gunawardhana explained that the Inland Revenue Department was required to develop an IT Strategic Plan as a structural measure under the Extensive Credit Facility Programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This plan, which aims to digitize the department, needed to be prepared and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers by the end of August 2024.
The proposal, presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policy, outlined the implementation of the IT Strategic Plan for the Inland Revenue Department for the period from 2025 to 2027. The plan received Cabinet approval.
Minister Gunawardhana further explained, “The IMF’s extensive credit facility program has set future goals that include maintaining the government’s revenue at a level of 15 percent or more of the gross domestic product. To achieve this, the Inland Revenue Department, along with Customs and Excise Departments, will integrate revenue-generating institutions. Through digitization, it will be easier to reach higher revenue targets by closing gaps in income generation channels. The digitization proposal was approved to meet these IMF conditions.
